HP EliteBook 820 G4 review

Where the EliteBook 820 G4 stands

The HP EliteBook 820 G4 is a 2016 business ultrabook whose defining feature is weight. At 1.26 kg, it is 21% lighter than the business-class median of 1.6 kg — genuinely ultralight for its category. At roughly $246, it costs less than the median of $297. The trade-offs are steep: no graphics capability, below-average CPU performance, and a reliability score near the bottom of the category. This is a machine for buyers who prioritize portability above all else and who do not need computing power.

Ultralight build

The EliteBook 820 G4's standout attribute is its weight. At 1.26 kg, it is firmly in ultralight territory — lighter than most business laptops in the refurbished market. For professionals who carry their laptop constantly — salespeople, consultants, field workers — this is the primary selling point. The 12.5-inch form factor contributes to both the low weight and a compact footprint that fits easily in any bag.

Limited computing power

Where the 820 G4 falls short is performance. A GPU score of zero means no graphics headroom whatsoever — this machine relies on basic integrated graphics that cannot handle gaming, video editing, or GPU-accelerated work. The CPU score of 20.6 is 61% below the category median, and the reliability index of 12 is 72% below average. In practical terms, this laptop handles web browsing, email, document editing, and office applications adequately, but anything more demanding will be slow. Buyers should have realistic expectations: this is a lightweight terminal for basic productivity, not a performance machine.

Price trajectory

The EliteBook 820 G4 has depreciated at roughly 7.2% per year from an estimated $1,300 launch price to today's $246. The projected price two years out is approximately $212, a further 14% decline. This is a mature depreciation curve with minimal remaining loss.

How it compares

In the $225-$285 refurbished range, the HP ProBook 650 G3 ($282) and Lenovo ThinkPad E485 ($275) sit above, while the Dell Vostro 15 3559 ($225) and HP ProBook 445R G6 ($225) sit below. The 820 G4's advantage is weight — at 1.26 kg, none of these alternatives are as light. The trade-off is that competitors at similar prices offer more computing power. Buyers who need the lightest possible laptop will accept the performance compromise; buyers who need performance should look at the heavier alternatives.

Bottom line

The EliteBook 820 G4 is worth the asking price at $246 for buyers whose top priority is weight. At 1.26 kg, it is one of the lightest business laptops in this price range. The zero GPU score, below-average CPU, and low reliability index are the honest caveats — this is a basic productivity machine, not a performance tool. For mobile professionals who need to carry their laptop all day and whose work is browser- and document-based, it is a practical ultralight pick. For anything computationally demanding, the performance ceiling will be a frustration.