Verdict - The EliteBook Ultra is better with IntelThe Intel version of the EliteBook Ultra is significantly better than the Snapdragon version and it features a range of significant upgrades. Its case is lighter, there are more ports, a better webcam, a haptic touchpad and a much better screen. There are also no compatibility issues whatsoever. The Lunar Lake processor offers good performance overall and the two fans always remain super quiet, which is noticeable during everyday use. Its battery runtimes are a little weaker, but we are happy to accept this compromise in view of its better display.
The new EliteBook lineup is a bit confusing due to the new naming system and compared to the more traditional EliteBook X models, you'll have to do without some key travel as well as some business features like a SmartCard reader or LTE/5G modules. The new Lenovo ThinkPad X9 14 is probably the biggest rival for the EliteBook Ultra and we are already excited to see how the X9 14 will fare in our test (coming soon).
Pros
+lightweight and stable aluminum case
+good system performance
+very quiet cooling
+good picture quality at 120 Hz & VRR
+good connectivity (3x TB4, Wi-Fi 7)
+9-MP webcam with shutter
+very good haptic touchpad
Cons
-RAM can't be upgraded
-neither WWAN nor a SmartCard reader
-worse keyboard than EliteBook X models
-PWM flickering
You can purchase our test device directly from HP for $3,849.
HP's EliteBook Ultra G1i is a lightweight 14-inch business laptop representing the lineup's new spearhead. Our test device (B66THAT) with an MRSP of $3,849 is equipped with a 2.8K OLED touchscreen at 120 Hz, the Intel Core Ultra 258V processor with 32 GB RAM and a 1-TB SSD.
HP EliteBook Ultra G1i 14
Processor
Intel Core Ultra 7 258V 8 x 2.2 - 4.8 GHz, 37 W PL2 / Short Burst, 18 W PL1 / Sustained, Lunar Lake
Graphics adapter
Intel Arc Graphics 140V, 32.0.101.6042
Memory
32 GB
, LPDDR5x-8533, Dual-Channel, onboard
Display
14.00 inch 16:10, 2880 x 1800 pixel 243 PPI, capacitive, SDC41AA, OLED, glossy: yes, HDR, 120 Hz
Storage
Kioxia XG8 KXG80ZNV1T02, 1024 GB
, 845 GB free
Weight
1.18 kg ( = 41.62 oz / 2.6 pounds), Power Supply: 243 g ( = 8.57 oz / 0.54 pounds)
Note: The manufacturer may use components from different suppliers including display panels, drives or memory sticks with similar specifications.
Case & connectivity
As with the Snapdragon model, HP has also gone for a dark blue aluminum case for the EliteBook Ultra G1i, but its dimensions are slightly different, with the Intel model coming in at around 150 grams less. Visually, the device makes quite an impression—only the two new EliteBook and PolyStudio letterings at the rear don't harmonize particularly well with the design in our eyes. Despite its dark surfaces, fingerprints weren't a major problem during our test. The case's build quality and stability are both very good. The hinges (max. 180 degrees) are a little too tight to open the lid comfortably with one hand, but there is still a visible bounce when you adjust its angle. The lower case cover can be easily removed, but maintenance work is limited to the fans, the battery and the M.2 2280 SSD.
From a connectivity standpoint, this laptop has some advantages over the Snapdragon model because, in addition to another USB-C port (which is why the device can be charged on both sides), it features a Kensington lock. Nevertheless, its regular USB-A port with a small flap is still useful during everyday use. Further upgrades have been made to its webcam (with a cover and an IR sensor for facial recognition), which now uses a 9 MP sensor and is of better quality. As a Copilot+ laptop, Windows Studio effects are of course also supported. Its WLAN module (Intel BE201) now supports Wi-Fi 7 including Bluetooth 5.4 and its transfer rates in conjunction with our reference router from Asus were very good. However, a WWAN module is not on board.
