Notebookcheck Logo

HP EliteBook Folio 1040 G2 Ultrabook Review

Boldly priced. Actually, HP has almost done everything right in the refresh of its premium model and presents a throughout well-designed, very slim and swift business ultrabook with an IPS touchscreen and extensive security features. However, incomprehension evolves when comparing the price-performance ratio with the competition.

For the original German review, see here.

HP has updated the EliteBook Folio 1040 G1 that we tested in March 2014. Essentially, it makes extensive use of the latest Broadwell generation in place of Haswell hardware. Various configurations are again offered; a total of four could be scrutinized on the HP product page at test time. Differences are found in the processors, where buyers can opt for an Intel Core i5-5200U (2x 2.2 - 2.7 GHz, Hyper-Threading, TDP: 15 watts) or a faster i7-5600U (2x 2.6 - 3.2 GHz, Hyper-Threading, TDP: 15 watts) like in our review sample labeled H9W04EA. The working memory is either 4 or 8 GB, and the SSD optionally has a capacity of 128 or 256 GB. The two pricier models both feature 4G wireless modules, and the two less expensive models have to be satisfied with Wi-Fi. We will discuss the differences in screens further below.

Since the new G2 models are identical with the former generation, we will not go in-depth about casing, connectivity, input devices or speakers, and we refer readers to our detailed review of the 1040 G1. Equally sized contenders of the G2 would, for example, be Lenovo's ThinkPad T450s and Dell's Latitude 14 E7450. However, the lower-priced HP EliteBook 840 G2 is also a serious homegrown rival. An overview of good business ultrabooks can be found in our Top 10 chart.

Processor
Intel Core i7-5600U 2 x 2.6 - 3.2 GHz (Intel Core i7)
Graphics adapter
Intel HD Graphics 5500, Core: 950 MHz, DDR3L, shared memory, 10.18.10.4013
Memory
8 GB 
, DDR3L, 1600 MHz, dual-channel
Display
14.00 inch 16:9, 1920 x 1080 pixel, 10 point, AU Optronics AUO133D, IPS, glossy: yes
Mainboard
Intel Broadwell-U PCH-LP (Premium)
Storage
Samsung SSD PM851 256 GB MZNTE256HMHP, 256 GB 
Soundcard
Intel Broadwell PCH-LP - High Definition Audio Controller
Connections
2 USB 3.0 / 3.1 Gen1, 1 DisplayPort, 1 Kensington Lock, 1 Docking Station Port, Audio Connections: headphone/microphone combo, Card Reader: micro SD/SDHC/SDXC, 1 SmartCard, 1 Fingerprint Reader, NFC, Brightness Sensor, NFC
Networking
Intel I218-LM Gigabit (10/100/1000MBit/s), Intel Wireless-AC 7265 (a/b/g/n = Wi-Fi 4/ac = Wi-Fi 5/), Bluetooth 4.0, HP lt4112 Gobi 4G module, GPS
Size
height x width x depth (in mm): 15.9 x 338 x 234 ( = 0.63 x 13.31 x 9.21 in)
Battery
42 Wh Lithium-Polymer, 6 cells
Operating System
Microsoft Windows 8 Pro 64 Bit
Camera
Webcam: HD 720p
Primary Camera: 1 MPix
Additional features
Speakers: stereo, Keyboard: chiclet, Keyboard Light: yes, recovery media, installation media for Windows 8.1 Pro, docking port-to-VGA/Ethernet adapter, HP Connection Manager (Windows 7), HP Wireless HotSpot, HP Mobile Connect (EMEA only), HP PageLift (Windows 8.1 systems only), HP Recovery Manager, HP Support Assistant, HP ePrint, 36 Months Warranty
Weight
1.51 kg ( = 53.26 oz / 3.33 pounds), Power Supply: 175 g ( = 6.17 oz / 0.39 pounds)
Price
2153 Euro
Note: The manufacturer may use components from different suppliers including display panels, drives or memory sticks with similar specifications.

 

HP EliteBook Folio 1040 G2
HP EliteBook Folio 1040 G2
HP EliteBook Folio 1040 G2
HP EliteBook Folio 1040 G2
HP EliteBook Folio 1040 G2
HP EliteBook Folio 1040 G2
HP EliteBook Folio 1040 G2
HP EliteBook Folio 1040 G2
HP EliteBook Folio 1040 G2
HP EliteBook Folio 1040 G2
HP EliteBook Folio 1040 G2
HP EliteBook Folio 1040 G2

Display

HP has opted for a glare-type Full HD screen (16:9) with touch support based on IPS technology that has a pixel density of 157 ppi at a 14-inch diagonal. It was only enough for a low-cost, non-touch, matte TN screen that also involved some drawbacks in the former HP EliteBook Folio 1040 G1 reviewed as model H5F62ET. Of the four available G2 models discovered on HP's corresponding website, only the review sample has a touchscreen while the others are all furnished with non-touch, matte screens with 1600x900 pixels (H9W00EA) or 1920x1080 pixels (H9W01EA, H9W05EA).

The image sharpness gives no reason for complaint when sitting at a normal distance of roughly half-a-meter. Like both contenders, the maximum brightness of approximately 275 cd/m² (center) is on a very good yet not exceptional level that many premium business laptops achieve or even surpass. We cannot think of any scenario where the brightness would be too low - at least indoors. An illumination of 85% actually should not be conspicuous. However, visible screen bleeding at the lower right edge was observed on a completely black screen in our review sample when using maximum brightness. That will likely only be noticed in dark content.

275
cd/m²
263
cd/m²
238
cd/m²
272
cd/m²
274
cd/m²
251
cd/m²
279
cd/m²
268
cd/m²
249
cd/m²
Distribution of brightness
AU Optronics AUO133D tested with X-Rite i1Pro 2
Maximum: 279 cd/m² (Nits) Average: 263.2 cd/m²
Brightness Distribution: 85 %
Center on Battery: 274 cd/m²
Contrast: 1305:1 (Black: 0.21 cd/m²)
ΔE Color 3.93 | 0.5-29.43 Ø5
ΔE Greyscale 5.28 | 0.57-98 Ø5.3
61% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 1.6.3 3D)
68.3% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
94.8% sRGB (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
66.1% Display P3 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
Gamma: 2.49

HP deserves praise for the agreeably low black level of just 0.21 cd/m², which is not often achieved by IPS screens. Alongside the superb brightness, it leads to an exemplary contrast of 1305:1. Subjectively, we did not find black especially saturated, which might be due to the reflective surface. The IPS screens in both the ThinkPad T450s and Latitude accomplish low black levels but do not quite reach that of the review sample.

The screen in the G2 "only" covers 61% of the large AdobeRGB color space, which is usually only relevant for professional image editors. However, it achieves 95% of the wider spread sRGB color space to which the majority of consumer devices, such as monitors and digital cameras, are geared. Is this perhaps a candidate that can be recommended for image editing to hobby photographers? Not quite because the color shifts represented by the DeltaE rate should be less than DeltaE 3. The screen from AU Optronics (just) misses that in state of delivery. The color profile linked in the box might remedy this. Both Dell's and Lenovo's devices are impressive in terms of color accuracy. In total, the differences between the screens are very tight.

CalMAN Grayscale
CalMAN Grayscale
CalMAN ColorChecker
CalMAN ColorChecker
CalMAN Saturation Sweeps
CalMAN Saturation Sweeps
HP EliteBook Folio 1040 G2 vs. AdobeRGB (61%)
HP EliteBook Folio 1040 G2 vs. AdobeRGB (61%)
HP EliteBook Folio 1040 G2 vs. sRGB (95%)
HP EliteBook Folio 1040 G2 vs. sRGB (95%)
HP EliteBook Folio 1040 G2Lenovo ThinkPad T450s-20BWS03F00Dell Latitude E7450HP EliteBook Folio 1040 G1 (H5F62ET)
Display
-8%
-1%
-38%
Display P3 Coverage
66.1
64.8
-2%
66.6
1%
40.89
-38%
sRGB Coverage
94.8
83.8
-12%
92.4
-3%
60.4
-36%
AdobeRGB 1998 Coverage
68.3
61.2
-10%
67.7
-1%
41.91
-39%
Screen
-2%
-5%
-90%
Brightness middle
274
272
-1%
280
2%
282
3%
Brightness
263
268
2%
257
-2%
259
-2%
Brightness Distribution
85
91
7%
75
-12%
86
1%
Black Level *
0.21
0.245
-17%
0.3
-43%
0.65
-210%
Contrast
1305
1110
-15%
933
-29%
434
-67%
Colorchecker dE 2000 *
3.93
4.35
-11%
3.45
12%
13.08
-233%
Greyscale dE 2000 *
5.28
3.7
30%
3.35
37%
14.4
-173%
Gamma
2.49 88%
2.68 82%
2.37 93%
2.2 100%
CCT
7108 91%
6076 107%
6940 94%
19526 33%
Color Space (Percent of AdobeRGB 1998)
61
54.7
-10%
60
-2%
39.13
-36%
Color Space (Percent of sRGB)
83.5
92
Total Average (Program / Settings)
-5% / -4%
-3% / -4%
-64% / -75%

* ... smaller is better

Despite the screen's good brightness, its glossiness makes it almost impossible to work without distractions even in favorable light conditions or in the shade outdoors. It is not easy to find a position that does not affect the desktop's legibility too much particularly on sunny days. That is especially too bad seeing that it limits the EliteBook's actually high mobility factor. However, that is common for touchscreens since they can only be cleaned properly when they have a glossy surface. The not very rich black reproduction particularly in bright surroundings was also noticed here.

IPS again provides the 1040 G2 with a lot of elbowroom without significant image quality losses from slanted viewing angles. The brightness and contrast is only reduced moderately when looking at the screen from the sides or from below and will barely be noticed. Even the screenshots in the corners of our viewing-angle collage, representing viewing angles shifted by 45 ° on two levels, show that the color reproduction is barely affected. Not every IPS screen manages that. However, the reflections of the glare-type surface are more visible when not sitting directly in front of the screen.

Performance

Thanks to a swift i7 quad-core, 8 GB of RAM in dual-channel mode and the strong SSD, HP's EliteBook Folio is not only unconditionally suitable for relatively low-requirement office suites, but it should also easily cope with more demanding tasks, such as intricate image editing in Photoshop. However, it might find its limits in strongly parallelized games or even 3D rendering software that highly benefit from four or more physical cores. The Intel Core i5-5200U (2x 2.2 - 2.7 GHz, Hyper-Threading, TDP: 15 watts) installed in the cheaper H9W00EA version should easily be enough for most typical application scenarios.

 
System information: HP EliteBook Folio 1040 G2

Processor

CPU clock rates: Cinebench R15
CPU clock rates: Cinebench R15

Intel's Core i7-5600U (2x 2.6 - 3.2 GHz, Hyper-Threading, TDP: 15 watts) is a smart dual-core from Intel's latest Broadwell generation, which can process up to four threads simultaneously via Hyper-Threading. Its low TDP of 15 watts makes it suitable for especially compact and slim ultrabooks and laptops. In particular the energy efficiency has been improved within the framework of the reduced manufacturing process (shrink "tick") to 14 nm in contrast to the former Haswell generation. However, the performance could also be increased by 10 to 15% due to the in detail improved architecture and slightly higher clock rates compared with its direct i7-4600U precursor (2x 2.1 - 3.3 GHz, Hyper-Threading, TDP: 15 watts).

Compared with Lenovo's ThinkPad T450s based on the same CPU, the processor performance in both Cinebench R11.5 and R15 proved marginally inferior (max. 8%), which should not be noticed in routine use. That is likely because the core rate of the 5600U in the 1040 G2 settled at just 2.6 to 2.7 GHz after a few seconds in real-life load via the multi-core benchmarks, while the CPU in the T450s could maintain the specified 3.1 GHz for approximately 30 seconds before it only dropped to 2.8 GHz in the same scenario. Overall, the review sample's CPU achieved the expected performance throughout. The clock dropped drastically for a short time after pulling the plug, but then settled to a stable 2.6 GHz.

Cinebench R11.5
CPU Multi 64Bit (sort by value)
HP EliteBook Folio 1040 G2
HD Graphics 5500, 5600U, Samsung SSD PM851 256 GB MZNTE256HMHP
3.14 Points
Lenovo ThinkPad T450s-20BWS03F00
HD Graphics 5500, 5600U, Intel SSD Pro 2500 Series SSDSC2BF360A5L
3.31 Points +5%
Dell Latitude E7450
HD Graphics 5500, 5300U, Samsung SSD PM851 mSATA 128 GB
3.07 Points -2%
HP EliteBook Folio 1040 G1 (H5F62ET)
HD Graphics 4400, 4200U, Intel SSD Pro 1500 Series SSDSC2BF180A4H
2.48 Points -21%
CPU Single 64Bit (sort by value)
HP EliteBook Folio 1040 G2
HD Graphics 5500, 5600U, Samsung SSD PM851 256 GB MZNTE256HMHP
1.46 Points
Lenovo ThinkPad T450s-20BWS03F00
HD Graphics 5500, 5600U, Intel SSD Pro 2500 Series SSDSC2BF360A5L
1.51 Points +3%
Dell Latitude E7450
HD Graphics 5500, 5300U, Samsung SSD PM851 mSATA 128 GB
1.35 Points -8%
HP EliteBook Folio 1040 G1 (H5F62ET)
HD Graphics 4400, 4200U, Intel SSD Pro 1500 Series SSDSC2BF180A4H
0.95 Points -35%
Cinebench R15
CPU Multi 64Bit (sort by value)
HP EliteBook Folio 1040 G2
HD Graphics 5500, 5600U, Samsung SSD PM851 256 GB MZNTE256HMHP
277 Points
Lenovo ThinkPad T450s-20BWS03F00
HD Graphics 5500, 5600U, Intel SSD Pro 2500 Series SSDSC2BF360A5L
302 Points +9%
Dell Latitude E7450
HD Graphics 5500, 5300U, Samsung SSD PM851 mSATA 128 GB
280 Points +1%
HP EliteBook Folio 1040 G1 (H5F62ET)
HD Graphics 4400, 4200U, Intel SSD Pro 1500 Series SSDSC2BF180A4H
229 Points -17%
CPU Single 64Bit (sort by value)
HP EliteBook Folio 1040 G2
HD Graphics 5500, 5600U, Samsung SSD PM851 256 GB MZNTE256HMHP
121 Points
Lenovo ThinkPad T450s-20BWS03F00
HD Graphics 5500, 5600U, Intel SSD Pro 2500 Series SSDSC2BF360A5L
130 Points +7%
Dell Latitude E7450
HD Graphics 5500, 5300U, Samsung SSD PM851 mSATA 128 GB
117 Points -3%
HP EliteBook Folio 1040 G1 (H5F62ET)
HD Graphics 4400, 4200U, Intel SSD Pro 1500 Series SSDSC2BF180A4H
83 Points -31%
Cinebench R10 Rendering Single 32Bit
4986
Cinebench R10 Rendering Multiple CPUs 32Bit
9886
Cinebench R11.5 CPU Single 64Bit
1.46 Points
Cinebench R11.5 CPU Multi 64Bit
3.14 Points
Cinebench R15 CPU Single 64Bit
121 Points
Cinebench R15 CPU Multi 64Bit
277 Points
Help

System Performance

We again use PCMark 7 and 8 for assessing the system performance. Besides the processor's performance, their results also include that of the GPU and primarily the storage device with different weighting depending on the single test. We cannot explain why HP's EliteBook Folio 1040 G2 achieves a 38% lower score than Lenovo's ThinkPad T450s and even lags behind the weaker Dell Latitude E7450 in the actually reliable PCMark 7 - especially since its total score of all laptops with the same CPU/GPU and an SSD lets it ascend to the second place with only 1% behind the leader. The normally more diversified PCMark 8 seems to in fact illustrate the distribution of power better in this case. However, the review sample also falls behind the T450s marginally.

Subjectively, the reviewer found the performance mostly lag-free and nearly perfect owing to the fast loading of programs and the operating system, as well as smooth, excessive multitasking.

PCMark 7
Score (sort by value)
HP EliteBook Folio 1040 G2
HD Graphics 5500, 5600U, Samsung SSD PM851 256 GB MZNTE256HMHP
5295 Points
Lenovo ThinkPad T450s-20BWS03F00
HD Graphics 5500, 5600U, Intel SSD Pro 2500 Series SSDSC2BF360A5L
4797 Points -9%
Dell Latitude E7450
HD Graphics 5500, 5300U, Samsung SSD PM851 mSATA 128 GB
4650 Points -12%
HP EliteBook Folio 1040 G1 (H5F62ET)
HD Graphics 4400, 4200U, Intel SSD Pro 1500 Series SSDSC2BF180A4H
4005 Points -24%
Lightweight (sort by value)
HP EliteBook Folio 1040 G2
HD Graphics 5500, 5600U, Samsung SSD PM851 256 GB MZNTE256HMHP
3453 Points
Lenovo ThinkPad T450s-20BWS03F00
HD Graphics 5500, 5600U, Intel SSD Pro 2500 Series SSDSC2BF360A5L
5593 Points +62%
Dell Latitude E7450
HD Graphics 5500, 5300U, Samsung SSD PM851 mSATA 128 GB
4702 Points +36%
HP EliteBook Folio 1040 G1 (H5F62ET)
HD Graphics 4400, 4200U, Intel SSD Pro 1500 Series SSDSC2BF180A4H
4802 Points +39%
Productivity (sort by value)
HP EliteBook Folio 1040 G2
HD Graphics 5500, 5600U, Samsung SSD PM851 256 GB MZNTE256HMHP
2681 Points
Lenovo ThinkPad T450s-20BWS03F00
HD Graphics 5500, 5600U, Intel SSD Pro 2500 Series SSDSC2BF360A5L
4294 Points +60%
Dell Latitude E7450
HD Graphics 5500, 5300U, Samsung SSD PM851 mSATA 128 GB
3972 Points +48%
HP EliteBook Folio 1040 G1 (H5F62ET)
HD Graphics 4400, 4200U, Intel SSD Pro 1500 Series SSDSC2BF180A4H
3646 Points +36%
PCMark 8
Home Score Accelerated v2 (sort by value)
HP EliteBook Folio 1040 G2
HD Graphics 5500, 5600U, Samsung SSD PM851 256 GB MZNTE256HMHP
3100 Points
Lenovo ThinkPad T450s-20BWS03F00
HD Graphics 5500, 5600U, Intel SSD Pro 2500 Series SSDSC2BF360A5L
3270 Points +5%
Dell Latitude E7450
HD Graphics 5500, 5300U, Samsung SSD PM851 mSATA 128 GB
2932 Points -5%
Work Score Accelerated v2 (sort by value)
Lenovo ThinkPad T450s-20BWS03F00
HD Graphics 5500, 5600U, Intel SSD Pro 2500 Series SSDSC2BF360A5L
4394 Points
Dell Latitude E7450
HD Graphics 5500, 5300U, Samsung SSD PM851 mSATA 128 GB
4002 Points
PCMark 7 Score
5295 points
PCMark 8 Home Score Accelerated v2
3100 points
Help

Storage Device

Seeing that all laptops in the test sport an SSD storage device, we will focus on the results of the dedicated SSD benchmark AS SSD. The trio is almost exactly on par in sequential read, and they achieve typical data rates for modern SSDs with slightly below 500 MB/s. The EliteBook and Latitude both surpass the ThinkPad by 17 to 20% in reading small, random data blocks (4K read), which is more important for office use. However, they do not come close to the top rate of 30 MB/s. The distance is even considerably greater with multiple threads (4K 64 read). The Samsung PM851 in the review sample generally does a good job and is the winner within our test group with clear advantages (write score) in some cases.

HP EliteBook Folio 1040 G2
HD Graphics 5500, 5600U, Samsung SSD PM851 256 GB MZNTE256HMHP
Lenovo ThinkPad T450s-20BWS03F00
HD Graphics 5500, 5600U, Intel SSD Pro 2500 Series SSDSC2BF360A5L
Dell Latitude E7450
HD Graphics 5500, 5300U, Samsung SSD PM851 mSATA 128 GB
HP EliteBook Folio 1040 G1 (H5F62ET)
HD Graphics 4400, 4200U, Intel SSD Pro 1500 Series SSDSC2BF180A4H
AS SSD
-28%
-10%
-15%
Seq Read
480.7
489.6
2%
467.2
-3%
450.4
-6%
4K Read
25.98
22.19
-15%
26.57
2%
21.23
-18%
4K-64 Read
356.1
210.1
-41%
313.2
-12%
186.5
-48%
Score Write
292
125
-57%
210
-28%
334
14%
CrystalDiskMark 3.0
-20%
-1%
-25%
Read Seq
499.9
414.4
-17%
444.8
-11%
426.2
-15%
Read 4k
28.4
28.87
2%
33.75
19%
27.37
-4%
Read 4k QD32
393.3
215.7
-45%
345.2
-12%
170.3
-57%
Total Average (Program / Settings)
-24% / -24%
-6% / -6%
-20% / -19%
Samsung SSD PM851 256 GB MZNTE256HMHP
Sequential Read: 499.9 MB/s
Sequential Write: 264.3 MB/s
512K Read: 418.9 MB/s
512K Write: 264.6 MB/s
4K Read: 28.4 MB/s
4K Write: 101.2 MB/s
4K QD32 Read: 393.3 MB/s
4K QD32 Write: 265.3 MB/s

Graphics Card

The CPU-integrated Intel HD 5500 GPU that clocks at up to 950 MHz here has to share the tight TDP with the processor cores. Thus, the maximum clock cannot always be fully utilized. Owing to some optimizations, the new Broadwell GPU can outperform its former Haswell counterpart, Intel HD 4400, by 20 to 25% - at least when it can access the working memory via dual-channel interface (shared memory). It supports OpenCL 2.0 and DirectX 11.2 and, like its precursor, it is capable of hardware-based decoding of H.264 videos, while the upcoming H.265 is still partially processed via software.

Depending on the benchmark, HP's EliteBook Folio 1040 G2 is located in the upper midfield (3DMark 11) or even in the top group (3DMark 2013) when comparing the graphics performance with that of other laptops based on the same, but some with a lower-clocking GPU. The HD 5500 in Dell's Latitude E7450 lags behind by 50 MHz due to its lower clock limit. The total score of 3DMark 11 was even slightly higher with 1171 vs. 1133 points in battery mode, which is still within the range of measuring inaccuracies. A benchmark list of many mobile graphics cards and further details about the tested games can be found in our FAQ section.

3DMark 11 - 1280x720 Performance GPU (sort by value)
HP EliteBook Folio 1040 G2
HD Graphics 5500, 5600U, Samsung SSD PM851 256 GB MZNTE256HMHP
1011 Points
Lenovo ThinkPad T450s-20BWS03F00
HD Graphics 5500, 5600U, Intel SSD Pro 2500 Series SSDSC2BF360A5L
1117 Points +10%
Dell Latitude E7450
HD Graphics 5500, 5300U, Samsung SSD PM851 mSATA 128 GB
927 Points -8%
HP EliteBook Folio 1040 G1 (H5F62ET)
HD Graphics 4400, 4200U, Intel SSD Pro 1500 Series SSDSC2BF180A4H
728 Points -28%
3DMark
1280x720 Ice Storm Standard Graphics (sort by value)
HP EliteBook Folio 1040 G2
HD Graphics 5500, 5600U, Samsung SSD PM851 256 GB MZNTE256HMHP
60003 Points
Lenovo ThinkPad T450s-20BWS03F00
HD Graphics 5500, 5600U, Intel SSD Pro 2500 Series SSDSC2BF360A5L
62111 Points +4%
Dell Latitude E7450
HD Graphics 5500, 5300U, Samsung SSD PM851 mSATA 128 GB
46973 Points -22%
HP EliteBook Folio 1040 G1 (H5F62ET)
HD Graphics 4400, 4200U, Intel SSD Pro 1500 Series SSDSC2BF180A4H
40874 Points -32%
1280x720 Cloud Gate Standard Graphics (sort by value)
HP EliteBook Folio 1040 G2
HD Graphics 5500, 5600U, Samsung SSD PM851 256 GB MZNTE256HMHP
6585 Points
Lenovo ThinkPad T450s-20BWS03F00
HD Graphics 5500, 5600U, Intel SSD Pro 2500 Series SSDSC2BF360A5L
7123 Points +8%
Dell Latitude E7450
HD Graphics 5500, 5300U, Samsung SSD PM851 mSATA 128 GB
5474 Points -17%
HP EliteBook Folio 1040 G1 (H5F62ET)
HD Graphics 4400, 4200U, Intel SSD Pro 1500 Series SSDSC2BF180A4H
5122 Points -22%
3DMark 11 Performance
1133 points
3DMark Ice Storm Standard Score
52755 points
3DMark Cloud Gate Standard Score
5322 points
Help

Gaming Performance

The HD 5500 is not suitable for up-to-date games with simultaneously high graphics requirements. Acceptable frame rates can only be achieved in the more often than not unsightly minimum settings in 1024x768 pixels. However, the situation should ease a bit when gaming is limited to titles released up to around 2012. Even newer and/or less graphically demanding games like Diablo III (2012) or the popular Dota 2 (2013) can be played smoothly in medium presets.

low med. high ultra
BioShock Infinite (2013) 0 game wont start 24.38
Thief (2014) 16
Alien: Isolation (2014) 33.14 22.01

Emissions

System Noise

The G2 was satisfied with passive cooling in idle mode and low load typical for office software, and it also remained absolutely noiseless thanks to the SSD. The CPU stress test Prime95 alongside the GPU loading FurMark caused a gentle, subtle noise after a few seconds, which the reviewer only perceived when listening closely and at a distance of less than a meter in normal ambient noise.

Just like HP's former EliteBook Folio G1, the G2 belongs to one of the quietest fan-based laptops that are currently available. Since the keyboard does not make much noise, it can be used in the most noise-sensitive environments. That is also true for both contenders, which are sometimes even more restrained during load.

Noise Level

Idle
29.6 / 29.6 / 32.2 dB(A)
Load
36.4 / 36.4 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-320 (15 cm distance)

Temperature

CPU clocks: Prime95 after only 30 minutes
CPU clocks: Prime95 after only 30 minutes
CPU clocks: Prime95 + FurMark
CPU clocks: Prime95 + FurMark

The temperatures only increased to about 33 °C on the critical wrist rest area even during full load. The underside was a bit warmer with 42 °C in some places. Although that will warm the thighs when playing games, the reviewer never perceived the waste heat as uncomfortable.

The base clock of the i7-5600U is 2.6 GHz, but only 2.5 GHz could be maintained stably in sole use of Prime95. Consequently, minor throttling was ascertained at least in this rather unrealistic scenario. Adding Furmark really pulls down the system, and more than 1.6 GHz was not possible. The ULV processor's low TDP takes its toll here finally, just like in all other comparable devices. That will not have an impact in routine use.

 27.1 °C
81 F
27.8 °C
82 F
27.6 °C
82 F
 
 26.8 °C
80 F
27.5 °C
82 F
27.2 °C
81 F
 
 28.1 °C
83 F
26.8 °C
80 F
28.5 °C
83 F
 
Maximum: 28.5 °C = 83 F
Average: 27.5 °C = 82 F
29 °C
84 F
28.7 °C
84 F
28.5 °C
83 F
28.8 °C
84 F
28.7 °C
84 F
27.9 °C
82 F
28.5 °C
83 F
28.2 °C
83 F
28 °C
82 F
Maximum: 29 °C = 84 F
Average: 28.5 °C = 83 F
Power Supply (max.)  31.8 °C = 89 F | Room Temperature 23.9 °C = 75 F | Voltcraft IR-360
(±) The average temperature for the upper side under maximal load is 33.7 °C / 93 F, compared to the average of 29.5 °C / 85 F for the devices in the class Office.
(+) The maximum temperature on the upper side is 35.9 °C / 97 F, compared to the average of 34.2 °C / 94 F, ranging from 21.2 to 62.5 °C for the class Office.
(±) The bottom heats up to a maximum of 42.4 °C / 108 F, compared to the average of 36.7 °C / 98 F
(+) In idle usage, the average temperature for the upper side is 27.5 °C / 82 F, compared to the device average of 29.5 °C / 85 F.
(+) The palmrests and touchpad are reaching skin temperature as a maximum (33.4 °C / 92.1 F) and are therefore not hot.
(-) The average temperature of the palmrest area of similar devices was 27.7 °C / 81.9 F (-5.7 °C / -10.2 F).

Energy Management

Power Consumption

Only a comparison between equally sized business laptops based on the same CPU/GPU and an SSD would make sense here. However, we can only fall back on our ThinkPad T450s due to the brand new processor. It consumes almost exactly the same amount of energy as the review sample in the different idle load states. However, it guzzles 20 to 87% more from the outlet during load (load avg. max.) That cannot only be related to the T450s' better Turbo utilization. Since the E7450 with the weaker i5 CPU also consumes more, the G2 can be said to be very energy efficient under consideration of the high performance.

Power Consumption
Off / Standbydarklight 0.1 / 0.3 Watt
Idledarkmidlight 3.2 / 6.5 / 7.4 Watt
Load midlight 25.6 / 26.1 Watt
 color bar
Key: min: dark, med: mid, max: light        Voltcraft VC 940
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.

Battery Runtime

The G2 has the lead in most single battery runtime tests within the test field as well as compared with it precursor. Although the E7450 has the strongest battery with 54 Wh and at the same time the slowest CPU, our review sample (42 Wh) defeats it marginally in the real-life Wi-Fi test (our test criteria) and with an even greater difference in the idle test. The also weaker G1 can - matching the lower performance - only succeed under load.

Battery Runtime
Idle (without WLAN, min brightness)
15h 01min
WiFi Websurfing
7h 32min
Load (maximum brightness)
1h 52min

Pros

+ First rate build
+ Classy yet unobtrusive
+ Light
+ Very thin
+ Adapter for VGA and Ethernet included
+ Very nice Full HD IPS screen with touch support
+ Very good battery life
+ Very quiet
+ Cool
+ Fast enough for business and more
+ Extensive security bundle

Cons

- Extremely expensive (starting price)
- Touchpad will not appeal to everyone
- No DP-HDMI adapter
- Highly reflective screen
- Only mediocre sound

Verdict

HP EliteBook Folio 1040 G2. Test model provided by HP Germany
HP EliteBook Folio 1040 G2. Test model provided by HP Germany

The tested version of HP's EliteBook Folio 1040 G2 reaps in 3 points more in the total rating than the somewhat lower price of the G1 model that we tested. That allows it to just enter the exclusive group of our current Top 10 chart of business laptops.

The reviewer, however, does not understand the price of not less than 2623.89 Euros (~$2884, HP Store, 05/18/2015) demanded by HP.

For clarification: Only half the price is demanded for the also brand new Acer TravelMate P645-S that achieved 88 points more! Although it is somewhat weaker and also a shocking 5 mm thicker, it is in no way only worth half as much. Consequently, the G2 is far remote from a purchase recommendation. In our opinion, the admittedly superb laptop without any noteworthy shortcomings will only be interesting when 1000 Euros (~$1099) more or less is not important, but perhaps every millimeter of height is.

HP EliteBook Folio 1040 G2 - 02/16/2016 v5(old)
Sven Kloevekorn

Chassis
88 / 98 → 90%
Keyboard
85%
Pointing Device
75%
Connectivity
58 / 80 → 73%
Weight
69 / 20-67 → 100%
Battery
90%
Display
82%
Games Performance
57 / 68 → 83%
Application Performance
83 / 92 → 90%
Temperature
90%
Noise
94%
Audio
50%
Average
77%
85%
Office - Weighted Average

Pricecompare

Read all 1 comments / answer
static version load dynamic
Loading Comments
Comment on this article
Please share our article, every link counts!
Sven Kloevekorn, 2015-05-30 (Update: 2018-05-15)