At Tech Transformation, we’ve taken the time to extensively test the HP EliteBook Ultra G1q, the company’s latest ARM-based business laptop powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite processor. In this review, we’ll walk you through all aspects of this device—from its design and performance to the software features and battery life, giving you an honest, unbiased opinion on whether it’s right for you. We’ve spent time exploring its strengths and weaknesses, and this review is the result of our hands-on testing.
HP EliteBook Ultra G1q: What’s Good and What’s Not?
Design: Sleek, Light, and Premium Feel
First things first—the design. The HP EliteBook Ultra G1q is sleek and professional-looking. With dimensions of 312.9 x 223.5 x 11.23mm and weighing 1.349kg, it’s a lightweight machine that’s easy to carry around, making it an ideal companion for business professionals who are always on the move. The aluminum finish, crafted with 50% recycled material, feels premium, and the Atmosphere Blue color gives it a distinctive, fresh look compared to the typical silver or black laptops you often see in the business world.
What we like:
- Slim and lightweight—easy to carry around, even in a crowded bag.
- MIL-STD-810H certification, meaning it can withstand some tough conditions like temperature fluctuations and vibrations.
What could be better:
- The blue finish looks great but is prone to fingerprints, so be prepared to wipe it down regularly if you’re concerned about looks.
- Port selection is limited, offering only two USB Type-C ports, a USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A port, and a 3.5mm audio jack. If you need more options like HDMI or a microSD card slot, you’ll have to carry a USB hub.
Display: Good but Not Great
The display on the HP EliteBook Ultra G1q is a 14-inch IPS touchscreen with a 2.2K resolution (1400 x 2240 pixels). It’s a solid screen for general productivity, delivering sharp text and decent color reproduction. However, compared to an OLED display, the color saturation here falls short, and the 60Hz refresh rate might feel sluggish for those accustomed to higher refresh rates.
What we like:
- Crisp and clear visuals for productivity tasks.
- Touchscreen is responsive, making it convenient for quick interactions.
What could be better:
- Brightness is capped at 300 nits, which is on the lower side. It struggles in bright environments, especially outdoors.
- The 60Hz refresh rate is standard but falls behind modern expectations, particularly for those used to smoother experiences with 120Hz displays.
Keyboard, Touchpad, and Webcam: Practical, Yet Room for Improvement
The keyboard on the EliteBook Ultra G1q is backlit, which is a plus for working in dim environments. The key travel is shallow, and while it’s comfortable for general typing, it doesn’t offer the level of feedback that some users might prefer. The layout is also slightly unusual, with the up and down arrow keys raised higher than the left and right ones, which can be a bit jarring at first.
The touchpad is large and smooth, handling gestures and taps without any issues. For those who rely on precise input, this is a definite win.
What we like:
- The 5-megapixel webcam delivers impressive video quality for business calls—definitely a standout feature.
- Windows Hello support through an IR-based camera adds an extra layer of convenience and security.
- Large, responsive touchpad that works well for daily tasks.
What could be better:
- The keyboard could use stronger feedback for more comfortable typing.
- The lack of a physical fingerprint sensor might be an inconvenience for users who rely on it for quick security access.
Performance: The ARM Architecture’s Pros and Cons
Here’s where things get interesting. The HP EliteBook Ultra G1q is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite processor, marking a significant shift toward ARM architecture for Windows laptops. While this architecture is efficient for everyday productivity tasks like web browsing, word processing, and watching videos, it struggles when handling more demanding workloads that rely on x86 architecture, such as Adobe Creative Cloud or other high-performance apps. If your work involves resource-heavy programs, the ARM chipset might not deliver the same performance as traditional Intel or AMD processors.
What we like:
- Great for daily tasks—web browsing, writing, and creating presentations all run smoothly.
- ARM architecture helps improve battery efficiency, leading to longer battery life.
What could be better:
- Intensive tasks, especially those using x86 apps, may cause performance bottlenecks. Users who depend on software like Adobe Creative Cloud or run complex databases may experience limitations.
- The Adreno GPU is decent for casual tasks but not powerful enough for demanding applications like 4K video editing or modern gaming.
Battery Life: A Major Advantage
The HP EliteBook Ultra G1q excels when it comes to battery life. Thanks to the efficiency of the Snapdragon X Elite processor, the laptop easily lasts between 12 to 14 hours with moderate use, far surpassing many Intel or AMD-based counterparts. Additionally, it supports fast charging, with the ability to charge from 10% to full in about two hours using a 65W USB Type-C adapter.
What we like:
- Exceptional battery life—perfect for professionals who need a device that can last through long workdays without searching for a power outlet.
- Fast charging feature gets you back up to speed quickly.
What could be better:
- None to mention here—this is an area where the HP EliteBook Ultra G1q truly shines.
Software: AI Integration That Adds Value
The HP EliteBook Ultra G1q comes pre-installed with Windows 11 Pro and a new HP AI Companion application. This is an exciting addition for anyone looking to boost their productivity with the help of artificial intelligence. The AI Companion offers four main features: Ask, Analyze, Discover, and Perform. Each one serves a different purpose—whether it’s answering questions, analyzing documents, providing tool recommendations, or monitoring performance. We found the Analyze feature to be particularly useful, as it allows you to upload documents and analyze data, which can be a game-changer for researchers or anyone managing large amounts of information.
What we like:
- AI-powered features like the Chatbot and document analyzer can significantly streamline workflows.
- Wolf Pro Security adds an extra layer of protection for business users.
What could be better:
- The storage limit for document analysis is capped at 100MB, which could be restrictive for users working with large files.
Who Should Buy the HP EliteBook Ultra G1q?
- Frequent Travelers and Professionals: If you need a lightweight and portable laptop that delivers good battery life, this laptop is a great option. The sleek design and long-lasting battery are ideal for those always on the go.
- Everyday Users: For users who need a laptop for general productivity tasks like word processing, web browsing, and presentations, the EliteBook Ultra G1q performs well.
- Early Adopters of ARM-Based Laptops: If you’re excited about the potential of ARM architecture and want to explore a laptop built on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite, this is one of the first in the market.
Who Should Avoid the HP EliteBook Ultra G1q?
- Creative Professionals: If your work revolves around graphic design, video editing, or 3D rendering, the Adreno GPU and ARM architecture may not meet your performance needs.
- Users Dependent on x86 Software: If you regularly use legacy or resource-heavy applications that don’t support ARM, such as Adobe Creative Cloud or specialized business software, you may experience performance issues or incompatibilities.
Final Thoughts: Is the HP EliteBook Ultra G1q Worth It?
The HP EliteBook Ultra G1q is a well-rounded business laptop that stands out for its design, battery life, and the innovative use of AI-powered software. While it’s an excellent choice for everyday productivity, it does have limitations when it comes to more intensive tasks. The ARM architecture shows promise, but compatibility with legacy software is still a work in progress.
If you’re looking for a sleek, portable, and efficient laptop for general business use, the EliteBook Ultra G1q might be the right choice. However, if you need top-tier performance for creative work or specialized software, you might want to consider other options.
