HP Dragonfly Folio review
The HP HP Dragonfly Folio ranks as the #450 laptops globally, achieving a LibraScore of 72. Across all metrics, this product stands out most for its #320-ranked connectivity among 320 laptops. Consider the HP Elite Dragonfly Max or Dell 16 Plus, which offer higher scores while staying in the same price range.
Is it Worth it?
The HP Dragonfly Folio G3 is a solid business laptop, but its value proposition depends on your specific needs. If you're an executive or professional looking for a reliable device with a unique design and decent performance for everyday tasks, this might be worth considering. However, if you require more power for content creation or demanding applications, there are other options available. The price point is steep, starting at around $2,000, which may deter some buyers. Overall, it's a solid choice for those who value its specific features and design.
Build
The HP Dragonfly Folio boasts an impressive build that sets it apart from its competitors. The faux leather exterior is both durable and stylish, with a grippy texture that makes it easy to hold onto. The 3:2 aspect ratio display is perfectly sized for typing and browsing, and the pull-forward design adds a unique touch to this sleek laptop. Inside, you'll find a solid keyboard that's ideal for everyday productivity. The build quality exudes a sense of premium-ness, making the Dragonfly Folio feel like a high-end investment. Overall, the attention to detail in its construction is evident, making it a joy to use and a testament to HP's dedication to craftsmanship. Consider discovering the power of HP Spectre x360 14, featuring the latest advancements in build.
Display
The display on the HP Dragonfly Folio is a highlight of this laptop. The base IPS display offers a 1920x1280 resolution in a 3:2 aspect ratio, with decent color gamut and contrast. While it's not ideal for professional content creators, it's perfect for everyday business use, offering clear text and sharp images. The display also supports pen and touch input, making note-taking and digital drawing a breeze. For those who want more, an OLED display option is available, boasting a 3000x2000 pixel resolution and 400 nits of brightness. However, this comes at the cost of reduced battery life. You might prefer HP Elite Dragonfly Chromebook, designed with an upgraded display for a better experience.
Performance
The HP Dragonfly Folio's performance is tailored for everyday business use. With its Intel Core vPro processor, it handles tasks such as Zoom calls, email management, and spreadsheets with ease. While it may struggle with demanding tasks like photo editing or video production, it's not designed for that purpose. The system temperatures remain fine due to the u-series CPU and active cooling, making it ideal for meetings where loud laptop noises are a concern. Overall, its performance is solid for its intended use, making it a reliable choice for business users. For a superior performance, HP Elite Dragonfly Chromebook could be the right choice.
Battery and Charging
The HP Dragonfly Folio boasts a respectable battery life, with an 8-9 hour run time under normal usage conditions. The compact laptop's 53 Wh battery is up there with competitors like the Dell XPS 13. Charging is efficient, thanks to a 65W USB-C charger that allows for simultaneous use of other ports. However, switching to the OLED display option will result in slightly worse battery life due to its higher resolution and power-hungry nature.
Connectivity
The HP Dragonfly Folio boasts impressive connectivity options, including Intel X211 Wi-Fi 6E with Bluetooth 5.3. Additionally, users can opt for either an Intel 4G LTE or 5G Intel 5000 series modem, sub-6 only, in partnership with Mediatek and Fibicom. This ensures seamless connectivity on-the-go, making it ideal for business use cases where reliable communication is paramount. You may find HP Elite Dragonfly Chromebook a better fit, thanks to its superior connectivity.
Features
The HP Dragonfly Folio boasts a sleek design with a 3:2 aspect ratio display, 1920x1280 resolution, and support for Pen and Touch. It features a unique pull-forward design, Wacom AES pen with programmable buttons, and a faux leather exterior that's grippy and durable. The device also includes Intel vPro processors, optional LTE or 5G connectivity, and up to 8 hours of battery life. If you’re after a better features, HP Spectre x360 14 could be the ideal option.
Support and Maintenance
The HP Dragonfly Folio offers decent support and maintenance options. It features two Thunderbolt 4 ports, a headphone jack, and a nano SIM card slot for LTE/5G connectivity. The laptop's design is easy to open, making it simple to upgrade or replace components. However, its constrained port selection may be a drawback for some users.
Pros
1. The laptop has a unique pull-forward design that's both attractive and useful.
2. The faux leather exterior is grippy, durable, and looks nice - it's a great alternative to the usual metal or plastic bodies.
3. The keyboard is nice and responsive with good tactile feedback.
4. The pen included with touch screen is Wacom AES and has a good set of software features - it's perfect for note-taking.
5. The laptop supports Intel x211 Wi-Fi 6E with Bluetooth 5.3, as well as optional 4G LTE or 5G Intel 5000 series modem.
6. The display on the base IPS model is decent, with near full sRGB coverage and high contrast ratio.
7. The battery life is good, with up to 8-9 hours of mixed productivity work and video conferencing.
8. The laptop has a compact size and weighs around 2.5 pounds - making it perfect for business travelers.
Cons
1. The display calibration is not particularly good, especially in terms of color accuracy.
2. The OLED display option may have worse battery life due to its higher resolution and power-hungry nature.
3. The pen has some jitter when doing slow diagonal lines - although this didn't seem to affect sketching or drawing.
4. The laptop only has two Thunderbolt 4 ports, which may not be enough for heavy users.
5. The headphone jack is a nano SIM card slot if you go with the 4G or 5G options - limiting its use as an audio-only device.
6. The color gamut of the base IPS display isn't suitable for professional content creators.
7. The laptop's size and weight may make it difficult to carry in large quantities, despite being compact.
8. The price of the HP Dragonfly Folio is not explicitly mentioned, which may be a drawback for some users.
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