Can two identical Dell or HP laptops have different firmware power limits?

Yes, two laptops with the same retail model can behave differently if their BIOS or embedded-controller firmware revisions, firmware settings, battery condition, or manufacturer utilities differ. Windows relies on ACPI firmware and the charging controller for much of the power and thermal behavior; Microsoft notes that manufacturers implement Smart charging differently. Compare the BIOS version and date in System Information, firmware entries in Windows Update history, battery-health reports, and charging or thermal options in UEFI and the vendor’s supported app. Bring both machines to the same manufacturer-approved BIOS, driver, and utility versions, then compare using the same charger, Windows power mode, workload, and ambient conditions. Save the BitLocker recovery key before changing firmware settings. Do not use third-party embedded-controller tools, because incorrect values can create safety or warranty problems. If limits still differ, the manufacturer must confirm whether a hardware revision or regional configuration explains it.