HP Zbook Firefly G10: Power meets Portablity!

HP ZBook Firefly G10, especially the Firefly 14-inch model, is a flexible powerhouse with different setup choices. If you’re into Intel, there’s the Raptor Lake series, and for AMD fans, there’s the Zen 4 chip, like the Ryzen 5 Pro 7640HS in the model we checked out. The laptop comes with the Radeon 760M as its graphics card, giving it solid performance compared to Intel’s options. During our review, the 5G3G5ES#ABD version was priced at roughly $1260* to USD 1360. This particular one packs 16 GB of DDR5-5600 RAM and a 512 GB NVMe SSD. The display is worth noting, with a matte IPS panel, a 16:10 aspect ratio, and a resolution of 1920 x 1200 pixels.

The HP Zbook Firefly G10 is set up to reach a brightness of 400 cd/m2 and covers 100% of the sRGB color space. Running on Windows 11 Pro, this mobile workstation, found on Amazon, boasts an OLED display, a roomy keyboard, and strong connectivity. Despite its positives, like any technology, it has its downsides, facing challenges like average performance and shorter battery life. Considering these aspects, along with its price, will guide your decision on this 16-inch laptop.

Overall Summary

Price and availability

The HP ZBook Firefly is not your run-of-the-mill laptop; it’s a powerful mobile workstation that combines style with serious performance. You won’t stumble upon this gem in your usual stores like Amazon or B&H with just any setup. HP gives you the reins to create your dream device on their site, where you can pick and choose the specs you fancy. The one we checked out packed a punch with an Intel Core i7-1365U vPro processor, Nvidia RTX A500 graphics, a whopping 32GB of RAM, and a generous 512GB of storage.

Plus, it boasts a vivid Quad HD+ DreamColor display for the best visual experience. This customized beast, priced at $3,695*, showcases perfect performance. If you’re watching your wallet, the base model starts at a more modest $2,101*. HP also throws an AMD version into the mix with the ZBook Firefly G10 A, offering plenty of options to suit different needs. Get your unique setup straight from HP’s website or trusted resellers, guaranteeing a tailored computing experience that stands out in both style and substance.

HP Zbook Firefly G10 Specifications

Display	14-Inch Immersive Screen
Resolution	1920 x 1200 pixels
Processor	5 GHz Intel Core i7
RAM	64 GB of DDR5 memory
Storage	1 TB SSD
Graphics	NVIDIA RTX A500
Design	Sleek Silver Finish
Dimensions	12.42 x 8.8 x 0.78 inches
Processor Brand	Intel
Number of Processors	10 Cores
Memory Type	DDR5 SDRAM
Storage Interface	PCIe x4
Power Source	Adaptive AC and Battery

Display

HP stuck with the same display setup as before. The screen uses the IPS panel (CMN1435), just like the last model. Any small differences in performance are likely due to normal variations in the series.

Now, about the brightness, it didn’t quite hit the promised 400 cd/m2, measuring around 367 cd/m2. It’s not bad, but some other laptops, like the EliteBook 845 G10 and Huawei’s MateBook X Pro, shine brighter. On the flip side, the black value is decent at 0.25 cd/m2, giving us a good contrast ratio of 1,588:1 for an IPS screen.

However, the time it takes for the screen to change colors is a bit slower compared to other laptops. It takes 25 ms for black-to-white and 56 ms for gray-to-gray. That’s not great, even for a regular office laptop. But most people will probably be happy with the colors. The Firefly 14 covers about 98% of the sRGB color space, though it falls short of fully covering DCI-P3 and AdobeRGB like some competitors. The colors are pretty natural out of the box, so you don’t need to mess with calibration.

The viewing angles are what you’d expect from IPS—not bad. You can still see the screen pretty well even if you’re not right in front of it. So, while it’s not the most cutting-edge display, the Firefly 14 holds its own with a screen that does the job without any fancy extras.

Keyboard and touchpad

The keyboard on the HP ZBook Firefly G10 offers a comfortable typing experience. The keys boast a generous size, making typing a breeze, and the accompanying palm rest adds a pleasant touch. Featuring a full-sized numpad, it’s particularly beneficial for those engaged in number-heavy tasks. If you opt for it, you can enjoy the white LED backlight with two adjustable brightness levels. While the touchpad isn’t the largest, it adequately supports Windows gestures. Its smooth and responsive nature ensures that typing won’t accidentally disrupt your workflow.

HP has a reputation for crafting exceptional keyboards, and the ZBook Firefly 14 G10 lives up to that standard. The keys strike a perfect balance, offering a satisfying press without being too firm or too soft. What sets this keyboard apart is the inclusion of a programmable key, allowing customization through the My HP app—a useful feature for creating quick shortcuts.

The touchpad on the HP ZBook Firefly 14 is also noteworthy. While not the most extensive, it delivers a seamless experience, responding well to user input. Unlike some touchpads prone to smudging, this one maintains a clean surface even after extended use. In summary, if you’re seeking a laptop with a dependable keyboard and touchpad, the ZBook Firefly G10 stands out as a reliable choice.

HP Zbook Firefly G10 Webcam

Over the last couple of years, HP has stepped up its game when it comes to webcam quality, and the ZBook Firefly is a prime example. This laptop, like other top-notch ones from HP, packs a 5MP webcam that stands out for delivering some of the finest image quality you can find in a built-in Windows webcam. The visuals are sharp, and it throws in cool features like auto framing and automatic image enhancements.

HP threw in a neat trick in their recent laptops: the ability to use two webcams (assuming you’ve got an external one) and seamlessly switch between them. What’s cool is that the laptop figures out which camera you’re facing and switches to it automatically. It’s not lightning-fast, but it does the job well, making sure you always look your best during video calls.

Now, onto the sound game: the dual speakers on this ZBook Firefly are no slouch. They pump out sound that’s solid and doesn’t distort even at high volumes. Sure, there might be louder speakers out there, but for a laptop of this size, these get a thumbs up.

Mics and audio

The microphones on this device turned out to be surprisingly good. They’re set up in a classic dual-array style, and they shine at picking up your voice while blocking out any background noise. According to my pals over at Windows Central, my voice sounded natural and clear, even when there was loud lawn work happening near my place. They mentioned they couldn’t hear the background noise at all. Although it might not match up to a fancy dedicated mic or the top-notch headset mics like the ones on the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023), it holds its own, especially for a laptop.

Now, let’s talk about the audio, which comes from dual bottom-firing speakers tuned by Bang & Olufsen (you often find these in HP laptops). These speakers get pretty loud and sound decent, even at high volumes. But, of course, they’re not big on bass and can sound a bit tinny with the highs. Individuals had no trouble using them for video calls, watching videos, or just chilling with some music. Just be careful where you put the laptop; if it’s on a soft surface like your lap or a couch, the speakers might get a bit muffled, lowering their volume quite a bit.

Thunderbolt Connectivity

The Firefly G10 behaves like a technological sorcerer, seamlessly blending innovative features with timeless classics. Positioned on its left flank are two Thunderbolt 4/USB4 ports—sophisticated labels, akin to super connectors. You can link up a USB-C monitor, replenish your laptop’s battery, or accomplish both simultaneously.

But the marvel doesn’t cease there. On either side, you’ll find USB 3.2 Type-A ports and trusty USB companions compatible with your standard keyboards, mice, and external hard drives. Additionally, an HDMI 2.0 port establishes rapport with aging monitors and televisions. But wait, there’s an extra layer! A 3.5mm combination audio socket stands ready for your headphones, accompanied by an SC Card slot, serving as a contingency for substantial IT security needs within expansive organizations. It’s as if the laptop is equipped with a specialized tool for every conceivable task!

Remaining tethered to the latest gadgets is facilitated by Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 standards. While lacking a conventional wired Internet port (Ethernet), the Wi-Fi operates at remarkable speeds, rivaling those of a wired Gigabit Ethernet connection when in the company of a Wi-Fi 6 router. Furthermore, the potential for even greater speed awaits with Wi-Fi 6E, although confirmation would necessitate a dedicated router. Regardless, you’re fully equipped for the realm of wireless connectivity.

Battery Life

HP’s ZBook Firefly G10 is a bit surprising with its not-so-big 51-watt-hour battery. It’s smaller than what you find in Dell’s lighter XPS 13 and falls short compared to similar-sized laptops. Take Dell’s XPS 15 or Apple’s MacBook Pro 16, for instance—they’ve got much bigger batteries. Well, HP’s ZBook Firefly G10 doesn’t score high on battery life.

It’s a bummer because the Firefly G10 is a slim, lightweight laptop despite its size. It’s just 0.78 inches thick and weighs 3.8 pounds. The power brick is manageable at 65 watts and easy to throw in your bag. It’s even lighter than the Dell XPS 15 and Apple MacBook Pro 16. The Firefly 14″ is kitted out with a 51Wh battery. That, plus the 65W fast charging through its Thunderbolt 4 USB ports, can get you through a workday. On the flip side, it’s got some power under the hood—a dedicated graphics card and a bright, high-res display with a high refresh rate.

Sure, it’s not the marathon runner of laptops. In a test with a mix of tasks, it took about 6 hours. That’s with the display doing its adaptive refresh rate thing and at around 150 nits of brightness. So, while the Firefly 14″ might not win a battery life medal, it’s a solid 6-hour performer in the real world. Plus, it charges up pretty quickly with its 65W charger, claiming to hit 50% in just 30 minutes. Not bad for a laptop that won’t weigh you down, even if it doesn’t break any records in the battery life department.

HP Zbook Firefly G10 Performance

The HP ZBook Firefly G10 claims to be a “mobile workstation,” but its actual performance doesn’t quite live up to the hype. The issue starts with its processor, the Intel Core i7-1365U, which seems mismatched for a workstation. The benchmark scores, like Geekbench 6 single-core at 2287 and multicore at 9302, fall short, especially considering the high price tag of over $4,000*. The optional Nvidia RTX A500 graphics card also fails to impress, lacking the power of the latest GPUs. Gaming performance, as seen in Shadow of the Tomb Raider, is okay but lags behind competitors. It manages 33 frames per second at 1080p resolution and the highest level of detail.

Despite these drawbacks, the ZBook Firefly G10 shines in storage speed, thanks to its 2TB PCIe 4 SSD with impressive read and write speeds. Weighing just 3.2 lbs, it’s a lightweight option for creative work, offering configurations with an Intel 13th Gen U-series CPU and the NVIDIA RTX A500. In everyday use, the laptop performs well for tasks like video and photo editing, 2D model work, and 3D model file viewing on the go. With 32GB of RAM, it handles these tasks smoothly. The fast SSD contributes to a seamless user experience.

However, it’s not a gaming laptop. The Intel Core i7-1365U and Nvidia RTX A500 may struggle with demanding tasks, making them more suitable for creative work than resource-intensive gaming. Battery life is decent, providing around 4 hours and 50 minutes on average during normal use. For YouTube playback, it lasts about 6 hours and 59 minutes, which is okay but not outstanding.

Is there a built-in privacy screen on the HP Zbook Firefly G10?

If you’re exploring the HP ZBook and contemplating ways to safeguard your information, certain editions come equipped with an innovative feature known as HP Sure View. This feature makes it challenging for individuals in your vicinity to peer into your screen. Activation and deactivation are effortlessly managed using the function keys, ensuring a user-friendly experience.

How can you enable fingerprint authentication on an HP Zbook Firefly G10?

For an infusion of cutting-edge security, the HP ZBook incorporates a fingerprint reader, typically situated on the right side. To initiate this feature, navigate to the Sign-in options within the Windows settings, select Windows Hello Fingerprint in the Accounts window, and proceed with the setup. Following a few swift steps, you’ll be able to unlock your ZBook with a simple touch.

Conclusion

The HP ZBook Firefly 14″ may not be a necessity for everyone, as it surpasses common expectations with its potent security features and extensive functionality. Those in search of a more visually striking, convertible design might not find it to their liking. Despite its unremarkable external appearance and minor drawbacks such as flexibility and a somewhat temperamental touchpad, this laptop truly excels in practicality.

The keyboard provides a comfortable typing experience, the display boasts impressive quality, and it flawlessly handles day-to-day tasks. While not flawless, its consistently reliable battery life and the plethora of customization options available through HP’s configurator make it a superb choice for individuals who demand robust features in their professional endeavors. It’s an overlooked gem concealed behind an unassuming exterior.

Read More:

• Jabees Firefly Vintage Earbuds – Get yourself a gaming earbud with a classy look!
• Best HP Laptops- Which one should you buy?
• Eufy RoboVac G10 Hybrid – Can this vacuum make the daily chores easier?
• Best iPhone 12 Pro cases to shield your Apple device!
• Moto G30: Low-cost smartphone worth the spend!