HP Dragonfly G4 Review: A Business Powerhouse with Style

The HP Dragonfly G4 combines sophisticated design with robust performance in a premium ultraportable package. This business-focused laptop impresses with its recycled materials, advanced security features, and productivity-enhancing capabilities. While it excels in build quality and features, the premium pricing may give budget-conscious buyers pause. The device stands out in India’s competitive business laptop market with its blend of portability and professional-grade performance.

Design and Build Quality

The slate blue chassis, crafted from 90% recycled materials, weighs a mere 990 grams and is 16.4mm thick. Diamond-cut accents and rounded edges enhance both aesthetics and grip. The robust build quality allows easy one-handed lid operation, though some users desire an additional USB-A port.

Display

The 13.5-inch screen features a productivity-focused 3:2 aspect ratio with 1920 x 1280 pixels resolution. Color accuracy and brightness excel for content creation and general use, with impressive viewing angles. Gaming capabilities are limited due to integrated graphics.

Software

Windows 11 Pro comes equipped with HP Wolf Security and HP Presence for enhanced protection and video conferencing optimization. The latest update brings improved security features and interface refinements tailored for hybrid work environments.

Performance

The Dragonfly G4 houses Intel’s 13th Gen Core i7-1365U processor, capable of reaching 5.2 GHz turbo speeds, paired with up to 32GB RAM and 1TB SSD storage. While it handles office tasks and multitasking efficiently, it lags behind competitors like the Dell XPS series and Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon in resource-intensive operations. The integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics suffice for daily tasks but fall short in gaming and video editing compared to laptops with dedicated GPUs. The device prioritizes quiet operation over peak performance, which may affect users requiring sustained high performance. However, its balanced approach to performance and efficiency makes it suitable for most business applications.

Battery Life

The laptop delivers approximately 13 hours of typical use, though this falls slightly short of its predecessor. Charging times are reasonable, but power users might find the battery life adequate rather than exceptional.

Keyboard and Trackpad

Features include a comfortable keyboard with good travel, three-level backlighting, and an integrated fingerprint reader. The spacious 4.7 x 3.2 inch2 trackpad offers smooth multi-gesture support.

Ports and Connectivity

Connectivity includes two Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports, one USB-A port with Power Delivery, HDMI 2.1, and a headphone jack. Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 ensure reliable wireless connections.

Audio and Webcam

The dual speakers provide clear audio suitable for calls and media consumption. The 720p webcam includes a privacy shutter but may not satisfy high-definition streaming needs.

Thermal Performance

Efficient thermal management keeps temperatures reasonable during intensive tasks. Fan noise remains minimal during normal use but becomes noticeable under heavy loads.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Ultra-lightweight design at 990 grams
  • Premium build with recycled materials
  • Excellent keyboard and display quality
  • Comprehensive port selection
  • Efficient thermal management

Cons

  • Premium pricing
  • Reduced battery life from previous generation
  • Limited gaming capabilities
  • Average webcam quality
  • Restricted upgrade options

Market Buzz

Users praise the device’s design and professional performance while noting the high price point compared to similarly specified competitors.

Pricing

  • Core i7/16GB RAM/512GB SSD: ₹2,31,746
  • Core i7/32GB RAM/1TB SSD: ₹2,60,000 (approx.)

Value for Money

While offering premium features and build quality, the price point positions it significantly higher than competitors with similar specifications in the Indian market.

Final Verdict

The HP Dragonfly G4 excels as a premium business ultraportable, offering impressive build quality and features for professionals. Despite the steep pricing, it proves its worth through exceptional portability, strong performance, and sophisticated design.

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