HP Elite Dragonfly Max review
The HP HP Elite Dragonfly Max ranks as the #449 laptops globally, achieving a LibraScore of 72. Across all metrics, this product stands out most for its #66-ranked features among 303 laptops. Consider the Dell 16 Plus or Dell XPS 15 9500, which offer higher scores while staying in the same price range.
Is it Worth it?
The HP Elite Dragonfly Max is an exquisite business laptop with a beautiful design, light weight, and impressive features. However, its hefty price tag and lackluster performance make it questionable whether it's worth the investment. While it boasts one of the best keyboards I've used, the battery life has taken a hit, delivering only 8 hours and 45 minutes, compared to the previous model's incredible endurance. If you're a regular consumer, there are better laptops available with similar specs at a more affordable price. This laptop is ideal for corporations replacing desktops and seeking lightweight, portable devices for management teams.
Build
The HP Elite Dragonfly Max boasts an exquisite design that hasn't changed since last year's model. The CNC magnesium aluminum body remains the same, weighing in at just 2.49 pounds, making it one of the most portable business laptops available. Notably, the laptop's build incorporates ocean plastics in the speaker grills, demonstrating HP's commitment to environmental sustainability. A full-size HDMI port and two Thunderbolt ports are strategically placed on either side, while a Touch Display allows for easy navigation without needing an active pen. The magnesium aluminum body exudes premium quality and justifies its hefty price tag. You might want to check out HP Elite x2 G8, featuring an upgraded build for a superior experience.
Display
The HP Elite Dragonfly Max boasts a 16:9 display, which is the only option available. While this size works for its compact design, it would have been ideal to offer a 16:10 aspect ratio, making it feel like a 14-inch display with slightly more vertical space. The Sure View feature offers great privacy benefits, but makes it difficult to see content unless viewed directly in front of the screen. Display brightness is average at around 330 nits, but redone tests revealed a surprising 811 nits when auto-brightness was turned off. Take a look at HP ENVY x360 13 - its improved display sets a new standard.
Performance
The HP Elite Dragonfly Max's performance is a mixed bag. It boasts an 11th gen Intel i7 1185G7 CPU, paired with the Iris Xe integrated GPU and 16GB of RAM. However, this configuration doesn't quite live up to expectations. The laptop struggles with demanding tasks like code compilation and batch processing, making it unsuitable for power users. The performance is also outmatched by other laptops in its class, likely due to HP's decision to prioritize quiet fan noise over raw processing power. This compromise may be suitable for casual users, but not for those who need a laptop that can handle heavy workloads. If you're after top-notch performance, consider Honor HONOR MagicBook 16.
Battery and Charging
The HP Elite Dragonfly Max boasts an impressive design, but its battery life falls short. With a 56Wh battery, it's decently powered, but I'm only getting around 8 hours and 45 minutes of usage, which is less than the previous model. While still good, this is a notable decrease in battery life, making it less suitable for all-day use on a single charge.
Connectivity
The HP Elite Dragonfly Max boasts impressive connectivity options. Notably, users can now opt for a 5G version, which adds an extra $440 to the price tag. This upgrade enables seamless wireless connectivity and eliminates the need for traditional cellular data plans. Additionally, the laptop features dual Thunderbolt ports, a full-size HDMI port, and a USB port, catering to diverse user needs and ensuring hassle-free connections. Give HP Chromebook 11 G9 a try—it’s designed to provide an unparalleled connectivity.
Features
The HP Elite Dragonfly Max boasts a CNC magnesium aluminum body, ocean plastics in speaker grills, and a 5G option (adding $440). It features a 16:9 display, Sure View privacy mode, and a 5MP webcam. The laptop also includes an i7 CPU, Iris Xe GPU, and 16GB RAM, but lacks upgradability options. Get your hands on Honor HONOR MagicBook 16 if you're looking for better features.
Support and Maintenance
The HP Elite Dragonfly Max offers corporate-level support and maintenance, making it ideal for businesses replacing desktops with laptops. Management's computers can be easily upgraded and managed, streamlining IT processes. The laptop's lightweight design and portability ensure minimal downtime, while its durable CNC magnesium aluminum body withstands frequent use. However, the high price tag may not justify the cost for individual consumers seeking similar benefits.
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