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HP ProBook 650 G4 (i5-8250U, FHD IPS) Laptop Review

Plastic Pro. The whole notebook market has been reconfigured to ultrabook designs. Wait, is it really the whole notebook market? No, since there are still representatives of a more traditional design such as the HP ProBook 650 G4. You can find out in this extensive review, if and for whom this affordable business notebook can be recommended.

Business notebooks are generally not very affordable. Compared to consumer laptops, you primarily pay a premium for the more stable, robust case and the security features. But of course there is also some differentiation via the price in the laptop market for business customers. For companies that buy several thousand laptops for their employees, there is a lot of money involved, so every single Euro will count. And not every employee needs a notebook that has been optimized for robustness, since some laptops are almost only operated stationary and rarely being transported.

Exactly for such use cases, there are notebooks such as the HP ProBook 650 G4, which is our current test unit: a more affordable business laptop that still brings many features that are in demand in business surroundings. Since these customers are hotly contested, is is a very competitive environment, and the competitors include well-known notebooks such as the Dell Latitude 5590, the Lenovo ThinkPad L570, or the Lenovo ThinkPad E580. There is also an in-house competitor in the form of the HP ProBook 450 G5, which is one step more affordable.

The ProBook 650 G4 is not really meant for those with a very small budget either: Our test unit with an Intel Core i5-8250U, 8 GB of RAM, and a 256-GB SSD has a recommended retail price of about 1050 Euros (~$1225; $1149 in the US) with the actual price often being about 200 Euros (~$233) lower.

HP ProBook 650 G4 3UP57EA (ProBook 650 Series)
Processor
Intel Core i5-8250U 4 x 1.6 - 3.4 GHz, Kaby Lake Refresh
Graphics adapter
Memory
8 GB 
, DDR4-2400, 1 of 2 slots unoccupied, 32 GB max.
Display
15.60 inch 16:9, 1920 x 1080 pixel 141 PPI, CMN15D3, IPS LED, glossy: no
Mainboard
Intel Kaby Lake-U + iHDCP 2.2 Premium PCH
Storage
Toshiba XG5 KXG50ZNV256G, 256 GB 
, M.2 2280, 183 GB free
Soundcard
Intel Kaby Lake-U/Y PCH - High Definition Audio
Connections
3 USB 3.0 / 3.1 Gen1, 1 HDMI, 1 DisplayPort, 1 Kensington Lock, 1 Serial Port, 1 Docking Station Port, Audio Connections: Audio combo port, Card Reader: MicroSD card reader, 1 SmartCard, 1 Fingerprint Reader
Networking
Intel Ethernet Connection I219-V (10/100/1000MBit/s), Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 8265 (a/b/g/n = Wi-Fi 4/ac = Wi-Fi 5/), Bluetooth 4.2
Optical drive
HP DVD-RW DA8AESH
Size
height x width x depth (in mm): 24 x 377 x 257 ( = 0.94 x 14.84 x 10.12 in)
Battery
48 Wh Lithium-Ion
Operating System
Microsoft Windows 10 Pro 64 Bit
Camera
Webcam: 720p
Additional features
Speakers: Stereo, Keyboard: 6 rows chiclet with numpad, Keyboard Light: no, Recovery DVD, HP Client Security Manager, HP Connection Optimizer, HP Device Access Manager, HP JumpStart Bridge, HP Power Manager, HP Support Assistant, HP WorkWise, Microsoft Office Trial, 12 Months Warranty
Weight
2.2 kg ( = 77.6 oz / 4.85 pounds), Power Supply: 285 g ( = 10.05 oz / 0.63 pounds)
Price
1100 Euro
Note: The manufacturer may use components from different suppliers including display panels, drives or memory sticks with similar specifications.

 

Case and Equipment

Compared to its predecessor, the ProBook 650 G3, HP has completely reworked the design. The new ProBook follows the redesign of the EliteBook-800 series with a less rounded case, and the silver color is even more dominant in the design as before. However, there are some differences to the EliteBooks in the detail, such as there continuing to be two smaller hinges instead of one large one (the maximum opening angle is still about 135°). The looks is where the similarities to the more expensive EliteBooks end, since the ProBook 650 G4 is made entirely of plastic. This does not really help with the stability, and neither does the DVD drive, even if in terms of its thickness, the ProBook ranges significantly above the EliteBooks. It is relatively easy to warp the base unit, for example. On the other hand, the palm rest is stable to a large extent, and so is the keyboard, which only has some give in the left bottom corner. The plastic display cover is also rather weak and transfers any pressure almost directly to the display. In terms of its haptics, the case also feels very cheap. Despite being a budget device, we expect a little more quality from a laptop of this price range. The quality of the ProBook 450 G5 is in parts higher than that of its more expensive sibling. 

In order to perform maintenance, you need to remove the maintenance cover which covers almost the whole bottom. After you have removed the numerous screws, loosened the clips, and taken off the cover, you get access to the working memory, the 2280-M.2 SSD, a free 2.5-inch slot, the internal battery, the WLAN card, and the optical drive. A minor complaint: while the fan is visible, it cannot be removed, since several case struts are in the way.

It is rare to find an optical drive nowadays. Most users might not have any use for it anymore, but there is probably a small group of users whom HP can please with the ProBook 650 G4. This also goes for the RS-232 Serial port which is on the right side of the laptop. While the ProBook is quite special in this regard and otherwise also well equipped, the lack of a full-size SD card slot in such a voluminous notebook does deserve some complaint. HP has only equipped the ProBook with a microSD card slot instead. Furthermore, the connections are quite close together on the right side, leading to a deduction in the rating for the connections. 

Size Comparison

377 mm / 14.8 inch 255 mm / 10 inch 30.85 mm / 1.215 inch 2.4 kg5.25 lbs378 mm / 14.9 inch 257 mm / 10.1 inch 27.4 mm / 1.079 inch 2.3 kg5.09 lbs377 mm / 14.8 inch 257 mm / 10.1 inch 24 mm / 0.945 inch 2.2 kg4.85 lbs376 mm / 14.8 inch 250.65 mm / 9.87 inch 20.6 mm / 0.811 inch 2 kg4.45 lbs369 mm / 14.5 inch 252 mm / 9.92 inch 19.95 mm / 0.785 inch 1.9 kg4.24 lbs297 mm / 11.7 inch 210 mm / 8.27 inch 1 mm / 0.03937 inch 5.7 g0.01257 lbs

Connections

Right: audio combo, USB 3.1 Gen1 Type-C, 2x USB 3.0 Type-A, HDMI, RJ45-Ethernet, RS-232, docking port, microSD, power
Right: audio combo, USB 3.1 Gen1 Type-C, 2x USB 3.0 Type-A, HDMI, RJ45-Ethernet, RS-232, docking port, microSD, power
Left: Kensington Lock, optical drive, smart card reader
Left: Kensington Lock, optical drive, smart card reader
SD Card Reader
average JPG Copy Test (av. of 3 runs)
Dell Latitude 5590
  (Toshiba Exceria Pro SDXC 64 GB UHS-II)
178.2 MB/s +162%
Lenovo ThinkPad E580-20KSCTO1WW
  (Toshiba Exceria Pro M501)
76.4 MB/s +12%
Lenovo Thinkpad L570 20J9S01600
  (Toshiba Exceria Pro SDXC 64 GB UHS-II)
72.6 MB/s +7%
HP Probook 650 G3 Z2W44ET
  (Toshiba Exceria Pro SDXC 64 GB UHS-II)
68.1 MB/s 0%
HP ProBook 650 G4 3UP57EA
  (Toshiba Exceria Pro M501 microSDXC 64GB)
68.1 MB/s
Average of class Office
  (8 - 196.8, n=50, last 2 years)
55.6 MB/s -18%
maximum AS SSD Seq Read Test (1GB)
Dell Latitude 5590
  (Toshiba Exceria Pro SDXC 64 GB UHS-II)
203.3 MB/s +159%
HP Probook 650 G3 Z2W44ET
  (Toshiba Exceria Pro SDXC 64 GB UHS-II)
87.6 MB/s +11%
Lenovo ThinkPad E580-20KSCTO1WW
  (Toshiba Exceria Pro M501)
85.7 MB/s +9%
HP ProBook 650 G4 3UP57EA
  (Toshiba Exceria Pro M501 microSDXC 64GB)
78.6 MB/s
Average of class Office
  (26.4 - 173.2, n=44, last 2 years)
65.2 MB/s -17%
Networking
iperf3 transmit AX12
Lenovo Thinkpad L570 20J9S01600
Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 8265
651 MBit/s +35%
HP Probook 650 G3 Z2W44ET
Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 7265 (jseb)
602 MBit/s +25%
HP ProBook 650 G4 3UP57EA
Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 8265
483 MBit/s
Lenovo ThinkPad E580-20KSCTO1WW
Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 3165
299 MBit/s -38%
Dell Latitude 5590
Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 8265
250 MBit/s -48%
iperf3 receive AX12
HP Probook 650 G3 Z2W44ET
Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 7265 (jseb)
576 MBit/s +3%
HP ProBook 650 G4 3UP57EA
Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 8265
557 MBit/s
Lenovo Thinkpad L570 20J9S01600
Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 8265
361 MBit/s -35%
Dell Latitude 5590
Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 8265
328 MBit/s -41%
Lenovo ThinkPad E580-20KSCTO1WW
Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 3165
326 MBit/s -41%

Input Devices

To a large extent, the keyboard of the ProBook 650 G4 corresponds to the keyboard that HP also uses in the 15.6-inch EliteBooks such as the EliteBook 850 G5. The chiclet keyboard with six key rows also brings a dedicated number block. However, despite the empty space on the left and right of the keyboard, this is not a full-size keyboard. While we should definitely mention that some keys are marginally smaller than in a desktop keyboard, you mostly do not notice this when using the keyboard. There is also an important difference to the EliteBooks in that the keyboard does not have a background illumination. This is very strange for a notebook that costs more than 1000 Euros (~$1167). At least the typing experience on the slightly roughened keys is good, and it is suitable for frequent typing.

HP takes a modern path with the touchpad, since in contrast to its predecessors, the ProBook 650 G4 has a touchpad with integrated keys which is called a ClickPad. The model used here has a plastic surface with a width of 11.5 cm (4.5 in) and length of 6.3 cm (2.5 in). The sliding characteristics of the surface are good, and it is smooth enough to prevent the fingers from getting stuck. On the other hand, the click mechanics are less good, producing some clatter, and the solution with the dedicated keys was of a better quality in this respect. In contrast to the predecessor, HP does not offer a point stick, not even optionally, which is a shame, since this should really be part of the equipment of a business device.

Keyboard of the ProBook 650 G4
Keyboard of the ProBook 650 G4

Display

Pixel grid of the HP ProBook 650 G4
Pixel grid of the HP ProBook 650 G4
Medium strong backlight bleeding
Medium strong backlight bleeding

Although according to the data sheet, there are several display options such as an HD TN panel (1366x768) or a Full HD IPS panel (1920x1080) with touch, there is actually only one model available in Germany: a matte Full HD IPS display without touch, which is also used in our test unit.

According to HP, the display brightness of this LDC panel, which in the case of our specific test unit comes from the manufacturer Innolux, should be 220 cd/m². However, we cannot confirm this, not because the display is darker, but since it is significantly brighter at 269 cd/m² on average. Although with this, the display is darker than the Full HD TN display in the predecessor model, it is brighter than for example the display in the Dell Latitude 5590.

The brightness values are really the only positive points of this display. Otherwise, the measured values are very mediocre. For example, while the contrast values are quite okay at 782:1, the color space coverage is very bad at just 63% of the sRGB color space, which is typical for an affordable business notebook.

285
cd/m²
270
cd/m²
263
cd/m²
273
cd/m²
305
cd/m²
255
cd/m²
265
cd/m²
270
cd/m²
243
cd/m²
Distribution of brightness
CMN15D3 tested with X-Rite i1Pro 2
Maximum: 305 cd/m² (Nits) Average: 269.9 cd/m² Minimum: 15 cd/m²
Brightness Distribution: 80 %
Center on Battery: 305 cd/m²
Contrast: 782:1 (Black: 0.39 cd/m²)
ΔE Color 3.26 | 0.5-29.43 Ø5
ΔE Greyscale 1.98 | 0.57-98 Ø5.3
63% sRGB (Argyll 1.6.3 3D)
40% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 1.6.3 3D)
43.28% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
63% sRGB (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
41.89% Display P3 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
Gamma: 2.38
HP ProBook 650 G4 3UP57EA
CMN15D3, , 1920x1080, 15.60
Dell Latitude 5590
NV15N42, , 1920x1080, 15.60
Lenovo Thinkpad L570 20J9S01600
Lenovo LP156WF6-SPK4, , 1920x1080, 15.60
Lenovo ThinkPad E580-20KSCTO1WW
BOE NV156FHM-N49, , 1920x1080, 15.60
HP Probook 650 G3 Z2W44ET
AU Optronics, , 1920x1080, 15.60
Display
-2%
-10%
-6%
31%
Display P3 Coverage
41.89
41.56
-1%
37.68
-10%
39.83
-5%
55.2
32%
sRGB Coverage
63
61.3
-3%
56.4
-10%
58.5
-7%
81.1
29%
AdobeRGB 1998 Coverage
43.28
42.93
-1%
38.97
-10%
41.15
-5%
57
32%
Response Times
-46%
8%
663%
-39%
Response Time Grey 50% / Grey 80% *
31 ?(14, 17)
53.2 ?(26.8, 26.4)
-72%
43 ?(24, 19, Plateau)
-39%
48.4 ?(25.6, 22.8)
-56%
38 ?(16, 22, Plateau)
-23%
Response Time Black / White *
24 ?(14, 10)
39.6 ?(23.2, 16.4)
-65%
11 ?(7, 4)
54%
37.6 ?(21.2, 16.4)
-57%
27 ?(9, 18, Plateau)
-13%
PWM Frequency
1000 ?(90)
1000 ?(98)
0%
22030 ?(99)
2103%
200 ?(50)
-80%
Screen
-41%
-25%
-29%
-94%
Brightness middle
305
243
-20%
276
-10%
292
-4%
351
15%
Brightness
270
234
-13%
252
-7%
272
1%
345
28%
Brightness Distribution
80
83
4%
85
6%
84
5%
95
19%
Black Level *
0.39
0.19
51%
0.45
-15%
0.3
23%
0.65
-67%
Contrast
782
1279
64%
613
-22%
973
24%
540
-31%
Colorchecker dE 2000 *
3.26
6.6
-102%
5.01
-54%
5.8
-78%
11.02
-238%
Colorchecker dE 2000 max. *
6.84
22.3
-226%
9.71
-42%
22.4
-227%
17.68
-158%
Greyscale dE 2000 *
1.98
5.2
-163%
3.69
-86%
2.3
-16%
13.14
-564%
Gamma
2.38 92%
2.24 98%
2.39 92%
2.12 104%
2.7 81%
CCT
6540 99%
6990 93%
7023 93%
6223 104%
16626 39%
Color Space (Percent of AdobeRGB 1998)
40
39.2
-2%
36
-10%
37.6
-6%
52
30%
Color Space (Percent of sRGB)
63
60.8
-3%
56.3
-11%
58
-8%
81
29%
Colorchecker dE 2000 calibrated *
5
Total Average (Program / Settings)
-30% / -35%
-9% / -18%
209% / 105%
-34% / -60%

* ... smaller is better

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
24 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined↗ 14 ms rise
↘ 10 ms fall
The screen shows good response rates in our tests, but may be too slow for competitive gamers.
In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.1 (minimum) to 240 (maximum) ms. » 48 % 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
31 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined↗ 14 ms rise
↘ 17 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. » 35 % of all devices are better.
This means that the measured response time is similar to 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 detected 1000 Hz ≤ 90 % brightness setting

The display backlight flickers at 1000 Hz (worst case, e.g., utilizing PWM) Flickering detected at a brightness setting of 90 % and below. There should be no flickering or PWM above this brightness setting.

The frequency of 1000 Hz is quite high, so most users sensitive to PWM should not notice any flickering.

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.

Color values (calibrated)
Color values (calibrated)
Saturation (calibrated)
Saturation (calibrated)
Grayscales (calibrated)
Grayscales (calibrated)
sRGB: 63%
sRGB: 63%
AdobeRGB: 40%
AdobeRGB: 40%
Outdoors (overcast)
Outdoors (overcast)

The ProBook 650 G4 is quite suited for outdoor usage, since the display has a matte surface and the display brightness is higher than 200 cd/m². However basic suitability for outdoors does not mean that you can use the device outdoors without any limitations, since you can only see the display contents well in the shade.

At least you do not have to struggle with a bad viewing angle stability, since HP has exchanged the TD display of the predecessor model with an IPS panel. Although this panel is not perfect, it is significantly better than the display of the ProBook 650 G3 in this respect in any case.

Viewing angles of the ProBook 650 G4
Viewing angles of the ProBook 650 G4

Performance

Currently there are four models listed with various vendors in Germany. The differences between the models are mainly the processor, the working memory, and the storage, with there being two variants each. In terms of the processor for example, you can choose between the Intel Core i5-8250U and the Intel Core i7-8550U, for the storage there are the options of a 256 or a 512-GB SSD, and for the RAM you can choose between 8 or 16 GB. Since there are two SO-DIMM slots with one slot being empty at the time of delivery, a maximum of 32 GB of DDR4-2400 RAM is possible.

HWiNFO
HWiNFO
CPU-Z
CPU-Z
CPU-Z caches
CPU-Z caches
CPU-Z mainboard
CPU-Z mainboard
CPU-Z memory
CPU-Z memory
CPU-Z SPD
CPU-Z SPD
GPU-Z
GPU-Z
LatencyMon
LatencyMon

Processor

The Intel Core i5-8250U is an Ultra Low Voltage processor (ULV-CPU) of the eighth Intel Core-i generation. It is ULV, because the TDP is 15 watts. The four processor cores of this quad-core CPU of the Kaby Lake Refresh generation run at a maximum of 3.4 GHz, and the basic core speed is 1.6 GHz. You can compare it with other processors in our CPU comparison chart.

In the ProBook, the processor is actually able to run at 3.4 GHz, since HP enables a consumption of a 44-watt maximum for the CPU – but that only for barely 30 seconds, after which the real TDP limit which the manufacturer has set at 18 watts is enforced. Even then, the CPU still has a clock speed of 2.6 GHz, which the result of our Cinebench loop shows well. As is often the case, the maximum boost performance is only available in the beginning of the first test iteration.

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Cinebench R15 CPU Multi 64 Bit

Thanks to the enabled Turbo boost, the performance of the ProBook is above average in the Cinebench Multicore test. The ProBook still achieves a good result under load. The HP ProBook 650 G3 predecessor was considerably slower with its dual-core processor.

In battery operation, the CPU performance has been throttled by the manufacturer. However, you can change this setting in the BIOS, if you need the full performance even in battery operation.

Cinebench R15
CPU Single 64Bit
Average of class Office
  (82.6 - 284, n=118, last 2 years)
215 Points +48%
Dell Latitude 5590
Intel Core i5-8250U
145 Points 0%
HP ProBook 650 G4 3UP57EA
Intel Core i5-8250U
145 Points
Lenovo ThinkPad E580-20KSCTO1WW
Intel Core i5-8250U
143 Points -1%
Average Intel Core i5-8250U
  (81 - 147, n=97)
141.1 Points -3%
Lenovo Thinkpad L570 20J9S01600
Intel Core i5-7200U
128 Points -12%
HP Probook 650 G3 Z2W44ET
Intel Core i5-7200U
122 Points -16%
CPU Multi 64Bit
Average of class Office
  (160.8 - 2642, n=120, last 2 years)
1380 Points +128%
Dell Latitude 5590
Intel Core i5-8250U
696 Points +15%
HP ProBook 650 G4 3UP57EA
Intel Core i5-8250U
605 Points
Average Intel Core i5-8250U
  (320 - 730, n=101)
570 Points -6%
Lenovo ThinkPad E580-20KSCTO1WW
Intel Core i5-8250U
553 Points -9%
Lenovo Thinkpad L570 20J9S01600
Intel Core i5-7200U
330 Points -45%
HP Probook 650 G3 Z2W44ET
Intel Core i5-7200U
320 Points -47%
Cinebench R15 OpenGL 64Bit
44.21 fps
Cinebench R15 Ref. Match 64Bit
97.8 %
Cinebench R15 CPU Multi 64Bit
605 Points
Cinebench R15 CPU Single 64Bit
145 Points
Help

System Performance

In everyday operation, the ProBook runs very smoothly. This also fits with the result in the PCMark8, where our test unit achieved a fine average result.

PCMark 8 - Home Score Accelerated v2
Average of class Office
  (2304 - 4830, n=12, last 2 years)
4261 Points +19%
Dell Latitude 5590
UHD Graphics 620, i5-8250U, SK hynix SC311 M.2
3757 Points +5%
Lenovo ThinkPad E580-20KSCTO1WW
UHD Graphics 620, i5-8250U, Toshiba KBG30ZMT128G
3729 Points +5%
Average Intel Core i5-8250U, Intel UHD Graphics 620
  (2986 - 4458, n=69)
3584 Points +1%
HP ProBook 650 G4 3UP57EA
UHD Graphics 620, i5-8250U, Toshiba XG5 KXG50ZNV256G
3566 Points
Lenovo Thinkpad L570 20J9S01600
HD Graphics 620, i5-7200U, Samsung PM961 NVMe MZVLW512HMJP
3520 Points -1%
HP Probook 650 G3 Z2W44ET
HD Graphics 620, i5-7200U, Hitachi Travelstar Z7K500 HTS725050A7E630
3149 Points -12%
PCMark 8 Home Score Accelerated v2
3566 points
PCMark 8 Work Score Accelerated v2
4804 points
PCMark 10 Score
3574 points
Help

Storage Solution

In terms of storage, HP uses a Toshiba XG5 in the ProBook. This is a M.2-PCIe NVMe SSD, which has a capacity of 256 GB in this case. Its speed is average for a PCIe NVMe SSD. The Samsung PM961, which we tested in the ThinkPad L570 for example, is much faster. However, the SSD speeds of the other comparison devices with SATA-III SSDs can still be surpassed with the Toshiba XG5.

HP ProBook 650 G4 3UP57EA
Toshiba XG5 KXG50ZNV256G
Dell Latitude 5590
SK hynix SC311 M.2
Lenovo Thinkpad L570 20J9S01600
Samsung PM961 NVMe MZVLW512HMJP
Lenovo ThinkPad E580-20KSCTO1WW
Toshiba KBG30ZMT128G
HP Probook 650 G3 Z2W44ET
Hitachi Travelstar Z7K500 HTS725050A7E630
Average Toshiba XG5 KXG50ZNV256G
 
Average of class Office
 
CrystalDiskMark 3.0
-16%
89%
-33%
-93%
5%
137%
Read Seq
2041
498.8
-76%
1412
-31%
916
-55%
109.4
-95%
1843 ?(1046 - 2069, n=10)
-10%
1895 ?(508 - 3536, n=3, last 2 years)
-7%
Write Seq
293.5
436.4
49%
1110
278%
135
-54%
99.9
-66%
394 ?(270 - 917, n=10)
34%
2113 ?(459 - 3702, n=3, last 2 years)
620%
Read 512
922
352.9
-62%
833
-10%
787
-15%
16.34
-98%
832 ?(444 - 922, n=10)
-10%
878 ?(392 - 1221, n=3, last 2 years)
-5%
Write 512
287.6
322.8
12%
920
220%
134.3
-53%
43.45
-85%
331 ?(266 - 489, n=10)
15%
1297 ?(389 - 2096, n=3, last 2 years)
351%
Read 4k
31.59
29.11
-8%
56.8
80%
33.34
6%
0.337
-99%
28.1 ?(7.04 - 35.5, n=10)
-11%
43.3 ?(19.7 - 68.2, n=3, last 2 years)
37%
Write 4k
95.1
74.5
-22%
138.9
46%
92.4
-3%
0.866
-99%
105.8 ?(94.5 - 132.5, n=10)
11%
132.5 ?(45.9 - 214, n=3, last 2 years)
39%
Read 4k QD32
271.9
276.4
2%
539
98%
199.2
-27%
0.826
-100%
309 ?(245 - 396, n=10)
14%
433 ?(186.4 - 761, n=3, last 2 years)
59%
Write 4k QD32
341.3
267
-22%
444.8
30%
118.8
-65%
0.859
-100%
320 ?(208 - 352, n=10)
-6%
341 ?(222 - 526, n=3, last 2 years)
0%
Toshiba XG5 KXG50ZNV256G
Sequential Read: 2041 MB/s
Sequential Write: 293.5 MB/s
512K Read: 922 MB/s
512K Write: 287.6 MB/s
4K Read: 31.59 MB/s
4K Write: 95.1 MB/s
4K QD32 Read: 271.9 MB/s
4K QD32 Write: 341.3 MB/s

Graphics Card

The Intel UHD Graphics 620 is the standard integrated graphics chip in all the U processors of the eighth Intel Core-i processor generation. The performance of this iGPU is primarily dependent on the working memory. The ProBook 650 G4 has only a single built-in storage module, meaning that the storage runs in single-channel mode. Thus the Intel UHD 620 could achieve even better results if you added a second storage module. As it comes from the manufacturer, the integrated GPU in the ProBook achieves average results in the 3DMark benchmarks.

Due to the limitation of the CPU performance, the GPU performance is also throttled when the ProBook runs in battery mode. However, you can undo this limitation.

3DMark 11 - 1280x720 Performance GPU
Average of class Office
  (1474 - 12230, n=115, last 2 years)
5878 Points +249%
Average Intel UHD Graphics 620
  (1144 - 3432, n=244)
1749 Points +4%
HP ProBook 650 G4 3UP57EA
Intel UHD Graphics 620, Intel Core i5-8250U
1686 Points
Lenovo ThinkPad E580-20KSCTO1WW
Intel UHD Graphics 620, Intel Core i5-8250U
1629 Points -3%
Dell Latitude 5590
Intel UHD Graphics 620, Intel Core i5-8250U
1619 Points -4%
Lenovo Thinkpad L570 20J9S01600
Intel HD Graphics 620, Intel Core i5-7200U
1440 Points -15%
HP Probook 650 G3 Z2W44ET
Intel HD Graphics 620, Intel Core i5-7200U
1298 Points -23%
3DMark
1920x1080 Fire Strike Graphics
Average of class Office
  (712 - 8815, n=117, last 2 years)
4072 Points +302%
Average Intel UHD Graphics 620
  (557 - 2608, n=213)
1161 Points +15%
HP ProBook 650 G4 3UP57EA
Intel UHD Graphics 620, Intel Core i5-8250U
1013 Points
Dell Latitude 5590
Intel UHD Graphics 620, Intel Core i5-8250U
954 Points -6%
Lenovo ThinkPad E580-20KSCTO1WW
Intel UHD Graphics 620, Intel Core i5-8250U
938 Points -7%
Lenovo Thinkpad L570 20J9S01600
Intel HD Graphics 620, Intel Core i5-7200U
819 Points -19%
HP Probook 650 G3 Z2W44ET
Intel HD Graphics 620, Intel Core i5-7200U
640 Points -37%
1280x720 Cloud Gate Standard Score
Average of class Office
  (4709 - 32669, n=98, last 2 years)
18136 Points +144%
Average Intel UHD Graphics 620
  (5358 - 10960, n=225)
8164 Points +10%
Dell Latitude 5590
Intel UHD Graphics 620, Intel Core i5-8250U
7767 Points +4%
HP ProBook 650 G4 3UP57EA
Intel UHD Graphics 620, Intel Core i5-8250U
7440 Points
Lenovo ThinkPad E580-20KSCTO1WW
Intel UHD Graphics 620, Intel Core i5-8250U
6820 Points -8%
Lenovo Thinkpad L570 20J9S01600
Intel HD Graphics 620, Intel Core i5-7200U
5745 Points -23%
HP Probook 650 G3 Z2W44ET
Intel HD Graphics 620, Intel Core i5-7200U
5064 Points -32%
3DMark 11 Performance
1834 points
3DMark Cloud Gate Standard Score
7440 points
3DMark Fire Strike Score
941 points
Help

Gaming Performance

Since the HP ProBook 650 G4 merely has an integrated Intel graphics card, it is not surprising that it is hardly suited for computer games. Even older games only run in a lower resolution and detail level, so gamers should rather look for a gaming laptop.

low med. high ultra
BioShock Infinite (2013) 53.8 27.92 23.04 7.75

Emissions and Power Management

Noise Emissions

In terms of the noise level, there are more restrained laptops than the HP ProBook 650 G4. The fan often runs even during idle operation, although it remains relatively quiet then. At least the fan noise does not have a high frequency, but is rather even, so that it is not particularly annoying. We did not notice any coil whining in this HP laptop.

Noise Level

Idle
32 / 33.8 / 34.2 dB(A)
DVD
34.9 / dB(A)
Load
36.2 / 35.6 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: 30.3 dB(A)
dB(A) 0102030405060708090Deep BassMiddle BassHigh BassLower RangeMidsHigher MidsLower HighsMid HighsUpper HighsSuper Highs2046.540.843.240.233.746.52540.938.537.435.834.140.9313233.232.533.335.7324033.534.63333.530.533.55036.136.832.634.137.636.16335.633.935.44028.735.6803330.630.53626.23310033.830.830.436.92633.812527.426.927.627.726.727.416030.22726.928.624.830.2200292727.130.723.62925026.82525.227.523.226.831527.125.424.427.922.627.140025.924.823.225.522.725.950025.824.722.924.92025.863025.523.921.624.319.325.580025.224.621.623.418.725.2100026.525.72122.818.126.5125025.524.320.121.71825.5160026.52620.121.217.926.5200025.825.519.320.51825.8250024.224.418.619.917.924.2315022.822.218.519.518.222.8400020.620.518.319.118.520.6500019.819.618.218.818.619.863001918.618.218.518.719800018.918.318.518.418.918.91000018.718.318.418.61918.71250018.418.318.318.519.118.41600018.718.418.518.719.418.7SPL36.335.632.233.93136.3N2.42.21.621.42.4median 25.5median 24.6median 20.1median 21.7median 19median 25.5Delta3.432.64.323.437.837.437.537.237.834.135.832.634.434.133.833.630.929.133.831.931.831.531.531.933.333.731.830.233.333.834.432.332.733.831.53128.527.631.53131.127.726.4312626.724.824.8262726.824.424.22727.32724.924.827.325.325.522.522.125.32625.622.522.42624.124.621.720.924.123.323.920.520.423.322.622.819.519.722.62322.918.918.92323.222.718.218.223.222.12217.817.722.120.820.617.317.520.820.119.817.117.220.119.919.517.517.119.919.619.71717.419.619.21917.117.319.21919.117.317.41919.119.117.117.319.11918.91717.41918.818.81717.518.818.818.716.917.318.819.118.817.217.419.133.333.230.330.333.3221.41.42median 22.1median 22median 17.8median 17.7median 22.13321.73hearing rangehide median Fan NoiseHP ProBook 650 G4 3UP57EALenovo Thinkpad L570 20J9S01600

Temperature

Stress test: Prime95 + FurMark
Stress test: Prime95 + FurMark

The case of the ProBook 650 G4 hardly heats up even under load. This is not surprising, if you take a look at the results of the stress test with Prime95 and FurMark: The ProBook is able to use 44 watts for 30 seconds, allowing the processor to run at 3.4 GHz. After this, the real TDP limit of 18 watts comes into effect, causing the clock speed to drop to the basic clock speed of 1.6 GHz correspondingly, since at the same time the iGPU is also used to capacity. During the test, the CPU clock speed also drops to 1.4 GHz at times. This is caused by HP's temperature management, which maintains the temperatures at about 70 °C (~158 °F) through thermal throttling.

The slight thermal throttling during the stress test does not have any effect on the 3DMark11 that we started right afterwards. So there should be no limitations in everyday usage.

Max. Load
 35.7 °C
96 F
29.4 °C
85 F
34 °C
93 F
 
 30.4 °C
87 F
35.4 °C
96 F
31.2 °C
88 F
 
 26 °C
79 F
26 °C
79 F
26 °C
79 F
 
Maximum: 35.7 °C = 96 F
Average: 30.5 °C = 87 F
30.2 °C
86 F
32 °C
90 F
33.8 °C
93 F
28 °C
82 F
32.4 °C
90 F
26.9 °C
80 F
25.6 °C
78 F
26.1 °C
79 F
26.3 °C
79 F
Maximum: 33.8 °C = 93 F
Average: 29 °C = 84 F
Power Supply (max.)  46.9 °C = 116 F | Room Temperature 24.3 °C = 76 F | FIRT 550-Pocket
(+) The average temperature for the upper side under maximal load is 30.5 °C / 87 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 35.7 °C / 96 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 33.8 °C / 93 F, compared to the average of 36.7 °C / 98 F
(+) In idle usage, the average temperature for the upper side is 24.1 °C / 75 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 26 °C / 78.8 F and are therefore cool to the touch.
(±) The average temperature of the palmrest area of similar devices was 27.7 °C / 81.9 F (+1.7 °C / 3.1 F).
Idle (top)
Idle (top)
Load (bottom)
Load (bottom)
Idle (bottom)
Idle (bottom)
Load (top)
Load (top)

Speakers

Although the speakers are hidden behind a wide grill above the keyboard, thus having an ideal position pointing upwards, we can only rate the speakers of the ProBook 650 G4 as "insufficient." The volume is generally much too low, the sound is too tinny, and as is often the case in notebooks, the bass is completely lacking. If possible, you should use external speakers or headphones, even though the output via the audio combo port sounds also slightly tinny.

dB(A) 0102030405060708090Deep BassMiddle BassHigh BassLower RangeMidsHigher MidsLower HighsMid HighsUpper HighsSuper Highs2045.133.745.12540.234.140.23138.735.738.74038.830.538.85041.337.641.36341.728.741.78037.626.237.610039263912538.326.738.316040.824.840.820041.923.641.92504423.24431553.122.653.14005722.75750055.62055.663054.619.354.680056.918.756.9100066.818.166.8125066.91866.9160060.617.960.62000611861250064.117.964.1315062.218.262.2400062.218.562.2500064.518.664.5630064.718.764.7800063.818.963.81000063.61963.61250061.819.161.81600064.119.464.1SPL75.33175.3N32.91.432.9median 61median 19median 61Delta7.127.13233.83232.733.532.734.63634.629.829.929.831.132.431.129.32929.328.226.728.227262732.925.332.941.522.741.546.82246.842.921.442.952.620.552.668.719.868.77019.27068.31868.365.317.865.368.817.468.871.617.171.671.817.171.874.117.474.174.117.274.176.417.476.47517.77574.117.974.175.117.875.173.118.173.172.218.172.266.818.166.858.218.258.285.23085.262.91.362.9median 68.8median 18.1median 68.810.11.610.1hearing rangehide median Pink NoiseHP ProBook 650 G4 3UP57EAHP EliteBook 850 G5 3JX58EA
Frequency diagram (checkboxes can be checked and unchecked to compare devices)
HP ProBook 650 G4 3UP57EA audio analysis

(-) | not very loud speakers (66.9 dB)
Bass 100 - 315 Hz
(-) | nearly no bass - on average 18.2% lower than median
(+) | bass is linear (6.7% delta to prev. frequency)
Mids 400 - 2000 Hz
(+) | balanced mids - only 4% away from median
(±) | linearity of mids is average (7.5% delta to prev. frequency)
Highs 2 - 16 kHz
(+) | balanced highs - only 2.5% away from median
(+) | highs are linear (2.9% delta to prev. frequency)
Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz
(±) | linearity of overall sound is average (19.5% difference to median)
Compared to same class
» 34% of all tested devices in this class were better, 7% similar, 59% worse
» The best had a delta of 7%, average was 22%, worst was 53%
Compared to all devices tested
» 43% of all tested devices were better, 7% similar, 50% worse
» The best had a delta of 4%, average was 25%, worst was 134%

HP EliteBook 850 G5 3JX58EA audio analysis

(±) | speaker loudness is average but good (76.4 dB)
Bass 100 - 315 Hz
(-) | nearly no bass - on average 28.1% lower than median
(±) | linearity of bass is average (11.4% delta to prev. frequency)
Mids 400 - 2000 Hz
(+) | balanced mids - only 2.1% away from median
(±) | linearity of mids is average (7.6% delta to prev. frequency)
Highs 2 - 16 kHz
(±) | higher highs - on average 5.5% higher than median
(+) | highs are linear (2.4% delta to prev. frequency)
Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz
(±) | linearity of overall sound is average (20.4% difference to median)
Compared to same class
» 39% of all tested devices in this class were better, 11% similar, 51% worse
» The best had a delta of 7%, average was 22%, worst was 53%
Compared to all devices tested
» 48% of all tested devices were better, 8% similar, 44% worse
» The best had a delta of 4%, average was 25%, worst was 134%

Power Consumption

Under load, the HP Notebook ProBook 650 G4 briefly consumes 50 watts, which is more than the 45-watt power supply is able to deliver to the notebook. However, since the consumption drops quickly in the stress test anyway, this should not represent a problem.

The idle consumption values range at levels typical for a laptop with an Ultra Low Voltage processor, so they are fairly low.

Power Consumption
Off / Standbydarklight 0.37 / 0.28 Watt
Idledarkmidlight 3.2 / 6 / 6.4 Watt
Load midlight 34 / 34.4 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.

Battery Life

Charging time: 127 minutes
Charging time: 127 minutes

The HP ProBook 650 G4 has an integrated battery with a capacity of 48 Wh. Batteries with a similar capacity are currently used in many notebooks, for example the batteries of the ThinkPad L570 and the predecessor, the HP ProBook 650 G3, had a similar capacity. While the ThinkPad E580 has a marginally smaller battery, the Dell Latitude 5590 has a slightly larger battery capacity. Overall, all the comparison devices range in an area between 45 and 51 Wh, and the results in the Wi-Fi battery life test also turn out quite similar. With almost 9 hours of battery life, the ThinkPad L570 is at the top, but the ProBook 650 G4 is not much worse at slightly more than 8 hours. The Dell Latitude 5590 gets the comparatively worst result, getting only a significantly lower battery life out of a larger battery.

The time to recharge the battery is 127 minutes, slightly more than 2 hours.

Battery Runtime - WiFi Websurfing
Average of class Office
  (272 - 1137, n=107, last 2 years)
589 min +20%
Lenovo Thinkpad L570 20J9S01600
i5-7200U, HD Graphics 620, 48 Wh
534 min +9%
HP ProBook 650 G4 3UP57EA
i5-8250U, UHD Graphics 620, 48 Wh
491 min
HP Probook 650 G3 Z2W44ET
i5-7200U, HD Graphics 620, 48 Wh
467 min -5%
Dell Latitude 5590
i5-8250U, UHD Graphics 620, 51 Wh
444 min -10%
Lenovo ThinkPad E580-20KSCTO1WW
i5-8250U, UHD Graphics 620, 45 Wh
421 min -14%
Battery Runtime
WiFi Websurfing (Edge)
8h 11min

Pros

+ RS-232 / ODD available
+ many security features
+ comfortable keyboard
+ good CPU performance
+ case always stays cool

Cons

- case: haptics and stability below the average of this price range
- no backlit keyboard
- only a microSD card reader
- display: bad color space coverage
- fan often runs even during idle
- connections very tight together on one side
- no trackpoint
- only 12 months of warranty

Verdict

Testing the HP ProBook 650 G4, provided by HP.
Testing the HP ProBook 650 G4, provided by HP.

In many respects, the HP ProBook 650 G4 is an average office notebook which should still find many buyers among company customers.

Its best qualities overall lie in the equipment which corresponds to more expensive business devices to a large extent, and even surpassing it in parts. Nowadays you can hardly find an RS-232 Serial connection anymore, and the same goes for the DVD drive. The equipment of security features is exemplary, since the ProBook has a fingerprint reader, a smart card reader, and even a mechanical cover for the webcam. The keyboard of the ProBook is good, and the CPU performance is slightly above-average. The HP PC remains completely cool even under load. The battery life is not bad, but you have to live with a lower CPU performance in battery operation.

We are not convinced by the case HP is using for the ProBook 650 G4. The plastic does not have a very high-quality feel to it, and the case is not particularly robust either. We would expect more from a laptop that has a recommended price of about 1050 Euros (~$1225; street price is currently lower). Similar saving cuts were also implemented for the input devices, since the keyboard does not have a backlight. We also did not like that HP only builds-in a microSD card reader, although the spacious case should offer sufficient space for a regular SD card reader. In addition, all the connections are on the right side and some are placed too close together which could really create problems using them. We can furthermore complain about the bad color space coverage of the display, and the fan in the ProBook which runs too frequently during idle operation also deserves some complaint. At only 12 months, the warranty is very short. And finally, we complain about the lack of a TrackPoint.

The HP ProBook 650 G4: a business notebook suitable for particular use cases, but otherwise more of a bland average.

Overall, the ProBook 650 G4 could still be worth a recommendation, were it not for the price. Consumer notebooks in the same price range have better displays that are also in much slimmer cases. The ProBook is really only attractive for business users who need the business-specific functions. But even for that, there are many other models which might represent a better choice, since the ProBook is quite pudgy for current circumstances.

HP ProBook 650 G4 3UP57EA - 06/15/2018 v6(old)
Benjamin Herzig

Chassis
77 / 98 → 78%
Keyboard
80%
Pointing Device
82%
Connectivity
62 / 80 → 78%
Weight
62 / 20-67 → 89%
Battery
91%
Display
87%
Games Performance
57 / 68 → 84%
Application Performance
88 / 92 → 95%
Temperature
95%
Noise
86%
Audio
36%
Camera
39 / 85 → 46%
Average
72%
84%
Office - Weighted Average

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> Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations > Reviews > HP ProBook 650 G4 (i5-8250U, FHD IPS) Laptop Review
Benjamin Herzig, 2018-06-26 (Update: 2018-06-26)