In Depth Review: HP EliteBook 840 G6 i5-8365U
Are you looking for a laptop at an affordable price without compromising on quality? Then this HP EliteBook 840 G6 might be the solution. This business workhorse has a sturdy metal casing and offers surprisingly good performance for everyday use. In this blog post, you will read all about the strengths and weaknesses of this 14-inch model. You will also discover why buying a refurbished laptop can be a smart choice.
Brief overview of this refurbished HP EliteBook 840 G6
The HP EliteBook 840 G6 comes from HP’s business EliteBook series, known for:
🔵 Robust build quality: Aluminum casing, designed for intensive use
🔵 Versatile connections: USB-A, USB-C, HDMI, LAN port (Ethernet), and sometimes even an SD card reader
🔵 Comfort and ease of use: Backlit keyboard, optional fingerprint scanner, and a privacy shutter for the webcam
🔵 14-inch Full HD screen: A pleasant middle ground between compact and comfortable working
These features make the laptop attractive not only for companies but also for students, home workers, and anyone who wants a reliable laptop.
Solid build quality and durability
While many consumer laptops are mainly made of plastic, the HP EliteBook 840 G6 has a sturdy metal chassis. This provides a premium look and extra protection against drops and bumps. As a result, the laptop generally lasts longer, even if you use it intensively or take it with you regularly on the go.
Watch out for the rubber feet
A known issue with older models is that the rubber feet sometimes come loose. Fortunately, replacement feet cost only a few euros and are easy to replace. It is a small investment that ensures the laptop stands stable again and slips less easily.
Performance and battery life
With the HP EliteBook 840 G6 i5-8365U you can easily:
🔵 Word process, email, and browse
🔵 Video call and do (light) graphic work
🔵 Play movies and series in Full HD
Battery
As with all laptops, battery life decreases after a few years. Some used or refurbished models do not last more than 1 to 2 hours on a full charge. A new battery can extend the lifespan, but that involves extra costs. So consider in advance whether you mainly use the laptop at home or on the go.
Processor: Intel Core i5-8365U
This quad-core CPU (4 cores, 8 threads) has a base frequency of 1.6 GHz and a turbo that can reach around 4.1 GHz. It is powerful enough for:
✅ Office applications: Office, email, web browsing, video calling
✅ Multitasking: Keeping multiple windows and tabs open
✅ Light photo editing: Basic Photoshop or Lightroom tasks
Benchmarks:
🔵 Single-core: Good to very good (the exact score varies but is often around the higher mid-range compared to other 8th gen i5s)
🔵 Multi-core: Sufficient to good for everyday (light) professional applications
Although there are now newer chips that are on paper faster and more energy-efficient, the i5-8365U remains powerful enough for most daily software.
Graphics card: Intel UHD Graphics 620
Although the graphics card is on paper suitable for the latest AAA games and heavy graphic applications, the i5-8365U processor falls short in practice for such tasks. This means the laptop does not have enough power for such demanding software, causing it to overheat and stutter.
Refurbished vs. second-hand
If you decide to purchase an older HP EliteBook 840 G6, you will encounter the terms ‘refurbished’ and ‘second-hand’. Although they are sometimes used interchangeably, there is an important difference:
Second-hand laptop
❌ Usually through private sellers
❌ No fixed warranty
❌ Unclear maintenance history
Refurbished laptop
✅ Professionally inspected, cleaned, and (if necessary) fitted with new parts
✅ Usually warranty (min. 1 year)
✅ Known condition of the casing, battery, and performance
If you choose a refurbished provider with a good reputation, you can be sure that your HP EliteBook 840 G6 is in good condition and can last a long time.
Who is this laptop suitable for?
Thanks to its sturdy design and neat specifications, the HP EliteBook 840 G6 is ideal for:
✅ Home workers: All office tasks, video calling, and multitasking run smoothly
✅ Students: Easy to carry due to the 14-inch size and strong casing
✅ Professionals: Those who need reliability, security features, and various connections
This laptop is less suitable for:
❌ Hardcore gamers: The integrated graphics are not made for heavy games
❌ Professionals who often edit large video or 3D files: The processor and GPU are too light for this
❌ Advanced tech enthusiasts: They may want the latest generation processors and extra features
Final verdict and useful tips
The HP EliteBook 840 G6 remains an excellent option if you are looking for an affordable laptop that is still of high quality. Due to the strong build and good performance for everyday tasks, it is a reliable workhorse. If you buy this laptop as a refurbished laptop, you often benefit from:
✅ A fraction of the original new price
✅ Extra security through warranty and service
✅ Well-checked hardware and possibly a new SSD or battery
Tips when purchasing
❗ Pay attention to the condition of the casing and battery capacity
❗ Check the warranty period the provider offers
❗ Ask about possible upgrades (more RAM or a larger SSD)
Are you ready for a high-quality, business laptop at a modest price? Then definitely consider the HP EliteBook 840 G6. It is easy to find online at various reliable refurbished providers such as Back in Use. This way, you bring home a sustainable, sturdy, and versatile laptop without having to dip into your savings!
