HP EliteBook 840 G6 14" Vs HP EliteBook 840 G8 14"

HP EliteBook 840 G6 14"
HP EliteBook 840 G6 14"
Starting at

Refurbished price:£196.00

Versus £542.61 new

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HP EliteBook 840 G8 14"
HP EliteBook 840 G8 14"
Starting at

Refurbished price:£272.00

Versus £602.25 new

See options

Ratings

The HP EliteBook 840 G6 and the HP EliteBook 840 G8 are business-oriented laptops, with the G6 model released in 2019 and the G8 following in 2021. Both are designed for productivity and portability, featuring a 14-inch form factor. The primary distinctions lie in their internal components, offering different levels of processing power, graphics capabilities, and connectivity options, while maintaining a consistent focus on security and professional use.

Scores

Durability

When considering the practical lifespan of these laptops, several factors come into play, including their release timelines, operating system support, and ease of maintenance.

  • Release Timeline: The EliteBook 840 G6, released in 2019, is an older model compared to the 840 G8, which debuted in 2021. This two-year difference means the G8 benefits from a longer potential period of manufacturer software support and access to newer operating system updates.
  • OS Support & Longevity: Both devices run on Windows, and their longevity is tied to Microsoft's support cycles for the operating system versions they can run. The newer G8 model is likely to receive major Windows updates for a longer duration, extending its functional life for users who require the latest software features and security patches.
  • Repairability: Both EliteBook models are generally designed with repairability in mind. The EliteBook 840 G6, for instance, has been noted for its high repairability score, with easily accessible and replaceable components such as RAM, SSD, and battery. The G8 also allows for user-replaceable memory and storage, contributing to a longer practical lifespan through upgrades and repairs.

Year of Release

2019

2020

OS

Windows 11

Windows 11

Performance

The performance of a laptop is largely determined by its core processing unit, memory, and storage, impacting how smoothly it handles daily tasks and demanding applications.

  • Processing Power: The EliteBook 840 G6 is equipped with 8th Generation processors, while the 840 G8 features 11th Generation processors. This generational leap in the G8 translates to more efficient handling of complex computations, faster application loading, and improved responsiveness during multitasking. Users engaging in intensive data analysis or running multiple demanding programs simultaneously will likely experience a more fluid workflow on the G8.
  • Memory and Storage: Both models support up to 64GB of DDR4 RAM across two SODIMM slots, allowing for significant memory expansion. However, the G8 utilizes faster DDR4-3200 SDRAM compared to the G6's DDR4-2400 SDRAM, which can contribute to slightly quicker data access and overall system snappiness. Both laptops offer PCIe NVMe M.2 SSDs for storage, providing rapid boot times and fast file transfers.
  • Battery Behavior: While specific battery life varies greatly with usage and configuration, the G8, with its more power-efficient 11th generation processors, often offers extended battery performance in typical use cases compared to the G6. Both models support fast charging, allowing them to reach 50% capacity in approximately 30 minutes.

Memory (GB)

16 GB

16 GB

Processor

Core i5 - Gen 8 (U)

Core i5-1145G7

Graphic card

Integrated Graphics

Integrated Graphics

Screen quality

The visual experience on a laptop is heavily influenced by its display technology, resolution, and brightness capabilities.

  • Display Technology and Resolution: Both the EliteBook 840 G6 and G8 feature 14-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) IPS anti-glare displays. This panel type offers wide viewing angles and consistent color reproduction, suitable for professional tasks.
  • Brightness Levels: Both models offer various display options, including panels with 250 nits, 400 nits, and up to 1000 nits of brightness, often accompanied by HP's Sure View privacy screen technology. The higher brightness options are beneficial for outdoor use or brightly lit environments, ensuring content remains visible.
  • Refresh Rate and Clarity: Standard refresh rates are common across both models, providing a smooth visual experience for general productivity tasks. The Full HD resolution on a 14-inch screen ensures sharp text and clear images for everyday viewing.

Audiovisual

For communication and multimedia consumption, the camera, microphone, and speakers play a crucial role in the user experience.

  • Camera System: Both the EliteBook 840 G6 and G8 typically include a 720p HD webcam, which is functional for video conferencing. The G8, being a newer model, may offer slightly improved image processing for better clarity in good lighting conditions. Both can be configured with an optional IR camera for facial recognition and often include a physical privacy shutter for enhanced security.
  • Microphone Quality: Both laptops feature integrated multi-array microphones, often enhanced with HP Noise Cancellation software to improve call clarity by reducing background noise. The G8 further refines this with AI-based noise reduction, aiming for a more polished audio experience during virtual meetings.
  • Speaker Output: Both EliteBook generations incorporate dual stereo speakers tuned by Bang & Olufsen, providing a rich audio experience for a business laptop. This setup is suitable for video calls, presentations, and casual media consumption.

Miscellaneous

Beyond core performance, practical elements like connectivity, ports, and physical design contribute significantly to a laptop's usability.

  • Connectivity Options: The EliteBook 840 G6 primarily supports Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) with optional Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), while the 840 G8 comes standard with Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) and offers optional 5G mobile broadband connectivity, a notable upgrade for users requiring the fastest wireless speeds and broader network access. Both include Bluetooth 5.0 or 5.2 for peripheral connections.
  • Port Selection: The G6 features two USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-A ports, one Thunderbolt (USB Type-C), HDMI 1.4b, an RJ-45 Ethernet port, and a dedicated docking connector. The G8 evolves this with two Thunderbolt 4 Type-C ports (with USB4 support), two USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports, and HDMI 2.0. The Thunderbolt 4 ports on the G8 offer increased bandwidth and versatility for connecting external displays and high-speed peripherals.
  • Design and Build: Both laptops boast an aluminum chassis, contributing to a premium feel and robust durability. They feature spill-resistant keyboards and integrated fingerprint sensors for secure login. The G8 is generally lighter, with the Aero variant weighing as little as 1.13 kg, making it more portable. The G8 also introduces the optional Tile™ proximity sensor for easier location tracking.

Weight

7500 g

2500 g

Screen size

14

14

User feedback for both the HP EliteBook 840 G6 and G8 generally highlights their strong build quality and suitability for business environments. For the G6, common praise points include its durable aluminum chassis, comfortable keyboard, and a good selection of ports for its time. Users appreciate its reliability for office work and general productivity. Some criticisms occasionally point to its integrated graphics performance for more demanding tasks and the older generation processor compared to newer models.

The EliteBook 840 G8 receives commendation for its enhanced performance due to the newer processor generation, improved integrated graphics, and the inclusion of Thunderbolt 4 ports. Users also note its lighter design, especially the Aero variant, and advanced features like AI-based audio noise reduction. Some discussions mention that while the fan can be audible under heavy load, the overall thermal management is effective.

Users prioritizing a robust and proven workhorse for everyday office tasks, document processing, and general web browsing may find the EliteBook 840 G6 well-suited to their needs. Its solid construction and comprehensive port selection remain practical. Conversely, users who require more processing power for demanding applications, superior integrated graphics for light content creation, faster connectivity with Wi-Fi 6 and optional 5G, and the versatility of Thunderbolt 4 will lean towards the EliteBook 840 G8. Its lighter design also makes it a better fit for frequent travelers or those who prioritize portability. Both models offer a secure and manageable computing experience, making them reliable choices for professionals. Opting for a quality-assured refurbished version of either model can provide an eco-friendly alternative for those seeking a dependable business laptop.

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