Quick Answer
The HP EliteBook 840 G1 and HP EliteBook 840 G6 are two generations of business laptops separated by several years of development. The G6 generally offers significant improvements in performance, display quality, security features, and modern connectivity, while the G1 represents an older, more basic business-class platform.
HP EliteBook 840 G1 vs HP EliteBook 840 G6: Full Comparison
Introduction
Choosing a business laptop often involves weighing the value of newer technology against the cost of an older model. This comparison examines two generations of the HP EliteBook 840 series: the G1, released in 2013, and the G6, released in 2019. Understanding the differences in their design, performance, and features can help clarify the technological evolution between these models and inform a decision based on specific needs for processing power, security, and connectivity.
Design and Build Quality
Both laptops share the EliteBook’s reputation for durable, business-oriented construction, but the design language and materials evolved significantly.
- HP EliteBook 840 G1: Features a classic business laptop design with a thicker profile and noticeable bezels around the display. The chassis is typically made from a combination of magnesium and aluminum, built to meet military-grade durability standards (MIL-STD-810G).
- HP EliteBook 840 G6: Presents a more modern and sleeker design with thinner bezels, resulting in a more compact footprint for the same 14-inch screen. The build quality remains high, often utilizing CNC-machined aluminum, and it generally maintains similar ruggedness certifications while being lighter and thinner than its predecessor.
Display and Multimedia
The display technology saw considerable advancements from the G1 to the G6 generation.
- HP EliteBook 840 G1: Commonly equipped with a 14-inch HD (1366×768) or Full HD (1920×1080) TN or IPS panel. Brightness and color gamut are typical for its era, suitable for office tasks but not for color-critical work.
- HP EliteBook 840 G6: Often features brighter and more color-accurate Full HD IPS displays as a standard. Higher-end configuration options frequently include low-power FHD panels for better battery life or even 4K UHD resolution displays with HDR support. Privacy screen options were also more advanced in this generation.
Performance and Hardware
This area shows the most dramatic difference due to the six-year gap between the platforms.
- Processor: The G1 uses 4th generation Intel Core processors (Haswell), while the G6 utilizes 8th generation Intel Core processors (Whiskey Lake). The G6’s CPUs typically have more cores, higher efficiency, and significantly better integrated graphics performance.
- Memory and Storage: The G1 supports DDR3L RAM and often uses SATA-based storage like 2.5-inch hard drives or SSDs. The G6 supports faster DDR4 RAM and NVMe PCIe SSDs, offering substantially quicker data transfer speeds and system responsiveness.
- Thermal Management: The cooling system in the G6 is generally more refined to handle the performance of newer CPUs within a thinner chassis.
Connectivity and Ports
The port selection reflects the shift from legacy to modern interfaces.
- HP EliteBook 840 G1: Features ports common in its time, including VGA, an Ethernet (RJ-45) port, a full-size DisplayPort, and multiple USB 3.0 ports. It lacks USB-C or Thunderbolt.
- HP EliteBook 840 G6: Modernizes the port selection, typically including USB-C with Thunderbolt 3 support, USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports, and HDMI. The Ethernet port is often a removable modular design to maintain a thin profile. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth standards are also more recent (e.g., Wi-Fi 5/6 vs. Wi-Fi 4 on the G1).
Security and Manageability
Security features became more integrated and sophisticated in the later model.
- HP EliteBook 840 G1: Includes standard business security features for its time, such as a TPM chip, smart card reader, and optional fingerprint reader.
- HP EliteBook 840 G6: Builds upon this with more advanced options. It often includes an infrared camera for Windows Hello facial recognition, a dedicated privacy shutter for the webcam, and HP’s Sure View integrated privacy screen. HP Sure Start for BIOS protection and self-healing capabilities were also more developed.
Battery Life
While battery capacity might be similar, efficiency improvements lead to different real-world results.
- HP EliteBook 840 G1: Battery life varies by configuration but was considered good for its era. Modern use with older batteries may result in reduced runtime.
- HP EliteBook 840 G6: Benefits from more power-efficient processors, displays, and components. Even with a similar sized battery, it typically offers longer battery life under standard workloads. It also supports faster charging technologies.
Comparison Table
| Feature | HP EliteBook 840 G1 | HP EliteBook 840 G6 |
|---|---|---|
| Release Year | 2013 | 2019 |
| Display (Typical) | 14″ HD (1366×768) or FHD (1920×1080); TN or IPS | 14″ FHD (1920×1080) IPS; Options for Low-Power FHD, Privacy Screen, or 4K UHD |
| Processor (Typical) | 4th Gen Intel Core i5/i7 (Haswell) | 8th Gen Intel Core i5/i7 (Whiskey Lake) |
| Graphics | Intel HD Graphics 4400/4600 | Intel UHD Graphics 620 |
| Memory | Up to 16GB DDR3L | Up to 32GB DDR4 |
| Storage | SATA HDD/SSD (2.5″ or mSATA) | NVMe PCIe SSD |
| Key Ports | VGA, RJ-45 Ethernet, DisplayPort, USB 3.0 | USB-C with Thunderbolt 3, HDMI, USB 3.1, Modular Ethernet |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n), Bluetooth 4.0 | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) / Wi-Fi 6 option, Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Security Features | TPM, Smart Card Reader, Optional Fingerprint Reader | TPM, IR Camera (Windows Hello), Webcam Shutter, HP Sure View, HP Sure Start |
| Battery & Charging | 3-cell or 6-cell; Standard Charging | 3-cell or 4-cell; Fast Charge Support |
| Dimensions & Weight | Thicker and heavier (approx. 1.8-2.0 kg) | Thinner and lighter (approx. 1.5 kg) |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the main difference between the EliteBook 840 G1 and G6?
The primary differences are generational. The G6 offers a significantly newer and more powerful processor platform (8th Gen vs. 4th Gen Intel Core), faster DDR4 RAM and NVMe storage, a more modern design with thinner bezels, updated ports like USB-C/Thunderbolt, and enhanced security features such as an infrared camera for facial recognition.
Can the HP EliteBook 840 G1 run Windows 11?
Officially, the HP EliteBook 840 G1’s 4th generation Intel processor does not meet Microsoft’s minimum system requirements for Windows 11. While unofficial workarounds may exist, it is not supported and may lack necessary security features like a TPM 2.0 chip, which the G6 typically includes.
Which model generally has better battery life?
The HP EliteBook 840 G6 generally offers better battery life due to its more power-efficient components, even with a potentially smaller physical battery. Its low-power display options and faster charging support also contribute to an improved mobile experience compared to the older G1 model.
Is the display on the G6 much better than on the G1?
Typically, yes. While both offered Full HD options, the G6’s panels are generally brighter, offer better color accuracy, and have thinner bezels. The G6 also provided advanced options like integrated privacy screens (HP Sure View) and 4K resolution, which were not available on the G1.
Final Thoughts
The comparison between the HP EliteBook 840 G1 and G6 highlights a substantial technological leap. The G1 represents a solid, durable business laptop from its time, which may still handle basic computing tasks. The G6, however, delivers across-the-board improvements in performance, efficiency, display technology, and modern connectivity. The choice between them often comes down to the requirements for software compatibility, performance demands, and the need for contemporary features like USB-C and advanced security, balanced against considerations of availability and intended use case.