HP EliteBook X G1i review: a masterclass with Intel

In the HP EliteBook X G1i, Intel once again demonstrates the quality of Lunar Lake. The chip takes the laptop to the next level in terms of both performance and portability.

You might think the HP EliteBook X G1i (€2,177 excl. VAT) is somewhat similar to the HP EliteBook X G1a. You would be wrong: these laptops have little in common beyond a nearly identical name. The ‘a’ variant, equipped with an AMD chip, is a relatively heavy device decked out in the classic gray colors of HP’s EliteBook range. This HP EliteBook X G1i with Intel on board has a completely different design.

Dragonfly DNA

The HP EliteBook X G1i features a magnesium chassis, in contrast to the aluminum of the AMD variant. HP has opted for a dark blue finish that is strongly reminiscent of the ‘Dragonfly‘ devices from a few years ago. While HP may have retired that brand name, the DNA of those premium laptops is very much present here.

That’s a good thing. Like all EliteBooks, the HP EliteBook X G1i is a sturdy device that can (literally) take a beating. The laptop comes with a spacious touchpad that actually clicks (rather than just simulating it haptically). In our opinion, this makes for a very pleasant experience.

HP continues to stick with its new keyboard design for this laptop as well, inspired by budget Chromebooks. Miraculously, the keyboard pairs beautifully with the blue casing this time, maintaining a premium look. Just like all other EliteBooks, typing on this device is a very pleasant experience.

Lunar Lake

More important than the exterior is what’s inside. HP has packed an Intel Core Ultra 200V into this laptop. Enthusiasts will immediately recognize from that ‘V’ that this is a Lunar Lake processor, and that’s good news. While Lunar Lake may date back to late 2024, the chips using this architecture are still top-tier.

As a refresher: Lunar Lake is an outlier. Chips built with this architecture do not feature multithreading, and RAM is integrated directly onto the chip. The CPU is manufactured by TSMC rather than Intel itself, using the manufacturer’s 3 nm process (N3B). Intel took a gamble with this CPU by ignoring all conventions of what an Intel CPU should be, and it paid off. The result remains Intel’s most exciting chip portfolio in years.

CPU Performance

You can tell in this laptop. Our test model of the HP EliteBook X G1i features an Intel Core Ultra 7 258V. This chip has four P-cores and four E-cores, totaling eight cores and as many threads. On paper, the maximum clock speed is 4.8 GHz.

The CPU is flanked by 32 GB of RAM. HP rounds out the spec list with a 1 TB SSD. Together, these components deliver above-average performance for a premium office device in this price range (€2,177 excl. VAT).

The CPU performs significantly better than the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX Pro 375 in the EliteBook X G1a variant. The OmniBook X-flip, with its slightly lighter Core Ultra, also performs worse. Performance is comparable to the EliteBook Ultra G1i, which unsurprisingly has nearly identical specifications. Although Qualcomm's Snapdragon X1 chips perform well in office laptops, we see that Intel holds its own against the Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.

A test of office applications nuances the results slightly. Here we see that other factors, such as the SSD, start to play a larger role. Note: the EliteBook X G1i still scores high in most tests.

Mediocre SSD

The difference between, for example, the EliteBook Ultra G1i and the relative comeback of the AMD-powered EliteBook X G1a model can mainly be explained by the SSD.

Our tests show that the EliteBook Ultra and the EliteBook X G1a have significantly faster storage on board. This is a very relevant factor in the responsiveness of office applications.

The combination of CPU and RAM carries more weight in heavier tasks, such as photo and video editing. The HP EliteBook X G1i scores very well on these tasks, thanks to Lunar Lake. Only for rendering and visualization does the AMD-based laptop have the advantage with its raw power.

We conclude that the HP EliteBook X G1i is a speed demon that, in addition to heavy office work and multitasking, is also perfectly suited for light photo and video editing. HP could have made an even bigger difference with a more powerful SSD, but it seems there still needs to be some distinction from the EliteBook Ultra.

Efficient battery life

High performance can sometimes take a toll on battery life, but here the opposite is true. The HP EliteBook X G1i actually has the best stamina of all the laptops in our test. This is striking, as the 68 Wh battery is even smaller than the one in the EliteBook G1a (74.5 Wh).

The efficiency of Lunar Lake is once again evident here. The Intel chip holds its own against Qualcomm's typically efficient ARM processors. You can easily get through a full workday with this laptop, and you could even risk two days. This also implies that a workday on a single charge remains achievable even as the battery ages.

Charging happens at an acceptable pace. The HP EliteBook G1a charges faster despite the larger battery, but HP provides the AMD laptop with a 100-watt charger, while this device comes with a 64-watt one.

In half an hour, you can charge the battery to 50%, and it goes from empty to 80% in just over an hour. These are good, balanced figures.

Connections

The HP EliteBook X G1i has a few more tricks up its sleeve besides the battery and CPU. For instance, HP provides the option to connect a SIM card for internet access anywhere—handy for frequent commuters.

Furthermore, we see a good selection of ports, including one USB-A port, two USB-C Thunderbolt connections, a single USB-4-C port, HDMI, and a headphone jack. Unfortunately, both Thunderbolt ports are located next to each other on the left side. This is a bit annoying if you want to place and connect a dock or Thunderbolt display on the right.

Great visuals

You're also in the right place for video conferencing. The HP EliteBook X G1i features the same Poly Studio suite as other devices in this range, combining microphones and a 5 MP camera with useful software. The camera has a manual privacy shutter for the webcam, which is built into a slightly wider bezel than we're used to in this class.

Through Poly Camera Pro, you can adjust how you appear on screen, for example. The camera has a high enough resolution to zoom in slightly and follow you as you move. You can also pin company details (such as your job title and company logo), apply filters, adjust lighting, and more. In video calls, we always looked good and were very clear.

No prying eyes

Then there's the 14-inch privacy screen (1,920 x 1,200 pixels). This option on our device offers added value but also has a downside. With the press of a button, you narrow the viewing angle of the IPS screen so that, in practice, no one can look over your shoulder. It works very well.

On the other hand, you can tell the feature is present. The viewing angle isn't phenomenal, even when the privacy screen is turned off. Colors also suffer: we see an average color deviation of DeltaE 6.1. That's high, implying that the colors you see on this screen aren't exactly the colors others will see on a (calibrated) screen. The deviation in turquoise is the largest, with a DeltaE of no less than 11.7. However, the brightness is above average at 626 cd/m².

HP is making a trade-off here. The choice of a privacy screen on our test model makes this laptop unsuitable for color-sensitive work. That's a bit of a shame, as the hardware is capable of supporting such creative tasks. In exchange, you get more privacy. Those who commute often or work in places where prying eyes are an issue will find this an adequate solution.

Shame about the ads

Finally, we should note that HP could do without the advertising on a business device in this price range. We would call a pop-up banner, in which the manufacturer promotes its own Wolf Security suite using a link to AV-test scores, inappropriate and even a bit cheap. HP also indulged in self-promotion on the excellent EliteBook Ultra G1i, so hopefully, this isn't the start of a new trend.

Top-tier device

The HP EliteBook X G1i is a great example of what happens when HP and Intel combine their strengths. HP has delivered a beautiful, sturdy, and excellently balanced laptop. Top performance doesn't compromise the excellent battery life, and charging is fast enough at 64 watts.

The port selection is also fine (though a distribution of Thunderbolt ports between left and right, as on the EliteBook G1a, wouldn't go amiss). HDMI is even present, in contrast to the HP EliteBook Ultra G1i.

We have to admit that the difference between the HP EliteBook X G1i and the EliteBook Ultra G1i isn't very clear to us. This laptop might be slightly bulkier (1,255 grams vs. 1,192 grams), but not by much. The extra HDMI port you get can only be a plus.

Our test model is relatively expensive due to the privacy screen and SIM option. The EliteBook X G1i is already available in a base configuration starting from €1,406 excl. VAT. VAT.

In any case, the HP EliteBook X G1i is a very good laptop with no structural drawbacks. You should only opt for the privacy screen if you really want it; otherwise, go for a more attractive and color-accurate option. Are you looking for a powerful office laptop that can handle more than just Office and will support you when a power outlet is nowhere to be found all day? Then look no further than the EliteBook X G1i.

(We're giving this model just shy of an Editor's Choice award, only because the privacy screen is too niche and we haven't tested a unit without that option ourselves.)

Tested configuration: HP EliteBook X G1i B69DTET - Intel Core Ultra 7 258V, 32 GB RAM, 1 TB SSD, 14-inch matte IPS screen (1,920 x 1,200 pixels – privacy option) - Windows 11 Pro, €2,177 excl. VAT VAT.