HP ProBook 640 G8 review
The HP HP ProBook 640 G8 ranks as the #744 laptops globally, achieving a LibraScore of 64. Across all metrics, this product stands out most for its #412-ranked performance among 367 laptops. Consider the HP EliteBook x360 1040 G8 or HP ProBook 430 G7, which offer higher scores while staying in the same price range.
Is it Worth it?
The HP ProBook 640 G8 is a solid business laptop with a 14-inch FHD display, Intel Core i5/i7 11th Gen processor, and 16GB RAM. While the default screen's 250 nits of brightness might feel dull, upgrading to a 400-nit option is recommended. The device provides decent battery life (12 hours) and performance in general use. However, gaming capabilities are limited due to the Intel Iris XE GPU. Pricing starts at $1339 for the i5 CPU, with an i7 model available for $1709. While it's a great all-around laptop, its gaming limitations make it less ideal for gamers. Overall, it's worth considering for business users who prioritize performance and portability.
Build
The HP ProBook 640 G8 boasts a sturdy build with good quality materials. The silver plastic used does not leave fingerprints, a welcome feature for many users. The laptop's overall construction shows minimal flex, making it feel robust and durable. The display hinge folds back 175 degrees, which is slightly less than some competitors, but still offers ample viewing flexibility. The addition of a security lock and RJ45 Ethernet port on the left side adds to the laptop's solid build quality, making it a reliable choice for business users. Give HP EliteBook 845 G8 a try—it’s designed to provide an unparalleled build.
Display
The HP ProBook 640 G8's display is an entry-level business laptop feature that underwhelms. The 14-inch FHD LED anti-glare screen has a resolution of 1920x1080 and 250 nits of brightness, which feels dull despite the ability to turn up the brightness. I'd recommend opting for a screen with 400 nits or more for better visibility. In use, I found it suitable for everyday tasks, but the lackluster display is noticeable. Gaming performance in Fortnite was decent, with 35-50 FPS, likely due to the Intel quad-core i5 CPU and 16GB of RAM rather than the Intel Iris XE GPU's capabilities. Get your hands on HP ProBook 440 G9 if you're looking for better display.
Performance
The HP ProBook 640 G8 delivers solid performance with its Intel Core i5 11th Gen processor and integrated Iris XE Graphics. It handled everyday tasks with ease, but struggled in gaming scenarios. Fortnite ran at around 35-50 frames per second, which is underwhelming given the laptop's specs. The Intel quad-core CPU and 16GB of RAM are a good starting point, but the GPU holds back its potential for smoother gameplay. Overall, the ProBook 640 G8 is a capable business laptop, but not ideal for gamers. Its performance is adequate, but not impressive in this area. Consider discovering the power of HP EliteBook 840 G9, featuring the latest advancements in performance.
Battery and Charging
The HP ProBook 640 G8 offers up to 12 hours of battery life, making it suitable for a full day's use. Charging takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. The laptop's power consumption is relatively low, ranging from 24-27 watts. This efficient design allows for all-day productivity without the need for constant recharging.
Connectivity
The HP ProBook 640 G8 features multiple connectivity options, including a USB-C port that doubles as a display port, one HDMI 1.4 port, and two USB-A ports. Additionally, it has an RJ45 Ethernet port, a security lock, and a SIM card slot. However, there is no SD card reader, which may be a drawback for some users. For a superior connectivity, HP EliteBook 840 Aero G8 could be the right choice.
Features
The HP ProBook 640 G8 is a 14-inch business laptop with an Intel Core i5 11th Gen processor, integrated Iris XE Graphics, 16GB RAM, and 512GB NVMe storage. It has a 14-inch FHD LED anti-glare display, fingerprint scanner, and integrated webcam. Upgrade options include an Intel i7 CPU, higher brightness screen (up to 400 nits), and Wi-Fi 6 connectivity. The laptop also features USB-A, HDMI, audio jack, and SIM card slot with upgradable RAM (up to 64GB) and storage (up to 1TB NVMe SSD). A better alternative might be HP ProBook 440 G9, featuring a next-level features.
Support and Maintenance
The HP ProBook 640 G8 offers reliable support and maintenance features. The laptop comes with warranty and setup documentation, as well as a 45-watt USB-C power adapter. Battery life is around 12 hours, with charging taking just under one and a half hours. The laptop also has a fingerprint scanner for secure Windows login. The system can be upgraded to 64GB RAM and 1TB NVMe SSD, making it easy to maintain and upgrade as needed.
Pros
1. The laptop comes with a good quality build, little to no flex, and silver plastic that doesn't leave fingerprints.
2. The Intel Core i5 11th Gen processor provides a fast performance, making it much faster than last year's EliteBook 840 G7.
3. The keyboard is a delight to type on and does not bend when pressing the keys.
4. The laptop has a wide trackpad that feels nice to use, although right clicking can be a bit tricky.
Cons
1. The default screen comes with only 250 nits of brightness, which may feel dull compared to screens with better brightness.
2. The Intel Iris XE GPU is not ideal for gaming and results in low frame rates in games like Fortnite.
3. The laptop's trackpad sits too far to the left, making it uncomfortable to use for some users.
4. There's no SD card reader available on this model.
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