HP EliteBook 745 G6 Review: Ryzen 5 Pro Laptop for Professionals in 2025

Introduction

The HP EliteBook 745 G6 is a business-class laptop designed for professionals who value mobility, security, and reliable performance. Originally launched as part of HP’s premium EliteBook line, it combines an AMD Ryzen 5 Pro processor, durable construction, and enterprise-grade features to deliver a complete package tailored for modern professionals.

In 2025, the EliteBook 745 G6 remains relevant as refurbished and renewed models enter the market, offering excellent value to businesses and individuals seeking a premium laptop without the high upfront cost. With a 14-inch Full HD display, lightweight aluminium chassis, and robust security features, this laptop stands out as a capable choice for productivity-driven users.

Specifications Overview

Design and Build Quality

The EliteBook 745 G6 follows HP’s well-regarded design language, featuring a sleek aluminium chassis that feels both premium and durable. Unlike many plastic-bodied laptops, the metal finish not only looks sophisticated but also adds structural integrity, making it resistant to flex and wear.

Weighing just 1.48 kg, it is highly portable, designed for professionals who travel frequently or work across multiple locations. The slim profile fits neatly into bags without compromising durability. Its matte silver finish and minimal branding lend it a professional aesthetic suited for boardrooms, classrooms, and remote work setups.

The build quality sets it apart from entry-level models like the HP 255 G10. While both laptops are reliable, the EliteBook delivers a more premium feel, reflecting its business-class positioning.

Display

The 14-inch Full HD display with a resolution of 1920×1080 offers significantly sharper visuals compared to budget models in the same family. Text appears crisp, videos are smooth, and colours are more accurate, which enhances productivity for tasks involving long hours of screen time.

Some configurations even include touchscreen functionality, providing an added layer of flexibility for users who prefer interactive input. The anti-glare coating ensures usability under various lighting conditions, reducing eye strain during prolonged use.

Compared to lower-resolution panels, this display improves both clarity and immersion, making it better suited for professional presentations, research, and content review.

Performance and Everyday Usage

At the heart of the EliteBook 745 G6 is the AMD Ryzen 5 Pro 3500U processor, which balances performance and efficiency. Its quad-core architecture is sufficient for multitasking across office applications, browsers, communication tools, and cloud-based platforms.

The inclusion of 16 GB DDR4 RAM elevates the laptop’s multitasking ability, allowing it to handle demanding workloads such as running multiple productivity suites or virtual meetings simultaneously. With a 512 GB SSD, boot times are near-instant, and application loading is swift, ensuring seamless daily usage.

The integrated Radeon Vega graphics are not designed for gaming but provide adequate performance for streaming, light creative tasks, and presentations involving multimedia. For professionals in finance, consultancy, or administration, this performance level is more than sufficient.

Keyboard and Trackpad

The keyboard on the EliteBook 745 G6 is tailored for productivity. With well-spaced keys, comfortable travel, and responsive feedback, it is optimised for long typing sessions. The addition of backlighting enhances usability in low-light environments, such as during travel or late-night work.

The precision touchpad supports multi-touch gestures and offers smooth navigation. HP’s focus on ergonomics ensures the input experience feels refined and efficient, aligning with the needs of business professionals.

Combined, the keyboard and trackpad provide a reliable and efficient user interface, a step above many mid-range alternatives.

Battery Life

Battery life on the EliteBook 745 G6 averages 7 to 8 hours with typical workloads, including browsing, document editing, and video conferencing. This positions it as a dependable companion for full workdays, although heavy multitasking or high brightness settings may reduce runtime.

HP’s battery optimisation ensures longevity across charge cycles, which is particularly important for refurbished buyers who want lasting performance. With support for fast charging, users can recharge up to 50% in approximately 30 minutes, reducing downtime during travel or meetings.

Connectivity and Ports

The EliteBook 745 G6 excels in connectivity, offering a wide range of ports:

• USB-C for fast data transfer and charging
• Two USB-A ports for legacy devices
• HDMI for external monitors and projectors
• Ethernet port for reliable wired networking
• Docking connector for enterprise setups
• Audio jack for headsets and conferencing

This versatility ensures compatibility across both modern and older peripherals, a feature many slim laptops overlook. For professionals, this makes the EliteBook particularly convenient in mixed office environments.

Security and Reliability

As part of the EliteBook family, the 745 G6 comes equipped with enterprise-grade security features. These include BIOS-level protections, optional fingerprint readers, and compatibility with HP Sure Start, which automatically recovers the BIOS in case of corruption or attack.

Durability is another strength. The EliteBook series is tested against MIL-STD 810G standards, ensuring it can withstand vibrations, temperature changes, and minor drops. This makes it a suitable choice for professionals who require both security and resilience in a laptop.

Why the HP EliteBook 745 G6 Still Matters in 2025

Although it first launched several years ago, the EliteBook 745 G6 continues to be relevant in 2025 due to its strong balance of performance, durability, and enterprise features. In the refurbished market, it provides excellent value compared to newer but more expensive models.

Its combination of a lightweight body, solid build, advanced security tools, and efficient performance means it appeals to:

• Remote workers and business travellers who need portability
• Enterprises looking for cost-effective bulk purchases
• Students in higher education requiring professional-grade laptops
• Freelancers seeking a reliable work device with premium build quality

Comparison with Similar Laptops

Detailed Comparison

• HP EliteBook 745 G6: Stands out for its premium build quality and robust enterprise security. Its aluminium chassis and BIOS-level protection make it particularly attractive for business users who prioritise durability and data integrity.
• Dell Latitude 5410: Offers comparable performance with an Intel Core i5 but has slightly less storage at 256 GB. It delivers a balanced package of portability and efficiency, appealing to professionals in enterprises that prefer Intel-based solutions.
• Lenovo ThinkPad L14 Gen 3: The most modern option among the three, with a 12th Gen Intel Core i7 and Intel Iris Xe graphics. It outperforms both competitors in raw processing power and battery life, making it better suited for professionals needing long-term performance and modern architecture.

In conclusion, the EliteBook 745 G6 is the best value-for-money option in 2025, offering a balance of performance and enterprise features. The Latitude 5410 provides solid efficiency for Intel-based environments, while the ThinkPad L14 Gen 3 delivers the most cutting-edge specifications for those willing to spend more.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Premium aluminium build quality
• Lightweight and portable design
• Strong enterprise-grade security features
• Ample 16 GB RAM and 512 GB SSD storage
• Excellent connectivity with legacy and modern ports

Cons

• Older Ryzen 5 Pro CPU compared to newer Intel 12th Gen rivals
• Integrated graphics limit performance for creative professionals
• Battery life is respectable but not class-leading
• Refurbished units may lack touchscreen in some configurations

Why Buying Refurbished Makes Sense

Choosing a refurbished HP EliteBook 745 G6 in 2025 is a practical decision for professionals seeking premium features at a reduced cost. Refurbished models undergo quality testing to ensure performance and durability, making them reliable alternatives to new laptops.

Given its durable aluminium build, enterprise security, and premium design, the EliteBook 745 G6 retains significant value in the refurbished market. Businesses and individuals alike benefit from cost savings without compromising on quality.

Conclusion

The HP EliteBook 745 G6 remains a strong contender in 2025 for professionals who need a lightweight, durable, and secure business laptop. While newer models surpass it in raw processing power, the EliteBook continues to shine through its premium design, enterprise-grade features, and affordability in the refurbished space.

Whether you are a student, freelancer, or business professional, the EliteBook 745 G6 offers excellent long-term value, making it one of the smarter choices in the mid-range business laptop category.

FAQs

Q: Is the HP EliteBook 745 G6 still a good buy in 2025?
A: Yes, it offers excellent value as a refurbished model, combining premium build quality, solid performance, and enterprise-grade features.

Q: Can the RAM be upgraded?
A: Yes, the EliteBook 745 G6 supports RAM upgrades, allowing expansion beyond the default 16 GB depending on configuration.

Q: How does it compare to the Dell Latitude 5410?
A: The Latitude 5410 is similar in portability and performance but offers less storage. The EliteBook has stronger build quality and more comprehensive security features.

Q: Does the EliteBook 745 G6 support docking stations?
A: Yes, it includes a docking connector, making it compatible with enterprise docking solutions.

Q: What makes it different from budget models like the HP 255 G10?
A: The EliteBook 745 G6 features a premium aluminium chassis, higher resolution display, stronger security, and better enterprise integration, making it more suitable for professionals.