HP EliteBook X360 1040 G8 14" Vs Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 15"

HP EliteBook X360 1040 G8 14"
HP EliteBook X360 1040 G8 14"
Starting at

Refurbished price:£405.00

Versus £1,184.02 new

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

Refurbished price:£1,534.00

Versus £2,000.00 new

See options

Ratings

The HP EliteBook x360 1040 G8 14 and the Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 15 are distinct portable computing devices designed for different user priorities. Released in January 2021, the HP EliteBook x360 1040 G8 is a 14-inch convertible laptop aimed at business professionals, featuring an 11th generation Intel processor and a versatile 2-in-1 form factor. In contrast, the Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 15, launched in October 2022, is a 15-inch traditional clamshell laptop powered by a 12th generation Intel processor, focusing on a sleek design and a high-resolution display. Both devices operate on the Windows operating system, offering a familiar user experience.

Scores

Durability

When considering the long-term usability of these laptops, their release timelines and design philosophies play a significant role.

  • Release Timeline and OS Support: The HP EliteBook x360 1040 G8 was released in early 2021, while the Surface Laptop 5 followed in late 2022. This difference means the Surface Laptop 5 benefits from a newer processor generation and will likely receive official operating system updates for a longer period, extending its software longevity by approximately one year compared to the EliteBook. Both devices run on Windows, ensuring a consistent update experience within their supported lifespans.
  • Repairability and Practical Lifespan: The HP EliteBook x360 1040 G8 features a robust aluminum chassis, designed for business environments where durability is key. Its RAM is typically soldered, limiting future upgrades. The Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 also boasts a quality aluminum build. While the consumer version has soldered memory, the commercial variant offers replaceable components such as the SSD, display, battery, and motherboard, potentially allowing for a longer practical lifespan through component replacement.
  • Build Quality and Durability Features: The EliteBook x360 1040 G8 is built with an all-metal CNC aluminum chassis, emphasizing rigidity and a premium feel. It also incorporates advanced security features like HP Sure Start and Sure View Reflect, which contribute to its overall resilience in demanding professional settings. The Surface Laptop 5 maintains a sleek, minimalist design with an aluminum body, providing a high-quality look and feel.

Performance

The performance of these laptops is largely influenced by their respective processor generations and system configurations.

  • Processor Capabilities: The HP EliteBook x360 1040 G8 is equipped with 11th generation Intel processors, which provide solid performance for everyday productivity, multitasking, and business applications. The Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 15, featuring 12th generation Intel processors, offers an incremental improvement in processing power, leading to slightly faster execution of tasks and more efficient handling of demanding applications. Both integrate Intel Iris Xe Graphics, suitable for general use and light creative tasks.
  • Multitasking and Responsiveness: Both devices offer configurations with up to 32GB of RAM, enabling smooth multitasking across numerous applications. The Surface Laptop 5's newer processor generation may provide a marginal edge in overall system responsiveness, particularly when handling complex workflows or numerous browser tabs simultaneously. However, for typical office work and web browsing, both deliver a fluid experience.
  • Storage Options and Battery Behavior: Both laptops come with fast SSD storage options, ranging from 256GB up to 2TB for the EliteBook and up to 1TB for the Surface Laptop, ensuring quick boot times and rapid application loading. In terms of battery, the EliteBook x360 1040 G8, with its larger battery options, generally offers good battery life, with some configurations providing extended usage for a full workday. The Surface Laptop 5, while rated for long battery life, has shown more varied real-world results, with some users reporting shorter durations under heavy use.

Memory (GB)

32 GB

16 GB

Processor

Core i7-1185G7

Core i7-1255U

Graphic card

Integrated Graphics

Integrated Graphics

Screen quality

The display is a primary interaction point, and both laptops offer quality visual experiences with distinct characteristics.

  • Display Technology and Resolution: The HP EliteBook x360 1040 G8 features a 14-inch IPS touchscreen, available in Full HD (1920x1080) or a sharper 4K UHD (3840x2160) resolution. The Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 15 comes with a 15-inch PixelSense touchscreen, offering a resolution of 2496x1664, which results in a crisp image. The Surface's 3:2 aspect ratio provides more vertical screen real estate, which can be beneficial for productivity tasks like document editing and web browsing.
  • Brightness and Outdoor Visibility: The EliteBook x360 1040 G8 offers high brightness levels, with some configurations reaching up to 1000 nits, and an optional HP Sure View Reflect privacy screen that significantly narrows viewing angles to protect sensitive information. The Surface Laptop 5 typically achieves around 400 nits of brightness, which is suitable for most indoor environments and adequate for occasional outdoor use.
  • Refresh Rate and Viewing Experience: Both laptops feature a standard 60Hz refresh rate, providing a smooth visual experience for general computing tasks. The EliteBook's convertible design allows it to be used in various modes, including tablet and tent, enhancing its versatility for presentations or media consumption. The Surface Laptop 5's display supports Dolby Vision IQ, which can enhance the viewing experience for compatible HDR content.

Audiovisual

For communication and media consumption, both devices integrate essential audio and visual components.

  • Camera System: Both the HP EliteBook x360 1040 G8 and the Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 15 are equipped with a 720p HD front-facing webcam. The EliteBook includes an IR camera for facial recognition and a physical privacy shutter for enhanced security. The Surface Laptop 5 also features Windows Hello face authentication for convenient and secure login.
  • Microphone Quality: The EliteBook x360 1040 G8 stands out with four microphones (two user-facing and two world-facing) and HP Noise Cancellation technology, designed to provide clear audio during calls and virtual meetings. The Surface Laptop 5 includes dual far-field Studio Mics, which are effective for capturing voice clearly from a distance.
  • Speaker Output and Media Experience: The HP EliteBook x360 1040 G8 features four Bang & Olufsen speakers with HP Audio Boost, delivering a rich audio experience. The Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 15 is equipped with Omnisonic Speakers with Dolby Atmos, which provide clear sound, though some users note they can sound slightly muffled or harsh at maximum volume.

Miscellaneous

Beyond core performance, several practical elements differentiate these two laptops in daily use.

  • Connectivity Options: Both laptops offer modern wireless connectivity, including Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.x. The HP EliteBook x360 1040 G8 also provides an optional Nano SIM slot for 4G/5G LTE connectivity, catering to users who require constant internet access on the go.
  • Port Types: The EliteBook x360 1040 G8 offers a more comprehensive selection of ports, including two Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) ports, two USB-A 3.1 Gen 1 ports, and a full-sized HDMI 2.0 port, providing extensive options for connecting peripherals and external displays without adapters. The Surface Laptop 5 15 has a more limited selection, featuring one USB-C port with Thunderbolt 4.0, one USB-A 3.1 port, and a proprietary Surface Connect port for charging and docking.
  • Weight, Dimensions, and Handling: The HP EliteBook x360 1040 G8 is a 14-inch device, weighing approximately 1.31 kg (2.9 lbs) and measuring 16.6 mm thick, making it highly portable and easy to handle in its convertible modes. The Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 15, being a larger 15-inch laptop, weighs around 1.56 kg (3.44 lbs) and is about 14.7 mm thick, offering a larger screen experience in a relatively slim profile.

Screen size

14

15

The HP EliteBook x360 1040 G8 and the Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 15 cater to slightly different user needs, each with its own strengths and considerations.

Users frequently praise the HP EliteBook x360 1040 G8 for its robust build quality, comprehensive security features, and versatile 2-in-1 form factor, which allows it to adapt to various work styles. Its extensive port selection, including multiple Thunderbolt 4 and USB-A ports, is also a common point of appreciation for professionals who require diverse connectivity. Criticisms sometimes point to its soldered RAM, which limits future upgradeability.

The Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 15 is often lauded for its sleek, minimalist design, high-resolution PixelSense display with a productivity-friendly 3:2 aspect ratio, and comfortable keyboard. However, some users express concerns about its limited port selection, the continued use of a 720p webcam, and real-world battery life that can fall short of advertised figures for heavy use. The design, while elegant, has been noted by some as showing its age due to thicker bezels compared to more modern competitors.

Users prioritizing a highly secure, versatile convertible laptop with extensive port options and a focus on business-grade durability may find the HP EliteBook x360 1040 G8 well-suited to their needs. Its 2-in-1 functionality and privacy features are particularly beneficial for professionals on the go. Conversely, those who value a larger, high-resolution display with a unique aspect ratio, a premium aesthetic, and a slightly newer processor generation for general productivity and media consumption might lean towards the Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 15. It offers a refined user experience for everyday tasks, though its connectivity options are more limited.

Both devices represent quality computing options, and choosing between them often comes down to specific workflow requirements and preferred form factor. For those seeking a more sustainable choice, considering a quality-assured refurbished option for either model can be an eco-friendly alternative.

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