HP EliteBook 840 G7 vs. HP EliteBook 840 G8: Which One Should You Choose?

If you’re considering a new laptop for work, the HP EliteBook 840 G7 and G8 might be on your radar. Both are premium business laptops designed for high performance, but which one is the better choice for you? In this post, we’ll explore the differences between these two models, comparing their features, specs, and performance to help you make an informed decision.

Design and Features

At first glance, the HP EliteBook 840 G7 and G8 are almost identical. Both feature a sleek, thin aluminium chassis and weigh just 1.3kg, making them highly portable for professionals on the move. The build quality is solid, with thin bezels around the screen, a spill-resistant keyboard, and a responsive, multi-touch glass touchpad. Additionally, the keyboard includes an embedded Nipple (pointing device), offering a more traditional navigation experience alongside the touchpad.

Security is a strong point for both models. They both come equipped with an HD camera with infrared facial recognition, a fingerprint reader for passwordless login, and built-in BIOS protection. Audio is clear and immersive thanks to front-facing Bang & Olufsen speakers and a 3x microphone array.

Core Specifications

One of the key differences between the G7 and G8 lies in the processors. The G7 models use Intel’s 10th generation Core i5 or i7 processors, while the G8 upgrades to 11th generation processors. This provides a slight performance boost in terms of processing speed and power efficiency for the G8.

Both models come with at least 8GB of RAM as standard, expandable to 64GB via two internal memory slots. While this is more than sufficient for general office tasks, both the G7 and G8 models can handle intensive workloads such as video editing or design applications.

The display is the same across both models—an ultra-thin 14-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) IPS screen with an impressive 85% screen-to-body ratio. The G7 models use Intel UHD graphics, while the G8 models feature the more powerful Intel Iris Xe G7 graphics. Additionally, the G8 models have an option for an NVIDIA GeForce MX450 GPU, offering even better graphical performance for users who need it.

Both laptops have similar storage options, supporting SSDs up to 8000GB (although about 30GB is reserved for system recovery). Neither model includes an optical drive or SD card slot.

The battery in both models is a 53Wh, 3-cell Li-ion battery that provides up to 14.5 hours of use, depending on workload. The battery charges quickly, reaching 50% in just 30 minutes. However, real-world tests suggest that the G7 models tend to outperform the G8 in terms of battery life. Both models feature a non-removable battery, though it is serviceable under warranty.

Ports and Connectivity

When comparing the connectivity options, the G7 and G8 models differ slightly:

The G8 boasts the more advanced Thunderbolt 4 ports compared to Thunderbolt 3 on the G7, offering faster data transfer speeds and more device compatibility. Additionally, the G8 features HDMI 2.0b, which supports higher resolutions and refresh rates than the 1.4 HDMI on the G7. The G8 also offers optional 5G connectivity, a feature not available in the G7.

Final Verdict

Both the HP EliteBook 840 G7 and G8 are excellent choices for business users, offering impressive build quality, performance, and security features. The G8 is a minor upgrade, providing better performance with the latest generation processors, improved graphics, and better connectivity options such as Thunderbolt 4 and optional 5G support.

However, if you already own the G7, the performance boost from the G7 to the G8 might not be significant enough to warrant an immediate upgrade. On the other hand, if you’re purchasing a new laptop and want the most up-to-date specs, the G8 is worth the slightly higher price tag.

Ultimately, both models deliver outstanding performance for business professionals, and your choice will depend on whether you value the incremental improvements found in the G8.