HP EliteBook 640 G11 Review: Powerful Business Laptop with Portability and Enterprise Features
HP EliteBook 640 G11, Core Ultra 5 1355U, 32GB, 512GB SSD, 14" FHD. Premium business features.
Introduction
The business laptop market continues to evolve rapidly, driven by demands for hybrid work, enterprise security, and productivity tools that rival high-end consumer laptops. The HP EliteBook 640 G11 sits squarely in this professional niche, offering a balance of portability, performance, and security. Building on the legacy of the EliteBook series, the G11 introduces the 13th Gen Intel Core Ultra 5 1355U processor, expanded RAM options, and modern connectivity features that enhance the user experience for business professionals.
The EliteBook 640 G11 is designed for professionals who require a reliable, fast, and lightweight device without compromising essential business features. Its compact chassis, durable build, enterprise-grade security, and long battery life make it ideal for corporate users, consultants, and remote workers who need both mobility and productivity. In this review, we’ll cover its design, performance, display, connectivity, and how it compares with previous models like the HP EliteBook 640 G10 and 840 G9.
Specifications Overview
| Feature | HP EliteBook 640 G11 |
|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core Ultra 5 1355U (13th Gen) |
| RAM | 32GB DDR4 |
| Storage | 512GB SSD |
| Graphics | Integrated Intel Iris Xe |
| Display | 14" Full HD (1920×1080), 60 Hz |
| Touchscreen | No |
| Ports | 2× USB-A, 2× USB-C, HDMI, RJ-45, Audio Jack |
| Dimensions | 32.3 × 21.5 × 1.9 cm |
| Weight | ~1.37 kg |
| Battery | Up to 10 hours, fast charging supported |
| Security Features | Fingerprint reader, IR camera, HP Wolf Security, webcam shutter |
Design and Build Quality
The EliteBook 640 G11 follows HP’s tradition of combining professional aesthetics with durable construction. Its slim aluminum chassis gives it a premium feel, while the matte finish reduces fingerprints and smudges. Measuring just 1.9 cm in thickness and weighing approximately 1.37 kg, the laptop is highly portable, making it ideal for professionals who travel frequently.
The EliteBook 640 G11 undergoes rigorous MIL-STD 810H testing, ensuring durability against drops, vibration, temperature fluctuations, and other environmental factors. This level of robustness is particularly valuable for corporate users who often commute or work in varied locations.
The keyboard retains the classic EliteBook layout, with well-spaced chiclet keys, deep travel, and precise feedback. Backlighting aids productivity in low-light conditions. The trackpad is large and responsive, supporting Windows Precision gestures for multitasking, scrolling, and navigating applications with ease.
HP also improved the thermal design in the G11 model. The laptop integrates optimized cooling vents and silent fan operation, allowing it to maintain high performance under demanding workloads without generating excessive noise.
Display
The EliteBook 640 G11 features a 14-inch Full HD display with a resolution of 1920×1080 pixels. The panel offers sharp visuals, accurate color reproduction, and wide viewing angles. Its 300 nits brightness is sufficient for indoor office work and bright environments, while the anti-glare coating reduces reflections and eye strain during long work sessions.
Although the G11 does not feature a touchscreen, it provides a productivity-focused display that is ideal for spreadsheets, presentations, coding, and video conferencing. Compared to the G10 model, the pixel density and color accuracy have been improved, providing a more detailed and immersive viewing experience.
The matte panel also helps professionals during extended hours of screen time, reducing glare and enhancing visual comfort. For presentations or collaborative work, the screen provides consistent clarity across angles, ensuring everyone can view content without distortion.
Performance
At the heart of the EliteBook 640 G11 is the Intel Core Ultra 5 1355U processor, built on the latest 13th Gen architecture. Its hybrid design combines performance and efficiency cores, offering excellent multitasking capabilities. Users can run multiple business applications simultaneously, from productivity suites like Microsoft Office to cloud-based collaboration tools like Zoom or Teams, without noticeable lag.
The 32GB DDR4 RAM ensures smooth performance when handling large files, complex spreadsheets, or running multiple browser tabs alongside virtual desktops. The 512GB SSD offers rapid boot times, quick application launches, and reliable storage for corporate data.
In benchmark tests, the G11 outperforms its predecessor G10 by over 50% in multi-core processing, ensuring faster data processing and improved responsiveness. While integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics are sufficient for standard business graphics work, they are not designed for heavy gaming or intensive 3D rendering.
For business professionals, the G11 provides a well-balanced performance profile, combining speed, multitasking efficiency, and power efficiency, making it suitable for office tasks, light content creation, and remote work environments.
Connectivity
Connectivity is a key strength of the EliteBook 640 G11. The laptop includes:
- 2× USB-A ports
- 2× USB-C ports
- HDMI output
- RJ-45 Ethernet port
- Audio jack
The inclusion of USB-C allows for faster data transfer and compatibility with modern docking stations. With support for Wi-Fi 6, users can enjoy stable, high-speed wireless connections in offices or on the go. These connectivity options make the G11 compatible with a wide range of peripherals, including monitors, storage devices, and external keyboards.
Battery Life
Battery performance is another strong point for the EliteBook 640 G11. The laptop can last up to 10 hours on a single charge during standard productivity tasks, ensuring users can complete a full workday without needing to plug in. HP’s fast charging support enables the battery to reach 50% capacity in approximately 30 minutes, allowing for quick top-ups during short breaks.
The combination of energy-efficient components, a 13th Gen processor, and SSD storage contributes to extended battery life, making the G11 ideal for mobile professionals and business travelers.
Security Features
HP emphasizes security in its business laptops, and the EliteBook 640 G11 is no exception. Key security features include:
- Fingerprint reader for secure login
- IR camera supporting Windows Hello facial recognition
- Webcam privacy shutter
- HP Wolf Security suite with BIOS-level protection and malware defense
These features ensure that sensitive corporate data remains protected, whether working in the office, from home, or on the road. The layered security architecture adds peace of mind for professionals in industries where data confidentiality is crucial.
Why Buying Refurbished Makes Sense
Purchasing a refurbished HP EliteBook 640 G11 makes strong financial sense, especially for business users seeking high-end features without paying the full price of a brand-new unit. Refurbished laptops undergo thorough testing to ensure performance, reliability, and longevity, making them a smart choice for professionals who need enterprise-grade hardware at a lower cost.
Refurbo offers the EliteBook 640 G11 at a significantly reduced price compared to buying new, making it an attractive option for startups, freelancers, and corporate teams looking to maximize IT budgets. These devices come with verified functionality, warranty support, and often include the same premium build and performance features as new models.
Opting for a refurbished model not only provides substantial savings but also contributes to sustainability by reducing electronic waste, combining cost-effectiveness with environmental responsibility.
Comparison with Previous EliteBook Models
The EliteBook 640 G11 is part of HP’s long-standing business lineup. Compared to other models:
| Feature | HP EliteBook 640 G11 | HP EliteBook 840 G9 | HP EliteBook 650 G8 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core Ultra 5 1355U | Intel Core i5 12th Gen | Intel Core i5 12th Gen |
| RAM | 32GB DDR4 | 32GB DDR4 | 32GB DDR4 |
| Storage | 512GB SSD | 512GB SSD | 512GB SSD |
| Display | 14" FHD, 60Hz | 14" 1920×1200, 16:10 | 15.6" FHD |
| Weight | 1.37 kg | 1.2 kg | 1.36 kg |
| Ports | 2× USB-A, 2× USB-C, HDMI, RJ-45 | 2× USB-C, 2× USB-A, HDMI | 2× USB-C, 2× USB-A, HDMI |
| Battery Life | Up to 10 hours | 9–11 hours | 8–10 hours |
The EliteBook 640 G11 offers a solid balance of performance and portability, while the 840 G9 focuses on maximum mobility with a slightly lighter design and 16:10 display ratio. The 650 G8, with its larger 15.6-inch display, provides more screen real estate for multitasking but is slightly heavier.
Conclusion
The HP EliteBook 640 G11 delivers a well-rounded business laptop experience. With its high-performance 13th Gen Intel processor, 32GB RAM, fast SSD storage, and lightweight design, it caters to professionals who require efficiency, mobility, and security. Its durable chassis, excellent keyboard, and long battery life make it suitable for frequent travelers, office workers, and remote employees.
When compared to previous EliteBook models, the G11 stands out for improved processing power, better display clarity, and enhanced productivity features. It offers a balanced approach to performance, portability, and enterprise-ready security, making it an excellent choice for modern business users.
FAQs
Q: Is the HP EliteBook 640 G11 suitable for multitasking and heavy office workloads?
A: Yes, with its 13th Gen Intel Core Ultra 5 processor and 32GB DDR4 RAM, the EliteBook 640 G11 can handle multiple applications, browser tabs, and collaborative tools simultaneously, making it ideal for demanding office work.
Q: Can the HP EliteBook 640 G11 be used for light content creation?
A: While it features integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics suitable for photo editing, document design, and video conferencing, it is not designed for heavy 3D rendering or gaming. It is optimized for professional productivity and business tasks.
Q: How does the HP EliteBook 640 G11 compare to the HP EliteBook 840 G9?
A: The EliteBook 640 G11 provides slightly more storage and comparable performance, but the 840 G9 is lighter and has a taller 16:10 display ratio, making it more suited for mobile professionals who prioritize portability.
Q: Does the HP EliteBook 640 G11 have good connectivity options?
A: Yes, the laptop includes 2× USB-A ports, 2× USB-C ports, HDMI, RJ-45, and a headphone/mic jack, supporting both legacy and modern peripherals, as well as high-speed data transfers.
Q: What security features are available on the HP EliteBook 640 G11?
A: The G11 includes enterprise-grade security such as HP Wolf Security, a fingerprint reader, an IR camera for facial recognition, and a webcam shutter, ensuring protection for sensitive corporate data.
Q: How is the battery life of the HP EliteBook 640 G11 for a full workday?
A: The EliteBook 640 G11 delivers up to 10 hours of battery life under normal productivity workloads, with fast charging support enabling 50% charge in about 30 minutes.
Q: Why should someone consider buying a refurbished HP EliteBook 640 G11?
A: Refurbished units offer verified performance, reliability, and enterprise features at a much lower cost compared to new models. They are tested for functionality and durability, making them a cost-effective and sustainable option for professionals.
Q: Is the HP EliteBook 640 G11 lightweight enough for frequent travel?
A: Yes, at approximately 1.37 kg and 1.9 cm thick, it is highly portable, making it easy to carry between offices, meetings, and travel destinations without adding bulk.
Q: Can the HP EliteBook 640 G11 handle software for remote work efficiently?
A: Absolutely. Its 13th Gen processor, high RAM capacity, and SSD storage ensure smooth operation of collaborative software, cloud tools, and virtual desktop environments commonly used in remote work.
Q: How does the HP EliteBook 640 G11 perform compared to previous EliteBook models like the 640 G10?
A: The G11 offers improved processing power, faster storage, better display quality, and enhanced enterprise security features, providing a significant upgrade over the 640 G10 while maintaining a similar form factor.
