Notebookcheck Logo

Toshiba Tecra X40-E (i5-8250U, SSD, LTE, FHD) Laptop Review

Model update. Toshiba's slim 14-inch Tecra X40-E scores with a fast NVMe SSD, a slim exterior, an LTE modem, and two Thunderbolt 3 ports. In addition, there is a good battery life.

With the Tecra X40-E, Toshiba presents the successor of the Tecra X40-D 14-inch business notebook. The only difference between the two devices lies inside, and the new models are equipped with quad-core processors of the Kaby-Lake-Refresh generation. Otherwise, the two models have an identical build. The Tecra competitors are notebooks such as the Fujitsu LifeBook U748, the Dell Latitude 7490, the HP EliteBook 840 G5, and the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon.

Since the Tecra X40-E and the Tecra X40-D share an identical build, we are not addressing the case, features, input devices, display, and speakers again here. You can find this information in the Tecra X40-D review.

Toshiba Tecra X40-E-10W (Tecra X40 Series)
Processor
Intel Core i5-8250U 4 x 1.6 - 3.4 GHz, Kaby Lake Refresh
Graphics adapter
Intel UHD Graphics 620, Core: 1100 MHz, Single channel, 24.20.100.6136
Memory
8 GB 
, DDR4-2400, single channel, two storage slots (one slot occupied)
Display
14.00 inch 16:9, 1920 x 1080 pixel 157 PPI, Capacitive, 10 touch points, Toshiba TOS508F, IPS, glossy: no
Mainboard
Intel Kaby Lake-U iHDCP 2.2 Premium PCH
Storage
Samsung PM961 MZVLW256HEHP, 256 GB 
, NVMe, M.2-2280
Soundcard
Realtek ALC255 @ Intel Sunrise Point PCH - High Definition Audio Controller
Connections
1 USB 3.0 / 3.1 Gen1, 2 USB 3.1 Gen2, 2 Thunderbolt, 1 HDMI, 2 DisplayPort, 1 Kensington Lock, Audio Connections: Audio combo port, Card Reader: MicroSD, 1 Fingerprint Reader, TPM 2.0
Networking
Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 8265 (a/b/g/n = Wi-Fi 4/ac = Wi-Fi 5/), Bluetooth 4.2, Sierra Wireless EM7455 LTE (CAT 6), LTE, GPS
Size
height x width x depth (in mm): 16.9 x 332 x 228.9 ( = 0.67 x 13.07 x 9.01 in)
Battery
48 Wh, 4080 mAh Lithium-Ion, 11.4 V
Operating System
Microsoft Windows 10 Pro 64 Bit
Camera
Webcam: HD
Primary Camera: 0.9 MPix
Additional features
Speakers: Stereo, Keyboard: Chiclet, Keyboard Light: yes, 12 Months Warranty
Weight
1.25 kg ( = 44.09 oz / 2.76 pounds), Power Supply: 352 g ( = 12.42 oz / 0.78 pounds)
Price
1669 Euro
Note: The manufacturer may use components from different suppliers including display panels, drives or memory sticks with similar specifications.

 

SD Card Reader
average JPG Copy Test (av. of 3 runs)
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon 2018-20KGS03900
  (Toshiba Exceria Pro M501)
191.2 MB/s +208%
Dell Latitude 7490
  (Toshiba Exceria Pro M501 UHS-II)
137.6 MB/s +122%
Toshiba Tecra X40-D
 
75.3 MB/s +21%
Fujitsu LifeBook U748
  (Toshiba Exceria Pro SDXC 64 GB UHS-II)
72.8 MB/s +17%
Toshiba Tecra X40-E-10W
  (Toshiba Exceria Pro M501 microSDXC 64GB)
62 MB/s
Average of class Office
  (8 - 196.8, n=50, last 2 years)
55.6 MB/s -10%
maximum AS SSD Seq Read Test (1GB)
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon 2018-20KGS03900
  (Toshiba Exceria Pro M501)
223.9 MB/s +159%
Dell Latitude 7490
  (Toshiba Exceria Pro M501 UHS-II)
203.2 MB/s +135%
Toshiba Tecra X40-D
 
87.2 MB/s +1%
Toshiba Tecra X40-E-10W
  (Toshiba Exceria Pro M501 microSDXC 64GB)
86.5 MB/s
Fujitsu LifeBook U748
  (Toshiba Exceria Pro SDXC 64 GB UHS-II)
82.7 MB/s -4%
Average of class Office
  (26.4 - 173.2, n=44, last 2 years)
65.2 MB/s -25%
Networking
iperf3 transmit AX12
Toshiba Tecra X40-E-10W
Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 8265
620 MBit/s
Toshiba Tecra X40-D
Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 8265
528 MBit/s -15%
HP EliteBook 840 G5-3JX66EA
Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 8265
523 MBit/s -16%
Dell Latitude 7490
Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 8265
513 MBit/s -17%
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon 2018-20KGS03900
Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 8265
511 MBit/s -18%
Fujitsu LifeBook U748
Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 8265
455 MBit/s -27%
iperf3 receive AX12
Dell Latitude 7490
Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 8265
650 MBit/s +23%
HP EliteBook 840 G5-3JX66EA
Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 8265
644 MBit/s +22%
Toshiba Tecra X40-D
Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 8265
638 MBit/s +21%
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon 2018-20KGS03900
Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 8265
633 MBit/s +20%
Fujitsu LifeBook U748
Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 8265
624 MBit/s +18%
Toshiba Tecra X40-E-10W
Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 8265
529 MBit/s

Accessories

You can expand the limited number of offered connections of the Tecra by using a docking station. With the Thunderbolt 3 Dock (PA5281E-1PRP), Toshiba offers the corresponding model that was also provided to us. In addition to the docking station, there is also a connection cable and a 100-Watt power supply.

Display - Toshiba is using an In-Cell touchscreen display

Pixel grid
Pixel grid

Toshiba has equipped the Tecra with a 14-inch touchscreen display that has a native resolution of 1920x1080 pixels. At 1330:1, the contrast is good. In terms of its brightness (244.4 cd/m²), the display is disappointing and remains clearly behind the values of the competitors. The price level of the Tecra would demand a value beyond 300 cd/m², and we consider values that are in that range to be good.

At brightness levels of 90% and below, the display shows PWM with a frequency of 21,000 Hz. Such a high frequency should not lead to any headaches or eye problems even for sensitive people.

The Tecra X40-E is equipped with the same display that is also in the predecessor model we tested before. Nonetheless, the measured values are slightly different. This is normal, since two displays of an identical build will never be 100% the same.

237
cd/m²
236
cd/m²
251
cd/m²
243
cd/m²
266
cd/m²
252
cd/m²
243
cd/m²
230
cd/m²
242
cd/m²
Distribution of brightness
Toshiba TOS508F tested with X-Rite i1Pro 2
Maximum: 266 cd/m² (Nits) Average: 244.4 cd/m² Minimum: 15 cd/m²
Brightness Distribution: 86 %
Center on Battery: 266 cd/m²
Contrast: 1330:1 (Black: 0.2 cd/m²)
ΔE Color 4.61 | 0.5-29.43 Ø5
ΔE Greyscale 4.31 | 0.57-98 Ø5.3
61% sRGB (Argyll 1.6.3 3D)
39% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 1.6.3 3D)
41.9% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
61% sRGB (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
40.55% Display P3 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
Gamma: 2.54
Toshiba Tecra X40-E-10W
IPS, 1920x1080, 14.00
Toshiba Tecra X40-D
IPS, 1920x1080, 14.00
Dell Latitude 7490
IPS, 1920x1080, 14.00
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon 2018-20KGS03900
IPS, 2560x1440, 14.00
Fujitsu LifeBook U748
IPS, 1920x1080, 14.00
HP EliteBook 840 G5-3JX66EA
IPS, 1920x1080, 14.00
Display
0%
62%
106%
46%
Display P3 Coverage
40.55
40.55
0%
66.6
64%
87.7
116%
60.2
48%
sRGB Coverage
61
61
0%
96.8
59%
100
64%
88.2
45%
AdobeRGB 1998 Coverage
41.9
41.89
0%
67.9
62%
99.9
138%
61.3
46%
Response Times
-33%
-67%
-113%
-45%
-69%
Response Time Grey 50% / Grey 80% *
22 ?(12, 10)
38 ?(19.6, 18.4)
-73%
41.6 ?(22, 19.6)
-89%
59.2 ?(28.4, 30.8)
-169%
39.2 ?(20.4, 18.8)
-78%
42.4 ?(19.6, 22.8)
-93%
Response Time Black / White *
22 ?(12, 10)
26.8 ?(16.4, 10.4)
-22%
32 ?(16.4, 15.6)
-45%
34.4 ?(16.4, 18)
-56%
24.4 ?(12.8, 11.6)
-11%
31.6 ?(18, 13.6)
-44%
PWM Frequency
21000 ?(90)
20410 ?(99)
-3%
Screen
-27%
0%
49%
14%
11%
Brightness middle
266
283.9
7%
308.6
16%
578
117%
334
26%
414
56%
Brightness
244
261
7%
294
20%
533
118%
313
28%
387
59%
Brightness Distribution
86
85
-1%
89
3%
84
-2%
89
3%
87
1%
Black Level *
0.2
0.25
-25%
0.23
-15%
0.38
-90%
0.41
-105%
0.25
-25%
Contrast
1330
1136
-15%
1342
1%
1521
14%
815
-39%
1656
25%
Colorchecker dE 2000 *
4.61
6.4
-39%
6.07
-32%
1.9
59%
2.2
52%
5.5
-19%
Colorchecker dE 2000 max. *
7.46
18.7
-151%
10.58
-42%
3.8
49%
5.7
24%
9.9
-33%
Greyscale dE 2000 *
4.31
6.3
-46%
7.3
-69%
3
30%
2.9
33%
6.4
-48%
Gamma
2.54 87%
2.39 92%
2.061 107%
2.14 103%
2.34 94%
2.31 95%
CCT
6848 95%
6511 100%
7269 89%
6377 102%
6855 95%
7811 83%
Color Space (Percent of AdobeRGB 1998)
39
38
-3%
62
59%
88.8
128%
65.3
67%
56.9
46%
Color Space (Percent of sRGB)
61
60
-2%
97
59%
100
64%
91.8
50%
88.1
44%
Colorchecker dE 2000 calibrated *
1.67
0.8
2.3
Total Average (Program / Settings)
-20% / -23%
-2% / 3%
14% / 39%
-16% / 4%
-4% / 7%

* ... smaller is better

Screen Flickering / PWM (Pulse-Width Modulation)

To dim the screen, some notebooks will simply cycle the backlight on and off in rapid succession - a method called Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) . This cycling frequency should ideally be undetectable to the human eye. If said frequency is too low, users with sensitive eyes may experience strain or headaches or even notice the flickering altogether.
Screen flickering / PWM detected 21000 Hz ≤ 90 % brightness setting

The display backlight flickers at 21000 Hz (worst case, e.g., utilizing PWM) Flickering detected at a brightness setting of 90 % and below. There should be no flickering or PWM above this brightness setting.

The frequency of 21000 Hz is quite high, so most users sensitive to PWM should not notice any flickering.

In comparison: 53 % of all tested devices do not use PWM to dim the display. If PWM was detected, an average of 18110 (minimum: 5 - maximum: 3846000) Hz was measured.

CalMAN - ColorChecker
CalMAN - ColorChecker
CalMAN - Grayscales
CalMAN - Grayscales
CalMAN - Saturation
CalMAN - Saturation

Display Response Times

Display response times show how fast the screen is able to change from one color to the next. Slow response times can lead to afterimages and can cause moving objects to appear blurry (ghosting). Gamers of fast-paced 3D titles should pay special attention to fast response times.
       Response Time Black to White
22 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined↗ 12 ms rise
↘ 10 ms fall
The screen shows good response rates in our tests, but may be too slow for competitive gamers.
In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.1 (minimum) to 240 (maximum) ms. » 42 % of all devices are better.
This means that the measured response time is similar to the average of all tested devices (21.6 ms).
       Response Time 50% Grey to 80% Grey
22 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined↗ 12 ms rise
↘ 10 ms fall
The screen shows good response rates in our tests, but may be too slow for competitive gamers.
In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.2 (minimum) to 636 (maximum) ms. » 28 % of all devices are better.
This means that the measured response time is better than the average of all tested devices (33.9 ms).

Performance - The power of quad-core

With the Tecra X40-E, Toshiba offers a mobile 14-inch notebook that provides sufficient performance for applications in the office and Internet areas. Our test unit can be purchased for about 1500 - 1600 Euros (~$1756-1873; starting from ~$1200 in the US with about $1630 for a similar configuration with an i5-8350U processor). At the time of this testing, there are no other configuration options available (in Germany).

Processor

Toshiba uses the quad-core processors of the Kaby-Lake-Refresh generation in the Tecra X40-E models. This already represents the whole extent of improvements and constitutes the single update compared to the Tecra-X40-D models that are equipped with Kaby-Lake dual-core processors. Our test unit has an Intel Core i5-8250U quad-core processor on board. This is a ULV model (TDP: 15 watts) that presents a good figure in all the usual application areas. The processor operates at a basic speed of 1.6 GHz, and you can increase this up to 3.4 GHz via Turbo.

During our multithread tests of the Cinebench benchmarks, the processor runs at 3.4 GHz for a few seconds, before the speed drops down to 2 - 2.3 GHz. It runs through the single-thread tests at 3.4 GHz. So much for the behavior in mains operation. In battery operation, the multithread tests of the Cinebench benchmarks run at 2.3 - 2.8 GHz for a few seconds, and then the speed drops to 2.2 - 2.3 GHz. The single-thread tests are executed at 2.5 - 3.4 GHz.

HWInfo
HWInfo
Intel XTU
Intel XTU

We test whether the Turbo is also used continuously by running the multithread test of the Cinebench-R15 benchmark for about 30 minutes in a constant loop. The results drop from the first to the second run and then remain at a constant level. Although the Turbo is used, it runs at a low speed.

0102030405060708090100110120130140150160170180190200210220230240250260270280290300310320330340350360370380390400410420430440450460470480490500Tooltip
Cinebench R15 CPU Multi 64 Bit
Cinebench R10 Rendering Single 32Bit
5519
Cinebench R10 Rendering Multiple CPUs 32Bit
15973
Cinebench R10 Shading 32Bit
8539
Cinebench R15 CPU Single 64Bit
144 Points
Cinebench R15 CPU Multi 64Bit
501 Points
Cinebench R15 OpenGL 64Bit
41.98 fps
Cinebench R15 Ref. Match 64Bit
97.8 %
Help
Cinebench R15
CPU Single 64Bit
Average of class Office
  (82.6 - 284, n=118, last 2 years)
215 Points +49%
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon 2018-20KGS03900
Intel Core i7-8550U
168 Points +17%
Dell Latitude 7490
Intel Core i5-8350U
153 Points +6%
Toshiba Tecra X40-D
Intel Core i7-7600U
147 Points +2%
Fujitsu LifeBook U748
Intel Core i5-8250U
144 Points 0%
Toshiba Tecra X40-E-10W
Intel Core i5-8250U
144 Points
HP EliteBook 840 G5-3JX66EA
Intel Core i5-8250U
143 Points -1%
Average Intel Core i5-8250U
  (81 - 147, n=97)
141.1 Points -2%
CPU Multi 64Bit
Average of class Office
  (160.8 - 2642, n=120, last 2 years)
1380 Points +175%
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon 2018-20KGS03900
Intel Core i7-8550U (undervolted)
708 Points +41%
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon 2018-20KGS03900
Intel Core i7-8550U
648 Points +29%
HP EliteBook 840 G5-3JX66EA
Intel Core i5-8250U
583 Points +16%
Average Intel Core i5-8250U
  (320 - 730, n=101)
570 Points +14%
Dell Latitude 7490
Intel Core i5-8350U
569 Points +14%
Fujitsu LifeBook U748
Intel Core i5-8250U
553 Points +10%
Toshiba Tecra X40-E-10W
Intel Core i5-8250U
501 Points
Toshiba Tecra X40-D
Intel Core i7-7600U
345 Points -31%
Cinebench R10
Rendering Single 32Bit
Average of class Office
  (3465 - 9351, n=12, last 2 years)
6404 Points +16%
Average Intel Core i5-8250U
  (5349 - 8356, n=42)
5631 Points +2%
Fujitsu LifeBook U748
Intel Core i5-8250U
5535 Points 0%
HP EliteBook 840 G5-3JX66EA
Intel Core i5-8250U
5519 Points 0%
Toshiba Tecra X40-E-10W
Intel Core i5-8250U
5519 Points
Rendering Multiple CPUs 32Bit
Average of class Office
  (6611 - 40266, n=12, last 2 years)
27456 Points +72%
HP EliteBook 840 G5-3JX66EA
Intel Core i5-8250U
19335 Points +21%
Average Intel Core i5-8250U
  (14148 - 22097, n=42)
18261 Points +14%
Fujitsu LifeBook U748
Intel Core i5-8250U
18191 Points +14%
Toshiba Tecra X40-E-10W
Intel Core i5-8250U
15973 Points
Toshiba Tecra X40-D
Intel Core i7-7600U
15012 Points -6%
Geekbench 3
32 Bit Multi-Core Score
Average of class Office
  (last 2 years)
16771 Points +34%
Average Intel Core i5-8250U
  (10893 - 13553, n=18)
12606 Points 0%
Toshiba Tecra X40-E-10W
Intel Core i5-8250U
12557 Points
32 Bit Single-Core Score
Average of class Office
  (last 2 years)
4096 Points +30%
Average Intel Core i5-8250U
  (3148 - 3503, n=18)
3302 Points +5%
Toshiba Tecra X40-E-10W
Intel Core i5-8250U
3158 Points
Geekbench 4.0
64 Bit Multi-Core Score
Average Intel Core i5-8250U
  (10751 - 13486, n=19)
12210 Points +1%
Toshiba Tecra X40-E-10W
Intel Core i5-8250U
12131 Points
64 Bit Single-Core Score
Average Intel Core i5-8250U
  (3924 - 4243, n=19)
4076 Points +3%
Toshiba Tecra X40-E-10W
Intel Core i5-8250U
3963 Points
Geekbench 4.4
64 Bit Multi-Core Score
Average of class Office
  (4762 - 35532, n=19, last 2 years)
18933 Points +48%
Average Intel Core i5-8250U
  (11269 - 14228, n=25)
12833 Points +1%
Toshiba Tecra X40-E-10W
Intel Core i5-8250U
12751 Points
64 Bit Single-Core Score
Average of class Office
  (2776 - 7072, n=19, last 2 years)
5099 Points +27%
Average Intel Core i5-8250U
  (3453 - 4330, n=25)
4116 Points +3%
Toshiba Tecra X40-E-10W
Intel Core i5-8250U
4007 Points
JetStream 1.1 - Total Score
Average of class Office
  (117.1 - 544, n=19, last 2 years)
369 Points +69%
Toshiba Tecra X40-E-10W
Intel Core i5-8250U (Edge 42)
218.3 Points
Dell Latitude 7490
Intel Core i5-8350U (Microsoft Edge 42.17134.1.0)
217.6 Points 0%
Average Intel Core i5-8250U
  (151.5 - 256, n=78)
215 Points -2%
Fujitsu LifeBook U748
Intel Core i5-8250U (Edge 41.16299.248.0)
211.6 Points -3%
HP EliteBook 840 G5-3JX66EA
Intel Core i5-8250U (EDGE 41.16299.248.0)
209.5 Points -4%

System Performance

The 14-incher does not suffer from a lack of system performance, and the quad-core processor offers more than sufficient computing performance for applications in the office and Internet areas. This is confirmed by the very good results in the PCMark benchmarks. A slight increase of the overall performance should be possible by adding a second module of working memory (activating dual-channel mode).

The fact that dual-channel mode is not active is also the reason for the PCMark results of the X40-E to slightly lag behind those of the X40-D, which is equipped with a Core i5-7600U dual-core processor. How is that possible? The stronger multithread performance of the Core i5-8250U processor has hardly any effect on the test results. The single-thread performance has a much stronger effect and is similar for the Core i5-8250U and Core i5-7600U. So since the working memory of the X40-D operates in dual-channel mode, it fares slightly better than the X40-E.

PCMark 8 Home Score Accelerated v2
3516 points
PCMark 8 Creative Score Accelerated v2
4512 points
PCMark 8 Work Score Accelerated v2
4706 points
PCMark 10 Score
3574 points
Help
PCMark 8 - Work Score Accelerated v2
Toshiba Tecra X40-D
HD Graphics 620, i7-7600U, Samsung PM961 MZVLW256HEHP
4963 Points +5%
Dell Latitude 7490
UHD Graphics 620, i5-8350U, Toshiba KSG60ZMV256G
4906 Points +4%
HP EliteBook 840 G5-3JX66EA
UHD Graphics 620, i5-8250U, Toshiba XG5 KXG50ZNV256G
4832 Points +3%
Toshiba Tecra X40-E-10W
UHD Graphics 620, i5-8250U, Samsung PM961 MZVLW256HEHP
4706 Points
Fujitsu LifeBook U748
UHD Graphics 620, i5-8250U, Samsung PM961 MZVLW256HEHP
4684 Points 0%
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon 2018-20KGS03900
UHD Graphics 620, i5-8550U, Samsung SSD PM981 MZVLB512HAJQ
4664 Points -1%
Average Intel Core i5-8250U, Intel UHD Graphics 620
  (2699 - 5106, n=58)
4646 Points -1%
Average of class Office
  (1854 - 5610, n=12, last 2 years)
3746 Points -20%

Storage Solution

An NVMe SSD from Samsung serves as the system drive. This is a model in the M.2-2280 format that offers a total of 256 GB of storage. At the time of delivery, about 195 GB is still usable and the rest of the storage space is occupied by the recovery partition and the Windows installation. The transfer rates are very good. We did not expect anything else: NVMe SSDs achieve significantly higher transfer rates than SATA-III models, since they are connected via PCI Express 3.0 x4.

Samsung PM961 MZVLW256HEHP
Sequential Read: 1490 MB/s
Sequential Write: 1244 MB/s
512K Read: 846 MB/s
512K Write: 858 MB/s
4K Read: 54.3 MB/s
4K Write: 119.6 MB/s
4K QD32 Read: 334.1 MB/s
4K QD32 Write: 259.9 MB/s
Toshiba Tecra X40-E-10W
Samsung PM961 MZVLW256HEHP
Toshiba Tecra X40-D
Samsung PM961 MZVLW256HEHP
Dell Latitude 7490
Toshiba KSG60ZMV256G
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon 2018-20KGS03900
Samsung SSD PM981 MZVLB512HAJQ
Fujitsu LifeBook U748
Samsung PM961 MZVLW256HEHP
HP EliteBook 840 G5-3JX66EA
Toshiba XG5 KXG50ZNV256G
Average Samsung PM961 MZVLW256HEHP
 
Average of class Office
 
CrystalDiskMark 5.2 / 6
50%
-49%
34%
36%
-13%
15%
76%
Write 4K
100.1
195.1
95%
79.4
-21%
131.9
32%
135.5
35%
92.8
-7%
127.7 ?(72.2 - 195.1, n=45)
28%
156.6 ?(50.1 - 291, n=69, last 2 years)
56%
Read 4K
40.03
48.5
21%
27.37
-32%
44.6
11%
43.76
9%
30.67
-23%
42.4 ?(22.2 - 53.4, n=45)
6%
61 ?(20.6 - 90.2, n=69, last 2 years)
52%
Write Seq
1259
1226
-3%
343.9
-73%
1824
45%
1006
-20%
353.2
-72%
1099 ?(343 - 1412, n=44)
-13%
2378 ?(315 - 5030, n=53, last 2 years)
89%
Read Seq
1296
1763
36%
472.7
-64%
2163
67%
1761
36%
1937
49%
1373 ?(746 - 2000, n=43)
6%
2593 ?(507 - 5559, n=53, last 2 years)
100%
Write 4K Q32T1
228.1
547
140%
206
-10%
338.1
48%
660
189%
358
57%
398 ?(101 - 747, n=45)
74%
400 ?(162.5 - 809, n=69, last 2 years)
75%
Read 4K Q32T1
292.9
633
116%
188.3
-36%
351.9
20%
432.6
48%
253.1
-14%
403 ?(133.9 - 633, n=45)
38%
511 ?(184.2 - 899, n=69, last 2 years)
74%
Write Seq Q32T1
1286
1226
-5%
343.3
-73%
1972
53%
1231
-4%
359.6
-72%
1210 ?(344 - 1429, n=45)
-6%
3018 ?(259 - 6207, n=69, last 2 years)
135%
Read Seq Q32T1
3411
3421
0%
533
-84%
3387
-1%
3220
-6%
2613
-23%
2984 ?(875 - 3460, n=45)
-13%
4226 ?(454 - 7123, n=69, last 2 years)
24%

Graphics Card

Intel's UHD Graphics 620 graphics core handles the graphics output. The GPU supports DirectX 12 and runs at speeds between 300 and 1100 MHz. The results in the 3DMark benchmarks are on a normal level for this GPU. An increase of the performance should be possible by installing a second module of working memory (activating dual-channel mode).

GPU-Z
GPU-Z
DXVAChecker
DXVAChecker
3DMark 11 Performance
1840 points
3DMark Cloud Gate Standard Score
7290 points
3DMark Fire Strike Score
968 points
Help
3DMark 11 - 1280x720 Performance GPU
Average of class Office
  (1474 - 12230, n=115, last 2 years)
5878 Points +246%
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon 2018-20KGS03900
Intel UHD Graphics 620, Intel Core i7-8550U
1901 Points +12%
Average Intel UHD Graphics 620
  (1144 - 3432, n=244)
1749 Points +3%
Toshiba Tecra X40-E-10W
Intel UHD Graphics 620, Intel Core i5-8250U
1699 Points
HP EliteBook 840 G5-3JX66EA
Intel UHD Graphics 620, Intel Core i5-8250U
1653 Points -3%
Dell Latitude 7490
Intel UHD Graphics 620, Intel Core i5-8350U
1648 Points -3%
Toshiba Tecra X40-D
Intel HD Graphics 620, Intel Core i7-7600U
1629 Points -4%
Fujitsu LifeBook U748
Intel UHD Graphics 620, Intel Core i5-8250U
1593 Points -6%

Gaming Performance

While the Tecra is not a gaming notebook, it can nonetheless bring some games to the screen smoothly. This includes games that only put little demand on the hardware. However, you still need to be content with low resolutions and low quality settings. Adding a second module of the working memory (dual-channel mode) should ensure an increase in the frame rates. But even then, you would not be able to play a power-hungry game such as Far Cry 5.

low med. high ultra
BioShock Infinite (2013) 46.8 27.6 22.8 7.6

Emissions and Power - The battery life turns out to be good

Noise Emissions

While during idle, the fan is often quiet and there is silence, it revs up under load. During the stress test, we measure a noise level of up to 40.1 dB(A), and under medium load it becomes even slightly louder. The noise level while running the 3DMark06 benchmark is 43.9 dB(A). With this, the X40-E produces more noise across the whole load range than the predecessor model.

Noise Level

Idle
30.5 / 30.5 / 31.2 dB(A)
Load
43.9 / 40.1 dB(A)
  red to green bar
 
 
30 dB
silent
40 dB(A)
audible
50 dB(A)
loud
 
min: dark, med: mid, max: light   Audix TM1, Arta (15 cm distance)   environment noise: 30.5 dB(A)
dB(A) 0102030405060708090Deep BassMiddle BassHigh BassLower RangeMidsHigher MidsLower HighsMid HighsUpper HighsSuper Highs2034.934.833.132.234.92534.234.238.332.934.2313434.134.232.6344030.930.930.232.430.95029.429.53029.129.4632829.228.828.1288028.326.928.227.228.310026.728.127.626.326.712526.125.825.625.226.116024.824.224.923.224.820023.523.923.823.523.525022.923.823.621.622.931521.825.123.421.821.840020.624.922.920.220.650020.325.423.119.420.363019.325.422.91919.380019.329.32618.319.3100019.835.432.117.819.812501933.329.617.719160019.331.828.217.419.3200018.233.128.717.518.2250018.232.729.517.718.2315018.234.432.117.818.2400018.333.426.71818.3500018.632.32618.218.6630018.528.422.518.418.5800018.725.820.718.718.71000019.121.819.418.919.11250019.320.519.319.119.31600019.619.919.519.519.6SPL31.243.940.130.531.2N1.44.131.31.4median 19.3median 25.8median 24.9median 18.9median 19.3Delta1.54.82.61.31.5hearing rangehide median Fan NoiseToshiba Tecra X40-E-10W

Temperature

The Tecra in the stress test.
The Tecra in the stress test.

The Tecra runs through our stress test (Prime95 and Furmark running for at least one hour) in different ways during mains and battery operation. In mains operation, the processor and graphics core run at 1.2 - 1.4 GHz and 750 - 850 MHz, respectively. In battery operation, these values are at 1.9 GHz (CPU) and 250 MHz (GPU).

While the notebook does not get too hot, the 40-°C mark (104 °F) is exceeded at several measurement points. Overall, the notebook does warm up slightly more than the predecessor, which is equipped with a dual-core processor. The stress test represents an extreme scenario that does not occur like this in everyday life. We evaluate in this test whether the system also runs stably during full load.

Max. Load
 32 °C
90 F
26.7 °C
80 F
44 °C
111 F
 
 28.9 °C
84 F
42 °C
108 F
40.4 °C
105 F
 
 27.7 °C
82 F
30.5 °C
87 F
34.4 °C
94 F
 
Maximum: 44 °C = 111 F
Average: 34.1 °C = 93 F
42.4 °C
108 F
47.2 °C
117 F
32.8 °C
91 F
38 °C
100 F
44.5 °C
112 F
30.6 °C
87 F
35.4 °C
96 F
34.5 °C
94 F
29.8 °C
86 F
Maximum: 47.2 °C = 117 F
Average: 37.2 °C = 99 F
Power Supply (max.)  51.6 °C = 125 F | Room Temperature 22.9 °C = 73 F | FIRT 550-Pocket
(±) The average temperature for the upper side under maximal load is 34.1 °C / 93 F, compared to the average of 29.5 °C / 85 F for the devices in the class Office.
(±) The maximum temperature on the upper side is 44 °C / 111 F, compared to the average of 34.2 °C / 94 F, ranging from 21.2 to 62.5 °C for the class Office.
(-) The bottom heats up to a maximum of 47.2 °C / 117 F, compared to the average of 36.7 °C / 98 F
(+) In idle usage, the average temperature for the upper side is 26.1 °C / 79 F, compared to the device average of 29.5 °C / 85 F.
(+) The palmrests and touchpad are reaching skin temperature as a maximum (34.4 °C / 93.9 F) and are therefore not hot.
(-) The average temperature of the palmrest area of similar devices was 27.7 °C / 81.9 F (-6.7 °C / -12 F).
Heat development, top (load)
Heat development, top (load)
Heat development, bottom (load)
Heat development, bottom (load)
Heat development, top (idle)
Heat development, top (idle)
Heat development, bottom (idle)
Heat development, bottom (idle)

Speaker

dB(A) 0102030405060708090Deep BassMiddle BassHigh BassLower RangeMidsHigher MidsLower HighsMid HighsUpper HighsSuper Highs2040.832.240.82539.532.939.53140.932.640.94034.432.434.45031.329.131.3632928.1298026.927.226.910026.626.326.612526.825.226.816029.323.229.320036.323.536.325049.621.649.63155621.85640060.320.260.35005819.45863060.41960.48006418.364100062.617.862.6125065.917.765.9160068.317.468.3200070.717.570.7250069.617.769.6315066.817.866.8400065.81865.8500061.918.261.9630065.118.465.1800070.618.770.61000068.518.968.51250067.619.167.61600066.219.566.2SPL79.130.579.1N40.81.340.8median 64median 18.9median 64Delta8.81.38.835.335.132.931.831.83236.535.132.428.93328.936.328.848.32761.52752.924.860.92462.822.763.32269.521.267.82174.82075.919.472.718.97117.770.117.86917.671.817.668.117.671.417.673.717.670.417.571.617.671.617.669.617.459.717.583.630.662.51.5median 69.6median 17.84.72.4hearing rangehide median Pink NoiseToshiba Tecra X40-E-10WApple MacBook 12 (Early 2016) 1.1 GHz
Frequency diagram (checkboxes can be checked and unchecked to compare devices)
Toshiba Tecra X40-E-10W audio analysis

(-) | not very loud speakers (70.7 dB)
Bass 100 - 315 Hz
(-) | nearly no bass - on average 26.6% lower than median
(±) | linearity of bass is average (11% delta to prev. frequency)
Mids 400 - 2000 Hz
(+) | balanced mids - only 3.4% away from median
(+) | mids are linear (6.1% delta to prev. frequency)
Highs 2 - 16 kHz
(+) | balanced highs - only 3.5% away from median
(+) | highs are linear (6.2% delta to prev. frequency)
Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz
(±) | linearity of overall sound is average (22.6% difference to median)
Compared to same class
» 56% of all tested devices in this class were better, 9% similar, 34% worse
» The best had a delta of 7%, average was 22%, worst was 53%
Compared to all devices tested
» 61% of all tested devices were better, 6% similar, 32% worse
» The best had a delta of 4%, average was 25%, worst was 134%

Apple MacBook 12 (Early 2016) 1.1 GHz audio analysis

(+) | speakers can play relatively loud (83.6 dB)
Bass 100 - 315 Hz
(±) | reduced bass - on average 11.3% lower than median
(±) | linearity of bass is average (14.2% delta to prev. frequency)
Mids 400 - 2000 Hz
(+) | balanced mids - only 2.4% away from median
(+) | mids are linear (5.5% delta to prev. frequency)
Highs 2 - 16 kHz
(+) | balanced highs - only 2% away from median
(+) | highs are linear (4.5% delta to prev. frequency)
Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz
(+) | overall sound is linear (10.2% difference to median)
Compared to same class
» 5% of all tested devices in this class were better, 2% similar, 93% worse
» The best had a delta of 5%, average was 19%, worst was 53%
Compared to all devices tested
» 3% of all tested devices were better, 1% similar, 96% worse
» The best had a delta of 4%, average was 25%, worst was 134%

Power Consumption

During idle, we register a maximum consumption of 9.3 watts. This value is slightly too high for a 14-inch notebook with a ULV processor. The built-in NVMe SSD is responsible for this. Notebooks that use SATA-III SSDs are significantly more efficient during idle. For example, the power consumption of the Dell Latitude 7490, which is equipped with a SATA-III SSD, turns out about 2 to 3.6 watts lower than for the Tecra. During the stress test, the power consumption of the Tecra only increases up to 30.4 watts, since the CPU and GPU run at relatively low speeds under full load. We measure the same value under medium load.

Power Consumption
Off / Standbydarklight 0.42 / 0.6 Watt
Idledarkmidlight 4.5 / 8.2 / 9.3 Watt
Load midlight 30.4 / 30.4 Watt
 color bar
Key: min: dark, med: mid, max: light        Metrahit Energy
Currently we use the Metrahit Energy, a professional single phase power quality and energy measurement digital multimeter, for our measurements. Find out more about it here. All of our test methods can be found here.

Battery Life

Our realistic WLAN test simulates the load when loading websites via a script. The "Balanced" power profile is activated, the display brightness is adjusted to about 150 cd/m², and the power-saving functions are turned off. The Tecra achieves a runtime of 8:18 hours.

Battery Runtime
WiFi Websurfing (Edge 42)
8h 18min
Battery Runtime - WiFi Websurfing
Average of class Office
  (272 - 1137, n=107, last 2 years)
589 min +18%
Dell Latitude 7490
i5-8350U, UHD Graphics 620, 60 Wh
548 min +10%
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon 2018-20KGS03900
i5-8550U, UHD Graphics 620, 57 Wh (Edge)
519 min +4%
Toshiba Tecra X40-E-10W
i5-8250U, UHD Graphics 620, 48 Wh (Edge 42)
498 min
HP EliteBook 840 G5-3JX66EA
i5-8250U, UHD Graphics 620, 50 Wh (EDGE 41.16299.248.0)
447 min -10%
Fujitsu LifeBook U748
i5-8250U, UHD Graphics 620, 50 Wh (Edge 41.16299.248.0)
390 min -22%
Toshiba Tecra X40-D
i7-7600U, HD Graphics 620, 48 Wh
357 min -28%

Pros

+ matte touchscreen display
+ Full HD resolution
+ 2x Thunderbolt 3
+ NVMe SSD
+ good battery life
+ LTE modem
+ robust construction
+ thin and light

Cons

- TFT is relatively dark for using it outdoors
- lid can be bent
- mediocre keyboard

Verdict

The Toshiba Tecra X40-E-10W, provided by Toshiba Germany.
The Toshiba Tecra X40-E-10W, provided by Toshiba Germany.

The Tecra X40-E cannot offer many updates or changes compared to the Tecra X40-D. Only the processor has changed, and the new Tecra-X40 models have ULV quad-core processors on board.

The built-in Core i5-8250U quad-core processor ensures sufficient computing performance for all the usual application areas. However, it is only able to make use of its full computing performance in single-thread applications. While the use of the Turbo is limited in multithread applications, this is no different in competing notebooks that are equipped with the same CPU.

With the Tecra X40-E, Toshiba primarily offers a model update. However, the opportunity to remedy the weaknesses that we already saw in the predecessor model remains unused.

An NVMe SSD ensures a fast-running system. You should be able to replace the SSD, but in order to do that, you have to remove the bottom of the case. The keyboard left a good impression overall. The fact that there is a keyboard backlight is a positive point. The battery life turns out to be good overall and ranges at the same level as the values of the competitors. The integrated LTE modem provides mobile access to the Internet or a company network.

While the 14-inch touchscreen display pleases with stable viewing angles and a good contrast, the brightness turns out too low. The competitors offer more in this regard. The Tecra is also unable to keep up with its competitors in terms of the color-space coverage. We consider the fact that Toshiba only provides the Tecra with a single module of working memory a reason for complaint. Since the dual-channel mode is not active, it loses a few percentage points in the performance.

Toshiba Tecra X40-E-10W - 07/15/2018 v6(old)
Sascha Mölck

Chassis
91 / 98 → 93%
Keyboard
75%
Pointing Device
92%
Connectivity
71 / 80 → 89%
Weight
72 / 20-67 → 100%
Battery
91%
Display
86%
Games Performance
57 / 68 → 84%
Application Performance
90 / 92 → 97%
Temperature
90%
Noise
86%
Audio
56%
Camera
50 / 85 → 59%
Average
77%
87%
Office - Weighted Average

Pricecompare

Read all 2 comments / answer
static version load dynamic
Loading Comments
Comment on this article
Please share our article, every link counts!
> Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations > Reviews > Toshiba Tecra X40-E (i5-8250U, SSD, LTE, FHD) Laptop Review
Sascha Mölck, 2018-07-17 (Update: 2018-07-18)