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HP EliteBook x360 1030 G2 (Core i5, Full HD) Convertible Review

A true favorite! HP’s EliteBook series stands for high-end business laptops. In this review, you will find out if HP can follow up on their promises with this EliteBook x360 1030 G2.
Available HP EliteBook x360 1030 G2 models in Germany.
Available HP EliteBook x360 1030 G2 models in Germany.

For the original German review, see here.

HP is clearly aiming its EliteBook series at the business segment. Our test unit, the HP EliteBook x360 1030 G2, is no exception. It offers a high amount of security features and is the perfect basis for mastering your daily business routine.

HP has only used Kaby Lake Intel processors for this device. There are three different CPUs available: the Intel Core i5-7200U, the Intel Core i5-7300U (which is in our test unit) and the Intel Core i7-7600U. All models contain DDR4-2133 RAM. According to the specification sheet, the maximum RAM is 16 GB, although this is only the case for the models with Intel Core i7. Please be aware that not all configurations are available everywhere. HP has limited the choices and explicitly states that there are regional differences between the various models available. So anyone thinking about buying an HP EliteBook x360 1030 G2 should inform themselves beforehand about which configurations are available to them. Possible touchscreens are either FHD or 4K.

Our test unit contains the Full HD screen, 8 GB of RAM and an Intel Core i5-7300U. It also features a 256 GB SSD storage device and many security features. Of course, all this has its price. At the time of testing, a normal user has to pay 2000 Euros (~$2125) for this device. It’s a little cheaper for students and teachers, who can benefit from reductions thanks to the campus program. In our case, the price for our test unit was 1599 Euros (~$1698).

We chose various devices from the 13-inch to 14-inch sector as our comparison devices. The price category of the comparison devices is between 1599 Euros (~$1698) and 2499 Euros (~$2655). At 2000 Euros (~$2125), our HP EliteBook x360 1030 G2 lies right in the middle, so we can test whether it can match the performance of more expensive competitors. For the sake of clarity, we have listed the most important technical details of all comparison devices below.

Lenovo Yoga 910 Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Dell Latitude 13 7370 HP Spectre x360 13 Lenovo ThinkPad Yoga 370
CPU Intel Core i7-7500U Intel Core i7-6600U Intel Core i7-7500U Intel Core m5-6Y57 Intel Core i7-7500U Intel Core i5-7200U
GPU Intel HD Graphics 620 Intel HD Graphics 520 Intel HD Graphics 620 Intel HD Graphics 515 Intel HD Graphics 620 Intel HD Graphics 620
Panel 13.9-inch 3.840 x 2.160 14-inch 2.560 x 1.440 14-inch 1.920 x 1.080 13.3-inch 1.920 x 1.080 13.3-inch 1.920 x 1.080 13.3-inch 1.920 x 1.080
RAM 16 GB DDR4-2133 16 GB LPDDR3-1866 16 GB LPDDR3-1866 8 GB LPDDR3-1866 16 GB LPDDR3-1866 8 GB DDR4-2133
SSD 512 GB, NVMe 1 TB, NVMe 512 GB, NVMe 256 GB, NVMe 512 GB, NVMe 512 GB, NVMe
HP EliteBook x360 1030 G2 (EliteBook x360 1030 Series)
Processor
Intel Core i5-7300U 2 x 2.6 - 3.5 GHz, Kaby Lake
Graphics adapter
Intel HD Graphics 620, 21.20.16.4541 WHQL
Memory
8 GB 
, DDR4-2133 SDRAM, dual-channel
Display
13.30 inch 16:9, 1920 x 1080 pixel 166 PPI, Corning Gorilla Glass touchscreen, native pen support, CMN1374, IPS, touchscreen, glossy: yes
Mainboard
Intel Kaby Lake-U Premium PCH
Storage
Sandisk SD8TN8U-256G-1006, 256 GB 
, M.2 SSD, 210 GB free
Soundcard
Conexant
Connections
2 USB 3.0 / 3.1 Gen1, 1 USB 3.1 Gen2, 1 Thunderbolt, 1 HDMI, 1 Kensington Lock, Audio Connections: stereo, Card Reader: micro SD, 1 SmartCard, 1 Fingerprint Reader, Brightness Sensor, Security lock slot
Networking
Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 8265 (a/b/g/n = Wi-Fi 4/ac = Wi-Fi 5/), Bluetooth 4.2, HP lt4132 LTE/HSPA+ 4G Mobile Broadband, LTE
Size
height x width x depth (in mm): 14.9 x 316.9 x 218.5 ( = 0.59 x 12.48 x 8.6 in)
Battery
57 Wh, 4935 mAh Lithium-Ion, HP Long-Life, 3 cells
Operating System
Microsoft Windows 10 Pro 64 Bit
Camera
Webcam: HDSecondary Camera: IR camera
Additional features
Speakers: stereo speakers, Keyboard: chicklet, Keyboard Light: yes, HP Active Pen, Power Supply, HP DriveLock, HP ePrint driver, HP Hotkey Support, HP Support Assistant, HP JumpStart, HP Noise Cancellation, HP Image Assistant, HP Driver Packs, HP SoftPaq Download Manager, HP System Software Manager, HP BIOS Config Utility, HP Client Cat, 36 Months Warranty
Weight
1.308 kg ( = 46.14 oz / 2.88 pounds), Power Supply: 393 g ( = 13.86 oz / 0.87 pounds)
Price
2000 Euro
Note: The manufacturer may use components from different suppliers including display panels, drives or memory sticks with similar specifications.

 

Case

As for the case's looks, the device is a beauty. The unibody case is made from an aluminum block using CNC milling and the diamond cut creates subtle highlights. Consequently, the silver case is very robust. The pressure test only caused slight denting around the two wrist rests and distortions were minimal as well. The display cover is very stable due to the well-chosen material. The screen can only be distorted minimally and the pressure test showed very good results for the HP EliteBook x360 1030 G2’s screen. The small 360-degree hinges do a good job and seem to be of high quality - they keep the display where it is supposed to be. Because the base is quite lightweight, the display cannot be opened with one hand. Due to the 360-degree hinges, the HP EliteBook x360 1030 G2 can be used wonderfully in all of the various operating modes.

In total, the whole device seems high-grade and the subtle chrome highlights make the case look even fancier.

Size Comparison

The HP EliteBook x360 1030 G2 is quite slim at 14.9 mm. This is illustrated below in the size comparison chart. Looking at space needed to stand, the 13.3-inch devices are obviously at an advantage. If compared directly, however, the required space differs only by a few millimeters. The HP Spectre X360 13 occupies the least space and is the slimmest device at 13.7 mm. Our HP EliteBook x360 1030 G2 weighs 1308 grams and lies somewhere in the middle. The power supply adds another 400 grams.

333 mm / 13.1 inch 229 mm / 9.02 inch 16 mm / 0.63 inch 1.3 kg2.92 lbs323.5 mm / 12.7 inch 217.1 mm / 8.55 inch 15.95 mm / 0.628 inch 1.1 kg2.52 lbs323 mm / 12.7 inch 224.5 mm / 8.84 inch 14.3 mm / 0.563 inch 1.4 kg3.04 lbs316.9 mm / 12.5 inch 218.5 mm / 8.6 inch 14.9 mm / 0.587 inch 1.3 kg2.88 lbs313.5 mm / 12.3 inch 222.2 mm / 8.75 inch 18.2 mm / 0.717 inch 1.4 kg3.11 lbs305 mm / 12 inch 211 mm / 8.31 inch 14.3 mm / 0.563 inch 1.2 kg2.75 lbs305.6 mm / 12 inch 217.9 mm / 8.58 inch 13.7 mm / 0.539 inch 1.3 kg2.81 lbs297 mm / 11.7 inch 210 mm / 8.27 inch 1 mm / 0.03937 inch 5.7 g0.01257 lbs

Connectivity

Despite the HP EliteBook x360 1030 G2 being so compact, the manufacturer has managed to include a good selection of ports. All ports are positioned towards the back of the right and left sides. There are two fully fledged USB 3 ports (one on each side). Fortunately, the HP EliteBook x360 1030 G2 also offers a USB Type-C port that supports Thunderbolt on the right side. This is a very useful port and should be included in every modern business device. External displays can be connected via the HDMI port (V 1.4), so the HP EliteBook x360 1030 G2 also contains some multimedia features. The SIM-card slot, however, is rather unattractive. Similar to the MicroSD-card slot, the SIM card clicks in with the help of a click mechanism. We would have preferred a different, more secure slot, as the SIM card does not get changed as often as a MicroSD card would. 

Left side: power, USB 3.1 Gen 1 (charging), combined stereo jack, volume up/down, WWAN SIM, smart-card reader
Left side: power, USB 3.1 Gen 1 (charging), combined stereo jack, volume up/down, WWAN SIM, smart-card reader
Right side: MicroSD slot, USB Type-C with Thunderbolt, security lock slot, HDMI, USB 3.1 Gen 1, power supply
Right side: MicroSD slot, USB Type-C with Thunderbolt, security lock slot, HDMI, USB 3.1 Gen 1, power supply
Back: no ports
Back: no ports
Front: no ports
Front: no ports

Communication

The Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 8265 module takes care of the wireless network connection.  During our Wi-Fi test, our test unit reached a data transfer rate of 613 Mbps (downstream) and 455 Mbps (upstream). Compared to the two Lenovo ThinkPad models, which contain the same Wi-Fi module, the HP EliteBook x360 1030 G2 must admit defeat. Nonetheless, the determined data transfer rates suffice even for transferring larger amounts of data. During our testing phase, the soldered Wi-Fi module performed reliably and there were no sudden connection failures.

Along with the wireless network connection, our test unit is also equipped with an LTE module from Huawei. At the time of purchase, 200 MB data volume per month is included in the offer, which is valid for a period of 36 months. For an additional fee, the manufacturer offers the possibility to increase the monthly data volume.

Find out more about HP Mobile Connect rates here.

The Wi-Fi module is firmly soldered on
The Wi-Fi module is firmly soldered on
The LTE module comes from Huawei
The LTE module comes from Huawei
Networking
iperf3 transmit AX12
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon 2017-20HQS03P00
Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 8265
580 MBit/s +27%
Lenovo ThinkPad Yoga 370-20JJS00100
Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 8265
522 MBit/s +15%
HP EliteBook x360 1030 G2
Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 8265
455 MBit/s
iperf3 receive AX12
Lenovo ThinkPad Yoga 370-20JJS00100
Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 8265
675 MBit/s +10%
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon 2017-20HQS03P00
Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 8265
644 MBit/s +5%
HP EliteBook x360 1030 G2
Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 8265
613 MBit/s

Security

The HP EliteBook x360 1030 G2 contains a lot of security features, such as a touch fingerprint sensor, a Trusted Platform Module 2.0 (TPM) and a smart-card reader. Our test unit is also equipped with a security lock. The corresponding software package is just as abundant.

The touch fingerprint reader has been adapted perfectly to the look of the case
The touch fingerprint reader has been adapted perfectly to the look of the case
The inside of the smart-card reader
The inside of the smart-card reader

Accessories

Our test unit came together with a 65-watt power supply as well as an input pen (HP Active Pen).

Maintenance

Should maintenance operations be necessary, they are relatively easy to do. The HP EliteBook x360 1030 G2 has no designated maintenance hatch on the bottom, which means that the entire base cover has to be removed. After unscrewing the screws, the cover should open easily though. It is not absolutely necessary to use special lever tools, although they do make opening the back a little easier.  The cover is not held in place by an excessive amount of plastic clips, either. The inside is very clear and the actual maintenance work is limited to cleaning the cooling fan. Only the storage device and WWAN module can be expanded, because these components are not soldered directly onto the board. 

The bottom case can be removed easily
The bottom case can be removed easily

Warranty

The HP EliteBook x360 1030 G2 comes with a 36-month warranty. For an additional fee of 250 Euros (~$265), HP offers on-site service for the next working day. HP has several care packs available that vary in duration and scope. Before purchase, think about which hardware support you might need. Please see our Guarantees, Return policies and Warranties FAQ for country-specific information.

Operating System

Windows 10 64-bit is included in all versions of the EliteBook x360 1030 G2.

Input Devices

Keyboard

The keyboard of the HP EliteBook x360 1030 G2
The keyboard of the HP EliteBook x360 1030 G2
The keyboard of the HP EliteBook x360 1030 G2 (backlit)
The keyboard of the HP EliteBook x360 1030 G2 (backlit)

The chiclet keyboard sits in a slight depression on top of the base unit, which means that the keys are protected a little when the convertible is in presentation mode. The keys are well proportioned at 16 x 16 millimeters. They are firmly positioned in order to avoid noise while typing. It might need some time to get used to the up/down cursor keys. Due to the design, they share the space of a single key and therefore are only half as large as usual. The white print is easily readable, although it could have been made a little bolder. Thanks to the integrated backlight of the keyboard, even bad lighting can’t stop you from getting your work done. The backlight has two brightness levels but can also be turned off completely. The keys have a good pressure point and typing is a satisfying experience. Overall, the keyboard is of high quality and fits well into the concept of the HP EliteBook x360 1030 G2.

Touchpad

The touchpad of the HP EliteBook x360 1030 G2
The touchpad of the HP EliteBook x360 1030 G2

HP has inserted an 11.1 x 6.5 cm glass ClickPad into the EliteBook x360 1030 G2. This way, the manufacturer has managed to efficiently use the available space and offers a large touchpad for a 13-inch device. Thanks to the glass surface, the ClickPad is comfortably smooth and works very precisely, even at the edges. The touchpad sits just as tightly as the keys in the keyboard, so no additional noise is created. Only the two touchpad buttons make an audible, but not particularly loud sound when pressed. The touchpad supports gestures (one, two and several-finger gestures), which can be individually attributed to various functions. 

Touchscreen

The touchscreen of the HP EliteBook x360 1030 G2
The touchscreen of the HP EliteBook x360 1030 G2

The touchscreen has a glass surface (Corning Gorilla glass) and a resolution of 1920x1080 pixels.It responds quickly and accurately to inputs even at the edges. Our test unit also included an HP Active Pen. The input pen works well and lets creativity flow. In tablet mode, the keyboard is deactivated and input is only possible via the touchscreen.

Display

Subpixel array
Subpixel array
Clearly visible backlight-bleeding
Clearly visible backlight-bleeding

The display is a 13.3-inch touchscreen with a resolution of 1920x1080 pixels. The FHD panel is made of Corning Gorilla glass. Alternatively, HP also offers the EliteBook x360 1030 G2 equipped with a UHD panel. The brightness level of the Full HD screen in our test unit only reaches a mediocre 256 cd/m². With an average brightness level of 356 cd/m², Lenovo’s ThinkPad Yoga 370 is quite a bit brighter. The HP EliteBook x360 1030 G2’s display doesn’t do well in the distribution of brightness, either. At just 83% it ranks penultimate in our list of comparable devices. Contrast (1048:1) and black level (0.25) on the other hand show typical results for an IPS panel.


We did not notice any PWM in our test unit. However, we have to deduct some points for backlight-bleeding. As you can see in the picture, the panel of our HP EliteBook x360 1030 G2 has visible backlight-bleeding.

258
cd/m²
262
cd/m²
276
cd/m²
248
cd/m²
262
cd/m²
273
cd/m²
233
cd/m²
228
cd/m²
260
cd/m²
Distribution of brightness
CMN1374 tested with X-Rite i1Pro 2
Maximum: 276 cd/m² (Nits) Average: 255.6 cd/m² Minimum: 14 cd/m²
Brightness Distribution: 83 %
Center on Battery: 261 cd/m²
Contrast: 1048:1 (Black: 0.25 cd/m²)
ΔE Color 5.13 | 0.5-29.43 Ø5
ΔE Greyscale 6.23 | 0.57-98 Ø5.3
88.57% sRGB (Argyll 1.6.3 3D)
57.84% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 1.6.3 3D)
64.9% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
88.8% sRGB (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
65.5% Display P3 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
Gamma: 2.45
HP EliteBook x360 1030 G2
CMN1374, 1920x1080, 13.30
Lenovo Yoga 910-13IKB-80VF004CGE
AU Optronics AUO323D / B139HAN03.2, 3840x2160, 13.90
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga-20FRS1VS00
Samsung ATNA40JU01-0, 2560x1440, 14.00
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon 2017-20HQS03P00
B140HAN03_1, 1920x1080, 14.00
Dell Latitude 13 7370
Sharp LQ133M1, 1920x1080, 13.30
HP Spectre x360 13-w023dx
Chi Mei CMN1367, 1920x1080, 13.30
Lenovo ThinkPad Yoga 370-20JJS00100
Sharp LQ133M1JX15, 1920x1080, 13.30
Display
-2%
-4%
-16%
1%
7%
Display P3 Coverage
65.5
62.2
-5%
61.4
-6%
52.2
-20%
65.4
0%
67.9
4%
sRGB Coverage
88.8
90.1
1%
85.9
-3%
78.3
-12%
90.4
2%
97.3
10%
AdobeRGB 1998 Coverage
64.9
63.5
-2%
62.4
-4%
53.9
-17%
65.8
1%
69.9
8%
Response Times
15%
97%
5%
-8%
19%
2%
Response Time Grey 50% / Grey 80% *
55.2 ?(21.2, 34)
46 ?(14, 32)
17%
1 ?(0.5, 0.5)
98%
41.6 ?(20.4, 21.2)
25%
50.4 ?(20.4, 30)
9%
33.2 ?(16, 17.2)
40%
42 ?(21.2, 20.8)
24%
Response Time Black / White *
27.2 ?(7.6, 19.6)
24 ?(6, 18)
12%
1 ?(0.5, 0.5)
96%
31.6 ?(18.8, 12.8)
-16%
33.6 ?(13.2, 20.4)
-24%
28 ?(5.6, 22.4)
-3%
32.8 ?(19.2, 13.6)
-21%
PWM Frequency
240 ?(100)
217.4 ?(50)
Screen
-4%
16%
5%
-1%
-5%
9%
Brightness middle
262
348
33%
279
6%
311
19%
261
0%
334.6
28%
374
43%
Brightness
256
310
21%
277
8%
288
13%
241
-6%
319
25%
356
39%
Brightness Distribution
83
80
-4%
91
10%
85
2%
85
2%
90
8%
87
5%
Black Level *
0.25
0.25
-0%
0.24
4%
0.26
-4%
0.336
-34%
0.33
-32%
Contrast
1048
1392
33%
1296
24%
1004
-4%
996
-5%
1133
8%
Colorchecker dE 2000 *
5.13
7.86
-53%
5.15
-0%
5.5
-7%
4.3
16%
6.21
-21%
4.7
8%
Colorchecker dE 2000 max. *
9.46
13.43
-42%
8.28
12%
9
5%
8.66
8%
12
-27%
9.5
-0%
Greyscale dE 2000 *
6.23
8.25
-32%
5.44
13%
6.2
-0%
5.82
7%
7.71
-24%
6.5
-4%
Gamma
2.45 90%
2.05 107%
2.28 96%
2.02 109%
2.44 90%
2.36 93%
2.19 100%
CCT
6413 101%
6834 95%
5686 114%
5950 109%
6771 96%
6458 101%
7086 92%
Color Space (Percent of AdobeRGB 1998)
57.84
58
0%
98
69%
55.96
-3%
49.18
-15%
58.6
1%
63.1
9%
Color Space (Percent of sRGB)
88.57
90
2%
100
13%
85.77
-3%
77.84
-12%
90
2%
97.2
10%
Total Average (Program / Settings)
3% / -1%
57% / 33%
2% / 3%
-8% / -5%
5% / -0%
6% / 7%

* ... smaller is better

sRGB: 88%
sRGB: 88%
AdobeRGB: 57%
AdobeRGB: 57%

Despite initial criticism, the picture quality is very good. The good contrast and black levels ensure good color display. While not very pretty, backlight-bleeding does not impact the working day, so it is not that important in our case. The average DeltaE 2000 deviations of the grayscales and colors are slightly elevated ex-works in comparison to the sRGB reference color space (5.13 and 6.23 respectively). They can be highly improved by calibrating the device. The suitable ICC profile is available for download as usual. The link is directly above the comparison table.


The color-space coverage of the FHD panel is at 88% of the sRGB color space and the screen can even display 58% of the AdobeRGB color space. Still, the HP EliteBook x360 1030 G2 cannot keep up with the almost perfect display of the Lenovo ThinkPad X1.

Grayscale before calibration
Grayscale before calibration
Color accuracy before calibration
Color accuracy before calibration
Color saturation before calibration
Color saturation before calibration
Grayscale after calibration
Grayscale after calibration
Color accuracy after calibration
Color accuracy after calibration
Color saturation after calibration
Color saturation after calibration

It is not so easy to work outdoors with the HP EliteBook x360 1030 G2, because of the low screen brightness (256 cd/m²) and very reflective surface. Especially in the sun, the screen is not bright enough to be able to work comfortably. We would recommend finding a spot in the shade, if you want to work outside. But even there, you are a little restricted due to the reflections.

The low brightness level takes its toll
The low brightness level takes its toll
The reflections are visible even in the shade
The reflections are visible even in the shade

Display Response Times

Display response times show how fast the screen is able to change from one color to the next. Slow response times can lead to afterimages and can cause moving objects to appear blurry (ghosting). Gamers of fast-paced 3D titles should pay special attention to fast response times.
       Response Time Black to White
27.2 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined↗ 7.6 ms rise
↘ 19.6 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. » 64 % of all devices are better.
This means that the measured response time is worse than the average of all tested devices (21.6 ms).
       Response Time 50% Grey to 80% Grey
55.2 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined↗ 21.2 ms rise
↘ 34 ms fall
The screen shows slow response rates in our tests and will be unsatisfactory for gamers.
In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.2 (minimum) to 636 (maximum) ms. » 91 % of all devices are better.
This means that the measured response time is worse than the average of all tested devices (33.9 ms).

Screen Flickering / PWM (Pulse-Width Modulation)

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

In comparison: 53 % of all tested devices do not use PWM to dim the display. If PWM was detected, an average of 18110 (minimum: 5 - maximum: 3846000) Hz was measured.

The viewing-angle stability of the HP EliteBook x360 1030 G2 display is good. Thanks to the stable IPS panel, the test image can be seen well from almost every angle. There are some minor problems in the two corner images, but that is all. The slight veil is only visible from a very wide, almost flat angle, so there should be no impairment for everyday use. 

Viewing angles of the HP EliteBook x360 1030 G2
Viewing angles of the HP EliteBook x360 1030 G2

Performance

Working memory cannot be expanded
Working memory cannot be expanded

Our test unit contains an Intel Core i5 processor. It is based on the current Kaby Lake architecture and offers sufficient capacity for the HP EliteBook x360 1030 G2’s range of application. The manufacturer offers a total of three different processors for the EliteBook x360 1030 G2. M.2 SSDs are the only storage devices available, although there are two possible speeds: SATA III or PCIe. Our test unit contains an SSD with SATA III performance only. The working memory of 8 GB is sufficient, but those who need more can get the HP EliteBook x360 1030 G2 with 16 GB of RAM. According to the specification sheet, this configuration is bound to the Intel Core i7.

CPU-Z
CPU-Z
CPU-Z
CPU-Z
CPU-Z
CPU-Z
GPU-Z
GPU-Z
HWiNFO
DPC Latency
Intel Extreme Tuning Utility
Intel Extreme Tuning Utility (benchmark)

Processor

The Kaby Lake CPU is soldered onto the board
The Kaby Lake CPU is soldered onto the board

The HP EliteBook x360 1030 G2 is equipped with a dual-core SoC that belongs to Intel’s Kaby Lake series. To be precise, it is the Intel Core i5-7300U. This is soldered directly onto the motherboard of the HP EliteBook x360 1030 G2. The processor is clocked between 2.6 and 3.5 GHz. Thanks to Hyper-Threading, it can work with up to four threads at once. The performance of the Intel Core i5-7300U is good enough to beat the HP Spectre in Cinebench R15, despite that having an Intel Core i7-7500U, which should actually make it run faster. Our test unit could also keep up with the two Lenovo devices that also feature the Intel Core i7-7500U. You can see that the Lenovo ThinkPad Yoga 370 lies about 10% behind our HP EliteBook x360 1030 G2. 

Cinebench R15
CPU Single 64Bit
Lenovo Yoga 910-13IKB-80VF004CGE
Intel Core i7-7500U
147 Points +2%
HP EliteBook x360 1030 G2
Intel Core i5-7300U
144 Points
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon 2017-20HQS03P00
Intel Core i7-7500U
143 Points -1%
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga-20FRS1VS00
Intel Core i7-6600U
135 Points -6%
HP Spectre x360 13-w023dx
Intel Core i7-7500U
126 Points -12%
Lenovo ThinkPad Yoga 370-20JJS00100
Intel Core i5-7200U
126 Points -12%
Dell Latitude 13 7370
Intel Core m5-6Y57
101 Points -30%
CPU Multi 64Bit
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon 2017-20HQS03P00
Intel Core i7-7500U
360 Points +4%
Lenovo Yoga 910-13IKB-80VF004CGE
Intel Core i7-7500U
354 Points +2%
HP EliteBook x360 1030 G2
Intel Core i5-7300U
346 Points
HP Spectre x360 13-w023dx
Intel Core i7-7500U
314 Points -9%
Lenovo ThinkPad Yoga 370-20JJS00100
Intel Core i5-7200U
312 Points -10%
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga-20FRS1VS00
Intel Core i7-6600U
305 Points -12%
Dell Latitude 13 7370
Intel Core m5-6Y57
180 Points -48%
Cinebench R11.5
CPU Single 64Bit
HP Spectre x360 13-w023dx
Intel Core i7-7500U
1.66 Points +1%
HP EliteBook x360 1030 G2
Intel Core i5-7300U
1.64 Points
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga-20FRS1VS00
Intel Core i7-6600U
1.51 Points -8%
Dell Latitude 13 7370
Intel Core m5-6Y57
1.16 Points -29%
CPU Multi 64Bit
HP EliteBook x360 1030 G2
Intel Core i5-7300U
3.57 Points
HP Spectre x360 13-w023dx
Intel Core i7-7500U
3.46 Points -3%
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga-20FRS1VS00
Intel Core i7-6600U
3.32 Points -7%
Dell Latitude 13 7370
Intel Core m5-6Y57
2.03 Points -43%
JetStream 1.1 - Total Score
Lenovo Yoga 910-13IKB-80VF004CGE
Intel Core i7-7500U
241.8 Points +4%
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon 2017-20HQS03P00
Intel Core i7-7500U
238.7 Points +2%
HP EliteBook x360 1030 G2
Intel Core i5-7300U
233.2 Points
Lenovo ThinkPad Yoga 370-20JJS00100
Intel Core i5-7200U
211.5 Points -9%
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga-20FRS1VS00
Intel Core i7-6600U
187.7 Points -20%
Dell Latitude 13 7370
Intel Core m5-6Y57
173.8 Points -25%
Octane V2 - Total Score
Lenovo Yoga 910-13IKB-80VF004CGE
Intel Core i7-7500U
37232 Points +3%
HP EliteBook x360 1030 G2
Intel Core i5-7300U
36276 Points
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon 2017-20HQS03P00
Intel Core i7-7500U
36207 Points 0%
Lenovo ThinkPad Yoga 370-20JJS00100
Intel Core i5-7200U
31167 Points -14%
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga-20FRS1VS00
Intel Core i7-6600U
30759 Points -15%
Dell Latitude 13 7370
Intel Core m5-6Y57
28156 Points -22%
Mozilla Kraken 1.1 - Total
Dell Latitude 13 7370
Intel Core m5-6Y57
1259 ms * -21%
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga-20FRS1VS00
Intel Core i7-6600U
1202 ms * -15%
Lenovo ThinkPad Yoga 370-20JJS00100
Intel Core i5-7200U
1197 ms * -15%
HP EliteBook x360 1030 G2
Intel Core i5-7300U
1044 ms *
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon 2017-20HQS03P00
Intel Core i7-7500U
1041 ms * -0%
Lenovo Yoga 910-13IKB-80VF004CGE
Intel Core i7-7500U
1021 ms * +2%

* ... smaller is better

Cinebench R10
Cinebench R10
Cinebench R11.5
Cinebench R11.5
Cinebench R15
Cinebench R15
Jetstream 1.1
Jetstream 1.1
Octane V2
Octane V2
Mozilla Kraken 1.1
Mozilla Kraken 1.1
0102030405060708090100110120130140150160170180190200210220230240250260270280290300310320330340Tooltip
Cinebench R15 CPU Multi 64 Bit

After reaching the TDP limit (15 watts), you can see a clear drop in performance. Then the results of the Cinebench R15 multi-loop test even out and seem relatively steady.

Cinebench R10 Shading 32Bit
9337
Cinebench R10 Rendering Multiple CPUs 32Bit
12524
Cinebench R10 Rendering Single 32Bit
5524
Cinebench R10 Shading 64Bit
9477 Points
Cinebench R10 Rendering Multiple CPUs 64Bit
14213 Points
Cinebench R10 Rendering Single CPUs 64Bit
7185 Points
Cinebench R11.5 CPU Multi 64Bit
3.57 Points
Cinebench R11.5 OpenGL 64Bit
31.8 fps
Cinebench R11.5 CPU Single 64Bit
1.64 Points
Cinebench R15 CPU Multi 64Bit
346 Points
Cinebench R15 CPU Single 64Bit
144 Points
Cinebench R15 Ref. Match 64Bit
97.7 %
Cinebench R15 OpenGL 64Bit
41.77 fps
Help

System Performance

The great CPU performance of the Intel Core i5-7300U is also visible in the results of PCMark 8. Again, the HP EliteBook x360 1030 G2 can prevail against the other competitors fitted with the Intel Core i7-7500U. Overall, our test unit has no need to be ashamed. The listed results align with the subjective impressions we had during testing. Had our test unit been equipped with a faster NVMe SSD, it might have even received a couple more points here and there. But that’s just speculation, so for now the HP EliteBook x360 1030 G2 has to content itself with being in third place - even though the gap between that and first place is extremely small.

PCMark 8 Home
PCMark 8 Home
PCMark 8 Creative
PCMark 8 Creative
PCMark 8 Work
PCMark 8 Work
PCMark 8 Storage
PCMark 8 Storage
PCMark 8
Home Score Accelerated v2
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon 2017-20HQS03P00
Intel Core i7-7500U, 2700 MHz, Samsung PM961 NVMe MZVLW512HMJP
4025 Points +7%
HP Spectre x360 13-w023dx
Intel Core i7-7500U, 2700 MHz, Samsung PM951 NVMe MZVLV512
3795 Points +1%
HP EliteBook x360 1030 G2
Intel Core i5-7300U, 2600 MHz, Sandisk SD8TN8U-256G-1006
3774 Points
Lenovo Yoga 910-13IKB-80VF004CGE
Intel Core i7-7500U, 2700 MHz, Samsung PM951 NVMe MZVLV512
3555 Points -6%
Lenovo ThinkPad Yoga 370-20JJS00100
Intel Core i5-7200U, 2500 MHz, Toshiba NVMe THNSF5512GPUK
3539 Points -6%
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga-20FRS1VS00
Intel Core i7-6600U, 2600 MHz, Samsung SSD PM961 1TB M.2 PCIe 3.0 x4 NVMe (MZSLW1T0)
3489 Points -8%
Dell Latitude 13 7370
Intel Core m5-6Y57, 1100 MHz, Toshiba NVMe THNSN5256GPU7
3048 Points -19%
Work Score Accelerated v2
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon 2017-20HQS03P00
Intel Core i7-7500U, 2700 MHz, Samsung PM961 NVMe MZVLW512HMJP
4978 Points +4%
HP Spectre x360 13-w023dx
Intel Core i7-7500U, 2700 MHz, Samsung PM951 NVMe MZVLV512
4910 Points +2%
HP EliteBook x360 1030 G2
Intel Core i5-7300U, 2600 MHz, Sandisk SD8TN8U-256G-1006
4803 Points
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga-20FRS1VS00
Intel Core i7-6600U, 2600 MHz, Samsung SSD PM961 1TB M.2 PCIe 3.0 x4 NVMe (MZSLW1T0)
4410 Points -8%
Lenovo ThinkPad Yoga 370-20JJS00100
Intel Core i5-7200U, 2500 MHz, Toshiba NVMe THNSF5512GPUK
4314 Points -10%
Dell Latitude 13 7370
Intel Core m5-6Y57, 1100 MHz, Toshiba NVMe THNSN5256GPU7
4238 Points -12%
Creative Score Accelerated v2
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon 2017-20HQS03P00
Intel Core i7-7500U, 2700 MHz, Samsung PM961 NVMe MZVLW512HMJP
4874 Points +2%
HP EliteBook x360 1030 G2
Intel Core i5-7300U, 2600 MHz, Sandisk SD8TN8U-256G-1006
4781 Points
HP Spectre x360 13-w023dx
Intel Core i7-7500U, 2700 MHz, Samsung PM951 NVMe MZVLV512
4699 Points -2%
Lenovo ThinkPad Yoga 370-20JJS00100
Intel Core i5-7200U, 2500 MHz, Toshiba NVMe THNSF5512GPUK
4504 Points -6%
Dell Latitude 13 7370
Intel Core m5-6Y57, 1100 MHz, Toshiba NVMe THNSN5256GPU7
3528 Points -26%
PCMark 7
Score
Dell Latitude 13 7370
Intel Core m5-6Y57, 1100 MHz, Toshiba NVMe THNSN5256GPU7
4165 Points
Productivity
Dell Latitude 13 7370
Intel Core m5-6Y57, 1100 MHz, Toshiba NVMe THNSN5256GPU7
3637 Points
PCMark 8 Home Score Accelerated v2
3774 points
PCMark 8 Creative Score Accelerated v2
4781 points
PCMark 8 Work Score Accelerated v2
4803 points
Help

Storage Devices

The installed SSD
The installed SSD
The SanDisk SSD has a capacity of 256 GB
The SanDisk SSD has a capacity of 256 GB

As already mentioned several times, the HP EliteBook x360 1030 G2 will only be available with an M.2 2280 SSD. The slot supports both SATA III and PCIe speeds. Our test unit contains the former. The SanDisk SSD has 256 GB and has rather low sequential reading (486 Mbps) and writing (201 Mbps) speeds. In a direct comparison, the HP EliteBook x360 1030 G2 had no chance against the faster PCIe SSD. Our test unit could alternatively be furnished with that kind of SSD, which we believe would be worth thinking about. Despite the seemingly disillusioning results in comparison to the similar devices, the processing speed is at a high level for day-to-day work. You can see that from the previously received PCMark results. After turning on the HP EliteBook x360 1030 G2, it is ready to go within a few seconds and there are hardly any latency times while working.

AS SSD
AS SSD
CrystalDiskMark
CrystalDiskMark
CrystalDiskInfo
CrystalDiskInfo
ATTO
ATTO
HP EliteBook x360 1030 G2
Sandisk SD8TN8U-256G-1006
Lenovo Yoga 910-13IKB-80VF004CGE
Samsung PM951 NVMe MZVLV512
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga-20FRS1VS00
Samsung SSD PM961 1TB M.2 PCIe 3.0 x4 NVMe (MZSLW1T0)
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon 2017-20HQS03P00
Samsung PM961 NVMe MZVLW512HMJP
Dell Latitude 13 7370
Toshiba NVMe THNSN5256GPU7
HP Spectre x360 13-w023dx
Samsung PM951 NVMe MZVLV512
Lenovo ThinkPad Yoga 370-20JJS00100
Toshiba NVMe THNSF5512GPUK
CrystalDiskMark 3.0
105%
102%
173%
124%
89%
68%
Read Seq
467.1
1412
202%
1510
223%
1827
291%
1354
190%
1376
195%
1070
129%
Write Seq
443.6
578
30%
1193
169%
1383
212%
1132
155%
571
29%
484.5
9%
Read 512
312.3
701
124%
814
161%
1140
265%
679
117%
680
118%
Write 512
372.5
580
56%
1098
195%
1020
174%
571
53%
483.1
30%
Read 4k
29.43
43.5
48%
37
26%
61
107%
42.13
43%
42.66
45%
30.55
4%
Write 4k
56.5
159.7
183%
126
123%
172.2
205%
105.8
87%
137.9
144%
127.3
125%
Read 4k QD32
311.3
570
83%
404
30%
601
93%
400.5
29%
535
72%
460.8
48%
Write 4k QD32
225.2
488.7
117%
319
42%
495.6
120%
328.4
46%
361.2
60%
414.5
84%
Sandisk SD8TN8U-256G-1006
Sequential Read: 467.1 MB/s
Sequential Write: 443.6 MB/s
512K Read: 312.3 MB/s
512K Write: 372.5 MB/s
4K Read: 29.43 MB/s
4K Write: 56.5 MB/s
4K QD32 Read: 311.3 MB/s
4K QD32 Write: 225.2 MB/s

Graphics

The Intel HD Graphics 620 is solely responsible for graphics. Because the RAM works in dual-channel mode, we can access the full performance of the integrated graphics unit. You can see the difference in comparison to single-channel mode if you look at the difference in performance of the Lenovo ThinkPad Yoga 370. In the 3D benchmarks, our HP EliteBook x360 1030 G2 reached third place, losing only to the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon and the Lenovo Yoga 910. The two faster models had an advantage of about 10%.

3DMark Ice Storm
3DMark Ice Storm
3DMark Ice Storm Unlimited
3DMark Ice Storm Unlimited
3DMark Ice Storm Extreme
3DMark Ice Storm Extreme
3DMark Cloud Gate
3DMark Cloud Gate
3DMark Sky Diver
3DMark Sky Diver
3DMark Fire Strike
3DMark Fire Strike
3DMark Fire Strike Extreme
3DMark Fire Strike Extreme
3DMark Fire Strike Ultra
3DMark Fire Strike Ultra
3DMark Time Spy
3DMark Time Spy
3DMark 11
3DMark 11
3DMark Vantage
3DMark Vantage
3DMark06
3DMark06
3DMark
1280x720 Cloud Gate Standard Graphics
Lenovo Yoga 910-13IKB-80VF004CGE
Intel HD Graphics 620, Intel Core i7-7500U
9060 Points +10%
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon 2017-20HQS03P00
Intel HD Graphics 620, Intel Core i7-7500U
8971 Points +9%
HP EliteBook x360 1030 G2
Intel HD Graphics 620, Intel Core i5-7300U
8220 Points
HP Spectre x360 13-w023dx
Intel HD Graphics 620, Intel Core i7-7500U
7969 Points -3%
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga-20FRS1VS00
Intel HD Graphics 520, Intel Core i7-6600U
7572 Points -8%
Lenovo ThinkPad Yoga 370-20JJS00100
Intel HD Graphics 620, Intel Core i5-7200U
7059 Points -14%
Dell Latitude 13 7370
Intel HD Graphics 515, Intel Core m5-6Y57
4658 Points -43%
1920x1080 Fire Strike Graphics
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon 2017-20HQS03P00
Intel HD Graphics 620, Intel Core i7-7500U
1093 Points +12%
Lenovo Yoga 910-13IKB-80VF004CGE
Intel HD Graphics 620, Intel Core i7-7500U
1045 Points +8%
HP EliteBook x360 1030 G2
Intel HD Graphics 620, Intel Core i5-7300U
972 Points
HP Spectre x360 13-w023dx
Intel HD Graphics 620, Intel Core i7-7500U
964 Points -1%
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga-20FRS1VS00
Intel HD Graphics 520, Intel Core i7-6600U
931 Points -4%
Lenovo ThinkPad Yoga 370-20JJS00100
Intel HD Graphics 620, Intel Core i5-7200U
827 Points -15%
Dell Latitude 13 7370
Intel HD Graphics 515, Intel Core m5-6Y57
565 Points -42%
3DMark 11 - 1280x720 Performance GPU
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon 2017-20HQS03P00
Intel HD Graphics 620, Intel Core i7-7500U
1641 Points +11%
Lenovo Yoga 910-13IKB-80VF004CGE
Intel HD Graphics 620, Intel Core i7-7500U
1623 Points +10%
HP Spectre x360 13-w023dx
Intel HD Graphics 620, Intel Core i7-7500U
1560 Points +6%
HP EliteBook x360 1030 G2
Intel HD Graphics 620, Intel Core i5-7300U
1476 Points
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga-20FRS1VS00
Intel HD Graphics 520, Intel Core i7-6600U
1458 Points -1%
Lenovo ThinkPad Yoga 370-20JJS00100
Intel HD Graphics 620, Intel Core i5-7200U
1338 Points -9%
Dell Latitude 13 7370
Intel HD Graphics 515, Intel Core m5-6Y57
992 Points -33%
3DMark 05 Standard
12125 points
3DMark 06 Standard Score
8207 points
3DMark Vantage P Result
5803 points
3DMark 11 Performance
1610 points
3DMark Ice Storm Standard Score
61718 points
3DMark Cloud Gate Standard Score
6228 points
3DMark Fire Strike Score
882 points
3DMark Fire Strike Extreme Score
419 points
3DMark Time Spy Score
356 points
Help

Gaming Performance

The HP EliteBook x360 1030 G2 is mainly a business notebook that was not designed for playing games. Therefore, the measured frame rates are very low in the four games we tested. Older games such as BioShock Infinite or Battlefield 4 can only just be played smoothly in HD resolution and the middle preset. If you are looking for a higher graphics performance you had better look further, as the HP EliteBook x360 1030 G2 will not be available with a dedicated GPU.

low med. high ultra
BioShock Infinite (2013) 54.4 30.7 24.9 7.8
Battlefield 4 (2013) 40.2 31.4 20.9 7.5
The Witcher 3 (2015) 14.4 12.3 5.5
Rise of the Tomb Raider (2016) 17.6 11 6.7

Emissions

System Noise

The system noise is relatively low in our HP EliteBook x360 1030 G2. Without load, the convertible runs silently; under load, the small cooling fan creates a maximum of 35.6 dB - which is audible, but it is not disturbing. The HP EliteBook x360 1030 G2 can definitely keep up with the other models. You will not find any measured values for the Dell Latitude 13 7370 below, because this device has passive cooling only.

The cooling system is made up of a small cooling fan and a short heat pipe.
The cooling system is made up of a small cooling fan...
The cooling system is made up of a small cooling fan and a short heat pipe.
...and a short heat pipe.

Noise Level

Idle
29 / 29 / 29 dB(A)
Load
33.6 / 35.8 dB(A)
  red to green bar
 
 
30 dB
silent
40 dB(A)
audible
50 dB(A)
loud
 
min: dark, med: mid, max: light   Audix TM1, Arta (15 cm distance)   environment noise: 29 dB(A)
HP EliteBook x360 1030 G2
i5-7300U, HD Graphics 620
Lenovo Yoga 910-13IKB-80VF004CGE
i7-7500U, HD Graphics 620
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga-20FRS1VS00
6600U, HD Graphics 520
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon 2017-20HQS03P00
i7-7500U, HD Graphics 620
HP Spectre x360 13-w023dx
i7-7500U, HD Graphics 620
Lenovo ThinkPad Yoga 370-20JJS00100
i5-7200U, HD Graphics 620
Dell Latitude 13 7370
6Y57, HD Graphics 515
Noise
-8%
-2%
-4%
-5%
-1%
off / environment *
29
31.7
-9%
28.9
-0%
29.3
-1%
29.1
-0%
28.6
1%
Idle Minimum *
29
31.7
-9%
28.9
-0%
29.3
-1%
29.1
-0%
28.6
1%
Idle Average *
29
31.7
-9%
28.9
-0%
29.3
-1%
29.1
-0%
28.6
1%
Idle Maximum *
29
31.7
-9%
28.9
-0%
32.2
-11%
31.2
-8%
31.2
-8%
Load Average *
33.6
38.4
-14%
35.3
-5%
34.3
-2%
37.3
-11%
33.7
-0%
Load Maximum *
35.8
34.7
3%
38.9
-9%
39.3
-10%
39.6
-11%
36.7
-3%

* ... smaller is better

dB(A) 0102030405060708090Deep BassMiddle BassHigh BassLower RangeMidsHigher MidsLower HighsMid HighsUpper HighsSuper Highs2030.732.82530.232.53131.230.14032.131.35040.1406330.129.28028.127.910035.735.712534.534.216025.42420028.325.225027.724.431530.422.740027.421.850025.520.763023.920.280024.619100025.918.6125024.418.9160024.418.6200024.718.9250023.818.7315022.518.5400022.21950002219.9630020.319.5800019.819.31000020.420.11250020211600019.620.2SPL3632.1N2.61.7median 24.4median 20.1Delta3.42.135.335.534.53336.934.934.634.235.73231.630.731.929.929.330.528.529.827.428.428.224.725.226.128.726.127.226.927.626.126.427.626.323.624.725.523.921.523.32423.922.221.524.422.821.922.623.32220.420.922.320.619.619.721.820.41918.821.621.11917.623.119.618.417.221.620.918.316.323.720.519162320.819.215.72421.919.915.425.223.420.715.127.824.321.715.328.324.919.115.326.918.716.615.623.317.316.215.820.716.61615.91916.316.115.918.416.416.11618.216.816.315.818.833.731.228.636.71.91.51.12.4median 20.9median 19.1median 16median 23.32.92.52.42.2hearing rangehide median Fan NoiseHP EliteBook x360 1030 G2Lenovo ThinkPad Yoga 370-20JJS00100

Temperature

3DMark 11 after the stress test
3DMark 11 after the stress test

The HP EliteBook x360 1030 G2 definitely has no problem with temperatures. A look at the table shows that our test unit heated up the least. Under load, the case temperature reaches a maximum of 36.7 °C (~98 °F). This hot spot lies in the middle of the bottom of the base unit.


The hardware components do not heat up especially either, so thermal throttling is no issue. It is only the TDP of 15 watts that slows down the CPU. During Prime95 the CPU heats up to a maximum of 75 °C (~167 °F) under constant load. The integrated Intel HD Graphics 620 only heated up to 70 °C (~158 °F) during our stress test. When both CPU and GPU run simultaneously, they have to share the 15 watts, which means they cannot reach their full potential. As a result, they reach a lower temperature of 67 °C (~153 °F) for the CPU and 69 °C (~156 °F) for the GPU. Directly after the stress test, we repeated the 3DMark 11 benchmark. The results were only minimally lower in comparison to the cold start.

Stress test: Prime 95 only
Stress test: Prime 95 only
Stress test: Furmark only
Stress test: Furmark only
Stress test: Furmark + Prime 95
Stress test: Furmark + Prime 95
Max. Load
 28.9 °C
84 F
36.1 °C
97 F
28.3 °C
83 F
 
 25.4 °C
78 F
32.4 °C
90 F
27.5 °C
82 F
 
 24.7 °C
76 F
24.2 °C
76 F
25.5 °C
78 F
 
Maximum: 36.1 °C = 97 F
Average: 28.1 °C = 83 F
27.4 °C
81 F
36.7 °C
98 F
26.5 °C
80 F
26.3 °C
79 F
27 °C
81 F
24.3 °C
76 F
24.5 °C
76 F
24.2 °C
76 F
23.8 °C
75 F
Maximum: 36.7 °C = 98 F
Average: 26.7 °C = 80 F
Power Supply (max.)  32.9 °C = 91 F | Room Temperature 19.8 °C = 68 F | Fluke 62 Max
(+) The average temperature for the upper side under maximal load is 28.1 °C / 83 F, compared to the average of 30.2 °C / 86 F for the devices in the class Convertible.
(+) The maximum temperature on the upper side is 36.1 °C / 97 F, compared to the average of 35.3 °C / 96 F, ranging from 19.6 to 55.7 °C for the class Convertible.
(+) The bottom heats up to a maximum of 36.7 °C / 98 F, compared to the average of 36.7 °C / 98 F
(+) In idle usage, the average temperature for the upper side is 24.7 °C / 76 F, compared to the device average of 30.2 °C / 86 F.
(+) The palmrests and touchpad are cooler than skin temperature with a maximum of 25.5 °C / 77.9 F and are therefore cool to the touch.
(+) The average temperature of the palmrest area of similar devices was 28.1 °C / 82.6 F (+2.6 °C / 4.7 F).
HP EliteBook x360 1030 G2
i5-7300U, HD Graphics 620
Lenovo Yoga 910-13IKB-80VF004CGE
i7-7500U, HD Graphics 620
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga-20FRS1VS00
6600U, HD Graphics 520
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon 2017-20HQS03P00
i7-7500U, HD Graphics 620
Dell Latitude 13 7370
6Y57, HD Graphics 515
HP Spectre x360 13-w023dx
i7-7500U, HD Graphics 620
Lenovo ThinkPad Yoga 370-20JJS00100
i5-7200U, HD Graphics 620
Heat
-12%
-24%
-9%
-23%
-10%
-16%
Maximum Upper Side *
36.1
41.4
-15%
45.5
-26%
48
-33%
43.2
-20%
48.2
-34%
42
-16%
Maximum Bottom *
36.7
38.5
-5%
47.1
-28%
47.2
-29%
50.8
-38%
46
-25%
48
-31%
Idle Upper Side *
26.8
31
-16%
31.1
-16%
23.5
12%
30.5
-14%
24.6
8%
28
-4%
Idle Bottom *
26.5
29.6
-12%
33.1
-25%
22.6
15%
31.2
-18%
23.2
12%
29.7
-12%

* ... smaller is better

Speakers

The HP EliteBook x360 1030 G2 sound system comes from Bang & Olufsen and offers satisfactory sound enjoyment. The two speakers are positioned on either side, below the wrist rest. The sound is directed out of the case via small holes on the bottom of the base. Despite the small size, the speakers do a good job and can even make quite some noise with a maximum volume level of 86.3 dB and no sound distortion. The sound system is very suitable for video calls and also for playing multimedia files. But you cannot expect too much from the little speakers. You can mainly hear mid and high-range frequencies. The bass is swallowed completely sometimes, because of the case. You can make a lot of changes to the sound profile in Bang & Olufsen’s included audio software. You can also optionally activate noise suppression - which could come in handy during video conferences.

There is a 3.5 mm audio jack, which can be used to connect external speakers or headphones. There were no problems using the jack in our test unit.

dB(A) 0102030405060708090Deep BassMiddle BassHigh BassLower RangeMidsHigher MidsLower HighsMid HighsUpper HighsSuper Highs20362541.83137.14037.750456335.88035.310047.712550.716046.620055.625059.5315594006050056.563062.680068.9100073.8125070.2160077.3200075.8250073.4315078.2400077500074.6630072.1800069.71000067.812500621600060SPL86.3N63.8median 67.8Delta7.431.433.331.434.233.934.234.430.634.431.929.731.929.82829.831.126.431.132.926.532.93325.83334.223.634.235.122.435.137.121.237.141.720.741.750.819.450.86018.46062.917.962.962.217.262.267.316.567.366.516.366.566.615.466.670.214.970.272.715.472.768.11568.169.215.369.266.716.366.764.715.664.762.416.262.459.416.859.452.716.252.750.91650.944.11744.179.428.479.442.11.142.1median 62.2median 16.5median 62.210.32.410.3hearing rangehide median Pink NoiseHP EliteBook x360 1030 G2Lenovo ThinkPad Yoga 370-20JJS00100
HP EliteBook x360 1030 G2 audio analysis

(+) | speakers can play relatively loud (86.3 dB)
Analysis not possible as minimum curve is missing or too high

Lenovo ThinkPad Yoga 370-20JJS00100 audio analysis

(±) | speaker loudness is average but good (79.4 dB)
Bass 100 - 315 Hz
(-) | nearly no bass - on average 23.5% lower than median
(+) | bass is linear (6.5% delta to prev. frequency)
Mids 400 - 2000 Hz
(+) | balanced mids - only 4.4% away from median
(+) | mids are linear (6.8% delta to prev. frequency)
Highs 2 - 16 kHz
(+) | balanced highs - only 4.6% away from median
(+) | highs are linear (6.9% delta to prev. frequency)
Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz
(±) | linearity of overall sound is average (24.2% difference to median)
Compared to same class
» 70% of all tested devices in this class were better, 6% similar, 24% worse
» The best had a delta of 6%, average was 21%, worst was 57%
Compared to all devices tested
» 69% of all tested devices were better, 7% similar, 25% worse
» The best had a delta of 4%, average was 25%, worst was 134%

Frequency comparison (checkboxes are selectable!)

Energy Management

Power Consumption

The power supply provides a maximum of 65 watts
The power supply provides a maximum of 65 watts

HP’s concept of implementing the energy-efficient SoC based on the Kaby Lake series means very low power consumption. Without load, our test unit consumes only 3.2-6.5 watts. That’s a great value in comparison to the Dell Latitude 13 7370, which contains only power-saving components but still consumes more than the HP EliteBook x360 1030 G2. Under load, the consumption increases to an average of 29.7 watts. The peaks we measured were at 41.3 watts, but that was never permanent. We do have one thing to criticize: 0.55 watts power consumption during standby is too high. The Lenovo ThinkPad 370 requires only 0.46 watts in standby.

The power supply of the HP EliteBook x360 1030 G2 provides sufficient power with 65 watts.

Power Consumption
Off / Standbydarklight 0.37 / 0.55 Watt
Idledarkmidlight 3.2 / 5.5 / 6.5 Watt
Load midlight 29.7 / 41.3 Watt
 color bar
Key: min: dark, med: mid, max: light        Metrahit Energy
Currently we use the Metrahit Energy, a professional single phase power quality and energy measurement digital multimeter, for our measurements. Find out more about it here. All of our test methods can be found here.
HP EliteBook x360 1030 G2
i5-7300U, HD Graphics 620, Sandisk SD8TN8U-256G-1006, IPS, 1920x1080, 13.30
Lenovo Yoga 910-13IKB-80VF004CGE
i7-7500U, HD Graphics 620, Samsung PM951 NVMe MZVLV512, IPS, 3840x2160, 13.90
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga-20FRS1VS00
6600U, HD Graphics 520, Samsung SSD PM961 1TB M.2 PCIe 3.0 x4 NVMe (MZSLW1T0), OLED, 2560x1440, 14.00
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon 2017-20HQS03P00
i7-7500U, HD Graphics 620, Samsung PM961 NVMe MZVLW512HMJP, IPS, 1920x1080, 14.00
Dell Latitude 13 7370
6Y57, HD Graphics 515, Toshiba NVMe THNSN5256GPU7, IPS, 1920x1080, 13.30
HP Spectre x360 13-w023dx
i7-7500U, HD Graphics 620, Samsung PM951 NVMe MZVLV512, IPS, 1920x1080, 13.30
Lenovo ThinkPad Yoga 370-20JJS00100
i5-7200U, HD Graphics 620, Toshiba NVMe THNSF5512GPUK, IPS LED, 1920x1080, 13.30
Power Consumption
-13%
-43%
-25%
-6%
-20%
-10%
Idle Minimum *
3.2
4.3
-34%
4.7
-47%
3.84
-20%
5
-56%
5.5
-72%
3.6
-13%
Idle Average *
5.5
6.3
-15%
8.6
-56%
6.3
-15%
7.5
-36%
6.7
-22%
7.2
-31%
Idle Maximum *
6.5
9
-38%
12.2
-88%
8.6
-32%
8
-23%
7.1
-9%
8.4
-29%
Load Average *
29.7
32.7
-10%
29.7
-0%
41.9
-41%
15.3
48%
33.1
-11%
29.9
-1%
Load Maximum *
41.3
28.8
30%
50.5
-22%
48.7
-18%
26.8
35%
35.2
15%
32.2
22%

* ... smaller is better

Battery Runtime

3DMark 11 on battery
3DMark 11 on battery

The battery runtime benefits highly from the low power consumption. In idle, the battery lasts a whole 23:07 hours. Even under load the HP EliteBook x360 1030 G2 can run on battery for about 4 hours - which is a great result. Our Wi-Fi test is a lot more practically oriented, as it opens different websites every 30 seconds. During the test, the energy profile is set to “balanced” and the display brightness is set to about 150 cd/m². In the case of our test unit, that meant lowering the brightness by three levels. With these configurations, the HP EliteBook x360 1030 G2 can run for 10:30 hours before having to recharge. It takes about 2.5 hours for the battery to reach 100% again.

We also checked the 3D performance on battery and the result of 3DMark 11 was about 250 points lower than before.

Battery once removed
Battery once removed
The battery is positioned beneath the bottom cover of the base
The battery is positioned beneath the bottom cover of the base
Maximum battery runtime
Maximum battery runtime
Minimum battery runtime
Minimum battery runtime
Battery runtime on Wi-Fi
Battery runtime on Wi-Fi
H.264 battery runtime
H.264 battery runtime
Recharging time
Recharging time
Battery Runtime
Idle (without WLAN, min brightness)
23h 07min
WiFi Websurfing (Edge 38.14393.0.0)
10h 30min
Big Buck Bunny H.264 1080p
10h 59min
Load (maximum brightness)
4h 04min
HP EliteBook x360 1030 G2
i5-7300U, HD Graphics 620, 57 Wh
Lenovo Yoga 910-13IKB-80VF004CGE
i7-7500U, HD Graphics 620, 78 Wh
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga-20FRS1VS00
6600U, HD Graphics 520, 56 Wh
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon 2017-20HQS03P00
i7-7500U, HD Graphics 620, 57 Wh
Dell Latitude 13 7370
6Y57, HD Graphics 515, 34 Wh
HP Spectre x360 13-w023dx
i7-7500U, HD Graphics 620, 57.8 Wh
Lenovo ThinkPad Yoga 370-20JJS00100
i5-7200U, HD Graphics 620, 51 Wh
Battery Runtime
-17%
-40%
-20%
-42%
-24%
-25%
Reader / Idle
1387
1069
-23%
824
-41%
1252
-10%
588
-58%
1233
-11%
1163
-16%
H.264
659
520
-21%
711
8%
391
-41%
576
-13%
WiFi v1.3
630
644
2%
315
-50%
496
-21%
367
-42%
558
-11%
488
-23%
Load
244
174
-29%
132
-46%
110
-55%
176
-28%
121
-50%
127
-48%

Verdict

Pros

+ fancy design
+ flawless workmanship
+ very good input devices
+ good system performance
+ no CPU throttling
+ high flexibility due to 360-degree hinges
+ low energy consumption
+ very long battery life
+ pleasantly quiet (often completely silent)
+ extensive security features
+ viewing-angle stable display
+ HP Active Pen
+ relatively easy maintenance
+ USB Type-C (with Thunderbolt)
+ LTE module

Cons

- low display brightness
- no NVMe SSD
- 256 GB SSD
- hardly any possibilities for expansion
In review: HP EliteBook x360 1030 G2. Test unit provided by Campuspoint.de
In review: HP EliteBook x360 1030 G2. Test unit provided by Campuspoint.de

The HP EliteBook x360 1030 G2 is more than a classic business notebook. Due to the 360-degree hinges, this device is extremely flexible and the HP Active Pen enables creativity to run free. The many multimedia functions are another great feature of our test unit. The device turns out to be a great all-round notebook - with the exception of gaming performance. As the notebook was created mainly with the business sector in mind, it includes a lot of security features - which means that the price is quite high, even with the most basic equipment. Our test unit contains an Intel Core i5-7300U processor that has 8 GB of RAM available. The SSD with a capacity of 256 GB offers enough space for starters and the Full HD screen responds well to touch inputs. This configuration is available for 2000 Euros (~$2125) at the time of testing. 

HP has created a very attractive device. The EliteBook x360 1030 G2 is versatile and impresses with its very long battery life. 

We do have some points to criticize. One thing is the display, which has a good viewing-angle stability but has below mediocre screen brightness levels. The other thing is the SSD performance which is below what can be expected from a device of this price. HP should use only NVMe SSDs, which would be more representative of the price. But apart from these few points of criticism, the HP EliteBook x360 1030 G2 definitely convinced us during the tests. Of course, the elegant, slim design played a role in giving us such a positive impression.

HP EliteBook x360 1030 G2 - 04/10/2017 v6(old)
Sebastian Bade

Chassis
93 / 98 → 94%
Keyboard
90%
Pointing Device
93%
Connectivity
62 / 80 → 77%
Weight
71 / 35-78 → 84%
Battery
93%
Display
82%
Games Performance
56 / 68 → 83%
Application Performance
88 / 87 → 100%
Temperature
95%
Noise
95%
Audio
69 / 91 → 76%
Camera
47 / 85 → 56%
Average
80%
88%
Convertible - Weighted Average

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> Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations > Reviews > HP EliteBook x360 1030 G2 (Core i5, Full HD) Convertible Review
Sebastian Bade, 2017-04-14 (Update: 2019-04- 5)