HP EliteBook 840 G5 14" vs Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 13"

The HP EliteBook 840 G5 14 and the Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 13 are distinct laptop models designed for different user priorities. Released in 2018, the EliteBook 840 G5 is a business-oriented notebook, while the Surface Laptop 3 13, launched in 2019, offers a more consumer-focused experience. The primary differentiators lie in their design philosophy, port selection, and target user base, with the EliteBook emphasizing robust security and connectivity for professionals, and the Surface Laptop prioritizing a sleek design and a high-resolution touchscreen for everyday use.

When considering the longevity of these devices, their release timelines and design philosophies play a significant role. The HP EliteBook 840 G5 was released in February 2018, preceding the Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 13, which launched in October 2019.

• Operating System Support: Both devices originally shipped with Windows 10 and are capable of upgrading to Windows 11. However, Windows 10 officially reached its end of support on October 14, 2025, meaning it no longer receives free security updates or technical assistance. The Surface Laptop 3, being newer, may receive official OS support for a slightly longer duration for Windows 11, extending its practical software lifespan.
• Build Quality and Repairability: The EliteBook 840 G5 features an aluminum unibody design and has undergone MIL-STD testing for durability against various environmental factors, suggesting a robust build for demanding environments. It also includes tethered screws, making internal access for service or upgrades more straightforward. The Surface Laptop 3 boasts a premium aluminum chassis, with some configurations offering an Alcantara material palm rest. Its SSD is designed to be removable by a skilled technician, indicating a degree of serviceability, a significant improvement over previous Surface models.
• Expected Practical Lifespan: Both laptops are built with quality materials, suggesting a practical lifespan suitable for their intended use. The EliteBook's business-grade durability features may appeal to users requiring a device that can withstand more rigorous daily handling. The Surface Laptop 3's improved repairability also contributes to its potential for a longer practical life, as components like the SSD can be replaced.

The performance capabilities of these laptops cater to different user needs, influenced by their internal components and design. The HP EliteBook 840 G5 is equipped with 8th-generation Intel Core processors, providing solid performance for multitasking and demanding business applications. The Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 13 features 10th-generation Intel Core processors, offering improved speed and efficiency for everyday productivity, web browsing, and office tasks.

• Processor Capabilities: The EliteBook 840 G5, with its 8th-generation processors, handles typical office applications, web browsing, and light multitasking smoothly. The Surface Laptop 3, featuring 10th-generation processors, offers a noticeable boost in responsiveness for general use, faster application loading, and more efficient handling of multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Storage and Responsiveness: Both devices typically come with Solid State Drives (SSDs), which contribute to fast boot times and quick application launches. The EliteBook 840 G5 supports M.2 PCIe NVMe SSDs, delivering efficient data access. The Surface Laptop 3 also utilizes SSD storage, with the added benefit of a more easily removable SSD for potential upgrades or servicing by a skilled technician.
• Multitasking and Graphics: The EliteBook 840 G5 often comes with 8GB or 16GB of RAM, suitable for most business workloads. Some configurations also offer optional discrete graphics, which can assist with more graphically intensive tasks. The Surface Laptop 3, available with 8GB or 16GB of LPDDR4x RAM, provides efficient memory performance for smooth multitasking. Its integrated graphics are capable of handling everyday visual tasks and some light creative work.

The display experience on these two laptops presents notable differences in size, aspect ratio, and available features. The HP EliteBook 840 G5 features a 14-inch IPS display with a Full HD (1920x1080) resolution, providing clear visuals for productivity tasks. The Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 13 comes with a 13.5-inch PixelSense touchscreen display, offering a higher resolution of 2256 x 1504 pixels.

• Display Technology and Resolution: The EliteBook 840 G5's 14-inch Full HD IPS display offers a standard viewing experience suitable for business applications. The Surface Laptop 3's 13.5-inch PixelSense display provides a higher pixel density, resulting in sharper text and images, which can enhance the visual clarity for reading and detailed work.
• Brightness and Outdoor Use: The EliteBook 840 G5 offers various display options, including some with HP Sure View integrated privacy screens that can reach up to 700 cd/m² brightness, making them highly visible outdoors. Standard EliteBook displays typically offer brightness levels around 220-400 cd/m². The Surface Laptop 3's display is bright and vivid, with good contrast, making it comfortable for indoor use.
• Aspect Ratio and Touch Functionality: The EliteBook 840 G5 typically features a 16:9 aspect ratio, common for widescreen content. The Surface Laptop 3 stands out with a 3:2 aspect ratio, which provides more vertical screen real estate, beneficial for productivity tasks like document editing and web browsing. The Surface Laptop 3 also includes a touchscreen, offering an interactive input method not always present on the EliteBook.

The camera and audio capabilities of these laptops are designed to support communication and media consumption, with some distinctions in their offerings. Both devices include integrated webcams and audio systems suitable for video conferencing and general use.

• Webcam Quality: The HP EliteBook 840 G5 typically features an HD webcam, often 720p, suitable for standard video calls. Some configurations may include an IR webcam for Windows Hello facial recognition. The Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 also comes with a 720p HD front-facing camera, which supports Windows Hello for secure login. User reports suggest the Surface Laptop 3's webcam provides clear images for video conferencing.
• Microphone and Speaker Performance: The EliteBook 840 G5 features Bang & Olufsen speakers, which can provide a rich audio experience for a business laptop. It also includes a microphone array for clear voice capture during calls. The Surface Laptop 3 is known for its Omnisonic Speakers with Dolby Audio, which are integrated discreetly and offer clear, loud sound with good bass for media consumption and calls. It also incorporates dual far-field Studio Mics for enhanced voice pickup.
• Video Recording and Media Experience: Both laptops are capable of standard video recording through their integrated webcams. For media consumption, the Surface Laptop 3's display, with its higher resolution and 3:2 aspect ratio, combined with its quality speakers, offers a more immersive viewing and listening experience. The EliteBook's audio system is also well-regarded for its clarity in professional settings.