HP EliteBook 840 G8 14" Vs Microsoft Surface Pro 6 12"

HP EliteBook 840 G8 14"
HP EliteBook 840 G8 14"
Starting at

Refurbished price:350.00

Versus €696.00 new

See options
Microsoft Surface Pro 6 12"
Microsoft Surface Pro 6 12"
Starting at

Refurbished price:424.00

Versus €899.00 new

See options

Ratings

The HP EliteBook 840 G8 14 and the Microsoft Surface Pro 6 12 are distinct computing devices, each designed to cater to different user needs. The EliteBook 840 G8, released in 2021, is a traditional business laptop, emphasizing productivity and robust security features. In contrast, the Surface Pro 6, launched in 2018, is a 2-in-1 tablet-laptop hybrid that prioritizes portability and versatility with its detachable keyboard and touchscreen functionality. Both devices operate on the Windows platform, offering a familiar software experience, but their form factors and core design philosophies lead to notable differences in practical usage.

Scores

Durability

The practical lifespan of these devices is influenced by their release dates and design philosophies. The HP EliteBook 840 G8, being a more recent device from 2021, benefits from a longer expected period of software support and more current hardware. The Microsoft Surface Pro 6, released in 2018, has an older hardware generation, which may impact its long-term compatibility with future software updates and demanding applications.

  • Software Longevity: The EliteBook 840 G8 is expected to receive operating system updates for a longer duration due to its newer release, extending its functional life.
  • Repairability: The EliteBook 840 G8 generally offers better repairability, with some components being user-serviceable, a common trait for business-oriented laptops. The Surface Pro 6, however, has historically received low repairability scores from experts, often due to glued components and non-removable storage, making repairs challenging and costly.
  • Expected Practical Lifespan: Users prioritizing extended software support and easier maintenance may find the EliteBook 840 G8 to be a more suitable long-term investment.

Year of Release

2020

2017

OS

Windows 11

Windows 11

Performance

Performance varies significantly between these two devices, primarily due to their different generations of internal components and intended use cases. The HP EliteBook 840 G8, with its more recent architecture, offers a more responsive experience for demanding tasks, while the Surface Pro 6 provides adequate performance for everyday computing and tablet-centric activities.

  • Processor Capabilities: The EliteBook 840 G8 features a more current-generation processor, enabling smoother handling of complex applications, faster data processing, and more efficient multitasking. The Surface Pro 6, with its older processor, is well-suited for general productivity tasks, web browsing, and media consumption.
  • Multitasking and Responsiveness: The EliteBook 840 G8 can be configured with a higher amount of RAM, supporting more intensive multitasking and quicker transitions between applications. The Surface Pro 6, while capable of multitasking, may show limitations when running numerous demanding programs simultaneously.
  • Storage Options: Both devices offer solid-state drive (SSD) storage, contributing to fast boot times and quick application loading. The EliteBook 840 G8 typically offers a wider range of storage configurations, including higher capacities, catering to users with extensive storage needs.

Memory (GB)

16 GB

8 GB

Processor

Core i5-1145G7

Core i5 - Gen 8 (U)

Graphic card

Integrated Graphics

Integrated Graphics

Screen quality

The display characteristics of the HP EliteBook 840 G8 and the Microsoft Surface Pro 6 reflect their distinct form factors and design priorities. Both offer clear visuals, but differ in size, aspect ratio, and touch capabilities.

  • Display Technology and Resolution: The EliteBook 840 G8 typically features a 14-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) IPS anti-glare display, providing clear images and wide viewing angles suitable for extended work sessions. The Surface Pro 6 boasts a 12.3-inch PixelSense display with a higher resolution of 2736 x 1824 pixels, offering a sharper image and a 3:2 aspect ratio that is often preferred for productivity tasks like document editing.
  • Brightness and Outdoor Use: The EliteBook 840 G8 offers various display options, including panels with higher brightness levels and HP Sure View Reflect for privacy, which can be beneficial in bright environments or for sensitive work. The Surface Pro 6's display provides good brightness for indoor and moderate outdoor use, with its glossy finish enhancing color vibrancy.
  • Touch and Interactivity: The Surface Pro 6 is designed around its multi-touch PixelSense display, offering a highly interactive experience with pen support, making it ideal for creative tasks, note-taking, and direct interaction. While some configurations of the EliteBook 840 G8 include a touchscreen, it is primarily a traditional laptop experience.

Audiovisual

The camera and audio capabilities of these devices are tailored to their primary functions, with the EliteBook 840 G8 focusing on business communication and the Surface Pro 6 offering versatility for both work and personal use.

  • Camera System: The HP EliteBook 840 G8 typically includes a 720p HD webcam, with some configurations offering a 5MP IR camera for enhanced video conferencing and security features like facial recognition. The Surface Pro 6 features a 5MP front-facing camera for video calls and an 8MP rear-facing camera with autofocus for capturing photos and videos.
  • Video Recording Quality: Both devices are capable of recording 1080p HD video, suitable for virtual meetings and casual video capture.
  • Audio Experience: The EliteBook 840 G8 often features audio by Bang & Olufsen with dual stereo speakers and multi-array microphones, along with AI-based noise reduction for clear communication in professional settings. The Surface Pro 6 includes stereo speakers with Dolby Audio and dual microphones, providing a good audio experience for media consumption and calls.

Miscellaneous

Beyond core performance and display, several practical elements differentiate the HP EliteBook 840 G8 and the Microsoft Surface Pro 6, impacting their usability in various scenarios.

  • Connectivity Options: The EliteBook 840 G8 offers modern connectivity, including Thunderbolt 4 ports, USB-A ports, HDMI, and Wi-Fi 6, with optional 5G and 4G LTE for robust wireless access. The Surface Pro 6 includes a USB 3.0 port, Mini DisplayPort, Surface Connect, and Wi-Fi 5, but notably lacks USB-C connectivity.
  • Portability and Build Materials: The Surface Pro 6 is significantly lighter and more compact, weighing around 0.77 kg (1.7 lbs) without its Type Cover, making it highly portable as a tablet. The EliteBook 840 G8, a traditional laptop, starts at approximately 1.32 kg (2.9 lbs), offering a larger screen and keyboard experience. Both devices feature premium build materials, with the EliteBook using aluminum and the Surface Pro employing magnesium alloy.
  • Security and Unique Features: The EliteBook 840 G8 emphasizes enterprise-grade security with features like HP Sure Sense, HP Sure View Reflect, and a tamper lock intrusion detection system. The Surface Pro 6 offers Windows Hello facial recognition for secure login and a versatile kickstand for multiple viewing angles.

Weight

2500 g

1120 g

Screen size

14

12

Choosing between the HP EliteBook 840 G8 14 and the Microsoft Surface Pro 6 12 depends heavily on individual priorities and intended use. Users frequently praise the EliteBook 840 G8 for its robust build quality, strong security features, and reliable performance for business and productivity tasks. Its traditional laptop form factor and comprehensive port selection are often highlighted as advantages for a consistent workstation experience. Some users, however, note that its battery life, while generally good, might not always match the very longest-lasting competitors in its class.

The Surface Pro 6, on the other hand, is often lauded for its exceptional portability, vibrant touchscreen display, and the flexibility offered by its 2-in-1 design. Users appreciate its tablet capabilities and pen support for creative work and note-taking. Common criticisms sometimes revolve around its limited port selection, particularly the absence of USB-C, and its historically challenging repairability.

Users prioritizing a dedicated, secure, and powerful laptop for demanding professional applications, with a focus on traditional input and connectivity, will find the HP EliteBook 840 G8 well-suited to their needs. Its newer hardware also provides a longer runway for software support. Conversely, individuals who value extreme portability, a highly interactive touchscreen experience, and the versatility of a tablet that can also function as a laptop, may lean toward the Microsoft Surface Pro 6. Both devices offer a quality-assured refurbished option, providing an eco-friendly alternative for consumers seeking reliable technology.

See all articles

Our recent comparisons