HP ProBook 445 G7 review
The HP HP ProBook 445 G7 ranks as the #727 laptops globally, achieving a LibraScore of 65. Across all metrics, this product stands out most for its #172-ranked connectivity among 369 laptops. Consider the HP EliteBook x360 1040 G7 or HP EliteBook x360 1030 G8, which offer higher scores while staying in the same price range.
Is it Worth it?
The HP ProBook 445 G7 offers impressive performance with the AMD Ryzen 7 for 700U APu, outperforming Intel Core i7 laptops in multi-core benchmarks. The Vega 7 GPU handles light gaming and graphics-intensive tasks smoothly. While the display is average, lacking brightness and color accuracy, the speakers are a pleasant surprise, producing good sound quality. With dual RAM slots, upgradeability, and a solid build, this laptop makes a strong case for itself. However, the lackluster display and single hinge design hold it back from being truly exceptional. Is it worth it? For those seeking a budget-friendly powerhouse, yes, but others may find better value elsewhere.
Build
The HP ProBook 445 G7's build is solid, with a modern silver color and a sturdy design that withstands daily use. The laptop weighs 1.6kg and measures 18mm in thickness, making it easy to carry around. The chassis is made of aluminum and plastic, with minimal flexing on the display lid. A Phillips head screwdriver is required to access the internals, where two RAM slots are available for upgrade. Overall, the build quality is good, but not exceptional, which is not necessarily a bad thing given its price point. You might prefer HP ENVY 14, designed with an upgraded build for a better experience.
Display
The display on the HP ProBook 445 G7 is average, with colors looking washed out even at maximum brightness. This makes it suitable for office work but not ideal for more demanding applications like photo editing. The contrast ratio and viewing angles are decent, but the lack of sufficient brightness means outdoor use is limited. A more vibrant display would be a welcome addition to this laptop, making it a solid option in its price range. Overall, the display is a minor weakness in an otherwise capable business laptop. For a superior display, HP ProBook 640 G8 could be the right choice.
Performance
The AMD Ryzen 7 700U APu in the HP ProBook 440 G7 delivers exceptional performance for a mainstream business laptop. It outperforms Intel Core i7-10850H and Dell XPS 13 2020 in various tests, including Geekbench 5. The 8-core processor can maintain a boost clock of up to 4.1 GHz, making it suitable for demanding tasks like video editing or photo processing. However, battery life falls short, lasting around 6-8 hours with general usage and 2 hours under heavy load. A better alternative might be HP EliteBook 840 Aero G8, featuring a next-level performance.
Battery and Charging
The battery life of the HP ProBook 445 G7 is decent but not impressive, lasting around 8 hours in our video streaming test and 6 hours with general usage. However, it falls short when subjected to heavy loads, lasting just 2 hours. On a positive note, the laptop's fast charging feature allows for a quick top-up of up to 69% in just one hour using HP's Smart 45W external AC power adapter. This is a welcome convenience for those who need a rapid boost on-the-go.
Connectivity
The HP ProBook 445 G7 offers a comprehensive port selection, with ports located on the right side. This includes a power connector, USB Type-C 3.1 Gen 1, Ethernet RJ45, HDMI, and two USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports. A headphone and microphone combo jack is also present, along with an SD card reader and Kensington lock. If you’re after a better connectivity, GIGABYTE Gigabyte G7 could be the ideal option.
Features
The HP ProBook 445 G7 features an AMD Ryzen 7 700U processor, up to 16GB dual-channel RAM, and a Vega 7 GPU. It has a 14-inch IPS display with good contrast ratio and wide viewing angles, but limited brightness (250 nits). The laptop weighs 1.6kg and is 18mm thick, making it portable for business use. HP EliteBook 845 G7 might be a smarter choice, offering an upgraded features.
Support and Maintenance
The HP ProBook 440 G7 is a solid business laptop with good support and maintenance options. The dual RAM slots and NVMe M2 SSD slot enable easy upgrades, while the Intel Core i5 processor and AMD Ryzen 7 for 700U provide reliable performance. TPM security and fingerprint sensor add an extra layer of protection.
Pros
1. The HP ProBook 440 G7 offers pulsating performance thanks to its AMD Ryzen 7 700U APUs, which delivers exceptional performance on a mainstream business laptop.
2. The Vega 7 GPU provides a bit of light gaming capability and is complemented by good speakers that are normally found in consumer laptops.
3. The ProBook 440 G7 has a solid and well-built design, meeting the military standard 810G for withstanding shocks and bumps.
4. Upgrading to dual channel memory can make a significant difference in performance and is worth considering if you need more power.
5. The laptop's generous port selection includes multiple USB ports, an SD card slot, and an HDMI output.
Cons
1. The display panel is average at best, with washed-out colors even on the highest brightness level.
2. Most of the ports are located on the right-hand side, which can be a problem if you have larger size USB sticks that cause issues with other ports nearby.
3. Battery life falls short of expectations, especially during heavy usage or gaming sessions.
4. The laptop's design does not prioritize aesthetics, and some users may find it unappealing compared to other laptops in the same category.
5. The Vega 7 GPU is not powerful enough to handle demanding games at high settings, although less demanding titles should run smoothly.
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