HP EliteBook 840 G9 Review – Modern Business Performance with Portability
HP EliteBook 840 G9, Intel Core i5 12th Gen. Premium ultrabook for corporate and professional users.
Introduction
The business laptop market continues to evolve rapidly, shaped by demands for hybrid work, enterprise security, and the need for performance that rivals consumer ultrabooks. Among the most respected names in this space, HP’s EliteBook series has consistently delivered laptops that balance sleek design with enterprise functionality. The HP EliteBook 840 G9 takes this reputation a step further, offering a refined chassis, updated 12th Gen Intel processors, modern connectivity options, and enhanced user comfort features.
This laptop is designed to meet the needs of business professionals who require dependable performance without compromising portability. While it carries the recognizable EliteBook DNA—sleek, durable, and secure—the 840 G9 introduces subtle but meaningful upgrades that elevate it above many of its predecessors and competitors.
In this review, we will dive deep into every aspect of the HP EliteBook 840 G9, from its design and build quality to its performance benchmarks, connectivity, and real-world usability. We will also compare it against another capable business-focused machine in HP’s own lineup, the HP EliteBook 650 G8, to understand how the two devices differ and which one makes more sense depending on your needs.
Design and Build Quality
HP has always treated its EliteBook line with premium attention, and the 840 G9 embodies this design philosophy. Crafted from aluminum with clean edges and a modern matte finish, it not only looks professional but also feels durable in hand. At just about 1.2 kg, this laptop is significantly lighter than many 15.6-inch business models, making it an ideal travel companion.
The thin profile does not compromise rigidity—HP ensures that the chassis passes military-grade durability tests (MIL-STD-810H), which means it can withstand accidental drops, vibration during travel, and even moderate exposure to environmental stress. For professionals who carry their laptop from office to home, client meetings, and travel hubs, this build quality translates into peace of mind.
Another subtle yet important element is its cooling design. The 840 G9 integrates a well-ventilated underbody and optimized airflow channels, ensuring that performance isn’t throttled even during long working hours. While it is whisper-quiet during light office tasks, the fans kick in audibly under heavy load but remain less intrusive compared to gaming laptops.
Display
The HP EliteBook 840 G9 comes with a 14-inch 1920×1200 IPS display. The slightly taller 16:10 aspect ratio is a welcome change for productivity, offering more vertical space for viewing documents, spreadsheets, or coding environments. Compared to older 16:9 panels, this translates into less scrolling and a smoother workflow experience.
Brightness levels hover around 400 nits, sufficient for indoor work and usable in brighter office spaces or near windows. The anti-glare coating further enhances visibility, reducing reflections during extended work sessions. For professionals spending hours staring at the screen, the inclusion of HP Eye Ease low blue light technology minimizes eye strain without compromising color accuracy.
While it doesn’t offer extremely high refresh rates or wide-gamut coverage tailored for creative professionals, the panel provides accurate, crisp visuals for everyday productivity, video conferencing, and media consumption. It strikes the right balance between efficiency and quality.
Performance
At the heart of the EliteBook 840 G9 lies Intel’s 12th Gen Core i5 processor. Built on the hybrid architecture combining performance (P-cores) and efficiency (E-cores), this CPU handles multitasking gracefully. Professionals working with spreadsheets, cloud-based tools, presentations, and light media editing will find the 840 G9 more than capable.
Paired with 32GB of DDR4 memory, the system ensures smooth performance across multiple applications. This capacity is ideal for professionals who tend to open dozens of browser tabs, run collaborative tools like Teams or Zoom, and manage backend software simultaneously. Storage comes in the form of a 512GB SSD, which offers fast boot times, quick data access, and reliability.
For those who require heavier workloads—such as large data analysis or light CAD usage—the laptop holds up but isn’t designed to replace workstations. Its integrated graphics solution handles casual visual tasks, streaming, and productivity applications but does not match the dedicated GPU power of workstation or gaming-class machines. That being said, for its intended audience of professionals, the EliteBook 840 G9 is optimized for balance: efficient, responsive, and stable under prolonged use.
Keyboard and Trackpad
HP’s keyboards have long been praised for their comfort, and the EliteBook 840 G9 continues the tradition. The chiclet-style keys offer deep travel, precise feedback, and a comfortable typing experience. Even after hours of typing reports or drafting emails, the keys remain consistent and fatigue-free.
The keyboard is spill-resistant—a critical feature in business environments where accidents happen. The backlighting adds convenience, particularly when working in low-light environments such as conference halls or late-night flights.
The trackpad has been expanded compared to previous EliteBook models, offering more space for multi-finger gestures. It is responsive, accurate, and smooth, supporting Windows Precision drivers for gestures like swiping, zooming, and switching between virtual desktops seamlessly.
Connectivity
One of the strongest aspects of the EliteBook 840 G9 is its connectivity. It includes 2× USB-C Thunderbolt 4 ports, 2× USB-A ports, HDMI 2.0, and a headphone/mic combo. These connections enable users to connect to modern docking stations, external monitors, or transfer data quickly across devices.
For enterprise users, the inclusion of Thunderbolt 4 is particularly significant. It not only ensures future-proof compatibility but also allows high-speed data transfer and multiple external display connections. Combined with Wi-Fi 6E support, professionals benefit from faster and more stable wireless connectivity in modern office spaces.
Battery Life
HP claims up to 13 hours of battery life, and in real-world scenarios, the EliteBook 840 G9 comes close, typically offering 9–11 hours depending on workload. For professionals who travel frequently or attend back-to-back meetings, this is sufficient to get through a full workday without needing to carry the charger.
Fast charging support is another highlight. With HP’s 65W charger, the laptop can charge up to 50% in just 30 minutes, making it convenient for those quick breaks during travel or office hours.
Security Features
The EliteBook 840 G9 is loaded with enterprise-grade security features that go beyond what most consumer laptops provide. HP’s Wolf Security suite provides BIOS-level protection, malware defense, and real-time monitoring. This layered approach ensures that sensitive business data remains secure even in hybrid work environments.
The laptop also integrates a fingerprint reader and IR camera for Windows Hello facial recognition, offering fast and secure login methods. For professionals in finance, healthcare, or corporate sectors, this enhanced security makes the 840 G9 particularly compelling.
Comparison: HP EliteBook 840 G9 vs HP EliteBook 650 G8
Both the EliteBook 840 G9 and EliteBook 650 G8 serve business professionals, but they are designed for slightly different audiences. The table below highlights the differences:
| Feature | HP EliteBook 840 G9 | HP EliteBook 650 G8 |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core i5, 12th Gen (10 cores) | Intel Core i5, 12th Gen (10 cores) |
| RAM | 32GB DDR4 | 32GB DDR4 |
| Storage | 512GB SSD | 512GB SSD |
| Display | 14-inch, 1920×1200, 16:10 ratio | 15.6-inch, Full HD |
| Refresh Rate | 60 Hz | 60 Hz |
| Weight | ~1.2 kg | ~1.36 kg |
| Ports | 2× USB-C (TB4), 2× USB-A, HDMI, audio jack | 2× USB-C (TB4), 2× USB-A, HDMI, audio jack |
| Battery Life | ~9–11 hours | ~8–10 hours |
The EliteBook 840 G9 is clearly optimized for portability, with a lighter build and taller screen that benefits multitasking professionals. The EliteBook 650 G8, on the other hand, appeals to those who prefer a larger 15.6-inch display for more visual space. Both share similar core specifications, but the choice boils down to whether you prioritize mobility (840 G9) or screen real estate (650 G8).
Conclusion
The HP EliteBook 840 G9 is a modern business laptop that brings together performance, portability, and enterprise-grade features. Its lightweight design, 12th Gen Intel processor, comfortable keyboard, and excellent connectivity options make it one of the most well-rounded professional laptops currently available.
Compared to the HP EliteBook 650 G8, it offers greater portability and a more productivity-friendly 16:10 display, though at the expense of a slightly smaller screen. For professionals who travel often and value mobility, the 840 G9 stands out as the better option. For those who prefer a larger display and don’t mind a bit more weight, the 650 G8 continues to be a reliable choice.
Ultimately, the EliteBook 840 G9 demonstrates HP’s commitment to addressing the needs of modern professionals by combining sleek design, robust security, and long-lasting performance into a single, highly portable machine.
FAQs
Q: Is the HP EliteBook 840 G9 good for business professionals?
A: Yes, the HP EliteBook 840 G9 is designed specifically for business professionals, offering a lightweight build, 12th Gen Intel performance, enterprise-grade security, and excellent connectivity.
Q: How does the HP EliteBook 840 G9 compare to the HP EliteBook 650 G8?
A: The 840 G9 is lighter and more portable with a 14-inch 16:10 display, while the 650 G8 has a larger 15.6-inch screen and slightly heavier build. Both share similar performance, but the 840 G9 is better for mobility.
Q: What kind of battery life can I expect from the HP EliteBook 840 G9?
A: In real-world use, the HP EliteBook 840 G9 typically delivers 9–11 hours of battery life, making it suitable for a full workday. Fast charging support further enhances its practicality.
Q: Does the HP EliteBook 840 G9 have good security features?
A: Yes, it includes HP Wolf Security, a fingerprint reader, and Windows Hello facial recognition for robust protection against unauthorized access.
Q: Is the HP EliteBook 840 G9 lightweight enough for travel?
A: Absolutely. At around 1.2 kg, it is one of the lightest business laptops in its class, making it a top choice for professionals who travel frequently.
