HP EliteBook 840 G5 14" vs HP EliteBook 845 G7 14"

HP EliteBook 840 G5 14"
HP EliteBook 840 G5 14"
Starting at

Refurbished price:$227.00

Versus $434.99 new

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HP EliteBook 845 G7 14"
HP EliteBook 845 G7 14"
Starting at

Refurbished price:$296.63

Versus $1,049.00 new

See options

Ratings

The HP EliteBook 840 G5, released in 2018, and the HP EliteBook 845 G7, launched in 2020, are both 14-inch business-oriented laptops designed for productivity and mobility. While they share a similar professional aesthetic and run on the Windows operating system, their core differences lie in their internal architecture, with the G5 featuring Intel processors and the G7 utilizing AMD Ryzen PRO processors, leading to distinct performance and feature sets.

Scores

Durability

Both the EliteBook 840 G5 and 845 G7 are built with business-grade durability, but their release timelines impact their expected practical lifespan and software support.

  • Release Timeline: The EliteBook 840 G5 was released in 2018, while the 845 G7 followed in 2020. This two-year difference means the G7 benefits from more recent hardware and a longer potential support window.
  • OS Support Duration: The newer 845 G7 is expected to receive operating system updates for a longer period than the 840 G5, offering extended software longevity and access to the latest features and security patches.
  • Build Quality: Both models feature an aluminum chassis and have undergone MIL-STD testing, indicating a robust build designed to withstand typical business use. The 845 G7 has passed MIL-STD 810H testing, an updated standard compared to the G5's MIL-STD 810G.

Release Year

2017

2020

Last Os Compatibility

Yes

Yes

OS

Windows 11

Windows 11

Performance

The performance of these two EliteBook models is a key differentiator, primarily due to their varying processor architectures and memory capabilities.

  • Processor Capabilities: The EliteBook 840 G5 is equipped with 8th Generation Intel Core processors, which provide solid performance for everyday office tasks, web browsing, and multitasking. The EliteBook 845 G7, on the other hand, features AMD Ryzen PRO 4000 series processors, which offer significantly enhanced multi-core performance and more capable integrated graphics, making it better suited for demanding applications, complex multitasking, and light content creation.
  • Memory and Storage: While the 840 G5 typically supports up to 32GB of DDR4 RAM, the 845 G7 can be configured with up to 64GB of faster DDR4-3200 SDRAM, providing more headroom for intensive workloads. Both models utilize fast NVMe SSDs for quick boot times and application loading.
  • Battery Behavior: The 845 G7 generally offers better battery efficiency due to its more modern processor architecture and a slightly larger 53 Wh battery, often resulting in longer usage times on a single charge compared to the 840 G5's 50 Wh battery.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

16 GB

Processor

Core i5 - Gen 8 (U)

Ryzen 5 Pro 4650U

Graphic card

Integrated Graphics

AMD Radeon Vega 6

Screen quality

Both laptops offer a 14-inch display, but there are differences in the available panel options and their characteristics that impact the viewing experience.

  • Display Technology and Resolution: Both the 840 G5 and 845 G7 typically come with 14-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) IPS displays, providing clear visuals and good viewing angles.
  • Brightness and Privacy: The 845 G7 often features brighter display options, including configurations with HP Sure View Reflect, which offers enhanced privacy by limiting viewing angles, making it suitable for working with sensitive information in public spaces. The 840 G5 also offered Sure View options, but the G7's implementation is generally more advanced.
  • Viewing Experience: While both provide a generally good viewing experience for productivity, users prioritizing maximum brightness for outdoor use or advanced privacy features may find the 845 G7's display options more appealing.

Resolution

1920 x 1080

1920 x 1080

Screen type

IPS

IPS

Audiovisual

For communication and media consumption, both EliteBooks offer a similar set of features, with some minor enhancements in the newer model.

  • Camera System: Both laptops typically include a 720p HD webcam, suitable for video conferencing. The 845 G7 may offer an infrared (IR) camera for facial recognition login via Windows Hello, which is an optional feature on some 840 G5 configurations.
  • Audio Quality: Both models feature Bang & Olufsen tuned speakers and integrated multi-array microphones with HP Noise Cancellation, designed to provide clear audio for calls and media.
  • Privacy Features: The 845 G7 often includes a physical privacy shutter for the webcam, offering an additional layer of security and peace of mind.

Miscellaneous

Beyond core components, several practical elements differentiate the user experience and connectivity options between these two business laptops.

  • Connectivity Options: The 840 G5 includes a Thunderbolt (USB Type-C) port, two USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports, HDMI 1.4b, and an RJ-45 Ethernet port. The 845 G7 features two USB Type-C ports (supporting DisplayPort and Power Delivery), two USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports, and HDMI 2.0, but typically omits the integrated RJ-45 port, requiring an adapter for wired Ethernet. The 845 G7 also supports Wi-Fi 6, offering potentially faster wireless speeds than the 840 G5's Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac).
  • Weight and Dimensions: The 845 G7 is generally slightly lighter, starting at 1.33 kg, compared to the 840 G5's starting weight of around 1.48 kg, making the newer model marginally more portable. Both maintain a slim profile suitable for travel.
  • Security Features: Both EliteBooks offer robust security features like fingerprint readers and smart card readers. The 845 G7 benefits from newer generations of HP's security suite, such as HP Sure Start Gen6 for BIOS protection and AMD Memory Guard for real-time memory encryption.

Weight

55 oz

112 oz

Screen size

14

14

The HP EliteBook 840 G5 remains a capable business laptop, praised by users for its robust build quality, comfortable keyboard, and comprehensive port selection, including Thunderbolt 3 and a dedicated Ethernet port. It is well-suited for users who require a reliable workhorse for standard office applications and appreciate established Intel-based platforms. Some users have noted that its battery life, while adequate for an average workday, might not be as extended as some newer models, and the base display options can be less vibrant.

The HP EliteBook 845 G7, on the other hand, is frequently lauded for its significant performance uplift, particularly in multi-core tasks, thanks to its AMD Ryzen PRO processors. Users often highlight its improved battery efficiency, slightly lighter design, and enhanced security features as key advantages. While it offers modern USB-C connectivity, the absence of a built-in RJ-45 port might be a minor inconvenience for some. It is an excellent choice for professionals who need more processing power for demanding applications, better integrated graphics, and a laptop that is more future-proof in terms of performance and software support.

Users prioritizing a balance of traditional connectivity and solid everyday performance may find the EliteBook 840 G5 a suitable option. Conversely, those who value cutting-edge processing power, extended battery life, and advanced security features will likely lean towards the EliteBook 845 G7. Both models are available as quality-assured refurbished options, providing an eco-friendly alternative for businesses and individuals seeking reliable technology.

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