HP ZBook vs EliteBook: How Do They Compare & Why Are Designers Raving About THIS Model?

IT Services
HP ZBook vs EliteBook: How Do They Compare & Why Are Designers Raving About THIS Model?
Last Updated: June 18, 2024

HP boasts a highly sought-after portfolio of power laptops. In this article, we compare the brand’s two powerhouses: HP ZBook vs. EliteBook series, often used by the top IT service companies.

  • ZBook laptops are portable workstations created for advanced processing including CAD, image and video editing.
  • EliteBook laptops are highly portable, stylish and secure laptops created for a remote workforce.

We will look at each series’ key features, identify their target users and give you a quiz to find the best ZBook or EliteBook model for you.

Let’s compare!

 
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ZBook vs EliteBook: How We Compared HP’s Best Power Laptops

These models may look similar, but each caters to certain types of users.

We looked at the following aspects to highlight their differences.

  • General Specifications
  • Star Features
  • Pricing Range
  • User Profile

But we know that looking good on paper isn’t enough.

Hence, we leave it to designers, the ultimate power users, to share their real-world scenarios as they weigh in on their model of choice. Who knows? It could be the one for you, too.

If this sounds like a good idea, then keep on reading!

HP ZBook Models Overview

ZBooks are mobile workstations designed to power through the most demanding pro applications.

These laptops are built for different power users:

  1. On-the-go Professionals: ZBook Firefly is the smallest and lightest ZBook for your true mobility without sacrificing performance.
  2. Creative Pros: ZBook Studio and ZBook Create work best for when your inspiration strikes. It can handle the most power-hungry creative and game development apps.
  3. Performance Users: ZBook Power and ZBook Fury offer desktop-caliber performance that you can bring with you.
Do any of these sound like you?
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The ZBook caters to a lot of power users, so these models are always in high demand, particularly in cybersecurity firms. HP offers ready-to-ship workstations with pre-built features for those who need their device as soon as possible.

Need a powerful HP laptop soon?
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If you'd like to know more about the ZBook, let’s look at the general specifications.

ZBook General Specs

We’ve gathered some of the ZBook series’ general specs, however, HP also has a full list of their ZBook workstations.

 HP ZBook Models
Operating SystemsWindows 11 Pro
Windows 11 Home
Windows 10 Pro
Ubuntu 22.04
FreeDOS 3.0
Processor

13th Generation Intel® Core™ i5

13th Generation Intel® Core™ i7

13th Generation Intel® Core™ i9

Intel® Core™ i9 vPro® CPU

Memory Slots AvailableUp to four memory slots
Maximum Memory

64 GB DDR5

128 GB DDR5

Number of Memory ChannelsDual-channel
Graphics

NVIDIA RTX™ A500 Laptop GPU

NVIDIA RTX™ 3000 Ada Laptop GPU

NVIDIA RTX™ 4070 GPU

NVIDIA RTX™ 5000 Ada Laptop GPU

Integrated AMD Radeon™ Graphics

Integrated Intel® Graphics

Display

16-inch, 4K (3840x2160) DreamColor Display

16-inch, 4K (3840x2160) Display

16-inch, WUXGA (1920x1200) 16:10 Aspect Ratio Display with 1000 nits brightness

16-inch, WUXGA (1920x1200) 16:10 Aspect Ratio Display

16-inch, FHD (1920x1080) Display

14-inch, WUXGA (1920x1200) Display

14-inch, FHD (1920x1080) Display

Maximum Supported DisplaysNVIDIA® Quadro® and NVIDIA® GeForce® mobile graphics support up to four independent displays when using an HP Thunderbolt® Dock G2 (sold separately)
Internal StorageUp to 16 TB PCI-e 4x4 NVMe SSD
Communications

Intel® Wi-Fi 6E

Intel® Wi-Fi 6

Bluetooth 5.3

Expansion Slots1 smart card reader
1 SD 4.0 media card reader

ZBook Star Features: Pro-Grade Performance

The 2024 HP ZBooks come packed with top-tier specifications that can meet the needs of professionals in various demanding fields. Let’s take a look at the standout features of the latest models below:

  • Intel Core Ultra 9 or AM Ryzen 9 Pro processors: The newest ZBooks are equipped with Intel Core Ultra 9 and AMD Ryzen 9 Pro processors that can handle complex, multithreaded applications for easy multitasking and increased productivity.
  • NVIDIA RTX 5000 Ada or AMD Radeon Pro GPUs: The GPUs in the 2024 ZBooks deliver professional-grade graphics performance for demanding tasks such as 3D simulations, video editing, and rendering.
  • Up to 16TB of local storage: With storage options up to a massive 16TB NVMe SSD, Zbooks provide ample space and blazing fast access to files.
  • Up to 128GB DDR5 RAM: ZBooks support high memory configurations with up to 128GB of DDR5 RAM for seamless multitasking and efficient handling of large datasets.
  • ISV certification: ZBooks are certified by independent software vendors (ISVs) that ensure reliable and optimized performance, particularly with the best graphic design software.
  • Color accuracy with DreamColor technology: Creative professionals can leverage HP’s DreamColor technology for maximum color accuracy and precise representation.
  • Extensive port selection: ZBooks come with a comprehensive array of ports, including up to four Thunderbolt 4 ports, USB-A, HDMI 2.0b, RJ-45 Ethernet, and SD card readers.

DreamColor is definitely a star feature in these laptops, so much so that the brand has received an Academy Award for this technology.

Here’s their DreamColor story:

ZBook Pricing Range

HP ZBooks start at $1,799 in the US and in US dollars.

Since Windows laptops are highly customizable, you can find a top-tier ZBook for as high as $3,899. The final cost will depend on the model and actual specifications.

Here’s a quick price overview in the US:

 FireflyStudioCreatePower Fury
Starts at$1,877$3,201$3,443.50$2,235$3,203
Sale Price$938.50$1,760.55 $1,117.50$1,761.65
Explore the available and customizable ZBook Models!
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ZBook User Profile

Anyone could be a power user — you don’t have to be an artist or a data scientist to need a ZBook.

That said, ZBook models are perfect for:

  • Architects
  • Construction managers
  • Product developers
  • Creative professionals
  • Game and VR/AR technology developers
  • Data scientists
  • 3D artists
  • Video editors

HP EliteBook Models Overview

The 2024 EliteBook models are ideal for remote work by providing users with the following:

  • Graphics: Integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics makes it easy to handle video conferencing and graphics-intensive workloads.
  • Battery life: Intelligent Hibernate optimization allows EliteBook batteries to last for up to 21 hours, while HP Fast Charge can get you to 50% battery life in just 30 minutes.
  • Connectivity: 5G LTE powered through 4x4 antennas, Wi-Fi 6E, and optional Qualcomm Snapdragon X55 5G Modem-RF system lets you take your office anywhere.
  • Call optimization features: With HP AI noise reduction and dynamic voice leveling, you won’t have to worry about background noise, even keyboard clicks.

EliteBook General Specs

Here is a quick overview of the EliteBook general specifications. You can find different specifications here →

 HP EliteBook Models
Operating Systems

Windows 11 Pro

Windows 10 Pro

Processor

13th Generation Intel Core i5-1335U

13th Generation Intel Core i7-1355U

Intel Core Ultra

AMD Ryzen 7 PRO

Maximum MemoryUp to 64GB DDR5 RAM
Graphics

Integrated Intel Graphics

Intel Iris Xe Graphics

AMD Radeon Graphics

Display

13.3-inch, WUXGA (1920x1200) Anti-glare, UWVA Display

14-inch, FHD (1920x1080) Display

14-inch, WUXGA (1920x1200) Anti-glare, UWVA Display

14-inch, WQXGA (2560x1600) Anti-glare, UWVA Display

16-inch, 2.8K (2880x1800) UWVA Display

Maximum Supported DisplaysSupport up to four independent displays when using an HP Thunderbolt® Dock G2 (sold separately)
Internal StorageUp to 2TB NVMe SSD
CommunicationsIntel® Wi-Fi 6E AX211 (2x2)
Bluetooth® 5.2 combo, vPro®
Intel® Wi-Fi 6 AX201 (2x2)
Bluetooth® 5.2 combo, non-vPro®
Expansion Slots1 smart card reader

EliteBook Star Features

The 2024 HP EliteBook models offer a blend of robust performance, advanced security features, and premium design that makes them ideal for business professionals. Here’s an overview of the key features of the brand’s latest lineup:

  • Intel Core Ultra or AMD Ryzen 7 Pro processors: The top EliteBooks are powered by an Intel Core Ultra processor that comes with AI-acceleration as well as AMD Ryzen 7 Pro processors for a smooth multitasking experience.
  • Integrated Intel Iris Xe or AMD Radeon GPUs: The integrated Intel Iris Xe and AMD Radeon GPUs provide excellent visual performance for everyday tasks, presentations, and light multimedia editing.
  • Up to 2TB PCIe NVMe SSD: EliteBooks offer quick access to data and ample storage space for documents, presentations, and multimedia files with storage options up to 2TB PCIe NVMe SSD.
  • Up to 64GB DDR5 RAM: The latest models support configurations up to 64GB DDR5 RAM that gives these units sufficient memory for running multiple applications and handling large datasets.
  • Advanced security features: You will find that the 2024 EliteBooks have a range of security features, including HP Sure Start, HP Sure Click, HP Sure Sense, and HP Sure View Reflect for added protection against BIOS attacks, malware, and visual hacking.
  • High-resolution displays with privacy options: The EliteBooks feature high-resolution displays up to 4K UHD with options for HP Sure View Reflect that provide extra privacy by limiting viewing angles.
  • Comprehensive port selection: EliteBooks offer a variety of ports, including USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, RJ-45 Ethernet, and up to two Thunderbolt 4 slots.

Overall, the 2024 HP EliteBooks are designed to meet the demands of business professionals by offering a combination of performance, connectivity, and security. You can visit the brand’s official product page for more details.

HP's list of security features
[Source: HP]
Do these features appeal to you?
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EliteBook Pricing Range

EliteBook’s cybersecurity and enterprise-level features packed in a sleek and sophisticated build make these models worth every penny.

Like the ZBook, you can find a lot of good deals online. This series usually retails around $1,605 to $3,315 in the US.

Explore the available and customizable EliteBook Models!
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EliteBook User Profile

HP meant business when they made the EliteBook. These laptops are perfect for professionals whose workflow mostly includes documents, emails, and multimedia. It may not be as robust as the ZBook, but it can handle heavy graphic loads.

EliteBooks are for people who have embraced the concept of remote work and are not willing to compromise security and performance for a more mobile lifestyle.

Need a mobile HP laptop soon?
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HP ZBook vs EliteBook: Designers’ Verdict Is In!

While both laptops are powerful in their own right, the consensus is that ZBook is for creators, while the EliteBook caters to business professionals. Being the ultimate powerhouse between the two, ZBook has been getting rave reviews from architects and designers online.

Architecture Lab even called the ZBook Studio 15 G5 model:

“[A]n absolute win and is probably the best laptop/workstation for a budding architect.”

With HP’s highly customizable range of laptops, students and professionals alike can find a device that matches their needs.

Whether you get the base model or upgrade it to top-tier specifications, ZBooks simply perform.

The same goes for designers. Having a choice between the Firefly for 2D graphics and the more powerful models like the Fury for high-end video and 3D tasks proves to be an impressive feat by HP.

HP ZBook vs EliteBook FAQs

Is HP EliteBook or ZBook better?

The HP ZBook is considered better overall because it packs more powerful processors and offers bigger storage options. It handles demanding apps and multitasking with ease, making it a smooth performer.

Plus, the ZBook often comes with better graphics, which is great for anyone into design or video work.

Which HP ZBook model is best?

The best HP ZBook model is the HP ZBook Fury 16 G10 because its readily upgradable design makes it easily adapt to future enhancements. With its top-tier performance, this workstation packs a serious punch, so it can handle even the most demanding tasks.

It also boasts a stunning 4K display that makes everything look crisp and vibrant.

Still undecided? Check out HP's ready-to-ship bestsellers.
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