HP EliteBook Ultra G1q AI PC review: A powerful business laptop

Laptops are becoming more than just work tools, and HP is changing how we perceive laptops with the new EliteBook Ultra G1q, a business laptop packed with AI features. In a world where efficiency, speed, and portability are important, the EliteBook Ultra G1q promises to take things up a notch with its Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite Platform processor and AI features tailored to make work life smoother.

It’s not just another sleek business laptop — this one’s got brains, literally. Imagine having a laptop that not only keeps up with your demanding schedule but also proactively manages tasks like noise cancellation during calls, ensuring you look good on video calls no matter the lighting. HP is calling it an “AI companion” for professionals, and after using it for several weeks, I can see why.

The EliteBook Ultra G1q seems to have ticked all the right boxes, with its AI-driven features aimed at boosting productivity, paired with a sleek, ultra-thin design. But can it really live up to its bold promises? Let’s dive into the details and see how this laptop fares in the real world.
Lightweight yet durable

When I first picked up the HP EliteBook Ultra G1q, I immediately noticed how lightweight and portable it is. Weighing in at just 1.349 kg and with a thickness of only 14.4 mm, this is the kind of laptop that’s designed to be carried around effortlessly, whether you’re running between meetings or working remotely from a café.I carried this laptop to the office daily, and it didn’t feel heavy or uncomfortable. One thing I really liked is how easily I could open and close the lid with one hand—super convenient. The design is minimalistic but looks premium, especially with the atmospheric blue aluminium chassis. I can’t stress enough how much I appreciate HP stepping away from the usual blacks and silvers. It adds a fresh and stylish touch that stands out.

The overall design is sleek but doesn’t compromise on durability. HP made sure that, despite its thin profile, the EliteBook Ultra G1q feels sturdy in hand. The redesigned hinge is another nice touch. Whether I was working from home or on the go, I felt confident it could handle the knocks and bumps of daily use. However, if you’re a bit rough with your devices, the ultra-thin design might make you second-guess its toughness.

The laptop has two USB-C ports and no ethernet port, so you will have to use a connector there to get things done. I wish there was an USB port and a microSD slot too. However, I was happy to find a 3.5 mm headphone jack, which allowed me to plug my earphones while working.

The keyboard on this laptop feels great to type on. The keys are tactile and the feedback is satisfying, which makes long typing sessions comfortable. I also appreciate the key travel—it’s just right and adds to the overall typing experience. However, the touchpad isn’t as impressive. It’s functional, but not as smooth as a MacBook’s. I found myself having to apply more pressure than I would like to get things done. It’s not a dealbreaker, but if you’re used to a smoother experience, you might notice the difference here.

Display: Vibrant but not too bright

The 14-inch diagonal 16:10 touchscreen display on this laptop is a delight to use. With its 2.2K resolution, everything from documents to movies and web series looks sharp and vibrant. I really enjoyed streaming videos and working on this display. The colours are rich, and text appears crisp, making it suitable for both entertainment and productivity.

The 300nits brightness is adequate for indoor use. Whether I was working under normal lighting or sitting in a dimmer room, the brightness was more than sufficient. However, it did struggle outdoors, especially under direct sunlight, where visibility became an issue. But honestly, that’s not a dealbreaker because most of us don’t work outdoors often, especially during the scorching summer months. It could be a bit tricky if you’re trying to work outside during winter.

I didn’t find the display overly reflective, which is a plus when you’re working near windows or under indoor lighting. The touchscreen functionality was smooth and responsive, making it easy to navigate apps and documents with simple taps and swipes. While it may not be the brightest screen out there, for business and everyday tasks, it does the job efficiently and without any major complaints.

Impressive performance

When it comes to performance, the HP EliteBook Ultra G1q really surprised me. It’s powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite Platform processor, which is quite impressive for a business laptop. I’ve been using it for my daily work, which includes a lot of writing and constant multitasking. On an average day, I have about 20 tabs open at once, with plenty of social media apps running in the background. The laptop handled all of this smoothly without any noticeable slowdown, even with heavy browser usage. It’s definitely capable of keeping up with a busy workday.I also did not find the laptop heating up at any given point of time, I had the device switched on for 9 hours straight with apps constantly running in the background.

As far as the benchmarking scores are concerned, the laptop managed to score a decent 2196 in the Geekbench single core test and 13,694 in the multi-core test.

The laptop is AI-powered, so like most laptops these you will find a dedicated Copilot key, which will instantly summon the chatbot when you press it. Other than that there are a couple of AI-driven optimisations, like background noise cancellation during calls and video conferencing enhancements, really set this laptop apart from the competition.

That said, don’t expect the laptop to handle heavy gaming or graphics-intensive tasks effortlessly. The Qualcomm Adreno graphics are good enough for most business needs but won’t replace a dedicated graphics card if you’re into design work or serious gaming. But for the average professional juggling meetings, emails, and a bit of light multimedia, it’s more than enough.

Impressive longevity

Battery life is often the dealbreaker when choosing a laptop, and I was pleasantly surprised by the EliteBook Ultra G1q. The laptop comfortably lasted me through a full workday and I mean 9 hours—and then some. Even with multiple apps running and video calls, I didn’t feel the anxiety of constantly looking for a charger.
Plus, the HP Fast Charge feature is a lifesaver when you’re in a rush. I could juice up the battery to 50 per cent in just 30 minutes, which is perfect for quick breaks between meetings. The battery performance can take a hit with more intensive tasks like extended video calls or running resource-heavy apps, but overall, it’s more than capable of lasting through busy work days without fuss.

Should you buy the HP EliteBook Ultra G1q?

The HP EliteBook Ultra G1q is a solid choice for professionals who need a lightweight, portable laptop packed with AI-driven features. Its Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite Platform processor ensures smooth multitasking, making it perfect for busy workdays. AI tools like noise cancellation and video enhancement during calls are great productivity boosters. With a premium design, strong build quality, and an impressive 14-inch display, this laptop is not just functional but also stylish. Plus, its long-lasting battery, which easily handles 9 hours of work, and quick charging make it reliable for on-the-go use.

If you’re into heavy gaming or graphics-intensive tasks, the HP EliteBook Ultra G1q might not be for you. Its Qualcomm Adreno graphics are good for business tasks but won’t replace a dedicated graphics card for high-performance needs. Additionally, the laptop’s touchpad feels less responsive compared to some competitors like MacBooks, and the lack of an Ethernet port and limited connectivity options might be inconvenient for some. Finally, outdoor visibility on the display isn’t great, making it less ideal for those who work outside often.