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HP EliteBook 820 G2 Subnotebook Review

Broadwell upgrade. The EliteBook 820 G2 is a 12.5-inch business notebook. Overall, it left a good impression and does not need to hide from the competition. However, it also is not exactly affordable with a price of just under 2000 Euros (~$2253).

For the original German review, see here.

The HP EliteBook 820 G2 is a 12.5-inch business notebook, which belongs to the upper class among business devices. Our test model is a Broadwell upgrade to the already reviewed EliteBook 820 G1. In addition, we also had the AMD-based EliteBook 725 G2 sibling under review.

The Lenovo ThinkPad X250 and the Dell Latitude E7250 are competitors. You also could consider the Apple MacBook 12 (Early 2015) a competitor, although it rather aims at consumers and emphasizes mobility even more.

Since the EliteBook 820 models we reviewed use the same design, we will not cover case, connectivity, input devices, and speakers here. Please refer to the EliteBook 820 G1 review for information about these aspects.

HP Elitebook 820 G2-J8R58EA (EliteBook 820 Series)
Processor
Graphics adapter
Intel HD Graphics 5500, Core: 950 MHz, single channel, 10.18.10.3995
Memory
8 GB 
, DDR3-1600, single channel, two RAM slots (one used)
Display
12.50 inch 16:9, 1920 x 1080 pixel 176 PPI, LG Philips, IPS, glossy: no
Mainboard
Intel Broadwell-U PCH-LP (Premium)
Storage
Samsung SSD PM851 256 GB MZ7TE256HMHP, 256 GB 
, 200 GB free
Soundcard
Realtek ALC280 @ Intel Broadwell PCH-LP 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: 3.5 mm combo, Card Reader: SD, 1 SmartCard, 1 Fingerprint Reader, Brightness Sensor, Sensors: brightness sensor, shock sensor, GPS, TPM 1.2
Networking
Intel I218-LM Gigabit (10/100/1000MBit/s), Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 7265 (a/b/g/h/n = Wi-Fi 4/ac = Wi-Fi 5/), Bluetooth 4.0, HP lt4112 Gobi 4G, LTE, GPS
Size
height x width x depth (in mm): 21 x 310 x 215 ( = 0.83 x 12.2 x 8.46 in)
Battery
46 Wh Lithium-Ion, removeable
Operating System
Microsoft Windows 7 Professional (64 Bit) + Windows 8 Pro (64 Bit)
Camera
Webcam: HD web cam
Primary Camera: 0.9 MPix
Additional features
Speakers: Stereo, Keyboard: Chiclet, Keyboard Light: yes, Recovery DVD (Windows 8.1 Pro), HP Mobile Connect Welcome Pack, Cyberlink PowerDVD 12, Cyberlink YouCam, MS Offcice (trial version), MS Security Essentials, 36 Months Warranty
Weight
1.3 kg ( = 45.86 oz / 2.87 pounds), Power Supply: 195 g ( = 6.88 oz / 0.43 pounds)
Price
1999 Euro
Note: The manufacturer may use components from different suppliers including display panels, drives or memory sticks with similar specifications.

 

Display

Our test model features a matte 12.5-inch display with a native resolution of 1920x1080 pixels. Brightness (297.7 cd/m²) and contrast (909:1) are good and cannot be criticized. In future, we only want to see such values in notebooks of this price point. Unfortunately, this will probably not be the case, which HP proved with the HD display of the predecessor.

295
cd/m²
310
cd/m²
298
cd/m²
320
cd/m²
300
cd/m²
310
cd/m²
298
cd/m²
267
cd/m²
281
cd/m²
Distribution of brightness
LG Philips tested with X-Rite i1Pro 2
Maximum: 320 cd/m² (Nits) Average: 297.7 cd/m²
Brightness Distribution: 83 %
Center on Battery: 300 cd/m²
Contrast: 909:1 (Black: 0.33 cd/m²)
ΔE Color 3.68 | 0.5-29.43 Ø5
ΔE Greyscale 2.47 | 0.57-98 Ø5.3
64.9% sRGB (Argyll 1.6.3 3D)
41.6% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 1.6.3 3D)
45.24% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
65.3% sRGB (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
43.72% Display P3 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
Gamma: 2.4
EliteBook vs. sRGB
EliteBook vs. sRGB
EliteBook vs. AdobeRGB
EliteBook vs. AdobeRGB

The display of the EliteBook cannot completely cover the color spaces AdobeRGB and sRGB. The coverage is about 64.9% (sRGB) and 41.6% (AdobeRGB), respectively. We already liked the colors in factory state. A DeltaE 2000 shift of 3.68 is close to the target value (DeltaE smaller than 3). In addition, the gray levels are very balanced. The display is not bluish. Calibration only brings a small improvement.

CalMAN - ColorChecker
CalMAN - ColorChecker
CalMAN - Gray levels
CalMAN - Gray levels
CalMAN - Color saturation
CalMAN - Color saturation
CalMAN - ColorChecker (calibrated)
CalMAN - ColorChecker (calibrated)
CalMAN - Gray levels (calibrated)
CalMAN - Gray levels (calibrated)
CalMAN - Color saturation (calibrated)
CalMAN - Color saturation (calibrated)

The EliteBook is equipped with an IPS display. So, you can read from the display from any position. Thanks to the matte display surface, sufficient brightness, and high contrast, outdoor use is possible.

EliteBook: viewing angles
EliteBook: viewing angles
The EliteBook outdoors
The EliteBook outdoors
HP Elitebook 820 G2-J8R58EA
1920x1080
HP EliteBook 820 G1
1366x768
HP EliteBook 725 G2
1366x768
Lenovo ThinkPad X250-20CLS06D00
1920x1080
Dell Latitude 12 E7250
1920x1080
Apple MacBook 12 (Early 2015) 1.1 GHz
2304x1440
Display
-9%
-7%
1%
2%
51%
Display P3 Coverage
43.72
39.89
-9%
40.56
-7%
44.14
1%
44.48
2%
67.6
55%
sRGB Coverage
65.3
59
-10%
61
-7%
65.8
1%
66.2
1%
95.6
46%
AdobeRGB 1998 Coverage
45.24
40.98
-9%
41.92
-7%
45.71
1%
45.96
2%
68.7
52%
Screen
-97%
-119%
-2%
-21%
25%
Brightness middle
300
229
-24%
188
-37%
397
32%
360
20%
345
15%
Brightness
298
211
-29%
186
-38%
357
20%
330
11%
325
9%
Brightness Distribution
83
86
4%
91
10%
81
-2%
81
-2%
90
8%
Black Level *
0.33
0.63
-91%
0.86
-161%
0.44
-33%
0.53
-61%
0.324
2%
Contrast
909
363
-60%
219
-76%
902
-1%
679
-25%
1065
17%
Colorchecker dE 2000 *
3.68
10.75
-192%
12.31
-235%
4.2
-14%
5.58
-52%
1.62
56%
Greyscale dE 2000 *
2.47
11.72
-374%
12.56
-409%
3.1
-26%
3.98
-61%
1.88
24%
Gamma
2.4 92%
2.62 84%
1.86 118%
2.6 85%
2.21 100%
2.55 86%
CCT
6310 103%
15283 43%
12047 54%
6246 104%
6192 105%
6411 101%
Color Space (Percent of AdobeRGB 1998)
41.6
37
-11%
38.6
-7%
42
1%
42.2
1%
61.8
49%
Color Space (Percent of sRGB)
64.9
65.5
1%
95.5
47%
Colorchecker dE 2000 max. *
2.51
Total Average (Program / Settings)
-53% / -73%
-63% / -89%
-1% / -2%
-10% / -15%
38% / 32%

* ... smaller is better

Performance

The EliteBook 820 G2 belongs to the business notebooks with a size of 12.5-inches. The processing performance is sufficient for all usual application scenarios. In addition, the computer delivers business functionality like docking port, TPM, and LTE modem. Our test model costs just under 2000 Euros (~$2253). HP also offers other configurations. Currently, the cheapest model is priced at about 1550 Euros (~$1746). The models of the AMD-based EliteBook 725 G2 series with the same design are significantly cheaper. They start from 650 Euros (~$732).

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

Processor

Our test model is powered by one of the most powerful ULV processors Intel currently offers: the Core i7-5500U dual-core processor (Broadwell). The CPU works at a base clock of 2.4 GHz. With Turbo, the clock rate can increase to 2.9 GHz (two cores) or 3 GHz (one core). In mains operation and on battery, the processor clocks at 2.9 to 3 GHz (single-thread) and 2.7 to 2.8 GHz (multithread) in our CPU tests. So, the CPU falls slightly behind its potential in multithread applications.

The already reviewed EliteBook 820 G1 houses a Core i7-4600U dual-core processor (Haswell), a direct predecessor of the Core i7-5500U CPU. The single-thread performance of the two processors is virtually on par. The Broadwell processor makes up for the slightly higher maximum clock of the Haswell processor (3.3 GHz vs. 3 GHz) with improvements in the Broadwell architecture. However, the Broadwell CPU performs significantly better in multithread applications. The results are about 10% better.

Cinebench R10 Shading 32Bit
5959
Cinebench R10 Rendering Multiple CPUs 32Bit
9969
Cinebench R10 Rendering Single 32Bit
4561
Cinebench R11.5 OpenGL 64Bit
19.22 fps
Cinebench R11.5 CPU Multi 64Bit
3.14 Points
Cinebench R11.5 CPU Single 64Bit
1.41 Points
Cinebench R15 Ref. Match 64Bit
98 %
Cinebench R15 OpenGL 64Bit
25.44 fps
Cinebench R15 CPU Multi 64Bit
287 Points
Cinebench R15 CPU Single 64Bit
123 Points
Help
Cinebench R15
CPU Multi 64Bit (sort by value)
HP Elitebook 820 G2-J8R58EA
HD Graphics 5500, 5500U, Samsung SSD PM851 256 GB MZ7TE256HMHP
287 Points
HP EliteBook 820 G1
HD Graphics 4400, 4600U, Intel SSD Pro 1500 Series SSDSC2BF180A4H
261 Points -9%
HP EliteBook 725 G2
Radeon R6 (Kaveri), A10 Pro-7350B, Hitachi Travelstar Z7K500 HTS725050A7E630
151 Points -47%
Lenovo ThinkPad X250-20CLS06D00
HD Graphics 5500, 5600U, Intel SSD Pro 2500 Series SSDSC2BF360A5L
301 Points +5%
Dell Latitude 12 E7250
HD Graphics 5500, 5300U, Samsung PM851 Series MZMTE256HMHP
264 Points -8%
Apple MacBook 12 (Early 2015) 1.1 GHz
HD Graphics 5300, 5Y31, Apple SSD AP0256
211 Points -26%
Apple MacBook 12 (Early 2015) 1.1 GHz
HD Graphics 5300, 5Y31, Apple SSD AP0256
205 Points -29%
CPU Single 64Bit (sort by value)
HP Elitebook 820 G2-J8R58EA
HD Graphics 5500, 5500U, Samsung SSD PM851 256 GB MZ7TE256HMHP
123 Points
HP EliteBook 820 G1
HD Graphics 4400, 4600U, Intel SSD Pro 1500 Series SSDSC2BF180A4H
125 Points +2%
HP EliteBook 725 G2
Radeon R6 (Kaveri), A10 Pro-7350B, Hitachi Travelstar Z7K500 HTS725050A7E630
55 Points -55%
Lenovo ThinkPad X250-20CLS06D00
HD Graphics 5500, 5600U, Intel SSD Pro 2500 Series SSDSC2BF360A5L
130 Points +6%
Dell Latitude 12 E7250
HD Graphics 5500, 5300U, Samsung PM851 Series MZMTE256HMHP
114 Points -7%
Apple MacBook 12 (Early 2015) 1.1 GHz
HD Graphics 5300, 5Y31, Apple SSD AP0256
98 Points -20%
Apple MacBook 12 (Early 2015) 1.1 GHz
HD Graphics 5300, 5Y31, Apple SSD AP0256
98 Points -20%
Cinebench R11.5
CPU Multi 64Bit (sort by value)
HP Elitebook 820 G2-J8R58EA
HD Graphics 5500, 5500U, Samsung SSD PM851 256 GB MZ7TE256HMHP
3.14 Points
HP EliteBook 820 G1
HD Graphics 4400, 4600U, Intel SSD Pro 1500 Series SSDSC2BF180A4H
2.83 Points -10%
HP EliteBook 725 G2
Radeon R6 (Kaveri), A10 Pro-7350B, Hitachi Travelstar Z7K500 HTS725050A7E630
1.69 Points -46%
Lenovo ThinkPad X250-20CLS06D00
HD Graphics 5500, 5600U, Intel SSD Pro 2500 Series SSDSC2BF360A5L
3.29 Points +5%
Dell Latitude 12 E7250
HD Graphics 5500, 5300U, Samsung PM851 Series MZMTE256HMHP
2.94 Points -6%
Apple MacBook 12 (Early 2015) 1.1 GHz
HD Graphics 5300, 5Y31, Apple SSD AP0256
2.3 Points -27%
Apple MacBook 12 (Early 2015) 1.1 GHz
HD Graphics 5300, 5Y31, Apple SSD AP0256
2.09 Points -33%
CPU Single 64Bit (sort by value)
HP Elitebook 820 G2-J8R58EA
HD Graphics 5500, 5500U, Samsung SSD PM851 256 GB MZ7TE256HMHP
1.41 Points
HP EliteBook 820 G1
HD Graphics 4400, 4600U, Intel SSD Pro 1500 Series SSDSC2BF180A4H
1.43 Points +1%
HP EliteBook 725 G2
Radeon R6 (Kaveri), A10 Pro-7350B, Hitachi Travelstar Z7K500 HTS725050A7E630
0.63 Points -55%
Lenovo ThinkPad X250-20CLS06D00
HD Graphics 5500, 5600U, Intel SSD Pro 2500 Series SSDSC2BF360A5L
1.51 Points +7%
Dell Latitude 12 E7250
HD Graphics 5500, 5300U, Samsung PM851 Series MZMTE256HMHP
1.33 Points -6%
Apple MacBook 12 (Early 2015) 1.1 GHz
HD Graphics 5300, 5Y31, Apple SSD AP0256
1.15 Points -18%
Apple MacBook 12 (Early 2015) 1.1 GHz
HD Graphics 5300, 5Y31, Apple SSD AP0256
1.02 Points -28%
Cinebench R10
Rendering Multiple CPUs 32Bit (sort by value)
HP Elitebook 820 G2-J8R58EA
HD Graphics 5500, 5500U, Samsung SSD PM851 256 GB MZ7TE256HMHP
9969 Points
HP EliteBook 820 G1
HD Graphics 4400, 4600U, Intel SSD Pro 1500 Series SSDSC2BF180A4H
9018 Points -10%
HP EliteBook 725 G2
Radeon R6 (Kaveri), A10 Pro-7350B, Hitachi Travelstar Z7K500 HTS725050A7E630
4951 Points -50%
Lenovo ThinkPad X250-20CLS06D00
HD Graphics 5500, 5600U, Intel SSD Pro 2500 Series SSDSC2BF360A5L
10350 Points +4%
Dell Latitude 12 E7250
HD Graphics 5500, 5300U, Samsung PM851 Series MZMTE256HMHP
9103 Points -9%
Apple MacBook 12 (Early 2015) 1.1 GHz
HD Graphics 5300, 5Y31, Apple SSD AP0256
7846 Points -21%
Rendering Single 32Bit (sort by value)
HP Elitebook 820 G2-J8R58EA
HD Graphics 5500, 5500U, Samsung SSD PM851 256 GB MZ7TE256HMHP
4561 Points
HP EliteBook 820 G1
HD Graphics 4400, 4600U, Intel SSD Pro 1500 Series SSDSC2BF180A4H
4282 Points -6%
HP EliteBook 725 G2
Radeon R6 (Kaveri), A10 Pro-7350B, Hitachi Travelstar Z7K500 HTS725050A7E630
1907 Points -58%
Lenovo ThinkPad X250-20CLS06D00
HD Graphics 5500, 5600U, Intel SSD Pro 2500 Series SSDSC2BF360A5L
4943 Points +8%
Dell Latitude 12 E7250
HD Graphics 5500, 5300U, Samsung PM851 Series MZMTE256HMHP
4341 Points -5%
Apple MacBook 12 (Early 2015) 1.1 GHz
HD Graphics 5300, 5Y31, Apple SSD AP0256
3668 Points -20%
Geekbench 3
32 Bit Single-Core Score (sort by value)
HP Elitebook 820 G2-J8R58EA
HD Graphics 5500, 5500U, Samsung SSD PM851 256 GB MZ7TE256HMHP
2717 Points
Lenovo ThinkPad X250-20CLS06D00
HD Graphics 5500, 5600U, Intel SSD Pro 2500 Series SSDSC2BF360A5L
2881 Points +6%
Apple MacBook 12 (Early 2015) 1.1 GHz
HD Graphics 5300, 5Y31, Apple SSD AP0256
2270 Points -16%
32 Bit Multi-Core Score (sort by value)
HP Elitebook 820 G2-J8R58EA
HD Graphics 5500, 5500U, Samsung SSD PM851 256 GB MZ7TE256HMHP
5708 Points
Lenovo ThinkPad X250-20CLS06D00
HD Graphics 5500, 5600U, Intel SSD Pro 2500 Series SSDSC2BF360A5L
6002 Points +5%
Apple MacBook 12 (Early 2015) 1.1 GHz
HD Graphics 5300, 5Y31, Apple SSD AP0256
4166 Points -27%
Sunspider - 1.0 Total Score (sort by value)
HP Elitebook 820 G2-J8R58EA
HD Graphics 5500, 5500U, Samsung SSD PM851 256 GB MZ7TE256HMHP
99.6 ms *
Lenovo ThinkPad X250-20CLS06D00
HD Graphics 5500, 5600U, Intel SSD Pro 2500 Series SSDSC2BF360A5L
86.9 ms * +13%
Dell Latitude 12 E7250
HD Graphics 5500, 5300U, Samsung PM851 Series MZMTE256HMHP
109.1 ms * -10%
Apple MacBook 12 (Early 2015) 1.1 GHz
HD Graphics 5300, 5Y31, Apple SSD AP0256
222 ms * -123%
Mozilla Kraken 1.1 - Total (sort by value)
HP Elitebook 820 G2-J8R58EA
HD Graphics 5500, 5500U, Samsung SSD PM851 256 GB MZ7TE256HMHP
2265 ms *
Lenovo ThinkPad X250-20CLS06D00
HD Graphics 5500, 5600U, Intel SSD Pro 2500 Series SSDSC2BF360A5L
2091 ms * +8%
Dell Latitude 12 E7250
HD Graphics 5500, 5300U, Samsung PM851 Series MZMTE256HMHP
2585 ms * -14%
Apple MacBook 12 (Early 2015) 1.1 GHz
HD Graphics 5300, 5Y31, Apple SSD AP0256
2661 ms * -17%
Octane V2 - Total Score (sort by value)
HP Elitebook 820 G2-J8R58EA
HD Graphics 5500, 5500U, Samsung SSD PM851 256 GB MZ7TE256HMHP
14904 Points
Lenovo ThinkPad X250-20CLS06D00
HD Graphics 5500, 5600U, Intel SSD Pro 2500 Series SSDSC2BF360A5L
15536 Points +4%
Dell Latitude 12 E7250
HD Graphics 5500, 5300U, Samsung PM851 Series MZMTE256HMHP
12123 Points -19%
Apple MacBook 12 (Early 2015) 1.1 GHz
HD Graphics 5300, 5Y31, Apple SSD AP0256
15898 Points +7%
Peacekeeper - --- (sort by value)
HP Elitebook 820 G2-J8R58EA
HD Graphics 5500, 5500U, Samsung SSD PM851 256 GB MZ7TE256HMHP
2669 Points
Lenovo ThinkPad X250-20CLS06D00
HD Graphics 5500, 5600U, Intel SSD Pro 2500 Series SSDSC2BF360A5L
2860 Points +7%
Apple MacBook 12 (Early 2015) 1.1 GHz
HD Graphics 5300, 5Y31, Apple SSD AP0256
3958 Points +48%

* ... smaller is better

System Performance

A powerful processor and a fast Solid State Drive ensure a responsive system. We did not face problems. The results of the PCMark benchmarks are very good, too. However, our comparison diagram shows that the sibling with a weaker CPU-GPU-combination performs significantly better. RAM works in dual-channel mode in the EliteBook 820 G1, which increases the graphics performance. In addition, the computer uses a lower desktop resolution than our current test device (HD vs. Full HD). If you decrease the desktop resolution of the 820 G2 to HD and add a second RAM module, it achieves similar results as the sibling.

PCMark 7 Score
4414 points
PCMark 8 Home Score Accelerated v2
2987 points
PCMark 8 Creative Score Accelerated v2
3306 points
PCMark 8 Work Score Accelerated v2
4133 points
Help
PCMark 8 - Home Score Accelerated v2 (sort by value)
HP Elitebook 820 G2-J8R58EA
HD Graphics 5500, 5500U, Samsung SSD PM851 256 GB MZ7TE256HMHP
2987 Points
HP EliteBook 820 G1
HD Graphics 4400, 4600U, Intel SSD Pro 1500 Series SSDSC2BF180A4H
3624 Points +21%
HP EliteBook 725 G2
Radeon R6 (Kaveri), A10 Pro-7350B, Hitachi Travelstar Z7K500 HTS725050A7E630
2291 Points -23%
Lenovo ThinkPad X250-20CLS06D00
HD Graphics 5500, 5600U, Intel SSD Pro 2500 Series SSDSC2BF360A5L
3148 Points +5%
Dell Latitude 12 E7250
HD Graphics 5500, 5300U, Samsung PM851 Series MZMTE256HMHP
2772 Points -7%
Apple MacBook 12 (Early 2015) 1.1 GHz
HD Graphics 5300, 5Y31, Apple SSD AP0256
2671 Points -11%
PCMark 7 - Score (sort by value)
HP Elitebook 820 G2-J8R58EA
HD Graphics 5500, 5500U, Samsung SSD PM851 256 GB MZ7TE256HMHP
4414 Points
HP EliteBook 820 G1
HD Graphics 4400, 4600U, Intel SSD Pro 1500 Series SSDSC2BF180A4H
5196 Points +18%
HP EliteBook 725 G2
Radeon R6 (Kaveri), A10 Pro-7350B, Hitachi Travelstar Z7K500 HTS725050A7E630
1869 Points -58%
Lenovo ThinkPad X250-20CLS06D00
HD Graphics 5500, 5600U, Intel SSD Pro 2500 Series SSDSC2BF360A5L
4609 Points +4%
Dell Latitude 12 E7250
HD Graphics 5500, 5300U, Samsung PM851 Series MZMTE256HMHP
4662 Points +6%

Storage Devices

HP equipped our test model with a Solid State Drive from Samsung. The 2.5-inch model features a total capacity of 256 GB. About 200 GB is available to the user; the rest is used by the Windows installation and the recovery partition. The transfer rates of the SSD are good. The EliteBook features an additional M.2 slot, which can be used for a compatible SSD. You could incorporate an M.2 SSD and replace the 2.5-inch SSD with a conventional hard drive. This way, you could profit from the advantages of an SSD and have much storage space available at the same time.

Samsung SSD PM851 256 GB MZ7TE256HMHP
Sequential Read: 523 MB/s
Sequential Write: 268.3 MB/s
512K Read: 445.6 MB/s
512K Write: 268.1 MB/s
4K Read: 29.14 MB/s
4K Write: 136.4 MB/s
4K QD32 Read: 384.3 MB/s
4K QD32 Write: 266.5 MB/s

Graphics Card

Intel's HD Graphics 5500 GPU is responsible for graphics output. The core supports DirectX 11.2 and works at up to 900 MHz. The 3DMark results are usual for this GPU.  However, the graphics performance can be further improved by adding a second RAM module (= dual-channel mode). For example, this will increase the 3DMark 2011 score by above 10% to 1168 points.

3DMark 11 Performance
1059 points
3DMark Ice Storm Standard Score
37897 points
3DMark Cloud Gate Standard Score
4806 points
3DMark Fire Strike Score
619 points
Help
3DMark 11 - 1280x720 Performance (sort by value)
HP Elitebook 820 G2-J8R58EA
HD Graphics 5500, 5500U, Samsung SSD PM851 256 GB MZ7TE256HMHP
1059 Points
HP EliteBook 820 G1
HD Graphics 4400, 4600U, Intel SSD Pro 1500 Series SSDSC2BF180A4H
937 Points -12%
HP EliteBook 725 G2
Radeon R6 (Kaveri), A10 Pro-7350B, Hitachi Travelstar Z7K500 HTS725050A7E630
1034 Points -2%
Lenovo ThinkPad X250-20CLS06D00
HD Graphics 5500, 5600U, Intel SSD Pro 2500 Series SSDSC2BF360A5L
1079 Points +2%
Dell Latitude 12 E7250
HD Graphics 5500, 5300U, Samsung PM851 Series MZMTE256HMHP
927 Points -12%
Apple MacBook 12 (Early 2015) 1.1 GHz
HD Graphics 5300, 5Y31, Apple SSD AP0256
898 Points -15%
3DMark
1280x720 Ice Storm Standard Score (sort by value)
HP Elitebook 820 G2-J8R58EA
HD Graphics 5500, 5500U, Samsung SSD PM851 256 GB MZ7TE256HMHP
37897 Points
HP EliteBook 820 G1
HD Graphics 4400, 4600U, Intel SSD Pro 1500 Series SSDSC2BF180A4H
41559 Points +10%
HP EliteBook 725 G2
Radeon R6 (Kaveri), A10 Pro-7350B, Hitachi Travelstar Z7K500 HTS725050A7E630
26947 Points -29%
Lenovo ThinkPad X250-20CLS06D00
HD Graphics 5500, 5600U, Intel SSD Pro 2500 Series SSDSC2BF360A5L
40296 Points +6%
Dell Latitude 12 E7250
HD Graphics 5500, 5300U, Samsung PM851 Series MZMTE256HMHP
42996 Points +13%
Apple MacBook 12 (Early 2015) 1.1 GHz
HD Graphics 5300, 5Y31, Apple SSD AP0256
41018 Points +8%
1280x720 Cloud Gate Standard Score (sort by value)
HP Elitebook 820 G2-J8R58EA
HD Graphics 5500, 5500U, Samsung SSD PM851 256 GB MZ7TE256HMHP
4806 Points
HP EliteBook 820 G1
HD Graphics 4400, 4600U, Intel SSD Pro 1500 Series SSDSC2BF180A4H
4636 Points -4%
HP EliteBook 725 G2
Radeon R6 (Kaveri), A10 Pro-7350B, Hitachi Travelstar Z7K500 HTS725050A7E630
2822 Points -41%
Lenovo ThinkPad X250-20CLS06D00
HD Graphics 5500, 5600U, Intel SSD Pro 2500 Series SSDSC2BF360A5L
4801 Points 0%
Dell Latitude 12 E7250
HD Graphics 5500, 5300U, Samsung PM851 Series MZMTE256HMHP
4633 Points -4%
Apple MacBook 12 (Early 2015) 1.1 GHz
HD Graphics 5300, 5Y31, Apple SSD AP0256
4274 Points -11%
1920x1080 Fire Strike Score (sort by value)
HP Elitebook 820 G2-J8R58EA
HD Graphics 5500, 5500U, Samsung SSD PM851 256 GB MZ7TE256HMHP
619 Points
HP EliteBook 820 G1
HD Graphics 4400, 4600U, Intel SSD Pro 1500 Series SSDSC2BF180A4H
592 Points -4%
HP EliteBook 725 G2
Radeon R6 (Kaveri), A10 Pro-7350B, Hitachi Travelstar Z7K500 HTS725050A7E630
511 Points -17%
Lenovo ThinkPad X250-20CLS06D00
HD Graphics 5500, 5600U, Intel SSD Pro 2500 Series SSDSC2BF360A5L
625 Points +1%
Dell Latitude 12 E7250
HD Graphics 5500, 5300U, Samsung PM851 Series MZMTE256HMHP
599 Points -3%
Apple MacBook 12 (Early 2015) 1.1 GHz
HD Graphics 5300, 5Y31, Apple SSD AP0256
620 Points 0%

Gaming Performance

Light gaming is possible if users want to play on the EliteBook's small 12.5-inch display at all. The hardware is capable of running games in low resolution and with low to partly medium quality settings. The success rate is higher for older games or undemanding games. Current hits like Battlefield: Hardline and GTA V will never reach playable frame rates. However, it is not completely impossible to play cutting-edge titles. For example, the game Dirt Rally runs smoothly. Again, adding a second RAM module (= dual-channel mode) will increase the frame rate. We tried it. For example, the frame rate increases by 34% to 85.7 fps in Dirt Rally.

low med. high ultra
Tomb Raider (2013) 45.8 23.2 14.8 7.2
GRID: Autosport (2014) 70.6 25.4 14.7 12.5
Dirt Rally (2015) 63.8 18.6 12.5 12.5

Emissions & Energy

System Noise

While idle, the fan of the EliteBook usually stands still and the computer works silently. Certainly, it is necessary that the fan runs under load. However, it only works at moderate speed. During the stress test, we measured a noise level of 35.1 dB - a good value. Unfortunately, the fan also produces other noises: As soon as it rotates, it generates an annoying buzzing noise. Such issues must not occur in a device that costs just under 2000 Euros (~$2253).

Noise Level

Idle
29.2 / 29.2 / 29.2 dB(A)
Load
34.7 / 35.1 dB(A)
  red to green bar
 
 
30 dB
silent
40 dB(A)
audible
50 dB(A)
loud
 
min: dark, med: mid, max: light   Voltcraft sl-451 (15 cm distance)
HP Elitebook 820 G2-J8R58EA
5500/5500U
HP EliteBook 820 G1
4400/4600U
HP EliteBook 725 G2
R6 (Kaveri)/A10 Pro-7350B
Lenovo ThinkPad X250-20CLS06D00
5500/5600U
Dell Latitude 12 E7250
5500/5300U
Noise
-4%
-3%
1%
-6%
Idle Minimum *
29.2
29.6
-1%
29.2
-0%
29
1%
29.3
-0%
Idle Average *
29.2
30.7
-5%
30.3
-4%
29
1%
29.3
-0%
Idle Maximum *
29.2
31.3
-7%
31.8
-9%
30.3
-4%
29.3
-0%
Load Average *
34.7
35.7
-3%
34.3
1%
33.4
4%
37.9
-9%
Load Maximum *
35.1
35.8
-2%
35.6
-1%
33.7
4%
42.8
-22%

* ... smaller is better

Temperature

The EliteBook during the stress test
The EliteBook during the stress test

The EliteBook behaves the same way in our stress test in mains operation and on battery. During the first minute, the processor works at 2.5 GHz and the graphics core at 950 MHz. Afterwards, the clock rates are reduced to 1.4 to 1.5 GHz (CPU) and 750 to 800 MHz (GPU) and remain at these levels. Despite a powerful CPU in a compact device, the computer only gets relatively moderately warmer. In several measurement segments, the 40 °C level is exceeded.

Max. Load
 43.2 °C
110 F
38.8 °C
102 F
38.6 °C
101 F
 
 38.2 °C
101 F
38.5 °C
101 F
35.7 °C
96 F
 
 33 °C
91 F
30.3 °C
87 F
31.8 °C
89 F
 
Maximum: 43.2 °C = 110 F
Average: 36.5 °C = 98 F
42 °C
108 F
43 °C
109 F
38.1 °C
101 F
37.2 °C
99 F
45.1 °C
113 F
37.2 °C
99 F
33.8 °C
93 F
32.8 °C
91 F
34.6 °C
94 F
Maximum: 45.1 °C = 113 F
Average: 38.2 °C = 101 F
Power Supply (max.)  47.3 °C = 117 F | Room Temperature 22.5 °C = 73 F | Fluke 62 Max
(±) The average temperature for the upper side under maximal load is 36.5 °C / 98 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 43.2 °C / 110 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 45.1 °C / 113 F, compared to the average of 39.4 °C / 103 F
(+) In idle usage, the average temperature for the upper side is 29.9 °C / 86 F, compared to the device average of 30.7 °C / 87 F.
(+) The palmrests and touchpad are reaching skin temperature as a maximum (33 °C / 91.4 F) and are therefore not hot.
(-) The average temperature of the palmrest area of similar devices was 28.3 °C / 82.9 F (-4.7 °C / -8.5 F).
HP Elitebook 820 G2-J8R58EA
5500/5500U
HP EliteBook 820 G1
4400/4600U
HP EliteBook 725 G2
R6 (Kaveri)/A10 Pro-7350B
Lenovo ThinkPad X250-20CLS06D00
5500/5600U
Dell Latitude 12 E7250
5500/5300U
Apple MacBook 12 (Early 2015) 1.1 GHz
5300/5Y31
Heat
10%
-1%
5%
-8%
-6%
Maximum Upper Side *
43.2
39.7
8%
39.7
8%
43.6
-1%
46.7
-8%
45.7
-6%
Maximum Bottom *
45.1
41.9
7%
41.7
8%
42.3
6%
56
-24%
49.4
-10%
Idle Upper Side *
31.2
27.6
12%
34.3
-10%
29.1
7%
30.1
4%
32.5
-4%
Idle Bottom *
32.5
28.8
11%
35.7
-10%
30
8%
33.2
-2%
33.1
-2%

* ... smaller is better

Power Consumption

While idle, the EliteBook is very frugal. We measured a maximum power consumption of 6.5 Watt. During the stress test the energy demand increases up to 46.3 Watt. This is a normal value for the used hardware platform. So, the included 45-Watt power adapter is a little small. However, the power consumption is only that high for a minute, since the CPU and GPU clocks fall afterwards and the energy demand decreases to 31.4 Watt.

Power Consumption
Off / Standbydarklight 0 / 0.1 Watt
Idledarkmidlight 3.1 / 5.8 / 6.5 Watt
Load midlight 30.5 / 46.3 Watt
 color bar
Key: min: dark, med: mid, max: light        Extech Power Analyzer 380803
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 820 G2-J8R58EA
5500/5500U
HP EliteBook 820 G1
4400/4600U
HP EliteBook 725 G2
R6 (Kaveri)/A10 Pro-7350B
Lenovo ThinkPad X250-20CLS06D00
5500/5600U
Dell Latitude 12 E7250
5500/5300U
Apple MacBook 12 (Early 2015) 1.1 GHz
5300/5Y31
Power Consumption
4%
-35%
-4%
-22%
28%
Idle Minimum *
3.1
3.2
-3%
7
-126%
2.7
13%
4.1
-32%
1.7
45%
Idle Average *
5.8
5.2
10%
8.6
-48%
7
-21%
8.3
-43%
5.3
9%
Idle Maximum *
6.5
7.5
-15%
9.9
-52%
8
-23%
9.4
-45%
6
8%
Load Average *
30.5
34.3
-12%
24.4
20%
28.6
6%
31.6
-4%
18.5
39%
Load Maximum *
46.3
26.8
42%
32.5
30%
44.3
4%
40.4
13%
29.3
37%

* ... smaller is better

Battery Life

The EliteBook achieves a battery life of 15:21 h while idle. The Lenovo ThinkPad X250 (12:59 h) shuts down earlier. We test the idle scenario with the Battery Eater Reader's test: The display is set to minimum brightness, the energy module is active and the radio modules are off. Under load, the EliteBook shuts down after 1:37 h. The ThinkPad (1:32 h) is on par. The load runtime is recorded with the Battery Eater Classic test with maximum display brightness, maximum performance profile and enabled radio modules.

The HP notebook finishes our realistic Wi-Fi test in 5:38 h. The ThinkPad X250 (4:58 h) shuts down earlier. This test automatically opens websites in 40-second intervals. The profile "balanced" is active and the display brightness is about 150 cd/m². We test the runtime during video playback by playing the short film Big Buck Bunny (H.264-coding, 1920x1080 pixels) in a loop. The radio modules are disabled and the display brightness is set to about 150 cd/m². The 820 G2 lasts 4:53 h. This time, the ThinkPad (5:42 h) performs better.

The battery life is not impressive, yet it is acceptable. The 820 G2 can only outperform its Haswell sibling while idle. We think that this is due to the higher resolution of the 820 G2's display.

Battery Runtime
Idle (without WLAN, min brightness)
15h 21min
WiFi Websurfing (IE 11)
5h 38min
Big Buck Bunny H.264 1080p
4h 53min
Load (maximum brightness)
1h 37min
HP Elitebook 820 G2-J8R58EA
46 Wh
HP EliteBook 820 G1
46 Wh
HP EliteBook 725 G2
46 Wh
Lenovo ThinkPad X250-20CLS06D00
48 Wh
Dell Latitude 12 E7250
52 Wh
Apple MacBook 12 (Early 2015) 1.1 GHz
40 Wh
Battery Runtime
9%
-22%
-4%
12%
48%
Reader / Idle
921
813
-12%
456
-50%
779
-15%
845
-8%
1407
53%
H.264
293
327
12%
205
-30%
342
17%
402
37%
426
45%
WiFi v1.3
338
298
-12%
456
35%
Load
97
124
28%
110
13%
92
-5%
103
6%
155
60%
WiFi
392
258
325
446

Pros

+ Matte, bright, contrast-rich IPS display
+ Excellent case quality
+ High-end input devices
+ LTE modem
+ Easy Maintenance
+ High system performance
+ Fast SSD
+ Free M.2 slot
+ 3-year warranty

Cons

- Fan produces side noise
- Poor speakers
- High price point

Verdict

The HP EliteBook 820 G2. Test model courtesy of HP Germany.
The HP EliteBook 820 G2. Test model courtesy of HP Germany.

The HP EliteBook 820 G2 is a Broadwell upgrade of the 820 G1. Only the innards are different while the outside remained the same. The new CPU-GPU combination ensures a slight processing performance gain. In addition, there is a high-end case, the sophisticated maintenance and the good input devices. The device does not get too hot and can work silently. Unfortunately, the fan generates annoying side noises as soon as it is on. An LTE modem makes mobile access to networks possible. We also liked the bright, contrast-rich IPS display. Overall, the verdict on the Haswell predecessor applies here, too:

It comprehensively meets the requirements placed on a portable, professional office device.

HP Elitebook 820 G2-J8R58EA - 02/16/2016 v5(old)
Sascha Mölck

Chassis
95 /  98 → 96%
Keyboard
90%
Pointing Device
94%
Connectivity
65 / 80 → 81%
Weight
71 / 35-78 → 84%
Battery
82%
Display
90%
Games Performance
56 / 68 → 82%
Application Performance
81 / 87 → 93%
Temperature
89 / 91 → 97%
Noise
95%
Audio
50 / 91 → 55%
Camera
42 / 85 → 49%
Average
77%
88%
Subnotebook - Weighted Average

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Sascha Mölck, 2015-06-15 (Update: 2018-05-15)