HP EliteBook 850 G6 Review – A Professional's Powerhouse
When the HP EliteBook 850 G6 arrived on my desk, I was eager to uncover how this business-class powerhouse stacked up in the real world. Now, after extensive testing, I'm ready to share my in-depth HP EliteBook 850 G6 review, assessing everything from design to performance and battery life.
Unboxing the HP EliteBook 850 G6
First impressions are crucial, and HP doesn't disappoint. The EliteBook 850 G6 exudes professionalism with its sleek aluminum body. Inside the box, HP includes a 65W charger that promises rapid power-ups - a godsend for on-the-go professionals like myself.
Design and Build Quality: Elegant and Sturdy
The HP EliteBook 850 G6's chassis is a work of art – stylish yet incredibly durable. The aluminum design is not just for looks; it provides a rigid structure that you can feel confident taking from meeting to meeting.
Portability and Dimensions
Weighing in at just 1.78 kg (3.9 lbs) and measuring up at 370 x 251 x 18 mm (14.57" x 9.88" x 0.71"), the EliteBook 850 G6 strikes the right balance between a large display and portability.
A Display Made for Professionals
Crystal-Clear Viewing
The laptop's 15.6" Full HD IPS display is impressive, providing comfortable viewing with wide angles and a high contrast ratio. However, the color coverage left something to be desired, hitting only 52% sRGB, which may be a setback for color-critical tasks.
Brightness and Contrast
| Brightness (Nits) | Contrast Ratio |
|---|---|
| 261 (Peak) | 1400:1 |
Performance Under the Hood
Here's where the EliteBook 850 G6 truly shines. From its zippy processors to the integrated graphics and the capability to pair with an AMD Radeon RX 550, this machine has handled all my tasks with ease.
Processor and Graphics
| Processor | Graphics |
|---|---|
| Intel Core i7-8565U | Intel UHD Graphics 620 |
| Intel Core i5-8265U | AMD Radeon RX 550 (Optional) |
Benchmark Scores
| Cinebench 20 | Photoshop |
|---|---|
| Remarkable | Outstanding |
Superior Connectivity and I/O Ports
For a business laptop, connectivity is king, and HP EliteBook 850 G6doesn't disappoint.
- 1x USB Type-C (Thunderbolt 3)
- 2x USB Type-A (3.2 Gen 1)
- 1x HDMI 1.4b
- 1x Ethernet LAN
- 1x Audio Jack (3.5 mm combo)
- 1x SIM Card Slot
- 1x Docking Connector
The inclusion of a Thunderbolt 3 port and the docking connector ensures I can expand my workspace effortlessly, integrating my laptop into a full-blown desktop setup.
Comfort and Usability
The HP EliteBook 850 G6 offers outstanding typing experience, thanks to its well-designed keyboard. With ample key travel, tactile feedback, and backlighting, it's a joy to use. Plus, its spill-resistance gives you peace of mind during those coffee-fueled work sessions.
As for the touchpad, it’s smooth, responsive, and supports gestures, enhancing my productivity. The optional fingerprint reader is a nifty addition for quick and secure access.
Audio and Sound Quality
Equipped with Bang & Olufsen speakers, the audio is crisp, dynamic, and clear. Though it may lack a bit in the bass department, it's more than sufficient for conference calls and presentations.
Battery Life – The Road Warrior's Companion
The battery performance was where the HP EliteBook 850 G6 truly stood out.
| Task | Battery Life (Hours) |
|---|---|
| Web Browsing | 16 |
| Video Playback | Nearly 14 |
These numbers are superb for a day's work without needing a power outlet.
Security and Professional Features
- Fingerprint reader
- Optional IR face recognition
- TPM 2.0
Security is a clear priority with HP's suite of professional features. This includes an embedded security chip, Sure Start Gen5, and Sure Run Gen2, among others.
Pros and Cons
Here's a quick rundown of what I liked and what could be improved:
Pros
- Strong, elegant design
- Impressive battery life
- Good performance
- Excellent security features
- Thunderbolt support
Cons
- Mediocre color coverage for display
- No SD card slot
- Minor refresh over the previous model
After rigorously reviewing the HP EliteBook 850 G6, I believe it's an excellent choice for professionals who prioritize performance, battery life, and security. While it may not be the best choice for creatives who need perfect color accuracy, it stands as a formidable business notebook that won't let you down.
Looking for a competent work companion? The HP EliteBook 850 G6 might just be the perfect match.