In 2025, HP offers several top-tier business laptops aimed at different professional needs: the EliteBook G11 series with Intel’s new Core Ultra 5 and Ultra 7 processors, and the premium Dragonfly G4 powered by a 13th Gen Intel Core i7.
Each model is a serious contender for executives, remote workers, creatives, and IT departments, but they excel in different areas depending on performance needs, mobility, and price sensitivity. Let’s break down how they compare — and which is right for you.
📈 Performance Overview
| Model | Processor | Cores / Threads | Architecture | Key Strength |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EliteBook G11 (Ultra 5 135U) | Core Ultra 5 135U | 12 cores / 14 threads | Meteor Lake (Intel 4) | Balanced power and efficiency |
| EliteBook G11 (Ultra 7 165U) | Core Ultra 7 165U | 12 cores / 14 threads (higher clocks) | Meteor Lake (Intel 4) | Higher performance multitasking |
| Dragonfly G4 (i7-1365U) | Intel Core i7-1365U | 10 cores / 12 threads | Raptor Lake-U (Intel 7) | Ultra-efficient premium mobility |
Key Observations:
The Ultra 5 handles typical office tasks (email, web, light multitasking) very well, with better multi-threading compared to older generations.
The Ultra 7 boosts performance for heavier workloads like spreadsheet modeling, basic video editing, and moderate software development.
The Dragonfly G4 with i7-1365U is slightly less powerful in multi-core loads but is extremely energy-efficient and optimized for battery life and portability.
🎨 Design and Build Quality
All three laptops are premium-grade — durable, sleek, and lightweight — but with different focuses:
- EliteBook G11: Slightly more traditional business design, highly durable, slightly heavier than Dragonfly. Built for IT-friendly deployments.
- Dragonfly G4: Ultra-lightweight (~1 kg / 2.2 lbs), magnesium alloy chassis, eco-friendly materials, a more luxurious feeling device for executives.
🔋 Battery Life
- Dragonfly G4 wins: optimized for all-day use, often pushing 12+ hours under real-world workloads.
- EliteBook G11 Ultra 5: Around 10–11 hours depending on the configuration.
- EliteBook G11 Ultra 7: Slightly less battery life (~9–10 hours) due to higher clock speeds.
🎮 Graphics and Multimedia
- Ultra 5 and Ultra 7 models: New Intel integrated GPUs with improved video playback and light creative workload support.
- Dragonfly G4: Good Iris Xe graphics for basic creative tasks but not as future-proof as the newer Ultra-series GPUs.
🛠️ Use Case Recommendations
| Scenario | Best Choice | Why |
|---|---|---|
| General Office Work, Emails, Calls, Light Multitasking | EliteBook G11 (Ultra 5 135U) | Balanced price/performance, excellent for standard corporate environments. |
| Heavy Multitasking, Basic Creative Work (Photoshop, Data Modeling) | EliteBook G11 (Ultra 7 165U) | Extra CPU performance and better GPU, ideal for power users. |
| Frequent Travelers, Executives, Sales Professionals | Dragonfly G4 (i7-1365U) | Ultra-lightweight, premium feel, incredible battery life, executive-class build. |
🏆 Final Verdict
- Best for Enterprise IT Deployments: EliteBook G11 Ultra 5
- Best for High-Performance Users (without needing a workstation): EliteBook G11 Ultra 7
- Best for Premium Portability and Battery Life: Dragonfly G4
Tip: If your job involves traveling often or attending many meetings, choose the Dragonfly G4.
If you mainly work at a desk but occasionally move around and want good all-around power, choose the EliteBook G11 Ultra 5 or Ultra 7 based on how demanding your tasks are.
Richard Westman is a seasoned technology enthusiast with over a decade of experience in the world of tech journalism. He brings a wealth of knowledge and insight into the latest innovations and industry developments. As an experienced tech editor, Richard specializes in simplifying complex technological concepts, from smartphones to emerging trends like AI and blockchain. With his deep understanding and passion for technology, Richard is your trusted guide in navigating the digital landscape. Whether it’s new tech trends or exploring cutting-edge technologies, he is dedicated to empowering readers to embrace technology with confidence and curiosity.
