TechRadar review: HP EliteBook X G2i is a light, expensive AI-ready business laptop

The review says the EliteBook X G2i uses a magnesium alloy chassis and weighs just under a kilogram. Inside is Intel's Core Ultra X7 358H CPU, Intel Arc B390 integrated graphics and an integrated NPU. It has a 14-inch 3K display, a 1TB SSD and 32GB of RAM. According to TechRadar, the integrated NPU enhances AI potential from Copilot and other applications. HP sells the laptop now for £2,445.59 including VAT in the UK, while a similar US configuration costs about $3,599. It is available directly from HP or Amazon.

TechRadar said the magnesium alloy does flex somewhat and could be mistaken for a cheaper design, but the aesthetics support the premium business pricing. The body includes a full-size HDMI port, two Thunderbolt 4 ports with up to 40Gbps, a USB-A port and a slower USB Type-C 3.2 port. The review added that the 3K screen gives extra workspace for laying out documents and presentations.

In testing, TechRadar said the laptop kept pace with Microsoft Office tasks, Lightroom and Photoshop, and CapCut and Premiere Pro. It could handle short 4K edits without missing a frame, though an external SSD was needed to boost storage. The review described the keyboard as a killer keyboard and the integrated graphics as decent. It also said the machine handled Photoshop without issue and rendered Lightroom libraries quickly.

When playing Indiana Jones and the Great Circle and Hogwarts Legacy, the laptop ran them well on standard installation settings, TechRadar said. Crank up the graphics settings and frame rates struggled and fans kicked in. The review said the laptop was not gaming-focused, but it remained capable of playing some of the latest games with reduced graphics settings. TechRadar also listed the lack of upgrade options as a drawback.

TechRadar rated the EliteBook X G2i as one of the best business laptops for users who need more than everyday work. It said the machine supplies more power than most people require, and the balance of ability and cost is well considered when its power and weight are taken into account. However, it remains very expensive, very business-focused and not designed for upgrades.