Notebookcheck Logo

HP EliteBook 725 G4 (A12-9800B, Full-HD) Notebook Review

Bristol Ridge business.HP's 12.5-inch EliteBook is powered by an AMD APU. Thus, HP is one of the few manufacturers that still use AMD's APUs in the business sector. The APU is supported by an IPS panel, NVMe SSD, and LTE modem. Unfortunately, the laptop fan emits a subtle whistling sound.

For the original German review, see here.

HP's EliteBook 725 G4 is the cheaper version of the EliteBook 820 G4 that we have tested recently. From the outside, the devices look similar. However the differences are found inside. While the 820 G4 is equipped with Intel's Kaby Lake generation processors, AMD APUs from the Bristol Ridge generation are used in the 725 G4. Devices, such as Dell's Latitude 12 E7270Lenovo's ThinkPad X260Toshiba's Portégé Z30-C, and of course HP's EliteBook 820 G4 are among its rivals.

EliteBook 725 G4
Processor
AMD PRO A12-9800B 4 x 2.7 - 3.6 GHz, Bristol Ridge
Graphics adapter
AMD Radeon R7 (Bristol Ridge), Core: 758 MHz, single-channel, Crimson 16.6
Memory
8 GB 
, DDR4-2400, single-channel, two memory banks (one bank filled), max. 16 GB
Display
12.50 inch 16:9, 1920 x 1080 pixel 176 PPI, AU Optronics, IPS, glossy: no
Mainboard
AMD CZ FCH
Storage
Samsung PM961 MZVLW256HEHP, 256 GB 
, 200 GB free
Soundcard
Conexant CX8200 @ AMD K15.6 - High Definition Audio Controller
Connections
3 USB 3.0 / 3.1 Gen1, 1 VGA, 1 DisplayPort, 1 Kensington Lock, 1 Docking Station Port, Audio Connections: combo audio, Card Reader: SD, 1 SmartCard, 1 Fingerprint Reader, Brightness Sensor
Networking
Broadcom BCM5762 NetXtreme PCI-E Gigabit Ethernet Controller (10/100/1000MBit/s), Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 7265 (a/b/g/h/n = Wi-Fi 4/ac = Wi-Fi 5/), Bluetooth 4.2, HP lt4132 LTE/HSPA+ 4G Modul, LTE, GPS
Size
height x width x depth (in mm): 18.9 x 310 x 218.9 ( = 0.74 x 12.2 x 8.62 in)
Battery
49 Wh, 4250 mAh Lithium-Ion, 11.55 V, Battery runtime (according to manufacturer): 585 h
Operating System
Microsoft Windows 10 Pro 64 Bit
Camera
Webcam: HD
Additional features
Speakers: stereo, Keyboard: chiclet, Keyboard Light: yes, SIM card, Microsoft Office 365 (trial), 36 Months Warranty
Weight
1.26 kg ( = 44.45 oz / 2.78 pounds), Power Supply: 296 g ( = 10.44 oz / 0.65 pounds)
Price
1399 Euro
Note: The manufacturer may use components from different suppliers including display panels, drives or memory sticks with similar specifications.

 

Case

Since the EliteBook 725 G4 is the AMD-based sister model of the EliteBook 820 G4, the same casing is used for both devices. HP uses a chassis that is made of a very stable magnesium alloy. Flashy colors are not expected in the business sector, and thus the display back and base unit are silver and the base tray and display bezel are black. HP has not installed a maintenance hatch into the small laptop. The base tray would have to be removed to access the hardware - but more about that later. The battery is non-removable.

The EliteBook's build is impeccable. The gaps are even, overlapping materials or sharp edges are not felt anywhere. Thanks to the used magnesium alloy, the casing is robust and resists pressure. Denting the base unit in the usual places (below the touchpad, beside the keyboard) would involve using high force. It is not possible to warp the base unit, either. However, this is not true for the lid. Images do not distort on the screen, even when pressure is applied to the lid's back. The hinges keep the lid firmly in position and rock only marginally at most. Opening the lid with one hand is possible. The maximum opening angle is approximately 140 degrees.

Overall, the EliteBook's dimensions and weight are on par with its rivals.

Size Comparison

316 mm / 12.4 inch 227 mm / 8.94 inch 17.9 mm / 0.705 inch 1.2 kg2.69 lbs311 mm / 12.2 inch 218.9 mm / 8.62 inch 18.9 mm / 0.744 inch 1.3 kg2.78 lbs310 mm / 12.2 inch 218.9 mm / 8.62 inch 18.9 mm / 0.744 inch 1.3 kg2.78 lbs310 mm / 12.2 inch 218.9 mm / 8.62 inch 18.9 mm / 0.744 inch 1.3 kg2.78 lbs310 mm / 12.2 inch 215 mm / 8.46 inch 18 mm / 0.709 inch 1.4 kg3.05 lbs305.5 mm / 12 inch 208.5 mm / 8.21 inch 20.3 mm / 0.799 inch 1.4 kg3.17 lbs297 mm / 11.7 inch 210 mm / 8.27 inch 1 mm / 0.03937 inch 5.7 g0.01257 lbs

Connectivity

The interfaces in the 725 G4 are also similar to that of its sister model. The three USB ports (2x Type-A, 1x Type-C) support the USB 3.1 Gen.1 standard. Two video outs (1x DisplayPort, 1x VGA) are installed. A docking port allows connecting HP-specific docking stations. The positioning of the interfaces is satisfactory and normally cables will not obstruct the areas beside the wrist rest.

Left: Cable lock slot, VGA-out, USB 3.0 (Type-A), SmartCard reader
Left: Cable lock slot, VGA-out, USB 3.0 (Type-A), SmartCard reader
Right: USB 3.1 Gen. 1 (Type-C), Displayport, combo audio, USB 3.0 (Type-A), memory card reader (SD), Gigabit-Ethernet, docking port, SIM card slot, power-in
Right: USB 3.1 Gen. 1 (Type-C), Displayport, combo audio, USB 3.0 (Type-A), memory card reader (SD), Gigabit-Ethernet, docking port, SIM card slot, power-in

SD Card Reader

The installed memory card reader is situated in the upper midfield. A maximum transfer rate of 81.6 MB/s is achieved when copying large data blocks. Transferring 250 JPG image files (approx. 5 MB) each is performed at a speed of 60.5 MB/s. The readers in most rivals achieve similar speeds. Only Dell's Latitude 12 E7270 stands out with considerably higher transfer rates. We test the memory card reader with a Toshiba Exceria Pro SDXC 64 GB UHS-II reference card.

SD Card Reader
average JPG Copy Test (av. of 3 runs)
Dell Latitude 12 E7270
 
130.5 MB/s +116%
HP EliteBook 820 G4 Z2V72ET
 
77.8 MB/s +29%
Toshiba Portege Z30-C-138
 
73.3 MB/s +21%
Lenovo ThinkPad X260-20F6007RGE
 
63.2 MB/s +4%
HP EliteBook 725 G4
 
60.5 MB/s
HP EliteBook 725 G3-P4T48EA
 
54.2 MB/s -10%
maximum AS SSD Seq Read Test (1GB)
Dell Latitude 12 E7270
 
202.6 MB/s +148%
HP EliteBook 820 G4 Z2V72ET
 
86.6 MB/s +6%
Toshiba Portege Z30-C-138
 
85.8 MB/s +5%
Lenovo ThinkPad X260-20F6007RGE
 
83.5 MB/s +2%
HP EliteBook 725 G3-P4T48EA
 
81.8 MB/s 0%
HP EliteBook 725 G4
 
81.6 MB/s

Communication

The EliteBook comes with a Wi-Fi module that carries a chip by Intel (Dual Band Wireless-AC 7265). In addition to the 802.11 a/b/g/h/n standards, it also supports the fast ac standard (2.4 and 5 GHz). The transmission speeds that we measured under ideal conditions (no other Wi-Fi devices in the immediate vicinity, short distance between the laptop and server PC) are very good. Broadcom's BCM5762 NetXtreme Controller takes care of cabled network connections. It does an impeccable job.

Our review sample is also equipped with an LTE modem. Thus, Internet connections via mobile networks or the company network can be set up. The corresponding SIM card slot is situated on the device's right, and thus it is easy to insert or replace a SIM card.

Networking
iperf3 transmit AX12
Apple MacBook Pro 13 2016 (2.9 GHz)
Broadcom BCM15700A2 802.11ac
949 MBit/s +56%
HP EliteBook 725 G4
Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 7265
610 MBit/s
HP EliteBook 820 G4 Z2V72ET
Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 8265 (jseb)
474 MBit/s -22%
iperf3 receive AX12
Apple MacBook Pro 13 2016 (2.9 GHz)
Broadcom BCM15700A2 802.11ac
950 MBit/s +80%
HP EliteBook 725 G4
Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 7265
528 MBit/s
HP EliteBook 820 G4 Z2V72ET
Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 8265 (jseb)
506 MBit/s -4%

Mobile Connect Pro Service

HP offers EliteBook buyers a free monthly data volume of 200 MB for three years. The corresponding SIM card is included in the laptop's box. The contingent can be used in all European countries where HP offers this service. Additional data volume can be purchased. HP also has plans that can be used anywhere in Europe (also countries where Mobile Connect is not offered) and worldwide. The included SIM card can but does not have to be used. SIM cards of other suppliers can also be inserted. The EliteBook's card slot accepts micro SIM cards.

Security

The EliteBook comes with a SmartCard reader and fingerprint scanner for biometric authentication. A Trusted Platform Module (2.0) is also on board. In addition, HP's security software (HP Client Security) is preloaded.

Webcam

The webcam can take photos at a maximum resolution of 1280x720 pixels. The photos are not particularly sharp. However, the camera produces relatively bright photos even in low light.

Accessories

The laptop does not come with any accessories apart from the usual documents (quick start guide, warranty conditions) and the SIM card. However, HP has diverse accessories, such as docking stations, in its lineup. For example, the HP-2013 UltraSlim docking station (~ 120 Euros/$130) can be connected to the EliteBook's docking port. It is compatible with both the predecessor and the sister model. HP also offers some universal USB docking stations.

HP 2013 Ultraslim
HP 2013 Ultraslim
HP 2013 Ultraslim
HP 2013 Ultraslim

Maintenance

The EliteBook does not have a maintenance hatch. The base unit's tray would have to be removed for maintenance/upgrading the hardware - which is easy to do. Rubber stoppers cover the screws on the device's underside. Thus, the first step is removing them. The stoppers are only inserted and not glued. Then the screws have to be released. Another screw is in the memory card reader's slot. The dummy has to be taken out to access it. After removing the base tray, the user can access the working memory banks (2 banks), SSD, battery, LTE modem, Wi-Fi modem, and the fan.

Innards
Innards

Warranty

The EliteBook comes with a three-year warranty - including pick-up service. Extending the scope and period is possible. For example, a five-year on-site warranty on the next business day costs approximately 320 Euros (~$346).

Please see our Guarantees, Return Policies and Warranties FAQ for country-specific information.

Warranty extensions
Warranty extensions

Input Devices

Keyboard

HP has equipped the EliteBook with a splash-waterproof chiclet keyboard that is also backlit. The latter has two brightness levels that can be switched via a function key. The sleek keys of the installed keyboard have a short drop and clear pressure point. As with the keyboard in the EliteBook 820 G4, the EliteBook 725 G4's keyboard visibly yields on the TrackPoint's right. Consequently, the pressure point is slightly spongier here. Although this did not really prove annoying, it should not occur in a laptop from this price range. Overall, the keyboard is good and suitable for prolific writers.

Touchpad and TrackPoint

The EliteBook provides two options for mouse control: A multi-touchpad and TrackPoint. The latter is not installed in all EliteBook models. The TrackPoint makes a good impression and allows controlling the mouse cursor accurately. The touchpad has a surface area of approximately 8.2 x 4.6 cm (~3.2 x 1.8 in). Its sleek surface allows the fingers to glide easily. It responds instantaneously to inputs even in its corners. The pad can be turned on and off via double-clicking in the upper left corner. An LED displays its status. The two dedicated mouse buttons have a medium drop and clear pressure point. This is also true for both mouse keys intended for TrackPoint use.

Input devices
Input devices

Display

Pixel grid
Pixel grid

The matte 12.5-inch screen in the EliteBook has a native resolution of 1920x1080 pixels. The brightness (309.6 cd/m²) and contrast (1732:1) are good and very good. The screen presents even better rates than the recently tested FHD panel in the EliteBook 820 G4. Positive: The screen never displays PWM flickering.

In addition to the Full HD panel installed here, two other screen models are available: A Full HD touchscreen and an HD screen (1366x768 pixels).

313
cd/m²
315
cd/m²
293
cd/m²
323
cd/m²
329
cd/m²
289
cd/m²
306
cd/m²
310
cd/m²
308
cd/m²
Distribution of brightness
AU Optronics tested with X-Rite i1Pro 2
Maximum: 329 cd/m² (Nits) Average: 309.6 cd/m² Minimum: 15 cd/m²
Brightness Distribution: 88 %
Center on Battery: 329 cd/m²
Contrast: 1732:1 (Black: 0.19 cd/m²)
ΔE Color 2.69 | 0.5-29.43 Ø5
ΔE Greyscale 4.23 | 0.57-98 Ø5.3
72% sRGB (Argyll 1.6.3 3D)
46% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 1.6.3 3D)
50.8% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
72.3% sRGB (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
49.16% Display P3 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
Gamma: 2.21
HP EliteBook 725 G4
IPS, 1920x1080, 12.50
HP EliteBook 725 G3-P4T48EA
TN LED, 1366x768, 12.50
HP EliteBook 820 G4 Z2V72ET
IPS, 1920x1080, 12.50
Toshiba Portege Z30-C-138
IPS, 1920x1080, 13.30
Dell Latitude 12 E7270
IPS LED, 1920x1080, 12.50
Lenovo ThinkPad X260-20F6007RGE
IPS, 1920x1080, 12.50
Display
-3%
-9%
37%
-19%
-9%
Display P3 Coverage
49.16
47.15
-4%
44.45
-10%
67.9
38%
39.7
-19%
44.71
-9%
sRGB Coverage
72.3
71
-2%
65.5
-9%
98
36%
59.2
-18%
66.1
-9%
AdobeRGB 1998 Coverage
50.8
48.71
-4%
46.04
-9%
69.8
37%
41.07
-19%
46.23
-9%
Response Times
-3%
9%
-3%
-1%
9%
Response Time Grey 50% / Grey 80% *
47 ?(27, 20)
50 ?(27, 23)
-6%
35 ?(16, 19)
26%
42 ?(18, 24)
11%
38.4 ?(17.2, 21.2)
18%
32.8 ?(15.6, 17.2)
30%
Response Time Black / White *
24 ?(14, 10)
24 ?(20, 4)
-0%
26 ?(7, 19)
-8%
28 ?(7, 21)
-17%
28.8 ?(10.8, 18)
-20%
27.2 ?(12.4, 14.8)
-13%
PWM Frequency
217 ?(40)
Screen
-85%
-56%
-29%
-73%
-49%
Brightness middle
329
241
-27%
326
-1%
300
-9%
353
7%
337
2%
Brightness
310
240
-23%
304
-2%
280
-10%
334
8%
322
4%
Brightness Distribution
88
83
-6%
81
-8%
87
-1%
91
3%
91
3%
Black Level *
0.19
0.54
-184%
0.29
-53%
0.31
-63%
0.47
-147%
0.32
-68%
Contrast
1732
446
-74%
1124
-35%
968
-44%
751
-57%
1053
-39%
Colorchecker dE 2000 *
2.69
8.04
-199%
6.49
-141%
4.9
-82%
7.79
-190%
5.71
-112%
Colorchecker dE 2000 max. *
4.47
13.9
-211%
15.95
-257%
8.91
-99%
15.19
-240%
15.39
-244%
Greyscale dE 2000 *
4.23
9.52
-125%
6.16
-46%
6.69
-58%
7.38
-74%
5.15
-22%
Gamma
2.21 100%
2.42 91%
2.32 95%
2.33 94%
2.43 91%
2.38 92%
CCT
6011 108%
11362 57%
7575 86%
6487 100%
6158 106%
6881 94%
Color Space (Percent of AdobeRGB 1998)
46
45.03
-2%
42
-9%
63
37%
37.72
-18%
42.38
-8%
Color Space (Percent of sRGB)
72
71.12
-1%
65
-10%
98
36%
58.87
-18%
65.62
-9%
Total Average (Program / Settings)
-30% / -58%
-19% / -38%
2% / -13%
-31% / -52%
-16% / -34%

* ... smaller is better

Screen Flickering / PWM (Pulse-Width Modulation)

To dim the screen, some notebooks will simply cycle the backlight on and off in rapid succession - a method called Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) . This cycling frequency should ideally be undetectable to the human eye. If said frequency is too low, users with sensitive eyes may experience strain or headaches or even notice the flickering altogether.
Screen flickering / PWM not detected

In comparison: 53 % of all tested devices do not use PWM to dim the display. If PWM was detected, an average of 18034 (minimum: 5 - maximum: 3846000) Hz was measured.

EliteBook vs. sRGB
EliteBook vs. sRGB
EliteBook vs. AdobeRGB
EliteBook vs. AdobeRGB

The screen already presents a good color reproduction in the state of delivery. The target range (DeltaE less than 3) is already reached with a DeltaE 2000 color deviation of 2.69. The screen does not display a bluish tint. The screen cannot display the AdobeRGB and sRGB color spaces. The coverage rates here are 72% (sRGB) and 46% (AdobeRGB).

The color reproduction can be improved slightly by using our color profile. The profile is installed via double-clicking. However, you should make sure that the same screen model (manufacturer + model number) is installed as in our review sample. Otherwise, the color reproduction could become worse. Screens from different manufacturers are often used within one laptop model series.

CalMAN - ColorChecker
CalMAN - ColorChecker
CalMAN - Grayscale
CalMAN - Grayscale
CalMAN - Saturation Sweeps
CalMAN - Saturation Sweeps

Display Response Times

Display response times show how fast the screen is able to change from one color to the next. Slow response times can lead to afterimages and can cause moving objects to appear blurry (ghosting). Gamers of fast-paced 3D titles should pay special attention to fast response times.
       Response Time Black to White
24 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined↗ 14 ms rise
↘ 10 ms fall
The screen shows good response rates in our tests, but may be too slow for competitive gamers.
In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.1 (minimum) to 240 (maximum) ms. » 48 % of all devices are better.
This means that the measured response time is worse than the average of all tested devices (21.6 ms).
       Response Time 50% Grey to 80% Grey
47 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined↗ 27 ms rise
↘ 20 ms fall
The screen shows slow response rates in our tests and will be unsatisfactory for gamers.
In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.2 (minimum) to 636 (maximum) ms. » 78 % of all devices are better.
This means that the measured response time is worse than the average of all tested devices (33.8 ms).

HP has equipped the EliteBook with a viewing angle stable IPS panel. Thus, the screen remains legible from every position. The small laptop can be used outdoors, but the sun should not be too bright then.

Outdoors (direct sunlight)
Outdoors (direct sunlight)
Outdoors (sun behind the laptop)
Outdoors (sun behind the laptop)
Viewing angles
Viewing angles

Performance

The EliteBook 725 G4 is a 12.5-inch, premium-range business laptop. The installed AMD APU has enough computing power for office and Internet applications. The laptop comes with business-typical features, such as a docking port and TPM. An LTE modem is also installed. Our review sample costs approximately 1400 Euros (~$1512). Other configurations also exist. Currently the cheapest model costs around 1300 Euros (~$1404). The models of the identically built EliteBook 820 G4 lineup expand the offer.

CPU-Z
CPU-Z
CPU-Z
CPU-Z
CPU-Z
GPU-Z
HWInfo
LatencyMon

Processor

The EliteBook is powered by AMD's Pro A12-9800B (Bristol Ridge) APU. The "Pro" suffix indicates that it is a model for business customers. AMD guarantees that the APU will be available for a long time. The CPU part of the APU is made up of a quad-core processor that clocks at a base speed of 2.7 GHz. It can be boosted up to 3.6 GHz via Turbo. The APU's TDP is 15 watts, and is thus on par with the TDPs of Intel's ULV processors. The process has enough computing power for office and Internet applications. The processor performed our CPU tests at 2.7 to 2.9 GHz (Multithread) and 2.9 GHz (single thread).

Single thread
Single thread
Multithread
Multithread

We test whether the Turbo can maintain its level for a prolonged time by looping the Cinebench R15 Multithread test for approximately 30 minutes. The scores drop by a good 30% by the third run and remain roughly on this level. Thus, a slight performance loss occurs.

0102030405060708090100110120130140150160170180190200210220230Tooltip
Cinebench R15 CPU Multi 64 Bit

A look at our comparison chart shows that AMD's APU cannot compete with Intel's Core i5 processors from the Skylake and Kaby Lake generations. The difference is bigger in the single thread performance, which is more important for routine use, than in the Multithread performance. The processor finds its counterparts among Intel's Core m3 and Core i3 CPUs. The upcoming APUs equipped with Ryzen CPUs should narrow the gap to Intel's processors significantly.

Cinebench R10 Shading 32Bit
4751
Cinebench R10 Rendering Multiple CPUs 32Bit
6854
Cinebench R10 Rendering Single 32Bit
2621
Cinebench R11.5 OpenGL 64Bit
18.06 fps
Cinebench R11.5 CPU Multi 64Bit
2.47 Points
Cinebench R11.5 CPU Single 64Bit
0.86 Points
Cinebench R15 Ref. Match 64Bit
98 %
Cinebench R15 OpenGL 64Bit
23.16 fps
Cinebench R15 CPU Multi 64Bit
229 Points
Cinebench R15 CPU Single 64Bit
77 Points
Help
Cinebench R15
CPU Single 64Bit
HP EliteBook 820 G4 Z2V72ET
Intel Core i7-7500U
139 Points +81%
Apple MacBook Pro 13 2016 (2.9 GHz)
Intel Core i5-6267U
131 Points +70%
Lenovo ThinkPad X260-20F6007RGE
Intel Core i7-6500U
128 Points +66%
Dell Latitude 12 E7270
Intel Core i5-6300U
124 Points +61%
Apple MacBook 12 (Early 2016) 1.1 GHz
Intel Core m3-6Y30
91 Points +18%
Apple MacBook 12 (Early 2016) 1.1 GHz
Intel Core m3-6Y30
90 Points +17%
Toshiba Portege Z30-C-138
Intel Core i7-6500U
84 Points +9%
HP EliteBook 725 G4
AMD PRO A12-9800B
77 Points
HP EliteBook 725 G3-P4T48EA
AMD Pro A10-8700B
70 Points -9%
CPU Multi 64Bit
Apple MacBook Pro 13 2016 (2.9 GHz)
Intel Core i5-6267U
339 Points +48%
HP EliteBook 820 G4 Z2V72ET
Intel Core i7-7500U
329 Points +44%
Lenovo ThinkPad X260-20F6007RGE
Intel Core i7-6500U
324 Points +41%
Dell Latitude 12 E7270
Intel Core i5-6300U
311 Points +36%
Toshiba Portege Z30-C-138
Intel Core i7-6500U
288 Points +26%
HP EliteBook 725 G4
AMD PRO A12-9800B
229 Points
Apple MacBook 12 (Early 2016) 1.1 GHz
Intel Core m3-6Y30
218 Points -5%
HP EliteBook 725 G3-P4T48EA
AMD Pro A10-8700B
192 Points -16%
Cinebench R11.5
CPU Multi 64Bit
HP EliteBook 820 G4 Z2V72ET
Intel Core i7-7500U
3.66 Points +48%
Lenovo ThinkPad X260-20F6007RGE
Intel Core i7-6500U
3.57 Points +45%
Dell Latitude 12 E7270
Intel Core i5-6300U
3.47 Points +40%
HP EliteBook 725 G4
AMD PRO A12-9800B
2.47 Points
Apple MacBook 12 (Early 2016) 1.1 GHz
Intel Core m3-6Y30
2.35 Points -5%
Apple MacBook 12 (Early 2016) 1.1 GHz
Intel Core m3-6Y30
2.29 Points -7%
HP EliteBook 725 G3-P4T48EA
AMD Pro A10-8700B
2.29 Points -7%
CPU Single 64Bit
HP EliteBook 820 G4 Z2V72ET
Intel Core i7-7500U
1.65 Points +92%
Lenovo ThinkPad X260-20F6007RGE
Intel Core i7-6500U
1.47 Points +71%
Dell Latitude 12 E7270
Intel Core i5-6300U
1.42 Points +65%
Apple MacBook 12 (Early 2016) 1.1 GHz
Intel Core m3-6Y30
1 Points +16%
Apple MacBook 12 (Early 2016) 1.1 GHz
Intel Core m3-6Y30
0.95 Points +10%
HP EliteBook 725 G4
AMD PRO A12-9800B
0.86 Points
HP EliteBook 725 G3-P4T48EA
AMD Pro A10-8700B
0.82 Points -5%
Cinebench R10
Rendering Multiple CPUs 32Bit
HP EliteBook 820 G4 Z2V72ET
Intel Core i7-7500U
11385 Points +66%
Lenovo ThinkPad X260-20F6007RGE
Intel Core i7-6500U
11019 Points +61%
Apple MacBook 12 (Early 2016) 1.1 GHz
Intel Core m3-6Y30
7355 Points +7%
HP EliteBook 725 G4
AMD PRO A12-9800B
6854 Points
HP EliteBook 725 G3-P4T48EA
AMD Pro A10-8700B
5907 Points -14%
Rendering Single 32Bit
HP EliteBook 820 G4 Z2V72ET
Intel Core i7-7500U
5601 Points +114%
Lenovo ThinkPad X260-20F6007RGE
Intel Core i7-6500U
4859 Points +85%
Apple MacBook 12 (Early 2016) 1.1 GHz
Intel Core m3-6Y30
3353 Points +28%
HP EliteBook 725 G4
AMD PRO A12-9800B
2621 Points
HP EliteBook 725 G3-P4T48EA
AMD Pro A10-8700B
2200 Points -16%
Geekbench 3
32 Bit Single-Core Score
HP EliteBook 820 G4 Z2V72ET
Intel Core i7-7500U
3234 Points +59%
Lenovo ThinkPad X260-20F6007RGE
Intel Core i7-6500U
2956 Points +46%
HP EliteBook 725 G4
AMD PRO A12-9800B
2031 Points
HP EliteBook 725 G3-P4T48EA
AMD Pro A10-8700B
950 Points -53%
32 Bit Multi-Core Score
HP EliteBook 820 G4 Z2V72ET
Intel Core i7-7500U
7216 Points +35%
Lenovo ThinkPad X260-20F6007RGE
Intel Core i7-6500U
6395 Points +20%
HP EliteBook 725 G4
AMD PRO A12-9800B
5326 Points
HP EliteBook 725 G3-P4T48EA
AMD Pro A10-8700B
2728 Points -49%
Geekbench 4.0
64 Bit Single-Core Score
HP EliteBook 820 G4 Z2V72ET
Intel Core i7-7500U
4046 Points +95%
Apple MacBook Pro 13 2016 (2.9 GHz)
Intel Core i5-6267U
3874 Points +87%
HP EliteBook 725 G4
AMD PRO A12-9800B
2073 Points
64 Bit Multi-Core Score
HP EliteBook 820 G4 Z2V72ET
Intel Core i7-7500U
7671 Points +72%
Apple MacBook Pro 13 2016 (2.9 GHz)
Intel Core i5-6267U
7532 Points +69%
HP EliteBook 725 G4
AMD PRO A12-9800B
4453 Points
JetStream 1.1 - Total Score
HP EliteBook 820 G4 Z2V72ET
Intel Core i7-7500U
242.4 Points +86%
Apple MacBook Pro 13 2016 (2.9 GHz)
Intel Core i5-6267U
223 Points +71%
Apple MacBook Pro 13 2016 (2.9 GHz)
Intel Core i5-6267U
214 Points +64%
Toshiba Portege Z30-C-138
Intel Core i7-6500U
220 Points +69%
Lenovo ThinkPad X260-20F6007RGE
Intel Core i7-6500U
217.3 Points +67%
Dell Latitude 12 E7270
Intel Core i5-6300U
210.7 Points +62%
Apple MacBook 12 (Early 2016) 1.1 GHz
Intel Core m3-6Y30
143 Points +10%
Apple MacBook 12 (Early 2016) 1.1 GHz
Intel Core m3-6Y30
130.7 Points 0%
HP EliteBook 725 G4
AMD PRO A12-9800B
130.4 Points
HP EliteBook 725 G3-P4T48EA
AMD Pro A10-8700B
111.2 Points -15%
HP EliteBook 725 G3-P4T48EA
AMD Pro A10-8700B
66.4 Points -49%

System Performance

The low single thread performance of AMD's processor causes the EliteBook to fall far behind the Intel-based rivals in the PCMark benchmarks. Nevertheless, the laptop still has enough computing power for office and Internet applications. Thanks to the lightning-fast SSD, the System runs fast and smoothly. The overall performance could be increased slightly by installing a second working memory into the laptop. This would enable dual-channel mode.

Two memory banks are present
Two memory banks are present
PCMark 7 Score
4143 points
PCMark 8 Home Score Accelerated v2
2665 points
PCMark 8 Creative Score Accelerated v2
3313 points
PCMark 8 Work Score Accelerated v2
3885 points
Help
PCMark 8
Home Score Accelerated v2
Apple MacBook Pro 13 2016 (2.9 GHz)
Iris Graphics 550, 6267U, Apple SSD AP0256
3738 Points +40%
HP EliteBook 820 G4 Z2V72ET
HD Graphics 620, i7-7500U, Samsung PM951 NVMe MZVLV512
3660 Points +37%
Dell Latitude 12 E7270
HD Graphics 520, 6300U, Liteon L8H-256V2G
3420 Points +28%
Lenovo ThinkPad X260-20F6007RGE
HD Graphics 520, 6500U, Liteonit LCH-512V2S
3284 Points +23%
Toshiba Portege Z30-C-138
HD Graphics 520, 6500U, Toshiba HG6 THNSNJ512G8NY
3271 Points +23%
HP EliteBook 725 G3-P4T48EA
Radeon R6 (Carrizo), Pro A10-8700B, Hitachi Travelstar Z7K500 HTS725050A7E630
2706 Points +2%
HP EliteBook 725 G4
Radeon R7 (Bristol Ridge), PRO A12-9800B, Samsung PM961 MZVLW256HEHP
2665 Points
Apple MacBook 12 (Early 2016) 1.1 GHz
HD Graphics 515, 6Y30, Apple SSD AP0256
2550 Points -4%
Work Score Accelerated v2
HP EliteBook 820 G4 Z2V72ET
HD Graphics 620, i7-7500U, Samsung PM951 NVMe MZVLV512
4824 Points +24%
Dell Latitude 12 E7270
HD Graphics 520, 6300U, Liteon L8H-256V2G
4395 Points +13%
Lenovo ThinkPad X260-20F6007RGE
HD Graphics 520, 6500U, Liteonit LCH-512V2S
4341 Points +12%
Apple MacBook Pro 13 2016 (2.9 GHz)
Iris Graphics 550, 6267U, Apple SSD AP0256
4218 Points +9%
HP EliteBook 725 G4
Radeon R7 (Bristol Ridge), PRO A12-9800B, Samsung PM961 MZVLW256HEHP
3885 Points
HP EliteBook 725 G3-P4T48EA
Radeon R6 (Carrizo), Pro A10-8700B, Hitachi Travelstar Z7K500 HTS725050A7E630
3691 Points -5%
Apple MacBook 12 (Early 2016) 1.1 GHz
HD Graphics 515, 6Y30, Apple SSD AP0256
3550 Points -9%

Storage Device

The EliteBook can be equipped with an M.2 SSD (2280) and conventional 2.5-inch drives. It is not possible to install both storage devices at the same time. An M.2 SSD from Samsung is inside our review sample. It is an NVMe model with a total capacity of 256 GB. Approximately 200 GB can be used. The Windows installation and recovery partition reserve the rest of the storage. The SSD's transfer rates are superb. Connecting the NVMe SSD via PCI Express x4 allows considerably higher transfer rates than the SATA III standard would.

HP installs an NVMe SSD.
HP installs an NVMe SSD.
Samsung PM961 MZVLW256HEHP
Sequential Read: 1963 MB/s
Sequential Write: 1409 MB/s
512K Read: 949 MB/s
512K Write: 890 MB/s
4K Read: 29.75 MB/s
4K Write: 47.35 MB/s
4K QD32 Read: 139.7 MB/s
4K QD32 Write: 100.2 MB/s
HP EliteBook 725 G4
Samsung PM961 MZVLW256HEHP
HP EliteBook 725 G3-P4T48EA
Hitachi Travelstar Z7K500 HTS725050A7E630
HP EliteBook 820 G4 Z2V72ET
Samsung PM951 NVMe MZVLV512
Toshiba Portege Z30-C-138
Toshiba HG6 THNSNJ512G8NY
Dell Latitude 12 E7270
Liteon L8H-256V2G
Lenovo ThinkPad X260-20F6007RGE
Liteonit LCH-512V2S
CrystalDiskMark 3.0
-96%
101%
-8%
26%
12%
Read Seq
1963
125.3
-94%
1315
-33%
518
-74%
498.4
-75%
499.6
-75%
Write Seq
1409
124.3
-91%
594
-58%
423.3
-70%
286.7
-80%
403
-71%
Read 512
949
40.95
-96%
661
-30%
414.8
-56%
322.9
-66%
Write 512
890
57.6
-94%
594
-33%
379.9
-57%
372.4
-58%
Read 4k
29.75
0.495
-98%
42.87
44%
21.17
-29%
24.89
-16%
27.22
-9%
Write 4k
47.35
1.13
-98%
151.6
220%
86.3
82%
88
86%
83.6
77%
Read 4k QD32
139.7
1.129
-99%
568
307%
227.3
63%
280.5
101%
316.5
127%
Write 4k QD32
100.2
1.133
-99%
491.7
391%
174.7
74%
241.9
141%
273.1
173%

Graphics Card

DXVA Checker
DXVA Checker

AMD's integrated Radeon R7 (Bristol Ridge) GPU takes care of video output. It supports DirectX 12 and achieves clock rates of up to 758 MHz. The 3DMark benchmark scores are on a normal level for this GPU. Overall, the core does a better job than Intel's counterpart - HD Graphics 620. The performance can be increased by installing a second working memory module into the EliteBook, which would enable dual channel mode. A look at our chart illustrates this clearly. We performed some benchmarks in single channel and some in dual channel mode.

The 6th generation Unified Video Decoder (UVD) integrated into the GPU unloads the processor when playing videos. This includes all common formats, such as H.264 and HEVC/H.265. The CPU load was roughly 20% while we played our test video (4K, H.265, 60 FPS).

3DMark 06 Standard Score
5635 points
3DMark 11 Performance
1753 points
3DMark Ice Storm Standard Score
39764 points
3DMark Cloud Gate Standard Score
3955 points
3DMark Fire Strike Score
866 points
3DMark Fire Strike Extreme Score
442 points
3DMark Time Spy Score
338 points
Help
3DMark 11 - 1280x720 Performance GPU
Apple MacBook Pro 13 2016 (2.9 GHz)
Intel Iris Graphics 550, Intel Core i5-6267U
2696 Points +22%
HP EliteBook 725 G4
AMD Radeon R7 (Bristol Ridge), AMD PRO A12-9800B
2210 Points
HP EliteBook 725 G4
AMD Radeon R7 (Bristol Ridge), AMD PRO A12-9800B
1829 Points -17%
HP 15-ba077ng
AMD Radeon R7 (Bristol Ridge), AMD A12-9700P
1856 Points -16%
HP EliteBook 725 G3-P4T48EA
AMD Radeon R6 (Carrizo), AMD Pro A10-8700B
1767 Points -20%
HP EliteBook 725 G3-P4T48EA
AMD Radeon R6 (Carrizo), AMD Pro A10-8700B
1432 Points -35%
HP EliteBook 820 G4 Z2V72ET
Intel HD Graphics 620, Intel Core i7-7500U
1515 Points -31%
Toshiba Portege Z30-C-138
Intel HD Graphics 520, Intel Core i7-6500U
1377 Points -38%
Dell Latitude 12 E7270
Intel HD Graphics 520, Intel Core i5-6300U
1307 Points -41%
Lenovo ThinkPad X260-20F6007RGE
Intel HD Graphics 520, Intel Core i7-6500U
1268 Points -43%
Apple MacBook 12 (Early 2016) 1.1 GHz
Intel HD Graphics 515, Intel Core m3-6Y30
1186 Points -46%
3DMark
1280x720 Cloud Gate Standard Graphics
Apple MacBook Pro 13 2016 (2.9 GHz)
Intel Iris Graphics 550, Intel Core i5-6267U
13172 Points +148%
HP 15-ba077ng
AMD Radeon R7 (Bristol Ridge), AMD A12-9700P
8107 Points +53%
HP EliteBook 820 G4 Z2V72ET
Intel HD Graphics 620, Intel Core i7-7500U
7618 Points +43%
Lenovo ThinkPad X260-20F6007RGE
Intel HD Graphics 520, Intel Core i7-6500U
6287 Points +18%
Dell Latitude 12 E7270
Intel HD Graphics 520, Intel Core i5-6300U
6248 Points +18%
Apple MacBook 12 (Early 2016) 1.1 GHz
Intel HD Graphics 515, Intel Core m3-6Y30
6078 Points +14%
HP EliteBook 725 G4
AMD Radeon R7 (Bristol Ridge), AMD PRO A12-9800B
5311 Points
HP EliteBook 725 G3-P4T48EA
AMD Radeon R6 (Carrizo), AMD Pro A10-8700B
4717 Points -11%
1920x1080 Fire Strike Graphics
Apple MacBook Pro 13 2016 (2.9 GHz)
Intel Iris Graphics 550, Intel Core i5-6267U
1657 Points +13%
HP EliteBook 725 G4
AMD Radeon R7 (Bristol Ridge), AMD PRO A12-9800B
1466 Points
HP EliteBook 725 G4
AMD Radeon R7 (Bristol Ridge), AMD PRO A12-9800B
1013 Points -31%
HP 15-ba077ng
AMD Radeon R7 (Bristol Ridge), AMD A12-9700P
1213 Points -17%
HP EliteBook 725 G3-P4T48EA
AMD Radeon R6 (Carrizo), AMD Pro A10-8700B
983 Points -33%
HP EliteBook 725 G3-P4T48EA
AMD Radeon R6 (Carrizo), AMD Pro A10-8700B
769 Points -48%
HP EliteBook 820 G4 Z2V72ET
Intel HD Graphics 620, Intel Core i7-7500U
886 Points -40%
Lenovo ThinkPad X260-20F6007RGE
Intel HD Graphics 520, Intel Core i7-6500U
791 Points -46%
Dell Latitude 12 E7270
Intel HD Graphics 520, Intel Core i5-6300U
748 Points -49%
Apple MacBook 12 (Early 2016) 1.1 GHz
Intel HD Graphics 515, Intel Core m3-6Y30
735 Points -50%

Gaming Performance

The installed APU has enough computing power to play an occasional game. However, this primarily means games with relatively low hardware requirements, for example, "Farming Simulator 17", "Dota 2" or "Overwatch". These games only allow low resolutions and low quality settings. Installing a second working memory module is recommended here. The enabled dual channel mode would increase the graphics performance, and consequently the frame rates in the games. Performance-driven smash hits, such as "Mafia 3" remain unplayable.

low med. high ultra
Tomb Raider (2013) 54.9 29.8 20.9 10.7
BioShock Infinite (2013) 46.8 35.8 22.7 7.8
Battlefield 4 (2013) 28.7 20.7 13.7 5.1
Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor (2014) 21.7 14.7
The Witcher 3 (2015) 14 9.2
Batman: Arkham Knight (2015) 12 11
Just Cause 3 (2015) 16 13.2
The Division (2016) 17.4 10.6
Mirror's Edge Catalyst (2016) 16.9 11.7
Dishonored 2 (2016) 11 8.8
Resident Evil 7 (2017) 31.9 12.2
For Honor (2017) 20.6 7.1
Ghost Recon Wildlands (2017) 11.9 5.3
BioShock Infinite - 1280x720 Very Low Preset
Apple MacBook Pro 13 2016 (2.9 GHz)
Iris Graphics 550, 6267U, Apple SSD AP0256
103 fps +66%
HP EliteBook 725 G4
Radeon R7 (Bristol Ridge), PRO A12-9800B, Samsung PM961 MZVLW256HEHP
62 fps
HP EliteBook 725 G4
Radeon R7 (Bristol Ridge), PRO A12-9800B, Samsung PM961 MZVLW256HEHP
46.8 fps -25%
HP 15-ba077ng
Radeon R7 (Bristol Ridge), A12-9700P, SanDisk Z400s SD8SNAT-256G
60.9 fps -2%
Toshiba Portege Z30-C-138
HD Graphics 520, 6500U, Toshiba HG6 THNSNJ512G8NY
48 fps -23%
Toshiba Portege Z30-C-138
HD Graphics 520, 6500U, Toshiba HG6 THNSNJ512G8NY
30 fps -52%
HP EliteBook 725 G3-P4T48EA
Radeon R6 (Carrizo), Pro A10-8700B, Hitachi Travelstar Z7K500 HTS725050A7E630
42.7 fps -31%
HP EliteBook 820 G4 Z2V72ET
HD Graphics 620, i7-7500U, Samsung PM951 NVMe MZVLV512
41.9 fps -32%
Dell Latitude 12 E7270
HD Graphics 520, 6300U, Liteon L8H-256V2G
38 fps -39%
Lenovo ThinkPad X260-20F6007RGE
HD Graphics 520, 6500U, Liteonit LCH-512V2S
37.7 fps -39%

Emissions

Fan
Fan

System Noise

The fan in HP's laptop is usually inactive in idle mode and silence then prevails - as it should be for an office device. The fan does not speed up excessively during load. We measured a noise level of 34.4 dB(A) during the stress test. Unfortunately, the fan in the EliteBook 725 G4 is noticed just as unfavorably during load as its EliteBook 820 G4 sister model. Both whistle quietly - an absurdity for a laptop in this price range. Our current review sample also copies its Intel counterpart in another aspect: A subtle electronic hissing sound is heard from inside the laptop. However, an ear has to be placed on the device to hear it.

Noise Level

Idle
30.4 / 30.4 / 30.4 dB(A)
Load
31.7 / 34.4 dB(A)
  red to green bar
 
 
30 dB
silent
40 dB(A)
audible
50 dB(A)
loud
 
min: dark, med: mid, max: light   Audix TM1, Arta (15 cm distance)   environment noise: 30.4 dB(A)
HP EliteBook 725 G4
PRO A12-9800B, Radeon R7 (Bristol Ridge)
HP EliteBook 725 G3-P4T48EA
Pro A10-8700B, Radeon R6 (Carrizo)
HP EliteBook 820 G4 Z2V72ET
i7-7500U, HD Graphics 620
Toshiba Portege Z30-C-138
6500U, HD Graphics 520
Dell Latitude 12 E7270
6300U, HD Graphics 520
Lenovo ThinkPad X260-20F6007RGE
6500U, HD Graphics 520
Noise
-5%
-2%
-13%
2%
-0%
off / environment *
30.4
28.9
5%
30.7
-1%
31.2
-3%
28.9
5%
29
5%
Idle Minimum *
30.4
30.5
-0%
30.7
-1%
31.2
-3%
28.9
5%
29
5%
Idle Average *
30.4
30.5
-0%
30.7
-1%
31.2
-3%
28.9
5%
29
5%
Idle Maximum *
30.4
30.5
-0%
30.7
-1%
31.2
-3%
28.9
5%
29
5%
Load Average *
31.7
38.2
-21%
35.3
-11%
43.3
-37%
31.3
1%
35.1
-11%
Load Maximum *
34.4
38.4
-12%
33.7
2%
43.3
-26%
37.6
-9%
37.8
-10%

* ... smaller is better

dB(A) 0102030405060708090Deep BassMiddle BassHigh BassLower RangeMidsHigher MidsLower HighsMid HighsUpper HighsSuper Highs2032.232.633.331.432.2253131.231.932.5313135.436.236.936.335.44030.430.630.128.930.45029.831.231.23129.86329.32927.329.429.38027.827.525.725.527.810025.825.926.424.925.812524.624.425.425.124.616023.52424.423.223.520023.622.622.722.923.625022.222.321.821.422.231521.921.621.721.121.940021.121.220.32021.150020.320.719.819.220.36302019.218.718.6208002119.418.818.321100023.420.518.218.123.4125022.119.71817.622.1160021.818.917.717.621.820002320.717.917.823250026.72017.717.926.7315023.519.117.817.823.5400021.418.818.118.121.4500021.118.918.418.321.1630020.418.718.318.420.4800018.918.518.618.518.91000018.618.618.718.618.61250018.518.518.418.418.51600018.518.518.618.418.5SPL34.431.730.630.434.4N21.61.51.42median 21.8median 19.7median 18.6median 18.4median 21.8Delta1.61.31.81.21.6hearing rangehide median Fan NoiseHP EliteBook 725 G4

Temperature

The EliteBook in the stress test
The EliteBook in the stress test

The EliteBook performed our stress test in AC and battery mode in the same manner: The processor clocked at 800 MHz, and the graphics core started the test at 740 MHz. It slowed down to 500 to 550 MHz after a few minutes and stayed there. It cannot really be said that the laptop heats up. The temperatures remained below 40 degrees Celsius (~104 degrees Fahrenheit) on all measuring points during the stress test.

Although the processor throttled heavily during our stress test, there is no need to worry. The CPU utilizes its Turbo in everyday use. Our stress test is an extreme scenario that will not occur during normal use.

Max. Load
 30.5 °C
87 F
36.5 °C
98 F
31.3 °C
88 F
 
 29.8 °C
86 F
33.1 °C
92 F
27.7 °C
82 F
 
 26.6 °C
80 F
26.7 °C
80 F
26.3 °C
79 F
 
Maximum: 36.5 °C = 98 F
Average: 29.8 °C = 86 F
31.7 °C
89 F
28.5 °C
83 F
34.1 °C
93 F
30.2 °C
86 F
31.8 °C
89 F
30.1 °C
86 F
27.4 °C
81 F
27.3 °C
81 F
27 °C
81 F
Maximum: 34.1 °C = 93 F
Average: 29.8 °C = 86 F
Power Supply (max.)  39 °C = 102 F | Room Temperature 21.1 °C = 70 F | FIRT 550-Pocket
(+) The average temperature for the upper side under maximal load is 29.8 °C / 86 F, compared to the average of 30.7 °C / 87 F for the devices in the class Subnotebook.
(+) The maximum temperature on the upper side is 36.5 °C / 98 F, compared to the average of 35.9 °C / 97 F, ranging from 21.4 to 59 °C for the class Subnotebook.
(+) The bottom heats up to a maximum of 34.1 °C / 93 F, compared to the average of 39.4 °C / 103 F
(+) In idle usage, the average temperature for the upper side is 23.5 °C / 74 F, compared to the device average of 30.7 °C / 87 F.
(+) The palmrests and touchpad are cooler than skin temperature with a maximum of 26.7 °C / 80.1 F and are therefore cool to the touch.
(±) The average temperature of the palmrest area of similar devices was 28.3 °C / 82.9 F (+1.6 °C / 2.8 F).
HP EliteBook 725 G4
PRO A12-9800B, Radeon R7 (Bristol Ridge)
HP EliteBook 725 G3-P4T48EA
Pro A10-8700B, Radeon R6 (Carrizo)
HP EliteBook 820 G4 Z2V72ET
i7-7500U, HD Graphics 620
Toshiba Portege Z30-C-138
6500U, HD Graphics 520
Dell Latitude 12 E7270
6300U, HD Graphics 520
Lenovo ThinkPad X260-20F6007RGE
6500U, HD Graphics 520
Heat
-38%
-7%
-4%
-35%
-35%
Maximum Upper Side *
36.5
42.8
-17%
37
-1%
40.6
-11%
44.3
-21%
47.5
-30%
Maximum Bottom *
34.1
54.3
-59%
38.9
-14%
37
-9%
52.6
-54%
43.6
-28%
Idle Upper Side *
24.8
33.2
-34%
26.3
-6%
24.5
1%
32.3
-30%
34.9
-41%
Idle Bottom *
25.8
36.5
-41%
27
-5%
24.9
3%
35.1
-36%
35.9
-39%

* ... smaller is better

Temperature development upper side (load)
Temperature development upper side (load)
Temperature development underside (load)
Temperature development underside (load)
Temperature development upper side (idle)
Temperature development upper side (idle)
Temperature development underside (idle)
Temperature development underside (idle)

Speakers

The stereo speakers are situated above the keyboard under a perforated cover. They produce a very decent, rich sound that allows prolonged listening. However, their maximum volume is too low.

dB(A) 0102030405060708090Deep BassMiddle BassHigh BassLower RangeMidsHigher MidsLower HighsMid HighsUpper HighsSuper Highs2032.631.432.62532.332.532.33137.136.337.14030.228.930.25030.43130.4632829.4288026.625.526.61002624.9261252625.12616034.423.234.420038.122.938.125037.921.437.931546.821.146.840061.42061.450062.119.262.163064.418.664.480064.418.364.4100064.718.164.7125064.717.664.716006117.661200056.117.856.1250062.217.962.2315063.817.863.8400065.418.165.4500067.118.367.163006518.46580006418.5641000065.418.665.41250062.418.462.4160005618.456SPL75.930.475.9N37.61.437.6median 62.2median 18.4median 62.2Delta8.71.28.735.335.132.931.831.83236.535.132.428.93328.936.328.848.32761.52752.924.860.92462.822.763.32269.521.267.82174.82075.919.472.718.97117.770.117.86917.671.817.668.117.671.417.673.717.670.417.571.617.671.617.669.617.459.717.583.630.662.51.5median 69.6median 17.84.72.4hearing rangehide median Pink NoiseHP EliteBook 725 G4Apple MacBook 12 (Early 2016) 1.1 GHz
HP EliteBook 725 G4 audio analysis

(-) | not very loud speakers (66 dB)
Bass 100 - 315 Hz
(-) | nearly no bass - on average 27.3% lower than median
(±) | linearity of bass is average (8.2% delta to prev. frequency)
Mids 400 - 2000 Hz
(+) | balanced mids - only 2.2% away from median
(±) | linearity of mids is average (7.6% delta to prev. frequency)
Highs 2 - 16 kHz
(+) | balanced highs - only 2.5% away from median
(+) | highs are linear (5.1% delta to prev. frequency)
Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz
(±) | linearity of overall sound is average (22.3% difference to median)
Compared to same class
» 72% of all tested devices in this class were better, 5% similar, 23% worse
» The best had a delta of 5%, average was 19%, worst was 53%
Compared to all devices tested
» 60% of all tested devices were better, 7% similar, 34% worse
» The best had a delta of 4%, average was 25%, worst was 134%

Apple MacBook 12 (Early 2016) 1.1 GHz audio analysis

(+) | speakers can play relatively loud (83.6 dB)
Bass 100 - 315 Hz
(±) | reduced bass - on average 11.3% lower than median
(±) | linearity of bass is average (14.2% delta to prev. frequency)
Mids 400 - 2000 Hz
(+) | balanced mids - only 2.4% away from median
(+) | mids are linear (5.5% delta to prev. frequency)
Highs 2 - 16 kHz
(+) | balanced highs - only 2% away from median
(+) | highs are linear (4.5% delta to prev. frequency)
Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz
(+) | overall sound is linear (10.2% difference to median)
Compared to same class
» 5% of all tested devices in this class were better, 2% similar, 93% worse
» The best had a delta of 5%, average was 19%, worst was 53%
Compared to all devices tested
» 3% of all tested devices were better, 1% similar, 96% worse
» The best had a delta of 4%, average was 25%, worst was 134%

Frequency diagram in comparison (checkboxes above can be turned on/off!)

Energy Management

Power Consumption

We measured a maximum idle consumption of 8.3 watts. This rate climbed to 34.5 watts in the stress test. The power supply has a nominal output of 45 watts. The EliteBook consumes less power than its predecessor over the entire load range. The improvements that AMD has made to the Bristol Ridge energy efficiency seem to take effect here. However, the EliteBook 725 G4 cannot compete with its Intel-based sister model.

Power Consumption
Off / Standbydarklight 0.66 / 1.3 Watt
Idledarkmidlight 4.5 / 6.3 / 8.3 Watt
Load midlight 27.6 / 34.5 Watt
 color bar
Key: min: dark, med: mid, max: light        Metrahit Energy
Currently we use the Metrahit Energy, a professional single phase power quality and energy measurement digital multimeter, for our measurements. Find out more about it here. All of our test methods can be found here.
HP EliteBook 725 G4
PRO A12-9800B, Radeon R7 (Bristol Ridge)
HP EliteBook 725 G3-P4T48EA
Pro A10-8700B, Radeon R6 (Carrizo)
HP EliteBook 820 G4 Z2V72ET
i7-7500U, HD Graphics 620
Toshiba Portege Z30-C-138
6500U, HD Graphics 520
Dell Latitude 12 E7270
6300U, HD Graphics 520
Lenovo ThinkPad X260-20F6007RGE
6500U, HD Graphics 520
Power Consumption
-35%
19%
-11%
7%
5%
Idle Minimum *
4.5
5.4
-20%
2.7
40%
3.2
29%
3.8
16%
3.5
22%
Idle Average *
6.3
7.5
-19%
4.8
24%
7.8
-24%
6.7
-6%
5.5
13%
Idle Maximum *
8.3
13
-57%
6.6
20%
8.7
-5%
7.2
13%
6.7
19%
Load Average *
27.6
41.2
-49%
28.5
-3%
42.2
-53%
27.2
1%
28.9
-5%
Load Maximum *
34.5
44.7
-30%
29
16%
35.7
-3%
30.2
12%
42.1
-22%

* ... smaller is better

Battery Runtime

The EliteBook achieved a runtime of 6:20 hours in our practical Wi-Fi test. We simulate the load needed to open websites with a script. The "Balanced" profile is enabled, the energy-saving features are disabled, and the screen's brightness is set to approximately 150 cd/m² here. Our video test ran for 5:44 hours on one charged battery. Here, the short video "Big Buck Bunny" (H.265 encoding, 1920x1080 pixels) is looped, the wireless modules and energy saving functions are disabled, and the screen's brightness is dimmed to 150 cd/m².

The battery life of HP's laptop is much better than that of its predecessor. The combination of a somewhat higher battery capacity (49 Wh vs. 44 Wh) and the improved energy efficiency of the Bristol Ridge APU are noticed here. Nevertheless, the EliteBook 820 G4 again clearly lags behind the EliteBook in battery life.

The battery has a capacity of 49 Wh
The battery has a capacity of 49 Wh
Battery Runtime
Idle (without WLAN, min brightness)
11h 40min
WiFi Websurfing (Edge 38)
6h 20min
Big Buck Bunny H.264 1080p
5h 44min
Load (maximum brightness)
2h 03min
HP EliteBook 725 G4
PRO A12-9800B, Radeon R7 (Bristol Ridge), 49 Wh
HP EliteBook 725 G3-P4T48EA
Pro A10-8700B, Radeon R6 (Carrizo), 44 Wh
HP EliteBook 820 G4 Z2V72ET
i7-7500U, HD Graphics 620, 49 Wh
Toshiba Portege Z30-C-138
6500U, HD Graphics 520, 52 Wh
Dell Latitude 12 E7270
6300U, HD Graphics 520, 55 Wh
Lenovo ThinkPad X260-20F6007RGE
6500U, HD Graphics 520, 46 Wh
Apple MacBook Pro 13 2016 (2.9 GHz)
6267U, Iris Graphics 550, 49.2 Wh
Apple MacBook 12 (Early 2016) 1.1 GHz
6Y30, HD Graphics 515, 41.4 Wh
Battery Runtime
-26%
66%
-9%
36%
20%
14%
56%
Reader / Idle
700
553
-21%
1346
92%
1050
50%
953
36%
H.264
344
258
-25%
532
55%
466
35%
483
40%
512
49%
WiFi v1.3
380
281
-26%
566
49%
345
-9%
508
34%
501
32%
566
49%
501
32%
Load
123
83
-33%
205
67%
153
24%
92
-25%
66
-46%
231
88%

Pros

+ IPS panel
+ Full HD resolution
+ solid, well-built casing
+ good input devices
+ NVMe SSD
+ LTE modem
+ decent battery life
+ three-year warranty

Cons

- quiet fan whistling at higher speeds
- high price
- CPU Turbo is not exhausted

Verdict

In review: HP EliteBook 725 G4 (Z2V99EA). Test model courtesy of HP Germany.
In review: HP EliteBook 725 G4 (Z2V99EA). Test model courtesy of HP Germany.

The EliteBook 725 G4 is the so-to-say "cheap" version of the EliteBook 820 G4. The devices look similar from the outside. The 725 G4 also has a high-quality casing and good keyboard. The price difference between both devices is due to the less expensive (and weaker performance) APUs by AMD.

The CPU part of the APU installed here is clearly inferior to the Intel processor installed in the sister model. However, the APU has enough computing power for office and Internet applications. On the other hand, the AMD GPU is superior to its Intel counterpart.

The EliteBook 725 G4 is made for users who place less importance on CPU performance and battery life.

The laptop hardly heats up over the entire load range and usually runs quietly if not silently. However, this comes to an end as soon as the fan starts spinning. It produces a quiet whistling - just like the fan in the Intel-based sister model. This should not occur in devices in this price range, especially since the 725 G3 and 820 G3 predecessors presented a similar noise.

A lightning-fast NVMe SSD ensures a fast-running system. Replacing the SSD would be possible by removing the laptop's base tray. HP has equipped the EliteBook with an IPS panel that is overall convincing. It is a bright, high-contrast, viewing angle stable model that presents a good color reproduction in the state of delivery.

Furthermore, our review sample houses an LTE modem. Thus, accessing the Internet or company network is ensured. The laptop's battery life is also good. However, the device clearly lags behind its sister model here, and users who depend on the longest possible battery life should opt for the EliteBook 820 G4. A three-year warranty rounds off the bundle.

HP EliteBook 725 G4 - 03/20/2017 v6(old)
Sascha Mölck

Chassis
91 /  98 → 93%
Keyboard
87%
Pointing Device
89%
Connectivity
62 / 80 → 78%
Weight
72 / 35-78 → 86%
Battery
86%
Display
90%
Games Performance
54 / 68 → 80%
Application Performance
67 / 87 → 77%
Temperature
95 / 91 → 100%
Noise
94%
Audio
64 / 91 → 70%
Camera
38 / 85 → 44%
Average
76%
87%
Subnotebook - Weighted Average

Pricecompare

Read all 2 comments / answer
static version load dynamic
Loading Comments
Comment on this article
Please share our article, every link counts!
> Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations > Reviews > HP EliteBook 725 G4 (A12-9800B, Full-HD) Notebook Review
Sascha Mölck, 2017-03-24 (Update: 2020-05-19)