HP ZBook Firefly G10/G10 A: A Comprehensive Review
HP's ZBook range caters to businesses requiring robust performance for demanding graphical or data tasks, with the Firefly serving as the entry-level option. However, not all ZBook Firefly G10 or G10 A (A for AMD-powered) devices are tailored to specific roles, as they offer various configurations with different CPUs and graphics options.
The most powerful ZBook Firefly G10 provides decent graphical performance suitable for light creative workloads and typical office tasks. For heavier creative workflows, HP offers the ZBook Power, Studio, and Fury models.
These devices run Windows Pro and include processors that support additional security and fleet management tools needed by businesses. While they may not compete well with consumer laptops for personal use, they offer convenience for businesses in fleet setup, monitoring, and hardware service care. Freelancers might find better value in alternatives like the Asus Zenbook S 13, Dell XPS 13 Plus, or MacBook Air.
HP Zbook Firefly G10 /G10 A: Specifications
The ZBook Firefly G10/G10 A is a 14-inch workstation from HP, available with Intel or AMD CPUs and Windows 10 or 11 Pro OS. These devices come with extra security and enterprise tools suitable for larger fleets of work devices. The tested device includes an AMD Ryzen 5 Pro 7640 CPU, 16GB RAM, and AMD Radeon 760M integrated graphics.
- PU AMD Ryzen Pro 7640HS
- GPU AMD Radeon 760M
- RAM 16GB RAM
- Storage 512GB
- Ports 2 x Thunderbolt 4/USB 3.2 Gen 1 (Type-C) (power input), 2x USB 3.2 (Type-A), 1x HDMI, 2 x USB SS Type A, 1 x 3.5mm audio jack
- Screen 14-inch IPS at 1920 x 1200 pixel resolution,250 nit brightness; 45% NTSC (60% sRGB)
- Wireless Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax)
- Camera 5MP camera, QHD webcam, privacy shutter
- Weight 3 lbs (1.4 kg)
- Dimensions 12.42 x 8.8 x 0.79 inches (355 x 249 x 2.19mm)
The Zbook Firefly doesn't have a groundbreaking design; it's quite basic compared to other top professional ultrabooks. It offers various configurations, but there are too many options to have a clear design concept that's easy to understand for consumers.
HP seems to be targeting creators with this device, but some models have a low-quality 250-nit FullHD+ display that's not suitable for creatives. Some also rely on integrated graphics, which aren't ideal for heavier graphical workloads.
However, the screen does have a convertible-style hinge, making it easy to use the touchscreen from any angle. It includes an HDMI port for connecting to older displays for presentations. It also features a fingerprint reader and a 5MP camera capable of QHD photos and high-quality webcam video. The device has good speakers and microphones with onboard AI processing to enhance web conferences.
The Firefly G10 A aims to be the Ultrabook of the Z Workstation range, weighing a manageable 3 pounds and measuring just under 0.79 inches thick. While it's not as light as some consumer Ultrabooks, it's still portable and offers solid performance.
HP Zbook Firefly G10 /G10 A: Performance
Talking about performance here can be a bit tricky because there are 8 CPUs and 6 GPUs available, ranging from basic to moderate and even high-performance chips. If you're into creative work, you might be okay with the AMD Ryzen 7 or 9 processors and Radeon 780M integrated graphics, which offer graphics similar to Apple's 2022 M2 processor on MacBook Air devices. However, these are usually paired with lower-spec screens that aren't ideal for creative tasks. For more demanding graphical work, you'll want one of the devices with an HP DreamColor display and a discrete Nvidia GPU.
The model we tested was the most basic AMD version, so performance is pretty average. The 6-core AMD Ryzen Pro 7640HS is comparable to some lower-end 13th gen Intel i7 devices. With the integrated Radeon 760M GPU and 16GB of RAM, this device isn't suitable for entry-level gaming like Apple's M2 GPUs, but it's slightly better than Intel's integrated Iris Xe chip found in many 13th gen devices. It handles basic office tasks and web browsing well and can handle light photo editing and simple creative work, but it's not powerful enough for complex 3D models or large raw video files.
HP Zbook Firefly G10 /G10 A: Battery Life
The Zbook Firefly G10 A we tested has a light work battery life of almost 13 hours, which is one of its strong points. While it's not groundbreaking compared to similar laptops like the XPS 13 Plus and Asus Zenbook 13 OLED, it still provides enough power to last through a standard workday without needing to recharge.
However, we suspect that models with higher-resolution 2560 x 1600 pixel, 500 nit HP DreamColor displays may have shorter battery life. This is because they use the same 51Wh battery but have a brighter and more power-hungry screen that drains battery faster.
Final Thoughts
Ideal for businesses purchasing multiple devices requiring enterprise-grade security and advanced business features. The ZBook Mobile Workstation range accommodates diverse needs, from employees working on basic office tasks to those requiring advanced 3D modeling capabilities, offering a unified management approach.
The distinctive features of the ZBook Firefly range are primarily geared towards professional functionalities, making them most beneficial within a company network. These devices, including the HP ZBook Firefly G10, feature Nvidia's studio graphics cards, unsuitable for gaming purposes.