HP ZBook Firefly 14 G9 review
The HP HP ZBook Firefly 14 G9 ranks as the #174 laptops globally, achieving a LibraScore of 78. Across all metrics, this product stands out most for its #65-ranked connectivity among 340 laptops. Consider the HP EliteBook 645 G11 or GIGABYTE AERO 16, which offer higher scores while staying in the same price range.
Is it Worth it?
The HP ZBook Firefly 14 G9 is a solid business laptop that shines in its display options. The availability of multiple IPS displays, including a 2K DreamColor option with wide color gamut and 518 nits of brightness, is impressive. While not ideal for heavy graphics work, it's sufficient for 2D design and rendering tasks. The laptop's rugged aluminum construction, spill-resistant keyboard, and robust security features are also notable strengths. However, the battery life is average, and the price can be steep, especially when maxed out with top-end specs. Overall, it's a good choice for businesses that value display quality and ease of service, but may not be the best fit for those seeking extreme performance or affordability.
Build
The HP ZBook Firefly 14 G9 boasts a sturdy aluminum construction with a rugged MIL-STD rating. The spill-resistant keyboard and durable build exude professionalism. Two RAM slots are a welcome feature, making upgrades a breeze. Serviceability is also a plus point, allowing users to easily access components if needed. The design prioritizes functionality over flashy aesthetics, resulting in a utilitarian yet effective laptop that's perfect for the modern business user. Overall, the Firefly 14 G9's build quality impresses with its robustness and practicality. A better alternative might be HP 14, featuring a next-level build.
Display
The HP ZBook Firefly 14 G9 boasts an impressive display selection, catering to business users' needs. The base model features a 1920x1200 IPS display with low blue light and non-touch options. A mid-range option offers a 400-nit screen, while the top-tier choice is the HP DreamColor display, boasting 2560x1600 resolution, wide color gamut, and 500-nits brightness (measured at 518 nits). This high-end display provides excellent color accuracy but falls short of Adobe RGB. The matte finish makes it easy to read in various lighting conditions. You may find HP Dragonfly Pro Chromebook a better fit, thanks to its superior display.
Performance
The HP ZBook Firefly 14 G9 delivers solid performance for its intended use as a business Ultrabook. Powered by Intel's 12th gen Core i5 and i7 V Pro CPUs, it handles everyday tasks with ease. The Nvidia T550 GPU provides some extra oomph for rendering and graphics work, but is not designed for heavy-duty 3D modeling or CAD tasks. RAM slots are a welcome feature, allowing up to 64GB of DDR5 memory. Performance is stable, with decent speed test results from the M2 SSD. Battery life is average, with around 7 hours of use in light to medium work scenarios. If you’re after a better performance, HP ENVY x360 14 could be the ideal option.
Battery and Charging
The HP ZBook Firefly 14 G9 boasts decent battery life, but it largely depends on the display choice. With the 2K resolution DreamColor display, expect around 7 hours of usage with brightness set to 200 nits. However, HP claims up to 11 hours for light to medium work with the same configuration. The laptop is also equipped with a 65W USB-C fast charger that can give you a strong charge in 30 minutes. This is a welcome feature for those who need to top up their battery quickly.
Connectivity
The HP ZBook Firefly 14 G9 boasts impressive connectivity options for a business ultrabook. It features two USB-A ports, HDMI, and a Smart Card reader (optional). Additionally, it supports Thunderbolt 4, allowing for fast data transfer and charging. The laptop also has an M2 SSD slot, ensuring easy upgradability. Overall, its connectivity features make it well-suited for professionals who need to stay connected and productive on-the-go. For an improved connectivity, HP ZBook Firefly 14 G10 is worth considering.
Features
The HP ZBook Firefly 14 G9 boasts a robust feature set, including two RAM slots, Intel 12th gen CPUs, and up to 64GB DDR5 RAM. It also offers various display options, including a 2K DreamColor display with wide color gamut and 518 nits brightness, as well as a range of graphics configurations, from Intel Iris Xe to Nvidia RTX A500. You might want to check out HP Pavilion x360 14, featuring an upgraded features for a superior experience.
Support and Maintenance
The HP ZBook Firefly 14 G9 excels in support and maintenance features, making it an ideal choice for businesses. The laptop boasts two RAM slots, allowing users to upgrade or replace memory easily. Additionally, the M2 SSD slot offers flexibility with various storage capacities available. Serviceability is also a highlight, as the laptop's design makes it easy to access and maintain components. This feature is particularly valuable in corporate environments where IT support may be needed frequently.
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