HP ZBook Firefly 14 G10 review
The HP HP ZBook Firefly 14 G10 ranks as the #58 laptops globally, achieving a LibraScore of 81. Across all metrics, this product stands out most for its #42-ranked performance among 336 laptops. Consider the Dell XPS 14 9440 or Dell XPS 13 Plus 9320, which offer higher scores while staying in the same price range.
Is it Worth it?
The HP ZBook Firefly 14 G10 is a solid mobile workstation with an excellent HP DreamColor display and good battery life. Its portable design and quad speakers make it a great option for professionals who need to work on the go. However, performance could be better, especially for heavy rendering tasks. The lack of an OLED option and SD card reader are also drawbacks. While it's not the most affordable option, its quality features make it worth considering for those in need of a reliable mobile workstation. Overall, it's a solid choice, but may not be the best fit for those with demanding workloads.
Build
The HP ZBook Firefly 14 G10 boasts an excellent build quality, with a sturdy aluminum chassis that exudes professionalism. The lid is made of a single piece of metal, giving it a premium feel. The keyboard and touchpad are well-spaced, making typing and navigation a breeze. The quad speakers provide rich, full sound, a pleasant surprise in a mobile workstation. Weighing just 3.5 pounds, this device is incredibly portable, yet robust enough to withstand regular use. A minor gripe lies with the fan noise during heavy loads, but overall, the build quality of the ZBook Firefly 14 G10 is top-notch. Take a look at HP Pavilion 14 - its improved build sets a new standard.
Display
The HP ZBook Firefly 14 G10 boasts an excellent display, with a QHD+ resolution that's vibrant and clear. The 120Hz Dynamic Refresh Rate adds to the immersive experience, making it ideal for creative professionals who require accuracy and precision. However, I would have liked to see an OLED option available. The display's brightness and color gamut are commendable, but it falls short in comparison to some of its competitors. Overall, a solid display that gets the job done, but not necessarily exceptional. If you're after top-notch display, consider HP EliteBook 1040 G10.
Performance
The HP ZBook Firefly 14 G10's performance is a mixed bag. The laptop's Intel Core i7 processor handles everyday tasks with ease, but it struggles with demanding workloads such as heavy video editing or 3D rendering. Multitasking is also a challenge, with the system experiencing thermal throttling under heavy load. However, the laptop's performance is still respectable for a mobile workstation, and the addition of upgradable RAM and SSD helps to future-proof the device. Overall, the ZBook Firefly 14 G10 is best suited for users who need a portable device for general productivity tasks, rather than heavy-duty computing demands. It’s worth checking out HP ZBook Ultra G1a, delivering remarkable performance.
Battery and Charging
The HP ZBook Firefly 14 G10 boasts a respectable battery life of up to 8 hours and 10 minutes on the PC Mark 10 modern office test, with an additional 2 hours and 10 minutes gained in video playback mode. The 51 Wh battery is also relatively compact, making it easy to carry around. However, charging times are not specified, leaving users to rely on HP's estimates of up to 50% charge within 30 minutes, which may vary depending on usage.
Connectivity
The HP ZBook Firefly 14 G10 features excellent connectivity options, including upgradable RAM and SSD, 5 megapixel camera, quad speakers, and optional 4G LTE or 5G for always-connected mobile work. A USB-A, two USB-C, an HDMI port, and an SD card reader (albeit not traditional) round out the feature set. Get your hands on HP EliteBook 1040 G10 if you're looking for better connectivity.
Features
The HP ZBook Firefly 14 G10 boasts an excellent 120Hz Dynamic refresh rate display, Quad speakers with rich sound, and a great battery life of up to 8 hours and 10 minutes. The laptop features a QHD+ touchscreen, a 5MP camera, optional 4G LTE or 5G connectivity, and plenty of ports for versatility. Consider discovering the power of HP EliteBook 1040 G10, featuring the latest advancements in features.
Support and Maintenance
The HP ZBook Firefly 14 G10 offers robust support and maintenance features, including upgradable RAM and SSD, making it a great option for mobile professionals who need to upgrade as their needs evolve. Additionally, the laptop's durable design ensures reliability and longevity, reducing the need for frequent repairs or replacements.
Pros
1. Excellent HP DreamColor display with QHD+ resolution and 120Hz Dynamic refresh rate.
2. Good battery life, up to 8 hours and 10 minutes on PC Mark 10 modern office battery test, with a slight improvement over last year's model.
3. Outstanding quad speakers for excellent audio, making it one of the best mobile workstations in this regard.
4. Portable design with optional 4G LTE or 5G connectivity
5. Lots of ports available and upgradable RAM and SSD
6. Excellent keyboard with good tactility, key travel, and multi-level backlight
Cons
1. No OLED option available for the display
2. Performance could be better, especially considering it's a mobile workstation
3. No SD card reader is mentioned as a drawback
4. The device can get expensive, although discounts are available for bulk purchases from HP
5. Fan noise under heavy load in Performance mode can be noticeable (47-48 decibels)
6. Surface temperatures do heat up slightly during heavy use
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