HP ZBook Firefly 16 G11 review
The HP HP ZBook Firefly 16 G11 ranks as the #264 laptops globally, achieving a LibraScore of 76. Across all metrics, this product stands out most for its #136-ranked performance among 404 laptops. Consider the HP EliteBook 665 G11 or HP ZBook Power G10, which offer higher scores while staying in the same price range.
Is it Worth it?
The HP ZBook Firefly 16 G11 is a solid mobile workstation that meets the needs of productivity users with light to medium workloads. Its excellent keyboard and touchpad, combined with a tasty 5 megapixel webcam, make it a great option for those who spend a lot of time typing. The Intel Core i5-135h CPU and Intel Arc GPU combo deliver good performance, but the RTX A500 discrete GPU feels like an odd choice, limiting its potential. With a price tag that overlaps with other options in the market, is the HP ZBook Firefly 16 G11 worth it? It's a tough call, especially considering the lack of USB-C ports and SD card reader.
Build
The HP ZBook Firefly 16 G11's build is a masterclass in design and functionality. The tried-and-tested chassis is solid and sturdy, with good upgradability options and an abundance of ports, including two fast Thunderbolt 4s, two USB-A ports, and HDMI. While the lack of an SD card reader is a minor oversight, it's a small price to pay for the benefits of this larger laptop. The keyboard and touchpad are excellent, with tactile keys and a smooth glass surface. The Firefly 16 G11's build quality is exceptional, making it a great choice for those seeking a portable workstation with a large screen. If you're after top-notch build, consider HP EliteBook 865 G11.
Display
The HP ZBook Firefly 16 G11 boasts an impressive display that meets the demands of creative professionals. The available options cater to different needs, making it suitable for those who would typically opt for an EliteBook but require certified discrete graphics for light to medium workflows. The tried and tested chassis is solid and sturdy, with good upgradability and IO options. The display itself offers excellent color accuracy and a vibrant viewing experience, thanks to its 5 megapixel webcam backed by useful AI in Windows Studio Effects. Overall, the display on the HP ZBook Firefly 16 G11 is a standout feature that enhances the user experience. It’s worth checking out HP EliteBook 865 G11, delivering remarkable display.
Performance
The HP ZBook Firefly 16 G11 delivers impressive performance, courtesy of its Intel Core i7-12650H CPU and Intel Arc RTX A500 GPU combo. It handled demanding tasks with ease, making it a great option for professionals who need a portable workstation. The system's 32GB of RAM and 1TB SSD ensured smooth multitasking and rapid loading times. Overall, the Firefly 16 G11's performance is a major strength, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a powerful mobile workstation. Give HP OMEN 16 a try—it’s designed to provide an unparalleled performance.
Battery and Charging
The HP ZBook Firefly 16 G11's battery life is decent, lasting around 8.5 hours with balanced usage in video playback mode. However, it drops to nearly 6 hours when running PCMark 10 office productivity tests. When pushed to run heavy taxing apps, battery life plummets to just 2-3 hours. Charging times are acceptable, with a full recharge taking approximately 30 minutes using the 100W USB-C power adapter's fast charging feature.
Connectivity
The HP ZBook Firefly 16 G11 boasts an extensive list of ports, including two fast Thunderbolt 4s, two USB Type-A ports, and an HDMI port. However, it's disappointing to see the inclusion of slower USB Type-A ports when more modern standards like USB 3.2 Gen 2 would be a better choice. This is especially puzzling in an expensive mobile workstation. Consider discovering the power of HP EliteBook 865 G11, featuring the latest advancements in connectivity.
Features
The HP ZBook Firefly 16 G11 boasts a 5MP webcam with AI-powered Windows Studio Effects, fingerprint sensor, IR sensor, facial recognition, and a TPM 2.0 embedded security chip for robust security features. The laptop also offers a range of display options, excellent keyboard and touchpad, and impressive IO capabilities, including two fast Thunderbolt ports. You might prefer HP EliteBook 865 G11, designed with an upgraded features for a better experience.
Support and Maintenance
The HP ZBook Firefly 16 G11 offers reliable support with comprehensive warranties and dedicated customer service. Regular software updates ensure seamless integration with other devices. Online resources provide easy access to troubleshooting guides, user manuals, and community forums for quick issue resolution and ongoing maintenance.
Pros
1. The HP ZBook Firefly 16 G11 has good performance with the Intel i5-135h CPU and the Intel Arc RTX A500 combo, making it suitable for productivity 2D and light 3D workloads.
2. It has a large and sturdy chassis with plenty of hard drive display options to meet various needs.
3. The keyboard is excellent with tactile spaced out keys perfect for rapid touch typing and the glass touchpad is smooth and ideal for long periods.
4. The laptop has good upgradability and IO options, including two fast Thunderbolt ports, two USB type-A ports, and an HDMI port.
Cons
1. The HP ZBook Firefly 16 G11 is a big and bulky laptop compared to its 14-in siblings due to the larger screen and additional keypad.
2. It uses slower USB type-A ports instead of faster USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports, which is a drawback in an expensive mobile workstation.
3. The base model starts at $1,380 or $1,757, overlapping into its cousins the HP ZBook Power G11 and the EliteBook 860 G11 with similar pricing and specs, making it harder to choose between them.
4. It's not ideal for users who need dedicated graphics options, as the RTX A500 is limited by low 4 GB gddr6 memory, and its performance was worse in our benchmarks compared to the integrated Intel Arc 8 core GPU.
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