HP Dragonfly Pro review

HP Dragonfly Pro (2023): the premium chassis that punches up

The HP Dragonfly Pro is a 2023 premium ultrabook with a Ryzen 7 7736U and 32GB of memory at $954. The graphics score of 47.63 sits 1140 percent above the ultrabook-class median of 3.84 — the integrated Radeon holding its own in a category that usually settles for far less — and reliability at 77 runs 51 percent above class. The measured data adds a Far Cry 5 recommended-bar clearance at 38 frames per second.

Where it holds up

This is a sheet with no named weakness and no axis in the low band. Photo at 86 is top-tier — the strongest photo reading among this batch's ultrabooks without a discrete GPU — office at 84.85 is high-band, portability at 65.3 is high-band, gaming at 46 and modeling at 53 are mid-tier, CAD at 47 mid-tier, and performance at 59.6 runs 43 percent above class median. The 10.62 percent annual class-level rate is among the batch's gentler curves.

Where it falls short

No low band, but honest ceilings: gaming at 46 and modeling at 53 are mid-tier — the 7736U's Radeon is strong for integrated, not a discrete-class act — and value at 55.7 mid-tier carries the premium-chassis premium. CAD at 47 is mid-tier. The Dragonfly line's business-first design means the sheet leans balanced rather than spectacular on any single axis.

Price and depreciation

At $954 with an empty dollar ledger, first-year exposure sits with the buyer; the 10.62 percent annual class-level rate is gentle by this batch's standards. The value reading of 55.7 mid-tier prices the chassis and build honestly: capable everywhere, exceptional at photo, and never cheap.

Alternatives to consider

The HP Pavilion Aero 13 (2021) at $739 offers portability at 89.2 — the batch's best — with photo at 83 for $215 less. The ENVY 15 (2021) at $739 brings a true RTX 3050 with photo at 93 if the premium chassis is negotiable. The Dell XPS 13 9310 2-in-1 at $650 is the budget-premium route with a gentler price and weaker creative axes.

Bottom line

Fairly priced for the class. The Dragonfly Pro gives top-tier photo for an integrated-GPU ultrabook, high-band office and portability, a 38 fps measured clearance, and no axis in the low band — with mid-tier gaming, modeling, and value as the honest ceilings of the premium formula. It suits a professional who pays for balance and build in one body.