HP Elite Dragonfly G4 Review

HP’s Elite Dragonfly G4 is one of the latest piece of craftwork in the tech conglomerate’s latest collection of laptops. At first glance, it’s gleaming, compact frame is certainly pretty to look at as far as computers go. It’s about the size it needs to be; not too small that it resembles a tablet with a keyboard but not too big that transporting it from place to place is a hassle. Open it up for the first time and you will be directed to completing the usual first time set-up tasks, such as signing into your Microsoft account. This laptop is also equipped with Face ID which I find a very convenient feature. Who has time to type out a PIN anymore? Great, now you’re in. Let’s see what this thing is made of.

Design and Features

A blend of aesthetics and functionality tailored to the professional user are typically what user’s look for in laptops. HP Elite Dragonfly G4 presents both in excess. The laptop’s slim and lightweight form contributes to its portability, making it an ideal choice for on-the-go professionals. The premium materials used in its construction lend it a sense of sophistication. The laptop’s high-resolution display across it’s 13.5 inch screen delivers sharp visuals and vibrant colors, enhancing the viewing experience.

The inclusion of security features such as biometric authentication underscores its suitability for business use. However, the laptop’s design, while elegant, might not be as groundbreaking as some competing models in the same category. The choice of ports, including Thunderbolt and USB, accommodates various connectivity needs, but the absence of certain legacy ports might require adapters for older peripherals. Overall, the HP Elite Dragonfly G4 offers a well-rounded package of design and features, catering to professionals who prioritize portability and security in their computing devices.

Performance

The HP Elite Dragonfly G4 is undeniably impressive performance-wise. It showcases a well-balanced blend of power and efficiency. The integration of the high-end Intel Core i5-1335U processor and the 16GB memory ensures snappy responsiveness. As a result, multitasking and application handling is remarkably smooth. The laptop’s processing capabilities are further accentuated by its seamless transition between tasks and resource-demanding applications. Its high-resolution display enhances visual detail, contributing to an immersive user experience.

The laptop’s connectivity options, including Thunderbolt and USB ports, provide versatility and ease of use. However, while the overall performance is commendable, heavy-duty gaming and ultra-intensive graphical tasks might stretch its limits. One of the first things I did with the device was install Steam and several games in my library. I will discuss more on that in the “Gaming” section of this article. Nevertheless, for its intended audience of business professionals and on-the-go users, the HP Elite Dragonfly G4 delivers a compelling and efficient performance that meets a wide range of needs.

Pricing

The pricing of the HP Elite Dragonfly G4 reflects its status as a premium ultrabook offering a comprehensive set of features tailored to professionals and business users. The specific model of HP Elite Dragonfly G4 I received goes for $1,769. While the exact cost ranges from roughly $1,200 to $2,200 based on configuration choices, the laptop’s price point is positioned in line with its high-end specifications and advanced functionalities. The investment is justifiable for those who prioritize sleek design, robust security options, and a lightweight form factor. However, potential buyers seeking more budget-friendly options might find the pricing to be a bit too steep. Nevertheless, the HP Elite Dragonfly G4’s pricing aligns with its intended market positioning, offering a premium computer for users who demand top-tier capabilities from their laptop devices.

Gaming

The gaming capabilities of the HP Elite Dragonfly G4 are suited for light and casual gaming experiences rather than demanding or graphics-intensive gameplay. The laptop’s integrated graphics provide satisfactory performance for less resource-intensive games and older titles, offering smooth frame rates at lower settings. This was my experience when sampling its gaming capacity. I played Terraria and Morrowind for a couple hours each and both games ran relatively smoothly. However, When I installed and launched Cyberpunk 2077, my framerate and overall experience was extremely subpar. It was perhaps comparable to playing Cyberpunk 2077 at launch. Its primary focus lies in productivity and business applications rather than gaming prowess. While the laptop can handle some gaming activities, it might struggle with modern, graphically demanding games at higher settings due to its integrated GPU. Gamers seeking a dedicated gaming machine with robust graphics performance should explore other options tailored specifically for gaming needs.

Final Thoughts

Well if you’ve made it all the way to the end here’s a summary of my final verdict. The HP Elite Dragonfly G4 is an excellent laptop. It’s clean, fast, stylish, and very portable. Many of its features are on the cutting edge of computer and laptop technologies available today. That said, it is certainly a pricy investment and you better be ready to spend an arm and a leg for one of these bad boys. If you can afford it, you won’t regret it. If you can’t, you’ll probably have to forego some of the more luxurious features for a cheaper option.