HP EliteBook 840 G5 Review: An All In One Work Laptop
HP EliteBook 840 G5, Core i7-8550U, 8GB DDR4, 256GB SSD, 14" FHD. Premium security, slim design, top-rated business features.
Introduction
The HP EliteBook 840 G5 is a premium business laptop designed for professionals who value reliability, portability, and efficiency. First released as part of HP’s EliteBook series, the G5 model remains popular even in 2025, especially in the refurbished market. Featuring the Intel Core i7 8550U processor, 8 GB of DDR4 memory, and a 256 GB PCIe NVMe SSD, the EliteBook 840 G5 offers a solid balance between power and portability.
In this detailed review, we examine every aspect of the laptop, including its build, performance, display, usability, and long term value. We also compare it against rival laptops such as the Dell Latitude 7390, HP EliteBook 840 G6, and Dell Precision 7550, giving a complete picture of its strengths and limitations.
Design and Build Quality
One of the first things that stand out about the EliteBook 840 G5 is its design. With dimensions of 32.6 x 23.4 x 1.89 cm and a weight of 1.48 kg, it strikes a fine balance between being portable enough to carry daily while still offering the durability required for professional use.
The chassis features a combination of aluminium and reinforced materials, lending it a premium and robust feel. HP has given the G5 a sleek silver finish that enhances its professional appeal without being too flashy. The overall build is sturdy, resistant to flex, and has been tested against business grade durability standards.
Typing on the EliteBook 840 G5 is a pleasant experience. The keyboard is spill resistant, with well spaced keys that provide decent travel for long typing sessions. The touchpad is responsive, with support for multi gesture navigation. HP also includes a pointing stick in the centre of the keyboard for those who prefer precise cursor control.
Performance and Productivity
At its core, the EliteBook 840 G5 is powered by the Intel Core i7 8550U, a quad core processor from the 8th generation of Intel’s lineup. This CPU may be older compared to today’s chips, but it is still more than capable of handling day to day tasks such as document editing, video conferencing, presentations, and multitasking.
The system includes 8 GB of DDR4 RAM, which is sufficient for light to moderate workloads. Users who run more demanding applications may want to upgrade to 16 GB or beyond, as the EliteBook series is designed with upgradable memory slots. The 256 GB PCIe NVMe SSD provides fast boot up times and speedy file access, ensuring smooth performance.
While it is not built for heavy creative work or advanced computing, the EliteBook 840 G5 still holds up impressively for productivity, making it an excellent business companion in 2025.
Display Quality
The EliteBook 840 G5 sports a 14 inch Full HD display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. The screen provides sharp visuals, making text crisp and images clear. For professionals who spend long hours reviewing documents, spreadsheets, or presentations, the clarity is a strong advantage.
Brightness levels are adequate for most indoor environments, though in direct sunlight the display may appear less vivid compared to modern high brightness panels. Colour reproduction is accurate enough for office and media consumption but falls short of professional grade displays used in creative industries.
HP also offers optional configurations with higher brightness panels and privacy screens, which help reduce viewing angles for better confidentiality in business settings.
Graphics Capabilities
The EliteBook 840 G5 is equipped with Intel UHD Graphics 620, an integrated graphics solution. It is not designed for heavy graphical workloads such as video rendering, 3D design, or gaming. However, it performs well for everyday tasks such as video playback, presentations, and light editing.
In 2025, integrated graphics have advanced significantly, but for the EliteBook 840 G5, the UHD 620 remains modest. Still, for its intended purpose as a business machine, it does the job effectively.
Connectivity Options
Connectivity is an area where the EliteBook 840 G5 performs strongly. It includes a good selection of ports that enhance productivity:
- 2 x USB 3.1 ports for connecting peripherals and transferring data
- 1 x USB C port for modern accessories and charging options
- HDMI port for external display connectivity
- Ethernet port for reliable wired networking
- Audio jack for headsets and microphones
This range of connections ensures flexibility in both office and travel settings, making it easy to connect to projectors, docking stations, or external monitors.
Portability and Battery Life
Weighing 1.48 kg, the EliteBook 840 G5 is light enough for daily commuting while still feeling solid in the hand. Its thin profile makes it convenient to carry in a backpack or briefcase.
Battery performance varies depending on usage, but users can typically expect around 8 to 10 hours of operation with standard workloads. This means most professionals can comfortably get through a working day without needing to recharge. For longer sessions, fast charging support is available, allowing the battery to regain significant power within an hour.
Security Features
As a business laptop, the EliteBook 840 G5 prioritises security. It comes with several features tailored to enterprise needs, including:
- Fingerprint reader for secure logins
- Trusted Platform Module (TPM) for hardware level security
- Optional IR camera for Windows Hello facial recognition
- BIOS level protection against malware
These additions ensure that sensitive corporate data remains safe, aligning with HP’s focus on enterprise level security.
Comparison with Similar Laptops
To fully understand the EliteBook 840 G5’s strengths and weaknesses, it is essential to compare it with laptops in the same category.
Specification Comparison Table
| Feature | HP EliteBook 840 G5 | Dell Latitude 7390 | HP EliteBook 840 G6 | Dell Precision 7550 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core i7 8550U | Intel Core i7 8550U | Intel Core i7 8650U | Intel Core i7 10850H |
| Generation | 8th Gen | 8th Gen | 8th Gen | 10th Gen |
| RAM | 8 GB DDR4 | 16 GB DDR4 | 8 GB DDR4 | 16 GB DDR4 |
| Storage | 256 GB PCIe NVMe SSD | 512 GB PCIe NVMe SSD | 256 GB PCIe NVMe SSD | 256 GB PCIe NVMe SSD |
| Graphics | Intel UHD 620 | Intel Integrated | Intel UHD 620 | Nvidia Quadro T2000 |
| Display | 14 inch FHD | 13.3 inch FHD | 14 inch FHD | 15 inch FHD |
| Weight | 1.48 kg | 1.35 kg | 1.35 kg | 2.0 kg |
| Ports | USB 3.1, USB C, HDMI | USB 3.0, HDMI | USB C, USB 3.1, HDMI | USB A, USB C, HDMI, VGA |
Comparison Analysis
Compared to the Dell Latitude 7390, the EliteBook 840 G5 offers a slightly larger display but less RAM and storage capacity in its standard configuration. The Latitude also wins on weight, making it more portable.
Against the HP EliteBook 840 G6, the G5 is only a generation behind in CPU technology, though the difference in real world performance is minimal. Both share similar displays and graphics capabilities.
The Dell Precision 7550, being a workstation, far outperforms the G5 in terms of raw power and dedicated graphics. However, it is significantly heavier and more expensive, making it less suitable for those prioritising portability.
Ultimately, the EliteBook 840 G5 positions itself as a middle ground laptop: portable, secure, and capable for standard business tasks, without the bulk of a workstation or the minimalism of an ultra portable.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Solid build quality with premium finish
- Reliable 8th Gen Intel Core i7 processor
- Professional security features
- Portable and lightweight design
- Good selection of ports for connectivity
- Comfortable keyboard and pointing stick
Cons
- Limited to 8 GB RAM in base model
- Integrated graphics not suited for heavy tasks
- Display brightness could be higher
- Less storage compared to some competitors
Value of Refurbished Models in 2025
By 2025, the HP EliteBook 840 G5 continues to hold significant appeal in the refurbished market. It offers a dependable balance of performance, security, and portability at a fraction of the price of modern business laptops.
Refurbished units often include upgraded RAM and SSDs, further extending their usability. With battery replacements and minor servicing, these laptops remain reliable for several more years. For professionals, small businesses, or students seeking affordability without compromising reliability, the EliteBook 840 G5 stands as an excellent choice.
Conclusion
The HP EliteBook 840 G5 proves that older business laptops can remain highly relevant even years after release. With its sturdy design, reliable performance, and strong security features, it continues to meet the needs of professionals in 2025.
While it may lack the raw power of modern workstations or the ultra sleek design of newer ultrabooks, the EliteBook 840 G5 shines in its practicality. It remains a trusted tool for those who need a professional device without breaking the bank.
FAQs
Q: Is the HP EliteBook 840 G5 still worth buying in 2025?
A: Yes, it remains an excellent option for productivity tasks, offering durability and value, especially when purchased refurbished.
Q: Can the RAM and storage be upgraded?
A: Yes, the EliteBook 840 G5 supports RAM upgrades beyond 8 GB and allows SSD replacement, making it adaptable to future needs.
Q: How does the display compare with modern laptops?
A: While clear and sharp, it is not as bright or colour accurate as modern panels. It remains adequate for office use and media consumption.
Q: Is it suitable for creative professionals?
A: Not ideally. Its integrated graphics limit its ability to handle demanding creative tasks such as video editing or 3D rendering.
Q: How secure is the EliteBook 840 G5?
A: It includes enterprise grade security features such as TPM, fingerprint recognition, and optional IR camera, making it highly secure for business use.
