HP EliteBook Ultra G1q Review: A professionals’ choice with AI driven features and smooth performance

HP is one of the most renowned names in the Indian market, having effectively maintained its brand value by offering durable laptops equipped with the latest technology at affordable prices. In its latest launch, the company has introduced the HP EliteBook Ultra G1q laptop integrated with AI features and delivering seamless performance thanks to the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite Platform. In this review, we shall analyse the features and upgrades this device brings to the table.  

HP EliteBook Ultra G1q Review: A minimalistic, near-premium design

The HP EliteBook Ultra G1q sports a slim design, weighing a modest 1.349 kg and measuring 14.4 mm in thickness. Adding a fresh and stylish touch, the laptop is easy to carry. Whether you are running between meetings or working remotely, the device comes in handy. The ease of use is further enhanced by the lid, which can be opened and closed with just one hand. Although the design is minimalistic, it looks premium, given the blue aluminium chassis. The device feels durable and is sturdy enough to withstand several years of usage. Additionally, the redesigned hinge is a notable value addition, offering a positive to the durability and overall design of the device. While the device features two USB-C ports, it lacks an Ethernet port, though it does have a 3.5mm headphone jack, allowing users to plug in earphones. 

HP EliteBook Ultra G1q Review: Satisfying typing with a sturdy keyboard

The typing experience is seamlessly satisfying, with a good keyboard with tactile keys. The feedback is crisp, ensuring that you are not bored during extended typing sessions, enhancing the overall typing experience. 

HP EliteBook Ultra G1q Review: Vibrant display

The device features a 14-inch (diagonal) 16:10 touchscreen display with 2.2K resolution. The display offers crisp outputs, with vibrant colours and adequate sharpness. The text appears clear, making this device suited for both entertainment and productivity. It boasts a peak brightness of up to 300nits, which is bright enough during indoor use. Nevertheless, the device may struggle with visibility while being used outdoors. The display is not excessively reflective, allowing it to remain usable near windows. The touchscreen feature enhances navigation, especially when searching for different documents or using multiple apps simultaneously. 

HP EliteBook Ultra G1q Review: Impressive performance 

Performance-wise, the HP EliteBook Ultra G1q is impressive. Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite Platform, the device seamlessly handles multitasking, even when multiple tabs are running in the background. There were no noticeable hiccups even with heavy browser usage. On performance benchmarks also, the laptop fared decently. One of the standout features of this device is the integration of AI, including a dedicated Copilot key. Once pressed, the chatbot is instantly at your disposal. Notable AI-driven features include background noise cancellation during calls and enhancements for video conferencing. The device also manages graphically intensive tasks thanks to the Qualcomm Adreno graphics, though for a smoother experience, a dedicated graphics card can be explored. 

HP EliteBook Ultra G1q Review: Long-lasting battery life

In terms of battery life, the HP EliteBook Ultra G1q offers a pleasant surprise, lasting through an intense workday, translating into a shift of 8-9 hours. The usage session includes multiple apps running in the background with occasional video calls. It just takes a little over an hour to fully charge the battery, which is a good proposition at this price point. The HP Fast Charge is an extremely useful feature, especially when you are in a rush. 

HP EliteBook Ultra G1q Review: Verdict

The device has several selling points, including its lightweight profile, minimalistic design with near-premium outlook, AI features, a solid Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite processor, decent battery life, and a responsive touchpad. However, there are a few areas for improvement: the brightness for outdoor usage may not be sufficient enough, and graphically intensive tasks may not be as smooth. The lack of an Ethernet port and limited connectivity options may also be a drawback for some users. Overall, if you are looking for a lightweight durable laptop with a slew of features, the HP EliteBook Ultra G1q is a solid choice. 

HP EliteBook Ultra G1q Review: Pros and Cons

HP EliteBook Ultra G1q: Pros

- Lightweight with durability 

- Good performance

- Decent battery

- AI features

HP EliteBook Ultra G1q Review: Cons

- Not bright enough for outdoor usage

- Lacks an Ethernet port

- Graphically intensive tasks may not be as smooth