HP ZBook Firefly 15 & 14 G7 – the mobile workhorse that means business
HP’s latest laptop for business and enterprise users, the ZBook Firefly G7 is available with 14-inch and 15.6-inch display. These ultralight mobile workstations are not short in specs, wrapped in a clean and minimalist chassis that means business.
Designed for the workforce on the move while needing pro-level performance and reliability, the HP ZBook Firefly 15 and 14 G7 will work perfectly both in the field and in the office, crunching through everything you can throw at it.
A true mobile workhorse that will rival even the mainstream desktop workstations, the HP ZBook Firefly is a mobile workstation for creators, architects and designers as well as office power users.
The Configurations
The latest generation ZBook Firefly is not only the smallest but the lightest in both iterations, 14 and 15. Both iterations support NVIDIA Quadro P520 GPU with dedicated 4GB GDDR memory. Powered by 10th generation Intel Core i7, the highest of the two models from each iterations, 14 and 15 use the following processor, memory, storage and GPU.
- Intel® Core™ i7-10610U (1.8 GHz base frequency, up to 4.9 GHz with Intel® Turbo Boost Technology, 8 MB L3 cache, 4 cores)
- 32 GB memory
- 1 TB PCIe® NVMe™ SSD storage
- NVIDIA® Quadro® P520 (4 GB GDDR5 dedicated)
On the other hand, the lower of the two models from each iterations, 14 and 15 use the following processor, memory, storage and GPU.
- Intel® Core™ i7-10510U (1.8 GHz base frequency, up to 4.9 GHz with Intel® Turbo Boost Technology, 8 MB L3 cache, 4 cores)
- 16 GB memory
- 512 GB PCIe® NVMe™ M.2 SSD storage
- NVIDIA® Quadro® P520 (4 GB GDDR5 dedicated)
The Differences
The differences here other than size of display are the processor, size of memory and size of storage. We will talk about the differences between the two processors used as well as memory and storage configurations.
Processors
First off, the processors. Both are based on the Comet Lake power efficient parts. A quad-core SoC for notebook, they support higher memory speeds of up to DDR4-2666 and run at the same base speed of 1.8GHz and the same Turbo frequency at 4.9GHz. They also support HyperThreading going up to 8 threads.
Other similarities shared between the two chips are 8MB Intel Smart Cache, supports up to 64GB system memory use the same integrated Intel HD Graphics 620 and are produced using 14nm process. Being an efficient chip, the TDP is set at 15 Watt although this can be varied to suit the application and need to balance power usage from 10 to 25 Watt.
So how are the two chip different. One word, vPro. The higher Intel Core i7-10610U supports vPro, a platform that combines a set of hardware and technologies for premium performance, security, manageability and platform stability. This is the only thing that sets it apart from the lower Intel Core i7-10510U. You can find out more about the Intel vPro Platform on this page: What is Intel vPro Platform?
Memory and Storage
Next, we have the different memory and storage sizes. For memory, these are configured as either 32GB GB DDR4-2666 SDRAM memory or 16 GB DDR4-2666 SDRAM memory over 2 SODIMM interface. It is worth noting that the memory modules are soldered down so those who wish for more memory will need to go for the 32GB option at the time of purchase. For storage, this is paired according to the size of the memory, with the bigger 1 TB PCIe® NVMe™ SSD storage offered with 32GB memory and 512 GB PCIe® NVMe™ SSD offered with 16GB memory.
Display
Another big difference between the two models, HP ZBook Firefly 15 and 14 is undoubtedly the displays. Here is how they differ in size and resolution.
For the 15-inch model you get a choice of two displays; 15.6-inch at 4K or FHD resolution.
- 39.6 cm (15.6″) UHD Anti-Glare LED UWVA 400 for WWAN for HD Webcam + IR bent Low PowerALSensor (3840×2160)
- 39.6 cm (15.6″) diagonal FHD IPS anti-glare WLED-backlit, 400 nits, 72% NTSC (1920 x 1080)
For the 14-inch model, you get a choice of three displays; 14-inch at 4K or FHD resolution.
- 35.56 cm (14″) diagonal 4K IPS anti-glare WLED-backlit, 400 nits, 72% NTSC (3840 x 2160)
- 35.56 cm (14″) diagonal FHD IPS anti-glare WLED-backlit with privacy screen, 1000 nits, 72% NTSC (1920 x 1080)
- 35.56 cm (14″) diagonal FHD IPS anti-glare WLED-backlit touch screen, 250 nits, 45% NTSC (1920 x 1080)
Whichever one you choose, you are guaranteed a quality display with high contrast, brightness and colour accuracy, all with the exception of the cheaper 14-inch Full HD panel which is only capable of 250 nits and 45% NTSC due to touchscreen integration. If you have to choose a 14-inch Full HD display and have no need for touch interface, pick the 14-inch Full HD with privacy screen. It is a far brighter and more superior display.
Dimensions
Of course, when the laptops come with different display sizes, they are bound to be different in size and weight. Even so, the 15-inch model is not very much thicker at 1.92 cm, making it only 0.13 cm or 1.3mm thicker than the 14-inch model. However, the biggest difference is in how heavy they weight. The 15-inch model is 340grams heavier at 1.75kg while the 14-inch model is a lightweight 1.41kg. For comparison, the MacBook Pro 13 weighs 1.4kg while the MacBook Pro 16 weighs 2.0 kg.
- HP ZBook Firefly 14 G 7 Dimensions and Weight: 35.95 x 23.36 x 1.92 cm, from 1.75kg
- HP ZBook Firefly 14 G 7 Dimensions and Weight: 32.3 x 21.46 x 1.79 cm, from 1.41kg
Lastly, only the HP ZBook Firely 15 laptops are offered with 4G connectivity. HP ZBook Firefly 14.
Final Thoughts
These lightweight and super compact mobile workstations mean business. With its efficient yet powerful processor and NVIDIA Quadro graphics certified for pro apps, it will take on desktop level heavy workloads and come out the other side unscathed. In fact, it will run multiple CPU-heavy programs simultaneously without lag, opening large files and executing multiple tasks quickly.
Comparing the HP ZBook Firefly 14-inch to MacBook Pro 13, the clear advantages are the new Intel Core i7 processor, the 550nit or 1000nit super bright display depending on your chosen model and the dedicated Nvidia Quadro P520 graphics.
Together with blazing fast and generous amount of memory and storage, you won’t be held back by the limits of technology. PCIe storage is up to six times faster than SATA SSD storage. The 10th generation Intel chip while not hexa-core or octa-core is a mobile and energy efficient chip much suited for mobile workstation. It also has three times faster WiFi with WiFi 6 and gigabit-class 4G while keeping its battery life long enough for a full days work. When it needs to be topped up, HP Fast Charge will take it from zero to 50% in just 30 minutes.
The metal casing is MIL-STD 810G certified for ruggedness and durability. Inside it, HP squeezes in a battery that the company says can deliver up to 17 hours of runtime.
Attention and care have also gone into the design of its keyboard. HP’s spill-resistant keyboard design includes drain hole to allow accidental spillage to flow through the keyboard to the bottom for easy fo cleaning. You can also use the HP Collaboration Keyboard Launch shortcut keys to manage calls when using Skype® with HP Noise Cancellation microphone. These shortcut keys, let you start/stop call, calendar and screen share for efficient and effective collaboration.
Editor’s Choice
HP ZBook Firefly 15 G7 15.6″ UHD Mobile Workstation with i7 & NVIDIA® Quadro® P520
- Windows 10 Pro for Workstations 64
- Intel® Core™ i7-10610U (1.8 GHz base frequency, up to 4.9 GHz with Intel® Turbo Boost Technology, 8 MB L3 cache, 4 cores)
- 39.6 cm (15.6″) UHD Anti-Glare LED UWVA 400 for WWAN for HD Webcam + IR bent Low PowerALSensor (3840×2160)
- 32 GB memory; 1 TB PCIe® NVMe™ SSD storage; NVIDIA® Quadro® P520 (4 GB GDDR5 dedicated)
Specifications
| Operating system | Windows 10 Pro for Workstations 64 – HP recommends Windows 10 Pro for business |
|---|---|
| PROCESSOR | |
| Chipset | Intel® Integrated SoC |
| Processor family | 10th Generation Intel® Core™ i7 processor |
| Processor | Intel® Core™ i7-10610U (1.8 GHz base frequency, up to 4.9 GHz with Intel® Turbo Boost Technology, 8 MB L3 cache, 4 cores) |
| DRIVES | |
| Internal Storage | 1 TB PCIe® NVMe™ SSD |
| GRAPHIC SUBSYSTEM | |
| Graphics | Integrated |
| Graphics (integrated) | Intel® UHD Graphics |
| Graphics | Discrete |
| Graphics (discrete) | NVIDIA® Quadro® P520 (4 GB GDDR5 dedicated) |
| Graphic card footnote number | [12,32] |
| Graphics card form factor | PCIe x16 |
| CONNECTIVITY AND COMMUNICATIONS | |
| I/O Port location | Left side |
| Ports | 1 headphone/microphone combo 1 USB 3.1 Gen 1 1 USB 3.1 Gen 1 (charging) |
| I/O Port location | Right side |
| Ports | 1 power connector 1 HDMI 1.4b 2 USB Type-C™ (Thunderbolt™ 3) |
| Network interface | Intel® Wi-Fi 6 AX201 (2×2) and Bluetooth® 5 combo, vPro™ |
| Expansion slots | 1 smart card reader |
| Network interface | Intel® Wi-Fi 6 AX201 (2×2) and Bluetooth® 5 combo, vPro™ |
| Network interface | Near Field Communication (NFC) module |
| Network interface type | WLAN |
| Network interface type | NFC |
| MULTIMEDIA AND INPUT DEVICES | |
| Audio features | Audio by Bang & Olufsen, dual stereo speakers, HP World Facing Microphone dual array digital microphone, functions keys for volume up and down, combo microphone/headphone jack, HD audio |
| Keyboard | HP Premium Collaboration Keyboard – spill-resistant, full-size, backlit keyboard with DuraKeys |
| Pointing device | Clickpad with multi-touch gesture support |
| Camera | 720p HD IR camera |
| BATTERY AND POWER | |
| Battery type | HP Long Life 3-cell, 56 Wh Li-ion polymer |
| Power | 65 W USB Type-C™ adapter |
| Battery recharge time | Supports battery fast charge: approximately 50% in 30 minutes |
| WEIGHTS | |
| Weight | Starting at 1.75 kg |
| SOFTWARE AND APPLICATIONS | |
| Software included | Bing search for IE11 Buy Office CyberLink Power Media Player HP Hotkey Support HP Noise Cancellation Software HP Performance Advisor HP Recovery Manager HP Support Assistant HP JumpStart HP Mobile Connect Pro Native Miracast support HP Connection Optimizer |
| Software footnote number | [18,19,20,21,22,23,35] |
| SECURITY MANAGEMENT | |
| Security management | Absolute persistence module HP Device Access Manager HP Power On Authentication Security lock slot Trusted Platform Module TPM 2.0 Embedded Security Chip Master Boot Record security Pre-boot authentication Microsoft Security Defender HP Secure Erase HP Manageability Integration Kit HP Support Assistant HP BIOSphere with HP Sure Start HP Sure Recover HP Sure Recover with Embedded Reimaging |
| Fingerprint reader | Fingerprint reader |
| Security management footnote number | [24,25,26,31,38,40,42,43,44,45,46,48] |
| DIMENSIONS | |
| Minimum dimensions (W x D x H) | 35.95 x 23.36 x 1.92 cm |
| DISPLAY SPECIFICATIONS | |
| Display footnote number | [11,33,34,36,37] |
| Display | 39.6 cm (15.6″) diagonal FHD IPS anti-glare WLED-backlit, 400 nits, 72% NTSC (1920 x 1080) |
| MEMORY | |
| Memory | 32 GB DDR4-2666 SDRAM (2 x 16 GB) |
| Memory layout (slots & size) | 2 x 16 GB |
| Memory Slots | 2 SODIMM supports dual channel |
| Standard memory note | Transfer rates up to 2666 MT/s. |
| Memory and storage | 32 GB memory 1 TB SSD storage |
