HP ZBook Firefly 14 G7 Review: A Lightweight, Affordable Mobile Workstation for Creative Professionals

The HP ZBook Firefly 14 G7 is an affordable, entry-level mobile workstation designed for creative professionals who need a portable device capable of running professional software like design and architectural applications. While it may not offer the same raw power as higher-end models in the ZBook range, the Firefly 14 G7 delivers solid and reliable performance at a fraction of the cost, all while being much smaller and lighter than traditional workstations. With its sleek, minimalist design, it’s HP’s smallest and lightest ZBook model, making it a great option for those in need of a mobile workstation.

Product Features

Available in both 14-inch and 15-inch configurations, the HP ZBook Firefly 14 G7 features a durable, metallic chassis made from recycled plastic and aluminum, providing a premium feel while remaining lightweight. The 14-inch model is equipped with options for either a 4K (3840 x 2160) resolution display, which offers an ultra-bright 400 nits, or a lower resolution FHD (1920 x 1080) display, available with or without touch functionality. Both options are framed by ultra-thin bezels to maximize screen real estate and create a more immersive viewing experience.

Under the hood, the ZBook Firefly offers various Intel Core i5 and i7 processors, with the ability to upgrade to up to 64GB of DDR4 RAM. While entry-level models come with integrated UHD graphics, higher-end versions offer the option for NVIDIA Quadro P520 graphics with 4GB of dedicated video RAM, ideal for design, modeling, and other professional tasks.

The Firefly 14 G7 features an ergonomic, spill-resistant keyboard with well-spaced keys and adjustable backlighting, making it comfortable to type even in low-light conditions. The glass touchpad offers smooth navigation and supports multi-finger gestures. The laptop also includes a 720p webcam with a privacy shutter and Bang & Olufsen speakers, providing clear audio quality for video calls and media consumption.

For added security, the ZBook Firefly includes features like HP Sure View, which protects your screen from prying eyes, as well as self-encrypting drives, multi-factor authentication, a fingerprint scanner, and options to permanently erase data from the device.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Compact and lightweight design, ideal for on-the-go professionals

• More affordable than other ZBook models

• Solid, consistent performance for business and creative applications

• 4K display option provides vibrant visuals

• Choice of NVIDIA Quadro graphics and 4G/5G connectivity options

• Includes useful security features such as a fingerprint scanner and webcam shutter

Cons:

• Lacks options for Intel Xeon processors, which are preferred for some heavy workloads

• The 720p webcam is underwhelming for video quality

• Battery life is only moderate, especially on 4K display models

• Entry-level models come with only integrated UHD graphics, limiting performance for demanding tasks

Key Specifications

• Processor: Intel Core i5 or i7 (10th Gen)

• Memory: Up to 64GB DDR4-2666 MHz RAM

• Storage: 256GB or 512GB NVMe SSD (up to 2TB available)

• Display: 14” to 15” 3840 x 2160 (4K) IPS display

• Graphics: Integrated UHD graphics or NVIDIA Quadro P520 with 4GB GDDR5

• Operating System: Windows 10 Pro 64-bit

• Wireless: Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5, optional vPro

• Battery: 53 Wh 3-cell lithium-ion

• Weight: From 1.34kg (14” model)

• Dimensions: 32.3 cm x 21.46 cm x 1.79 cm (14” model)

• Warranty: 3-year limited warranty (parts and labor)

Ports and Slots

• HDMI 1.4b

• 2 x USB-C (Thunderbolt 3)

• USB 3.1 Gen 1 (charging)

• USB 3.1 Gen 1

• Headphone/microphone combo jack

• Smart card reader (select models)

Unique Selling Points

The HP ZBook Firefly 14 G7 stands out thanks to its premium design and high-end build quality. Its aluminum case is both durable and lightweight, offering a stylish look while still being portable enough for everyday use. Despite its small size, the ZBook Firefly provides impressive audio quality thanks to its Bang & Olufsen speakers, which deliver clear, balanced sound and rich bass.

Security features are another highlight, with physical tools such as the fingerprint scanner and webcam shutter, in addition to HP’s software solutions like Sure View and self-encrypting drives. These features ensure that your data remains secure, making the ZBook Firefly an excellent choice for professionals who need both portability and protection.

Alternative Options to Consider

For those who need more power than the ZBook Firefly can provide, the HP ZBook Studio Notebook is a more robust option. It comes with higher-end processors like the Intel Core i9 or Xeon and NVIDIA GeForce or Quadro RTX graphics, making it ideal for demanding tasks such as gaming, visualization, or 3D rendering.

The Lenovo ThinkPad P14s is another solid alternative. This entry-level workstation includes an NVIDIA Quadro GPU and is designed for CAD users. Like the ZBook Firefly, the P14s offers premium build quality, a great display, and solid connectivity. However, its performance is limited by its processor and GPU options.

Other entry-level workstations include the MSI Creator 15 and the Asus ProArt StudioBook 15. The MSI Creator offers a bright screen and long battery life but suffers from limited port selection and excess heat generation. The Asus ProArt StudioBook offers excellent display and sound but lacks a webcam and Thunderbolt 3 support.

For those working with large datasets or 3D rendering, a more powerful workstation like the Dell Precision 7540 may be a better fit. It offers Xeon processors and ECC memory for handling demanding tasks with ease.

Changes from the Previous Model

The HP ZBook Firefly 14 G7 is a replacement for the HP ZBook 14u G6. While the overall size and design are similar, the G7 is about 20mm thinner and 100g lighter. The redesign includes the removal of some ports, such as the dock connector, LAN, and SD card reader, but it adds a smart card slot. The G7 also introduces two Thunderbolt 3 ports, up from one on the G6, and features an upgraded HDMI 2.0 port with higher bandwidth. The G7 also offers improvements in RAM speed (2666MHz vs. 2400MHz) and battery capacity (56Wh vs. 50Wh). Additionally, HP redesigned the keyboard for a quieter, more comfortable typing experience.

Summary

The HP ZBook Firefly 14 G7 is an excellent option for professionals looking for a portable, affordable workstation with solid performance for everyday business tasks and creative applications. While it may not be suited for heavy graphics or high-end gaming, its lightweight design, vibrant display options, and robust security features make it a great choice for those in need of a mobile workstation on a budget.