Highlights
- The Surface Pro 8’s PixelSense Flow display boasts a higher resolution of 2880 x 1920 pixels and a refresh rate of up to 120Hz, providing a smoother and more responsive user experience.
- The HP Elite x2 G8 features a wide range of connectivity options, including two Thunderbolt 4 ports, two USB-C ports, a microSD card reader, a nano-SIM slot, and a headphone/microphone jack.
- The HP Elite x2 G8 runs on Windows 10 Pro or Windows 11 Pro, while the Surface Pro 8 runs on Windows 11 Home or Windows 11 Pro.
In the realm of business computing, two powerhouses stand tall: the HP Elite x2 G8 and the Microsoft Surface Pro 8. These 2-in-1 convertibles offer a compelling blend of performance, versatility, and portability. But which one reigns supreme? This in-depth comparison will pit the HP Elite x2 G8 against the Surface Pro 8, exploring their key features, advantages, and disadvantages to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Build
The HP Elite x2 G8 boasts a sleek and durable chassis crafted from CNC-machined magnesium alloy. Its 13-inch display is encased in Corning Gorilla Glass 5, ensuring resistance to scratches and dings. The Surface Pro 8, on the other hand, features a premium aluminum build with a 13-inch PixelSense Flow display protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 6. Both devices exude a professional and refined aesthetic.
Display
The HP Elite x2 G8’s 13-inch IPS display offers a resolution of 1920 x 1280 pixels and a peak brightness of 400 nits. It supports multi-touch and a stylus for intuitive input. The Surface Pro 8’s PixelSense Flow display boasts a higher resolution of 2880 x 1920 pixels and a refresh rate of up to 120Hz, providing a smoother and more responsive user experience. It also supports multi-touch and the Surface Pen.
Performance
Under the hood, the HP Elite x2 G8 packs an 11th-generation Intel Core i5 or i7 processor, integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics, and up to 16GB of RAM. The Surface Pro 8 offers a choice of 11th-generation Intel Core i5, i7, or i9 processors, integrated Intel Iris Xe or dedicated NVIDIA GeForce RTX graphics, and up to 32GB of RAM. While both devices provide ample power for everyday tasks and business applications, the Surface Pro 8 has a slight edge in performance-intensive scenarios.
Battery Life
The HP Elite x2 G8 boasts a 46.5Wh battery, while the Surface Pro 8 has a slightly larger 51.5Wh battery. Battery life varies depending on usage patterns, but both devices offer respectable runtimes. In our tests, the HP Elite x2 G8 lasted approximately 8 hours on a single charge, while the Surface Pro 8 lasted around 10 hours.
Connectivity
The HP Elite x2 G8 features a wide range of connectivity options, including two Thunderbolt 4 ports, two USB-C ports, a microSD card reader, a nano-SIM slot, and a headphone/microphone jack. The Surface Pro 8 offers similar connectivity with two Thunderbolt 4 ports, a USB-C port, a microSD card reader, and a Surface Connect port.
Stylus Support
Both the HP Elite x2 G8 and the Surface Pro 8 support active styluses. The HP Active Pen G3 is sold separately, while the Surface Pro 8 comes with the Surface Pen. Both styluses offer precise input and pressure sensitivity, making them ideal for note-taking, sketching, and creative work.
Operating System
The HP Elite x2 G8 runs on Windows 10 Pro or Windows 11 Pro, while the Surface Pro 8 runs on Windows 11 Home or Windows 11 Pro. Windows 11 offers a redesigned interface, improved multitasking features, and enhanced security features.
Verdict
The HP Elite x2 G8 and the Surface Pro 8 are both exceptional 2-in-1 convertibles that cater to the needs of business professionals. The HP Elite x2 G8 offers a durable design, a good display, and solid performance at a competitive price. The Surface Pro 8, on the other hand, boasts a superior display, better performance, and longer battery life, but comes at a higher cost.
Ultimately, the best choice for you depends on your specific requirements and budget. If you prioritize durability, value, and a balanced feature set, the HP Elite x2 G8 is an excellent choice. If you demand the best possible display, performance, and battery life, the Surface Pro 8 is worth the investment.
What You Need to Learn
Q1: Which device has a better processor?
A: The Surface Pro 8 offers a wider range of processor options, including the more powerful 11th-generation Intel Core i9.
Q2: Which device has a longer battery life?
A: The Surface Pro 8 has a slightly larger battery and typically lasts longer on a single charge.
Q3: Which device is more portable?
A: Both devices are highly portable, but the HP Elite x2 G8 is slightly lighter and more compact.
Q4: Which device is better for creative work?
A: The Surface Pro 8’s higher-resolution display and dedicated graphics make it a better choice for creative professionals.
Q5: Which device is more secure?
A: Both devices offer robust security features, including Windows Hello facial recognition and TPM 2.0.