HP EliteBook 845 G7 14" vs Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 15"

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

Refurbished price:$304.63

Versus $1,049.00 new

See options
Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 15"
Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 15"
Starting at

Refurbished price:$584.00

Versus $1,524.00 new

See options

Ratings

The HP EliteBook 845 G7 14-inch, released in 2020, is a business-oriented laptop designed for professionals seeking robust performance and security features. In contrast, the Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 15-inch, launched in 2022, offers a premium consumer experience with a focus on design, display quality, and general productivity. Both devices operate on the Windows platform, but they cater to different user priorities through their distinct hardware configurations and form factors.

Scores

Durability

When considering the longevity of these devices, their release timelines and design philosophies play a significant role in expected practical lifespan and software support.

  • Release Timeline and OS Support: The HP EliteBook 845 G7 was released in 2020, while the Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 15-inch followed in 2022. This two-year difference means the Surface Laptop 5 will likely receive operating system updates and security patches for a longer duration, extending its software longevity. Both run Windows, ensuring a consistent software experience, but the newer device benefits from a later end-of-support date.
  • Durability and Build: The EliteBook 845 G7 features an aluminum chassis and has undergone MIL-STD 810H testing, indicating a design focused on business-grade durability and resilience against environmental factors. The Surface Laptop 5 also boasts an all-aluminum chassis, offering a solid and premium feel, though it is not specifically marketed with the same military-standard testing.
  • Repairability: The HP EliteBook 845 G7 is generally considered to have good maintenance options, with accessible internal components for upgrades like RAM and storage. The Surface Laptop 5 features a removable SSD, which can aid in certain repair scenarios, but other components might be more integrated.

Release Year

2020

2022

Last Os Compatibility

Yes

Yes

OS

Windows 11

Windows 11

Performance

The performance of these laptops is influenced by their respective processors, memory configurations, and storage solutions, impacting how they handle daily tasks and more demanding workloads.

  • Processor Capabilities: The HP EliteBook 845 G7 is equipped with an AMD Ryzen 4000 series processor, which provides strong multi-core performance suitable for multitasking and productivity applications. The Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 15-inch features 12th Gen Intel Core processors, offering efficient performance for everyday computing, web browsing, and office applications. While the Surface Laptop 5's newer architecture generally provides a responsive experience, the EliteBook's AMD chip is also capable for business tasks.
  • Memory and Storage: Both laptops offer various RAM and storage configurations. The EliteBook 845 G7 can be configured with up to 64GB of DDR4 RAM and NVMe SSDs, providing ample capacity for demanding professional workflows. The Surface Laptop 5 comes with LPDDR5x RAM options up to 32GB and SSD storage, contributing to fast boot times and quick application loading.
  • Real-world Responsiveness: Users of the EliteBook 845 G7 report smooth operation even with numerous browser tabs open and during light photo or video editing. The Surface Laptop 5 is designed for snappy multitasking across various applications, providing a fluid user experience for general use.

Memory (GB)

16 GB

8 GB

Processor

Ryzen 5 Pro 4650U

Core i7-1255U

Graphic card

AMD Radeon Vega 6

Integrated Graphics

Screen quality

The visual experience on these laptops differs significantly due to their display technologies, resolutions, and aspect ratios.

  • Display Technology and Resolution: The HP EliteBook 845 G7 typically features a 14-inch Full HD (1920x1080) IPS display, offering clear images and good viewing angles. The Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 15-inch comes with a 15-inch PixelSense touchscreen display with a higher resolution of 2496 x 1664 pixels. This higher resolution on the Surface Laptop 5 results in a sharper and more detailed visual experience.
  • Brightness and Clarity: The EliteBook 845 G7 offers display options with up to 400 nits of brightness, which is suitable for use in well-lit indoor environments and can include anti-glare finishes to reduce reflections. The Surface Laptop 5's display also provides good brightness, typically around 400 nits, and is known for its vibrant colors and crisp picture quality.
  • Aspect Ratio and Refresh Rate: The EliteBook 845 G7 uses a traditional 16:9 aspect ratio, common for general computing. The Surface Laptop 5 features a 3:2 aspect ratio, which provides more vertical screen real estate, beneficial for productivity tasks like document editing and web browsing. Both devices typically feature a 60Hz refresh rate.

Resolution

1920 x 1080

2496 x 1664

Screen type

IPS

IPS

Audiovisual

For communication and media consumption, the camera, microphone, and speaker systems are important considerations for both laptops.

  • Webcam Quality: Both the HP EliteBook 845 G7 and the Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 15-inch are equipped with 720p webcams. While functional for video calls, the 720p resolution on the Surface Laptop 5 is noted by some users as feeling dated for a premium device. The EliteBook 845 G7 often includes a physical privacy shutter for its webcam.
  • Audio Experience: The Surface Laptop 5 features Omnisonic speakers with Dolby Atmos support, aiming to provide a rich audio experience for media consumption. The EliteBook 845 G7 also offers good speaker output, suitable for business calls and general audio.
  • Microphone Quality: Both laptops include integrated microphones designed for clear voice capture during video conferences and calls. The Surface Laptop 5 specifically mentions dual far-field Studio Mics for enhanced clarity.

Miscellaneous

Beyond core performance and display, several practical features and design elements differentiate these two laptops, impacting daily usability and connectivity.

  • Connectivity Options: The HP EliteBook 845 G7 offers a more traditional business port selection, including USB-A, USB-C (supporting DisplayPort and Power Delivery), HDMI, and an Ethernet port, catering to a wide range of peripherals and network connections. The Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 15-inch provides a more streamlined selection, featuring a USB-A port, a USB-C port with Thunderbolt 4 support, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and a proprietary Surface Connect port for charging and docking. The inclusion of Thunderbolt 4 on the Surface Laptop 5 offers high-speed data transfer and external display capabilities.
  • Biometric Security: The EliteBook 845 G7 typically includes a fingerprint reader and can also support facial recognition for secure login. The Surface Laptop 5 utilizes Windows Hello facial authentication for convenient and secure access.
  • Portability and Build Materials: The EliteBook 845 G7, at 14 inches, weighs around 1.34 kg (2.96 pounds) to 1.48 kg (3.27 pounds) depending on configuration, making it a portable option for business users. The 15-inch Surface Laptop 5 weighs approximately 1.56 kg (3.44 pounds), maintaining a slim and portable profile for its size. Both feature aluminum chassis, contributing to a premium feel.

Weight

112 oz

64 oz

Screen size

14

15

The HP EliteBook 845 G7 14-inch and the Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 15-inch cater to distinct user needs, each excelling in different areas. Users often praise the EliteBook 845 G7 for its robust build quality, extensive port selection, and strong performance from its AMD processor, making it a reliable choice for business and professional environments. Its durability and security features are frequently highlighted as key advantages. Some common feedback points include its more utilitarian design compared to consumer-focused laptops and the standard 16:9 display aspect ratio.

The Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 15-inch is generally lauded for its sleek, premium design, vibrant PixelSense touchscreen with a 3:2 aspect ratio, and comfortable typing experience. Its newer Intel processor provides a smooth experience for everyday tasks and multitasking. However, some users note that its port selection is more limited compared to some competitors, and the 720p webcam can feel less advanced. Battery life, while generally good, has received mixed reviews in real-world usage compared to manufacturer claims.

Users prioritizing a highly durable, business-centric laptop with a wide array of connectivity options and strong multitasking performance may find the HP EliteBook 845 G7 well-suited to their needs. Conversely, individuals seeking a laptop with a premium aesthetic, a high-resolution touchscreen display, and a focus on general productivity and media consumption might lean towards the Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 15-inch. Both models are available as quality-assured refurbished options, providing an eco-friendly alternative for those looking to make a sustainable choice.

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