HP EliteBook 840 G2 Notebook Review
For the original German review, see here.
The laptops from the EliteBook 800 lineup belong to the upper-range business laptops. We have tested many models from this series, and now have the 14-inch model of the line with the EliteBook 840 G2. The biggest modernization is the Broadwell processor. Apart from that, nothing has changed compared to the former Haswell-based EliteBook 840 G1. The latter managed to deliver a "Good" in our test (87%). Our report reveals whether the G2 model can score even better.
The EliteBook finds rivals in the Lenovo ThinkPad T450s, Dell Latitude 14 E7540, and Fujitsu Lifebook E744. HP also has a homegrown contender in its portfolio in the form of the identically built EliteBook 745. However, the company relies on AMD APUs here.
Since both tested EliteBook 840 models feature an identical build, we will not go in-depth about casing, connectivity, input devices or speakers. The corresponding information can be found in the review of the EliteBook 840 G1. Note: The following pictures are of the EliteBook 840 G1.
Display
Our review sample has been equipped with a matte, 14-inch screen that has a native resolution of 1600x900 pixels. EliteBook models with a Full HD screen are also available. The buyer can rightly expect an excellent screen for a price of approximately 1500 Euros (~$1631). The EliteBook does not provide one though. It only achieves a brightness of 239.8 cd/m². We would have expected a rate well beyond 300 cd/m². Still, the brightness levels of the screens in contenders like the ThinkPad T450s (268.4 cd/m²) and Latitude E7450 (257.3 cd/m²) are nothing to brag about either.
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Brightness Distribution: 84 %
Center on Battery: 267 cd/m²
Contrast: 334:1 (Black: 0.8 cd/m²)
ΔE Color 12.71 | 0.5-29.43 Ø4.86
ΔE Greyscale 13.91 | 0.5-98 Ø5.1
37.2% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 1.6.3 3D)
40.11% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
58.4% sRGB (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
38.82% Display P3 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
Gamma: 2.35
Both the contrast of 334:1 and black level of 0.8 cd/m² of the EliteBook's screen is also disappointing. The screens in the ThinkPad T450s (1110:1; 0.25 cd/m²) and Latitude E7450 (933:1; 0.3 cd/m²) present better rates. The screen cannot reproduce either the sRGB or AdobeRGB color spaces. The coverage rates are 53.7% (sRGB) and 37.2% (AdobeRGB).
The screen's color reproduction is not compelling, either. It presents an average DeltaE 2000 shift of 12.71 in state of delivery. We also find these rates in laptops from the low-cost sector. A rate less than 3 would be the target. Furthermore, the screen has a bluish cast. Calibrating the screen leads to a considerable improvement. The color shift dropped to a rate of 3.18 after we calibrated it, and it thus misses the target range by hair's breadth. Calibrating also completely eliminated the bluish cast.
HP installs a viewing angle dependent TN screen in the EliteBook. The image quickly distorts when the vertical viewing angle is changed. It looks better horizontally, and even several viewers can look on the screen simultaneously. It is quite possible to use the laptop outdoors.
| HP EliteBook 840 G2 TN 1600x900 | HP EliteBook 840 G1 TN 1600x900 | HP Elitebook 745 G2 TN 1366x768 | Lenovo ThinkPad T450s-20BWS03F00 IPS 1920x1080 | Dell Latitude E7450 IPS 1920x1080 | Toshiba Tecra Z40 A-147 TN 1600x900 | Fujitsu LifeBook E744 TN 1600x900 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Display | 7% | -6% | 54% | 66% | 4% | 4% | |
| Display P3 Coverage | 38.82 | 41.65 7% | 36.42 -6% | 64.8 67% | 66.6 72% | 40.32 4% | 40.33 4% |
| sRGB Coverage | 58.4 | 62.3 7% | 54.7 -6% | 83.8 43% | 92.4 58% | 60.6 4% | 60.4 3% |
| AdobeRGB 1998 Coverage | 40.11 | 43.08 7% | 37.64 -6% | 61.2 53% | 67.7 69% | 41.68 4% | 41.71 4% |
| Screen | 15% | -7% | 64% | 57% | -10% | -1% | |
| Brightness middle | 267 | 280 5% | 208 -22% | 272 2% | 280 5% | 256 -4% | 265 -1% |
| Brightness | 240 | 280 17% | 202 -16% | 268 12% | 257 7% | 251 5% | 265 10% |
| Brightness Distribution | 84 | 87 4% | 76 -10% | 91 8% | 75 -11% | 87 4% | 89 6% |
| Black Level * | 0.8 | 0.69 14% | 0.72 10% | 0.245 69% | 0.3 62% | 1.36 -70% | 1.15 -44% |
| Contrast | 334 | 406 22% | 289 -13% | 1110 232% | 933 179% | 188 -44% | 230 -31% |
| Colorchecker dE 2000 * | 12.71 | 9.41 26% | 12.51 2% | 4.35 66% | 3.45 73% | 10.86 15% | 9.66 24% |
| Greyscale dE 2000 * | 13.91 | 10.19 27% | 13.57 2% | 3.7 73% | 3.35 76% | 11.71 16% | 10.37 25% |
| Gamma | 2.35 94% | 2.49 88% | 2.15 102% | 2.68 82% | 2.37 93% | 2.16 102% | 2.67 82% |
| CCT | 20099 32% | 12671 51% | 15339 42% | 6076 107% | 6940 94% | 12518 52% | 11804 55% |
| Color Space (Percent of AdobeRGB 1998) | 37.2 | 40 8% | 35 -6% | 54.7 47% | 60 61% | 38 2% | 38 2% |
| Color Space (Percent of sRGB) | 83.5 | 92 | |||||
| Total Average (Program / Settings) | 11% /
13% | -7% /
-6% | 59% /
61% | 62% /
59% | -3% /
-6% | 2% /
0% |
* ... smaller is better
Performance
HP has an upper-range business laptop in its portfolio with the EliteBook 840 G2. As appropriate for a business device, it sports a docking port and TPM. It is also possible to retrofit an LTE/3G modem. Our review sample costs approximately 1500 Euros (~$1631), and other configurations are available. The models of the EliteBook 840 G1 line are sold for considerably less. We found models for below 1000 Euros (~$1088) in multiple shops at test time. They are likely clearing the remainders. The members of the identically built EliteBook 745 line are also sold for less. Their prices start at 730 Euros (~$794).
Processor
Intel's Core i5-5200U (Broadwell) dual-core processor is installed in our review sample. The processor operates with a base clock of 2.2 GHz. Its speed can be boosted to 2.5 GHz (both cores) and 2.7 GHz (one core) via Turbo. The Turbo is only utilized in AC mode. The processor clocks with 2.2 GHz in battery mode. Owing to the slightly higher speeds and the improvements of the Broadwell architecture, the Core i5-5200U scores somewhat better in our benchmarks than its precursors from the Haswell generation (Core i5-4200U, Core i5-4210U). The Core i5-5200U processor cannot outperform the Core i7-4600U installed in our review sample of the EliteBook 840 G1.
| Cinebench R10 | |
| Rendering Multiple CPUs 32Bit (sort by value) | |
| HP EliteBook 840 G2 | |
| HP EliteBook 840 G1 | |
| Lenovo ThinkPad T450s-20BWS03F00 | |
| Dell Latitude E7450 | |
| Fujitsu LifeBook E744 | |
| Rendering Single 32Bit (sort by value) | |
| HP EliteBook 840 G2 | |
| HP EliteBook 840 G1 | |
| Lenovo ThinkPad T450s-20BWS03F00 | |
| Dell Latitude E7450 | |
| Fujitsu LifeBook E744 | |
| Geekbench 3 | |
| 32 Bit Single-Core Score (sort by value) | |
| HP EliteBook 840 G2 | |
| HP Elitebook 745 G2 | |
| Lenovo ThinkPad T450s-20BWS03F00 | |
| Dell Latitude E7450 | |
| 32 Bit Multi-Core Score (sort by value) | |
| HP EliteBook 840 G2 | |
| HP Elitebook 745 G2 | |
| Lenovo ThinkPad T450s-20BWS03F00 | |
| Dell Latitude E7450 | |
| Sunspider - 1.0 Total Score (sort by value) | |
| HP EliteBook 840 G2 | |
| Lenovo ThinkPad T450s-20BWS03F00 | |
| Dell Latitude E7450 | |
| Mozilla Kraken 1.1 - Total (sort by value) | |
| HP EliteBook 840 G2 | |
| Lenovo ThinkPad T450s-20BWS03F00 | |
| Dell Latitude E7450 | |
| Octane V2 - Total Score (sort by value) | |
| HP EliteBook 840 G2 | |
| Lenovo ThinkPad T450s-20BWS03F00 | |
| Dell Latitude E7450 | |
| Peacekeeper - --- (sort by value) | |
| HP EliteBook 840 G2 | |
| Lenovo ThinkPad T450s-20BWS03F00 | |
| Dell Latitude E7450 | |
* ... smaller is better
System Performance
The system's overall performance cannot be criticized. The laptop runs smoothly. The very good PCMark benchmark scores confirm that. However, it is possible to marginally increase the overall performance. The working memory would operate in dual-channel mode when a second working memory module is installed. That would result in better graphics performance. It is inconceivable why HP does not furnish the laptop with two 4 GB memory modules ex-factory. After all, the company puts a relatively steep price tag on this laptop.
| PCMark 7 Score | 4139 points | |
| PCMark 8 Home Score Accelerated v2 | 2936 points | |
| PCMark 8 Creative Score Accelerated v2 | 3139 points | |
| PCMark 8 Work Score Accelerated v2 | 4044 points | |
Help | ||
| PCMark 7 - Score (sort by value) | |
| HP EliteBook 840 G2 | |
| HP EliteBook 840 G1 | |
| HP Elitebook 745 G2 | |
| Lenovo ThinkPad T450s-20BWS03F00 | |
| Dell Latitude E7450 | |
| Toshiba Tecra Z40 A-147 | |
| Fujitsu LifeBook E744 | |
Storage Device
A solid-state drive from Samsung is installed in our review sample. The customary 2.5-inch model has a capacity of 256 GB. Its read speeds are good, but the write speeds lag behind the possibilities of modern SSDs. The EliteBook also features an additional, empty M.2 slot (full-size) that is intended for a corresponding SSD.
Graphics Card
Intel's HD Graphics 5500 GPU is responsible for video output. It is an integrated graphics core that supports DirectX 11.2 and clocks with up to 900 MHz. The 3DMark results do not reveal any surprises, and are on the normal level for this graphics core. The HD Graphics 4400 graphics core installed in the former EliteBook 840 G1 model achieved a slightly better score, but only because its working memory operates in dual-channel mode. The EliteBook 840 G2 clearly outperformed its precursor and reaped in 1148 points in the 3DMark 11 benchmark when we installed a second working memory module (= dual-channel mode active). Users who want/need more graphics power can take an EliteBook model based on a dedicated Radeon R7 M260X graphics core.
| 3DMark 11 Performance | 940 points | |
| 3DMark Ice Storm Standard Score | 37502 points | |
| 3DMark Cloud Gate Standard Score | 4342 points | |
| 3DMark Fire Strike Score | 548 points | |
Help | ||
Gaming Performance
The EliteBook 840 G2 is a work device, and its gaming suitability is thus irrelevant. However, games run on the laptop although that primarily applies to titles that have been in the market for a longer time and/or only have moderate hardware requirements. These games also only achieve smooth frame rates when low resolutions and low quality settings are selected. Up-to-date hits like Assassin's Creed Unity are not playable. As mentioned, installing a second working memory module can increase the laptop's graphics performance. That naturally also has a favorable effect in computer games in the form of higher frame rates. An increase of 5% to 40% is possible depending on the game.
| low | med. | high | ultra | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tomb Raider (2013) | 41 | 21.4 | 13.8 | 6.8 |
| BioShock Infinite (2013) | 31.7 | 16.9 | 13.6 | 4.3 |
| GRID 2 (2013) | 47.2 | 25.9 | 18.9 | 12.5 |
| Battlefield Hardline (2015) | 19.7 | 13.7 | 5.5 | 2.9 |
Emissions
System Noise
A laptop like the EliteBook should generally produce either no or only little noise in order to ensure concentrated work. The EliteBook can boast greatly in this regard. The fan is normally inactive in idle mode, but it does not speed up much during load, either. We measured a noise level of just 34.2 dB(A) during the stress test. That clearly makes the EliteBook even quieter than the former EliteBook 840 G1 model. Unfortunately, a quiet electronic whistling/beeping noise ruins the EliteBook's good impression. Although it is barely audible in normal ambient noise levels, it gets very annoying in quiet surroundings.
Noise Level
| Idle |
| 29.1 / 29.1 / 29.1 dB(A) |
| Load |
| 32.2 / 34.2 dB(A) |
 | ||
30 dB silent 40 dB(A) audible 50 dB(A) loud |
||
min:  , med:  , max:  Voltcraft sl-451 (15 cm distance) | ||
| HP EliteBook 840 G2 5500/5200U | HP EliteBook 840 G1 4400/4600U | HP Elitebook 745 G2 R6 (Kaveri)/A10 Pro-7350B | Lenovo ThinkPad T450s-20BWS03F00 5500/5600U | Dell Latitude E7450 5500/5300U | Toshiba Tecra Z40 A-147 4400/4200U | Fujitsu LifeBook E744 4600/4702MQ | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Noise | -6% | -5% | -2% | -5% | -1% | -8% | |
| Idle Minimum * | 29.1 | 29.4 -1% | 31.2 -7% | 29.1 -0% | 29.1 -0% | 28.7 1% | 28.2 3% |
| Idle Average * | 29.1 | 29.4 -1% | 31.2 -7% | 29.1 -0% | 29.1 -0% | 28.7 1% | 28.2 3% |
| Idle Maximum * | 29.1 | 29.4 -1% | 31.2 -7% | 29.1 -0% | 30 -3% | 30.2 -4% | 28.2 3% |
| Load Average * | 32.2 | 37.4 -16% | 32.7 -2% | 34.3 -7% | 36.4 -13% | 31.2 3% | 37.4 -16% |
| Load Maximum * | 34.2 | 38.6 -13% | 35.3 -3% | 34.8 -2% | 37.8 -11% | 35.6 -4% | 45.2 -32% |
* ... smaller is better
Temperature
The EliteBook not only runs quietly, it also barely heats up. The temperatures remained below 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) on every measuring point during the stress test. The EliteBook performed the stress test (Prime95 and FurMark run for at least one hour) in AC and battery mode in the same manner. The CPU and GPU only ran with their full speed for about one minute before being throttled. The processor then clocked with 1.6 GHz and the graphics core operated with about 800 MHz (750 to 850 MHz).
(+) The maximum temperature on the upper side is 37.5 °C / 100 F, compared to the average of 34.3 °C / 94 F, ranging from 21.2 to 62.5 °C for the class Office.
(+) The bottom heats up to a maximum of 38.4 °C / 101 F, compared to the average of 36.8 °C / 98 F
(+) In idle usage, the average temperature for the upper side is 27.8 °C / 82 F, compared to the device average of 29.5 °C / 85 F.
(+) The palmrests and touchpad are cooler than skin temperature with a maximum of 31.5 °C / 88.7 F and are therefore cool to the touch.
(-) The average temperature of the palmrest area of similar devices was 27.6 °C / 81.7 F (-3.9 °C / -7 F).
Energy Management
Power Consumption
The EliteBook does not show any weaknesses in terms of energy requirement. The idle power consumption was clearly below 10 watts, and climbed to a maximum of 36.8 watts in the stress test. However, this rate dropped to 30.6 watts after about a minute because both the CPU and GPU were throttled.
| Off / Standby | 0 / 0.1 Watt |
| Idle | 2.6 / 5.1 / 5.8 Watt |
| Load |
28.7 / 36.8 Watt |
   
| |
Key:
min: ,
med: ,
max: Extech Power Analyzer 380803 | |
| HP EliteBook 840 G2 5500/5200U | HP EliteBook 840 G1 4400/4600U | HP Elitebook 745 G2 R6 (Kaveri)/A10 Pro-7350B | Lenovo ThinkPad T450s-20BWS03F00 5500/5600U | Dell Latitude E7450 5500/5300U | Toshiba Tecra Z40 A-147 4400/4200U | Fujitsu LifeBook E744 4600/4702MQ | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Power Consumption | -34% | -56% | -23% | -30% | -8% | -59% | |
| Idle Minimum * | 2.6 | 4.3 -65% | 6.1 -135% | 2.9 -12% | 4 -54% | 3.7 -42% | 5 -92% |
| Idle Average * | 5.1 | 7.7 -51% | 8.8 -73% | 6.6 -29% | 7.8 -53% | 6 -18% | 8.8 -73% |
| Idle Maximum * | 5.8 | 9.3 -60% | 9.9 -71% | 7.9 -36% | 9 -55% | 6.3 -9% | 9 -55% |
| Load Average * | 28.7 | 30.6 -7% | 31.2 -9% | 30.8 -7% | 31.6 -10% | 26.5 8% | 39.6 -38% |
| Load Maximum * | 36.8 | 31.6 14% | 33.5 9% | 48.8 -33% | 29.6 20% | 28.3 23% | 50.1 -36% |
* ... smaller is better
Battery Runtime
The EliteBook managed an idle runtime of 16:01 hours, which is longer than rivals like Lenovo's ThinkPad T450s (12:54 h) and Dell's Latitude E7450 (11:54 h). Idle mode is simulated with the Battery Eater Reader's test using minimum screen brightness, enabled power-saving profile, and disabled wireless modules. Under load the EliteBook shut down after 1:53 hours. The Latitude is on par (1:55 h), and the ThinkPad (1:28 h) lags behind its contenders. The load runtime is ascertained using the Battery Eater Classic test with maximum screen brightness, the high-performance profile and enabled wireless modules.
HP's laptop stopped our Wi-Fi test after 7:02 hours. The Latitude (7:02 h) and the EliteBook are again on par. The ThinkPad (4:36 h) shuts down considerably sooner. Websites are opened automatically every 40 seconds using the "Balanced" profile and a screen brightness of approximately 150 cd/m² for this test. We check the video playback time by running the short movie Big Buck Bunny (H.264 encoding, 1920x1080 pixels) in a loop. The wireless modules are disabled, and the screen's brightness is set to approximately 150 cd/m². The EliteBook achieved a runtime of 5:25 hours, which is similar to that of the ThinkPad (5:22 h). The Latitude (7:32 h) clearly outruns it contenders.
The EliteBook achieves very good battery runtimes in total. It can even outclass its precursor in almost all battery tests. Users who need a longer runtime from the EliteBook can strap an additional battery (HP CO06XL, 60 Wh, approx. 200 Euros/~$218) under the device. That should at least double the battery life.
| HP EliteBook 840 G2 5500/5200U | HP EliteBook 840 G1 4400/4600U | HP Elitebook 745 G2 R6 (Kaveri)/A10 Pro-7350B | Lenovo ThinkPad T450s-20BWS03F00 5500/5600U | Dell Latitude E7450 5500/5300U | Toshiba Tecra Z40 A-147 4400/4200U | Fujitsu LifeBook E744 4600/4702MQ | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Battery Runtime | -9% | -27% | -19% | 4% | -1% | -7% | |
| Reader / Idle | 961 | 778 -19% | 562 -42% | 774 -19% | 714 -26% | 586 -39% | 881 -8% |
| H.264 | 324 | 296 -9% | 246 -24% | 322 -1% | 452 40% | 385 19% | |
| WiFi v1.3 | 422 | 276 -35% | 422 0% | ||||
| Load | 112 | 112 0% | 95 -15% | 88 -21% | 115 3% | 131 17% | 106 -5% |
| WiFi | 364 | 279 | 336 | 459 | 426 | 351 |
Pros
Cons
Verdict
HP's EliteBook 840 G2 is primarily a Broadwell upgrade. HP has not modified anything apart from exchanging the processor. The Broadwell processor involves some improvements over the precursor. The EliteBook 840 G2 consumes less power, has a lower operating noise and slightly lower temperatures, and lasts longer in our real-life battery tests. For the avoidance of doubt: The EliteBook 840 G1 did not score badly in any of the listed tests. The G1 and G2 model are otherwise identical. Both sport decent input devices, very good maintenance options, and a slim, high-quality casing. Furthermore, both models feature a preparation for an SSD in the M.2 format and an LTE/3G modem. The G1 model that we tested is shipped with the corresponding modem. Unfortunately, HP has not eliminated the biggest weak point of the EliteBook 840 G1, and carries it on in the EliteBook 840 G2: The screen. The screens in both models have low brightness and low contrast. They are also viewing angle dependent TN screens. HP demands 1500 Euros (~$1631) for the laptop; a bright, high-contrast IPS screen should belong to the standard configuration in view of this price.
HP EliteBook 840 G2
- 03/27/2015 v4 (old)
Sascha Mölck
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