HP EliteBook 820 G4 (7500U, Full HD) Notebook Review
For the original German review, see here.
The models of the EliteBook 8X0 series are premium business notebooks. With the EliteBook 820 G4, we have the latest 12.5-inch model of the series at hand. It looks the same as its predecessor, the EliteBook 820 G3. Changes can be found inside: Skylake has been replaced by Kaby Lake. The price is well over 1000 Euros (~$1053). Hence, buyers can expect high-end materials, excellent build quality, and very good components. The latter is often missing: For example, the displays used are often not appropriate in view of the price. Our review will reveal whether this is also true of our test model. The EliteBook competes with devices such as the Dell Latitude 12 E7270, the Lenovo ThinkPad X260, and the Toshiba Portégé Z30-C.
Case
HP has adopted the case of the EliteBook 820 G3 without any changes. The lid and the top side of the base unit are silver-colored while the underside and the display frame are black. The subnotebook lacks a maintenance hatch. In order to get to the hardware components, you will need to remove the underside. We will discuss this later. The battery is fixed.
The case of the EliteBook is made of stable magnesium alloy. The base unit proved to be quite pressure resistant. A lot of force is required in order to dent it. In addition, it does not twist. The lid can be twisted to a small extent, but the display does not show any image distortions. Furthermore, pressure against the lid does also not cause any image distortions. The build quality is beyond reproach: The gaps are even and you cannot find protruding material and/or sharp edges anywhere. The hinges hold the display securely. They teeter only slightly if at all. It is possible to open the lid with one hand. The maximum opening angle is about 140 degrees.
All things considered, the EliteBook is on par with its competitors in terms of size and weight.
Connectivity
The interfaces have also remained unchanged compared with the EliteBook 820 G3. Apart from a DisplayPort, it still features a VGA out. The three USB ports (2x Type-A, 1x Type-C) use the USB 3.1 Gen-1 standard. In addition, the computer delivers a docking port, which allows connecting proprietary HP docking stations. The interface layout is alright. The space beside the palm rest usually remains free of cables.
SD Card Reader
The built-in card reader is one of the faster representatives of its kind. It achieves a maximum transfer rate of 86.6 MB/s when copying large data blocks. Moving 250 jpg files (about 5 MP each) is done at 77.8 MB/s. Therefore, the card reader is on par with the models in most competitors. Only the Dell Latitude 12 E7270 achieves significantly higher transfer rates. We test memory card readers with a reference card (Toshiba Exceria Pro SDXC 64 GB UHS-II).
| SD Card Reader | |
| average JPG Copy Test (av. of 3 runs) | |
| Dell Latitude 12 E7270 | |
| HP EliteBook 820 G4 Z2V72ET | |
| HP EliteBook 820 G3 | |
| Toshiba Portege Z30-C-138 | |
| Lenovo ThinkPad X260-20F6007RGE | |
| HP EliteBook 725 G3-P4T48EA | |
| maximum AS SSD Seq Read Test (1GB) | |
| Dell Latitude 12 E7270 | |
| HP EliteBook 820 G3 | |
| HP EliteBook 820 G4 Z2V72ET | |
| Toshiba Portege Z30-C-138 | |
| Lenovo ThinkPad X260-20F6007RGE | |
| HP EliteBook 725 G3-P4T48EA | |
Communication
HP has equipped the EliteBook with a Wi-Fi module from Intel (Dual Band Wireless-AC 8265). Not only does it support the 802.11 a/b/g/n Wi-Fi standards, it also supports the fast ac standard (2.4 and 5 GHz). The transfer rates, which we recorded under ideal conditions (no other Wi-Fi devices close by, short distance between notebook and server PC), are very good. The Gigabit Ethernet chip (I219-V) also stems from Intel. It works flawlessly.
There is no shortage in terms of networking options. The computer also has an LTE modem on board. The SIM card slot sits on the right side of the case and allows comfortable insertion or replacement of SIM cards.
| Networking | |
| iperf3 transmit AX12 | |
| HP EliteBook 820 G4 Z2V72ET (jseb) | |
| iperf3 receive AX12 | |
| HP EliteBook 820 G4 Z2V72ET (jseb) | |
| iperf Client (transmit) TCP 1 m | |
| Apple MacBook 12 (Early 2016) 1.1 GHz | |
| iperf Server (receive) TCP 1 m | |
| Apple MacBook 12 (Early 2016) 1.1 GHz | |
Security
Since it is a business notebook, the device delivers many security features as a matter of course. For example, it comes with a Trusted Platform Module (2.0). There is a smartcard reader as well as a fingerprint reader for biometric access control. In addition, HP's security software (HP Client Security) is pre-installed.
Web Cam
The web cam produces images with a maximum resolution of 1280x720 pixels. It is obvious that the images lack sharpness. Positive: The camera even produces quite bright images in low-light scenarios.
Accessories
Apart from usual documents (quick start guide, warranty information), the computer does not include any accessories. However, HP has optional accessories in its line-up. The docking station might be the most interesting. The HP 2013 UltraSlim docking station can be connected to the EliteBook's docking port. It costs about 120 Euros (~$126). Due to the fact that the docking port is also compatible with the predecessor models, you can continue using an existing docking station. As an alternative, HP also offers several USB docking stations.
Maintenance
In order to get to the innards of the EliteBook, you will have to remove the underside - a feasible undertaking. In order to do so, you will have to remove all the screws on the underside of the computer. Before you can do so, the rubber stoppers covering the screws have to be removed. These are only plugged and not glued. Another screw is in the memory card reader slot. You can reach it after taking the dummy out. Afterwards, the underside can be taken off and you can get access to the two RAM slots, the SSD, the battery, the LTE modem, the Wi-Fi module, and the fan.
Warranty
The EliteBook includes a three-year warranty, including pick-up service. Coverage and duration can be extended. HP offers many options, for example a five-year warranty with on-site service on the next working day for about 320 Euros (~$337).
Please see our Guarantees, Return Policies and Warranties FAQ for country-specific information.
Input Devices
Keyboard
We are already familiar with the splash-proof Chiclet keyboard from the EliteBook 820 G3. It features a backlight, which can be controlled via a function key. Two brightness levels are available. The smooth keys feature a short travel and a crisp pressure point. During typing, the central part of the keyboard, right beside the TrackPoint yields visibly. Hence, the pressure point is slightly more spongy there. However, this can be viewed as nit-picking on a high level. Overall, HP delivers a well-made keyboard, which is also suitable for prolific writers.
Touchpad and TrackPoint
The multi-touch capable touchpad of the computer occupies about 8.2 x 4.6 cm (~3.2 x 1.8 in). Hence, the space for gesture control is quite limited. Fingers glide easily on the smooth surface. The pad is even responsive in the corners. It can be enabled and disabled by double clicking the upper left corner. An LED indicates the state. There are two separate mouse buttons in front of the pad. They feature a medium travel and a crisp pressure point. Two additional mouse buttons sit above the touchpad. These are primarily meant for use with the TrackPoint. The TrackPoint appears to be good and allows quite a precise cursor control.
Display
The matte 12.5-inch screen features a native resolution of 1920x1080 pixels. Brightness (304 cd/m2) and contrast (1124:1) are pleasing. We can seldom say this about displays in HP business notebooks. Positive: The display never shows PWM flickering.
Apart from the Full HD display in our test model, the maintenance guide of the computer also lists two other display models: a Full HD touchscreen and an HD display (1366x768 pixels). Most probably, the latter is identical to the one used in our EliteBook 820 G3 test model - dark, low-contrast display with narrow viewing angles.
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Brightness Distribution: 81 %
Center on Battery: 328 cd/m²
Contrast: 1124:1 (Black: 0.29 cd/m²)
ΔE Color 6.49 | 0.5-29.43 Ø4.91
ΔE Greyscale 6.16 | 0.5-98 Ø5.2
65% sRGB (Argyll 1.6.3 3D)
42% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 1.6.3 3D)
46.04% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
65.5% sRGB (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
44.45% Display P3 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
Gamma: 2.32
| HP EliteBook 820 G4 Z2V72ET IPS, 1920x1080, 12.5" | HP EliteBook 820 G3 TN LED, 1366x768, 12.5" | HP EliteBook 725 G3-P4T48EA TN LED, 1366x768, 12.5" | Lenovo ThinkPad X260-20F6007RGE IPS, 1920x1080, 12.5" | Toshiba Portege Z30-C-138 IPS, 1920x1080, 13.3" | Dell Latitude 12 E7270 IPS LED, 1920x1080, 12.5" | Apple MacBook 12 (Early 2016) 1.1 GHz IPS, 2304x1440, 12" | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Display | -12% | 7% | 1% | 52% | -11% | 48% | |
| Display P3 Coverage | 44.45 | 38.9 -12% | 47.15 6% | 44.71 1% | 67.9 53% | 39.7 -11% | 66.8 50% |
| sRGB Coverage | 65.5 | 58.5 -11% | 71 8% | 66.1 1% | 98 50% | 59.2 -10% | 95.4 46% |
| AdobeRGB 1998 Coverage | 46.04 | 40.2 -13% | 48.71 6% | 46.23 0% | 69.8 52% | 41.07 -11% | 68 48% |
| Response Times | -39% | -18% | 1% | -14% | -11% | -18% | |
| Response Time Grey 50% / Grey 80% * | 35 ? | 58 ? -66% | 50 ? -43% | 32.8 ? 6% | 42 ? -20% | 38.4 ? -10% | 41.2 ? -18% |
| Response Time Black / White * | 26 ? | 29.2 ? -12% | 24 ? 8% | 27.2 ? -5% | 28 ? -8% | 28.8 ? -11% | 30.4 ? -17% |
| PWM Frequency | 217 ? | ||||||
| Screen | -33% | -24% | 4% | 13% | -12% | 26% | |
| Brightness middle | 326 | 244 -25% | 241 -26% | 337 3% | 300 -8% | 353 8% | 387 19% |
| Brightness | 304 | 240 -21% | 240 -21% | 322 6% | 280 -8% | 334 10% | 358 18% |
| Brightness Distribution | 81 | 84 4% | 83 2% | 91 12% | 87 7% | 91 12% | 88 9% |
| Black Level * | 0.29 | 0.6 -107% | 0.54 -86% | 0.32 -10% | 0.31 -7% | 0.47 -62% | 0.47 -62% |
| Contrast | 1124 | 407 -64% | 446 -60% | 1053 -6% | 968 -14% | 751 -33% | 823 -27% |
| Colorchecker dE 2000 * | 6.49 | 9 -39% | 8.04 -24% | 5.71 12% | 4.9 24% | 7.79 -20% | 1.6 75% |
| Colorchecker dE 2000 max. * | 15.95 | 15.73 1% | 13.9 13% | 15.39 4% | 8.91 44% | 15.19 5% | 4 75% |
| Greyscale dE 2000 * | 6.16 | 9.48 -54% | 9.52 -55% | 5.15 16% | 6.69 -9% | 7.38 -20% | 1 84% |
| Gamma | 2.32 95% | 2.44 90% | 2.42 91% | 2.38 92% | 2.33 94% | 2.43 91% | 2.26 97% |
| CCT | 7575 86% | 11116 58% | 11362 57% | 6881 94% | 6487 100% | 6158 106% | 6680 97% |
| Color Space (Percent of AdobeRGB 1998) | 42 | 37.18 -11% | 45.03 7% | 42.38 1% | 63 50% | 37.72 -10% | 61.6 47% |
| Color Space (Percent of sRGB) | 65 | 58.63 -10% | 71.12 9% | 65.62 1% | 98 51% | 58.87 -9% | 82.2 26% |
| Total Average (Program / Settings) | -28% /
-29% | -12% /
-17% | 2% /
3% | 17% /
17% | -11% /
-11% | 19% /
25% |
* ... smaller is better
Screen Flickering / PWM (Pulse-Width Modulation)
| 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 8705 (minimum: 5 - maximum: 343500) Hz was measured. | ||
The colors are quite good out-of-the-box. For example, the DeltaE 2000 color shift is 6.49. A value lower than 3 would be desirable. A slight blue tint is visible. Calibration can help here. It decreases the color shift to 4.22 and the blue tint disappears. In addition, gray scales become significantly more balanced. The display cannot cover AdobeRGB and sRGB. The coverage is 65% (sRGB) and 42% (sRGB), respectively.
The colors can be improved with the color profile that we provide, which has been created in our calibration. Please note: the display model (manufacturer + model number) has to be the same as in our test model. Otherwise, colors can turn out even worse. Often, displays from different manufacturers are used within a notebook model series.
Display Response Times
| ↔ Response Time Black to White | ||
|---|---|---|
| 26 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined | ↗ 7 ms rise |  |
| ↘ 19 ms fall | ||
| The screen shows relatively slow response rates in our tests and may be too slow for gamers. In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.1 (minimum) to 240 (maximum) ms. » 59 % of all devices are better. This means that the measured response time is worse than the average of all tested devices (20.9 ms). | ||
| ↔ Response Time 50% Grey to 80% Grey | ||
| 35 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined | ↗ 16 ms rise |  |
| ↘ 19 ms fall | ||
| The screen shows slow response rates in our tests and will be unsatisfactory for gamers. In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.165 (minimum) to 636 (maximum) ms. » 44 % of all devices are better. This means that the measured response time is similar to the average of all tested devices (32.8 ms). | ||
HP has used a viewing-angle-stable IPS panel in the EliteBook. Thus, it is possible to read from the screen from every position. The subnotebook can be used outdoors. However, the sun should not shine too brightly.
Performance
The EliteBook 820 G4 is one of the premium 12.5-inch business notebooks. The used Kaby Lake processors deliver more than enough performance for all usual fields of applications. The computer comes with typical business features such as a docking port and TPM. Even an LTE modem is on board. At the time of testing, the notebook cost between 1900 and 2000 Euros (~$2001 and ~$2106). Other configurations are available. The cheapest model currently costs just under 1400 Euros (~$1474).
Processor
The EliteBook features an Intel Core i7-7500U (Kaby Lake) dual core processor. This is one of the most powerful ULV CPUs (TDP: 15-watt), which Intel currently has in its line-up. The processor should be more than enough for most user requirements. Those who want to save money can buy an EliteBook model with a Core i5-7200U processor. It brings a slightly lower maximum performance in favor of a significantly lower price.
The used Core i7 processor works at a base clock of 2.7 GHz. Thanks to Turbo, the clock rate can increase to up to 3.5 GHz (both cores). Thus, the 7500U clocks 200 to 400 MHz higher than its Skylake predecessor (Core i7-6500U). The higher clock rates are responsible for the better performance in the CPU tests. In terms of technology, Kaby Lake and Skylake do not differ. Effectively, Kaby Lake is an optimized Skylake.
However, the performance gain is lower than possible in the Multithread tests. The reason is quickly found: The clock rate quickly falls to 3 GHz during the multi-thread tests. The CPU works at 3.5 GHz in the single thread tests.
| Geekbench 3 | |
| 32 Bit Single-Core Score | |
| HP EliteBook 820 G4 Z2V72ET | |
| Lenovo ThinkPad X260-20F6007RGE | |
| HP EliteBook 725 G3-P4T48EA | |
| 32 Bit Multi-Core Score | |
| HP EliteBook 820 G4 Z2V72ET | |
| Lenovo ThinkPad X260-20F6007RGE | |
| HP EliteBook 725 G3-P4T48EA | |
| Geekbench 4.0 | |
| 64 Bit Single-Core Score | |
| HP EliteBook 820 G4 Z2V72ET | |
| 64 Bit Multi-Core Score | |
| HP EliteBook 820 G4 Z2V72ET | |
System Performance
Our test model is not lacking in performance. A lightning fast SSD and a powerful processor ensure a responsive system. Applications are quickly loaded and Windows 10 is ready for use in a very short time. The subjective impression is emphasized by very good results in the PC Mark benchmarks. It is possible to improve the performance slightly. Adding a second RAM module will activate dual channel mode.
| PCMark 7 Score | 5376 points | |
| PCMark 8 Home Score Accelerated v2 | 3660 points | |
| PCMark 8 Creative Score Accelerated v2 | 4631 points | |
| PCMark 8 Work Score Accelerated v2 | 4824 points | |
Help | ||
Storage Devices
HP has equipped our test model with one of the fastest SSDs offered for the EliteBook. It is an NVMe model (M.2 2280) from Samsung with a total capacity of 512 GB. About 430 GB is available to the user. The rest is used by the Windows installation and the recovery partition. The transfer rates are significantly better than those of SATA III SSDs. The connection of the used NVMe SSD via PCI Express x4 allows significantly higher transfer rates than the SATA III standard. However, we have already come across faster NVMe SSDs.
The EliteBook can also be equipped with a 2.5-inch drive instead of an M.2 SSD. A compatible slot is available. However, the necessary drive bracket is missing and has to be bought separately in the HP shop for replacement parts.
| HP EliteBook 820 G4 Z2V72ET Samsung PM951 NVMe MZVLV512 | HP EliteBook 820 G3 Samsung SM951 MZVPV256HDGL m.2 PCI-e | Lenovo ThinkPad X260-20F6007RGE Liteonit LCH-512V2S | Toshiba Portege Z30-C-138 Toshiba HG6 THNSNJ512G8NY | Dell Latitude 12 E7270 Liteon L8H-256V2G | Apple MacBook 12 (Early 2016) 1.1 GHz Apple SSD AP0256 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CrystalDiskMark 3.0 | 23% | -44% | -48% | -50% | -29% | |
| Read Seq | 1315 | 1255 -5% | 499.6 -62% | 518 -61% | 498.4 -62% | 754 -43% |
| Write Seq | 594 | 1240 109% | 403 -32% | 423.3 -29% | 286.7 -52% | 638 7% |
| Read 512 | 661 | 1131 71% | 322.9 -51% | 414.8 -37% | 616 -7% | |
| Write 512 | 594 | 811 37% | 372.4 -37% | 379.9 -36% | 678 14% | |
| Read 4k | 42.87 | 51 19% | 27.22 -37% | 21.17 -51% | 24.89 -42% | 14.6 -66% |
| Write 4k | 151.6 | 134.1 -12% | 83.6 -45% | 86.3 -43% | 88 -42% | 20.5 -86% |
| Read 4k QD32 | 568 | 549 -3% | 316.5 -44% | 227.3 -60% | 280.5 -51% | 464 -18% |
| Write 4k QD32 | 491.7 | 343.9 -30% | 273.1 -44% | 174.7 -64% | 241.9 -51% | 315 -36% |
Graphics Card
HP does not offer dedicated graphics cards for the EliteBook. Only integrated solutions from Intel are available. Our test model comes with an HD Graphics 620. It supports DirectX 12 and works at up to 1050 MHz. Our comparison table shows that the CPU performs better than the Skylake predecessor in the 3D Mark benchmarks. Adding a second RAM module will give even better results, since dual channel mode will improve graphic performance.
| 3DMark 06 Standard Score | 7375 points | |
| 3DMark 11 Performance | 1645 points | |
| 3DMark Ice Storm Standard Score | 56060 points | |
| 3DMark Cloud Gate Standard Score | 6084 points | |
| 3DMark Fire Strike Score | 822 points | |
| 3DMark Fire Strike Extreme Score | 370 points | |
Help | ||
Gaming Performance
Gaming capability is not important for business devices such as the EliteBook. Nevertheless, it is possible to play several games. The performance of the current iGPUs from Intel is sufficient for games with not too high hardware requirements, for example “Overwatch”, “Farming Simulator 2017”, “The Sims 4” and “Dota 2 Reborn”. However, resolution and quality level should not be set to high. Adding a second RAM module (= dual channel mode) would pay off here too and result in higher frame rates.
| low | med. | high | ultra | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tomb Raider (2013) | 70.3 | 36.2 | 21.3 | 10.4 |
| BioShock Infinite (2013) | 41.9 | 25.9 | 21.3 | 6.9 |
| Battlefield 4 (2013) | 33 | 26.9 | 17.4 | 6.1 |
Emissions
System Noise
The fan often stands still when the system is idling or under low load and the system falls silent - this is how a work device should behave. When the fan does not stand still, it works at low speed and is not really audible. You have to get closer to the device in order to notice the fan. It does not even get particularly loud under load. We measured a noise level of 35.7 dB(A) during the stress test. Unfortunately, the fan emits a quiet whistling noise. This should not happen in a notebook of this price range. We could not hear this noise during normal use. Occasionally, the EliteBook emits additional noises. If you put your ear close to the device, you can hear a quiet, low-frequency rustling sound from the inside.
Noise Level
| Idle |
| 30.7 / 30.7 / 30.7 dB(A) |
| Load |
| 35.3 / 33.7 dB(A) |
 | ||
30 dB silent 40 dB(A) audible 50 dB(A) loud |
||
min:  , med:  , max:  Audix TM1, Arta (15 cm distance) environment noise: 30.7 dB(A) | ||
| HP EliteBook 820 G4 Z2V72ET i7-7500U, HD Graphics 620 | HP EliteBook 820 G3 6300U, HD Graphics 520 | HP EliteBook 725 G3-P4T48EA Pro A10-8700B, Radeon R6 (Carrizo) | Lenovo ThinkPad X260-20F6007RGE 6500U, HD Graphics 520 | Toshiba Portege Z30-C-138 6500U, HD Graphics 520 | Dell Latitude 12 E7270 6300U, HD Graphics 520 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Noise | 2% | -2% | 2% | -10% | 4% | |
| off / environment * | 30.7 | 29.2 5% | 28.9 6% | 29 6% | 31.2 -2% | 28.9 6% |
| Idle Minimum * | 30.7 | 29.2 5% | 30.5 1% | 29 6% | 31.2 -2% | 28.9 6% |
| Idle Average * | 30.7 | 29.2 5% | 30.5 1% | 29 6% | 31.2 -2% | 28.9 6% |
| Idle Maximum * | 30.7 | 29.2 5% | 30.5 1% | 29 6% | 31.2 -2% | 28.9 6% |
| Load Average * | 35.3 | 35.6 -1% | 38.2 -8% | 35.1 1% | 43.3 -23% | 31.3 11% |
| Load Maximum * | 33.7 | 37 -10% | 38.4 -14% | 37.8 -12% | 43.3 -28% | 37.6 -12% |
* ... smaller is better
Temperature
The EliteBook behaves differently in our stress test (Prime95 and FurMark run for at least one hour) in mains operation and on battery. In mains operation, the processor works at 1.5 to 1.6 GHz and the graphics core at 900 to 1000 MHz. On battery, the clock rates are 1.4 to 1.8 GHz (CPU) and 450 MHz (GPU). The computer only gets moderately warm. We recorded temperatures of under 40 °C (~104 °F) in all measurement segments.
Although the processor throttles heavily during our stress test, you do not need to be concerned. The CPU uses its Turbo during everyday tasks. Our stress test is an extreme scenario, which will not occur in this form in everyday use.
(+) The maximum temperature on the upper side is 37 °C / 99 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 38.9 °C / 102 F, compared to the average of 39.4 °C / 103 F
(+) In idle usage, the average temperature for the upper side is 25.7 °C / 78 F, compared to the device average of 30.8 °C / 87 F.
(+) The palmrests and touchpad are cooler than skin temperature with a maximum of 27.8 °C / 82 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 (+0.5 °C / 0.9 F).
| HP EliteBook 820 G4 Z2V72ET i7-7500U, HD Graphics 620 | HP EliteBook 820 G3 6300U, HD Graphics 520 | HP EliteBook 725 G3-P4T48EA Pro A10-8700B, Radeon R6 (Carrizo) | Lenovo ThinkPad X260-20F6007RGE 6500U, HD Graphics 520 | Toshiba Portege Z30-C-138 6500U, HD Graphics 520 | Dell Latitude 12 E7270 6300U, HD Graphics 520 | Apple MacBook 12 (Early 2016) 1.1 GHz 6Y30, HD Graphics 515 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heat | -9% | -29% | -27% | 3% | -27% | -15% | |
| Maximum Upper Side * | 37 | 39.6 -7% | 42.8 -16% | 47.5 -28% | 40.6 -10% | 44.3 -20% | 39 -5% |
| Maximum Bottom * | 38.9 | 40.1 -3% | 54.3 -40% | 43.6 -12% | 37 5% | 52.6 -35% | 44 -13% |
| Idle Upper Side * | 26.3 | 29.4 -12% | 33.2 -26% | 34.9 -33% | 24.5 7% | 32.3 -23% | 32 -22% |
| Idle Bottom * | 27 | 30.6 -13% | 36.5 -35% | 35.9 -33% | 24.9 8% | 35.1 -30% | 32 -19% |
* ... smaller is better
Speakers
The stereo speakers of the EliteBook sit above the keyboard beneath a perforated cover. They produce a very decent, rich sound, which is nice to listen to for a prolonged period. You can only complain about the low maximum volume.
HP EliteBook 820 G4 Z2V72ET audio analysis
(-) | not very loud speakers (66 dB)
Bass 100 - 315 Hz
(±) | reduced bass - on average 14.6% lower than median
(±) | linearity of bass is average (7.6% delta to prev. frequency)
Mids 400 - 2000 Hz
(+) | balanced mids - only 1.1% away from median
(+) | mids are linear (4.7% delta to prev. frequency)
Highs 2 - 16 kHz
(±) | higher highs - on average 5.8% higher than median
(+) | highs are linear (5% delta to prev. frequency)
Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz
(±) | linearity of overall sound is average (17.6% difference to median)
Compared to same class
» 45% of all tested devices in this class were better, 8% similar, 47% worse
» The best had a delta of 5%, average was 19%, worst was 53%
Compared to all devices tested
» 31% of all tested devices were better, 8% similar, 61% 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
» 6% of all tested devices in this class were better, 2% similar, 92% worse
» The best had a delta of 5%, average was 19%, worst was 53%
Compared to all devices tested
» 4% of all tested devices were better, 1% similar, 95% worse
» The best had a delta of 4%, average was 25%, worst was 134%
Frequency diagram in comparison (check boxes above can be turned on/off!)
Energy Management
Power Consumption
As with the Skylake predecessor, the EliteBook 820 G4 is also energy efficient in idle mode. We measured a maximum power consumption of 6.6 watts in this scenario - a very good value. During the stress test, the power consumption only increases to 29 watts, since the CPU throttles heavily in this test. The power adapter is rated at 45 watts.
| Off / Standby | 0.44 / 0.49 Watt |
| Idle | 2.7 / 4.8 / 6.6 Watt |
| Load |
28.5 / 29 Watt |
   
| |
Key:
min: ,
med: ,
max: Metrahit Energy | |
| HP EliteBook 820 G4 Z2V72ET i7-7500U, HD Graphics 620 | HP EliteBook 820 G3 6300U, HD Graphics 520 | HP EliteBook 725 G3-P4T48EA Pro A10-8700B, Radeon R6 (Carrizo) | Lenovo ThinkPad X260-20F6007RGE 6500U, HD Graphics 520 | Toshiba Portege Z30-C-138 6500U, HD Graphics 520 | Dell Latitude 12 E7270 6300U, HD Graphics 520 | Apple MacBook 12 (Early 2016) 1.1 GHz 6Y30, HD Graphics 515 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Power Consumption | -14% | -70% | -19% | -37% | -18% | 17% | |
| Idle Minimum * | 2.7 | 3.5 -30% | 5.4 -100% | 3.5 -30% | 3.2 -19% | 3.8 -41% | 2.7 -0% |
| Idle Average * | 4.8 | 5.4 -13% | 7.5 -56% | 5.5 -15% | 7.8 -63% | 6.7 -40% | 2.7 44% |
| Idle Maximum * | 6.6 | 6.2 6% | 13 -97% | 6.7 -2% | 8.7 -32% | 7.2 -9% | 7.2 -9% |
| Load Average * | 28.5 | 27.3 4% | 41.2 -45% | 28.9 -1% | 42.2 -48% | 27.2 5% | 22 23% |
| Load Maximum * | 29 | 39.5 -36% | 44.7 -54% | 42.1 -45% | 35.7 -23% | 30.2 -4% | 20.5 29% |
* ... smaller is better
Battery Life
The EliteBook achieves a battery life of 9:26 h on a single charge in our realistic Wi-Fi test. It lasts over three hours longer than its predecessor. We simulate web site browsing via a script. The profile "Balanced" is active, the energy saving options are off and the display brightness is set to approximately 150 cd/m². The battery is empty after 8:52 h (predecessor: 8:15 h) in our video test. For this test, the short film Big Buck Bunny (H.264 coding, 1920x1080 pixels) runs in a loop. The radio modules as well as the energy saving options are disabled; the display brightness is set to 150 cd/m².
The EliteBook 820 G4 performs significantly better than its Skylake predecessor. The maximum battery runtimes are significantly different. It is about 10 hours better. You might assume that HP has drastically increased the battery capacity. This is not true. The battery capacity has increased by only 5 Wh (from 44 to 49 Wh). The longer battery runtimes are primarily due to the Kaby Lake processor.
| HP EliteBook 820 G4 Z2V72ET i7-7500U, HD Graphics 620, 49 Wh | HP EliteBook 820 G3 6300U, HD Graphics 520, 44 Wh | HP EliteBook 725 G3-P4T48EA Pro A10-8700B, Radeon R6 (Carrizo), 44 Wh | Lenovo ThinkPad X260-20F6007RGE 6500U, HD Graphics 520, 46 Wh | Toshiba Portege Z30-C-138 6500U, HD Graphics 520, 52 Wh | Dell Latitude 12 E7270 6300U, HD Graphics 520, 55 Wh | Apple MacBook 12 (Early 2016) 1.1 GHz 6Y30, HD Graphics 515, 41.4 Wh | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Battery Runtime | -28% | -55% | -27% | -39% | -19% | -1% | |
| Reader / Idle | 1346 | 826 -39% | 553 -59% | 953 -29% | 1050 -22% | ||
| H.264 | 532 | 495 -7% | 258 -52% | 466 -12% | 512 -4% | ||
| WiFi v1.3 | 566 | 373 -34% | 281 -50% | 501 -11% | 345 -39% | 508 -10% | 501 -11% |
| Load | 205 | 144 -30% | 83 -60% | 92 -55% | 153 -25% | 231 13% |
Pros
Cons
Verdict
Even if the HP EliteBook 820 G4 is primarily a Kaby Lake update, it might be interesting for owners of the predecessor. However, this is not due to the low performance gain of Kaby Lake compared to Skylake.
Significantly longer battery runtimes make the computer (more) attractive.
Regardless of the load, the computer remains cool and works quietly most of the time. The latter is true as long as the fan stands still or works at very low speed. Otherwise, you can hear a quiet whistling sound. This should not occur in computers of this price range; even more so as we have already criticized this in the predecessor.
The lightning fast NVMe-SSD ensures a responsive system. It is possible to replace the SSD. This requires removing the underside of the notebook - which does not take too much effort. Case and keyboard have remained unchanged: HP delivers the quality we are used to.
We can seldom say good things about the displays in HP's business notebooks. However, things are different this time: HP has incorporated a bright, contrast-rich, viewing-angle-stable IPS panel. Even the colors are quite decent out-of-the-box.
HP EliteBook 820 G4 Z2V72ET
- 02/24/2017 v6 (old)
Sascha Mölck
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