The HP ProBook 440 G8 offers simple business features and is targeted at mobile office users. HP offers the HP ProBook 440 G8 in various equipment configurations. One of them is the model that we have in stock, with an Intel Core i7-1165G7, Intel Iris Xe Graphics G7, 16 GB of working memory, and a 512 GB SSD.
Pros
+robust case
+good maintenance options
+good input devices
+quiet operation
Cons
–RAM only in single-channel configuration
–Wi-Fi 6 not used fully–short warranty period
–no Thunderbolt connection
Case – A robust 14-inch laptop
The workmanship and case design correspond to a large extent to that of the predecessor model.
Connections – No Thunderbolt in the ProBook 440 G8
The number of connections in the ProBook 440 G8 remains identical to that of the predecessor, only their positions were changed. The standards of the USB ports were also improved.
SD Card Reader
The ProBook 440 G8 only offers a microSD card reader. Using our AV PRO microSD 128 GB V60 reference storage card, the card reader achieves very good read and write rates, placing the HP laptop at the top of our test field.
Communication
In addition to Bluetooth 5, the ProBook 440 G8 now also supports Wi-Fi 6. However, using our reference router, the transfer rates remain at the same level as those from the predecessor model with Wi-Fi 5. These values are also confirmed in several test runs.
Webcam
The ProBook 440 G8 is also only equipped with one of the widely-used, low-resolution 0.9-MP webcams. The image quality is correspondingly mediocre.
Security
In addition to a fingerprint sensor, a TPM module, and an infrared camera for Windows Hello, HP delivers the ProBook 440 G8 with numerous security software applications such as the HP Client Security Manager Gen 6, for example.
Accessories
The box of the HP laptop only includes a 45-Watt charger, but you can purchase additional generic laptop accessories on the manufacturer’s website.
Maintenance
The case bottom of the ProBook 440 G8 remains in place tightly fixed, even after all the screws have been removed from the bottom. Once you have managed to open the laptop, you can access the working memory and SSD, allowing you to replace or expand them. In our test unit, one RAM slot remains unoccupied.
Warranty
HP offers buyers of the ProBook 440 G8 a warranty period of 12 months, which can be extended at an additional cost.
Display – A matte VA panel that could be brighter
The display of the HP ProBook 440 G8 consists of a 14-inch VA panel that offers a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. At an average of 230 cd/m², the maximum brightness is slightly below the level of our selected competitors. The same goes for the brightness distribution of 82%. HP does not use PWM to control the brightness, which should be a positive point for users with sensitive eyes.
In addition to the display model of our test unit, HP also offers a VA panel with 1366 x 768 pixels and another 1920 x 1080 pixel panel with touchscreen functionality.
Performance – The single-channel RAM becomes noticeable
HP has equipped the ProBook 440 G8 with current processors from Intel’s Tiger Lake generation. In combination with various configuration options for the working memory and storage, there is sufficient performance for office applications.
While the integrated graphics unit of the CPU is suitable for less demanding graphics tasks, the HP laptop is also offered with an optional Nvidia GeForce MX450.
Processor
The Intel Core i7-1165G7 used in our test unit is a quad-core processor that is able to run up to eight threads simultaneously. The clock speeds are between 2.8 and 4.7 GHz, with the actual performance also depending on the configured TDP. HP has configured the CPU with a PL1 of 14 watts and a PL2 of 17 watts. With this, the performance is at a level at the middle of our test field.
Our Cinebench R15 constant load test also shows that the performance of the CPU drops by about 8% under longer load, a value that also corresponds to the average of comparable devices.
System Performance
In the PCMark-10 test to evaluate the system performance, the ProBook 440 G8 only achieves one of the lower places in our test field. However, in the single disciplines for “Essentials” and “Digital Content Creation,” it is sufficient for the middle of the field. In everyday operation, the HP laptop always runs smoothly, without showing any micro stutters or anything similar.
Graphics Card
In the HP ProBook 440 G8, the internal graphics unit of the CPU is responsible for the display of image content. While the Intel Iris Xe Graphics G7 used here would benefit from a dual-channel configuration of the working memory, the 16 GB RAM in our test unit are configured only in single-channel mode. Correspondingly, the results in the benchmarks also turn out lower than in other devices with this graphics unit.
Gaming Performance
The lack of a dual-channel configuration of the working memory is also noticeable during gaming. Although you can reproduce older games still fairly smoothly, in Full-HD resolution or higher graphics settings, the frame rates will drop quickly. The HP ProBook 440 G8 is only suited for older games or those with low demands on the graphics performance.
Speakers
The speakers of the HP ProBook 440 G8 produce a medium volume and a sound spectrum that emphasizes the higher frequencies. While voice content can be reproduced well with this, it is not suited for anything like music consumption.
Power Consumption
With an average power consumption of 6.2 watts in idle operation and 34.7 watts under load, the ProBook 440 G8 has an average power consumption. The included charger has a power output of 45 watts, so it is sufficiently large.
Verdict – HP’s ProBook 440 G8 is a solid laptop
The HP ProBook 440 also remains faithful to its concept in the 8th generation. The workmanship is solid and the system performance more than sufficient for everyday tasks. Due to the good maintenance options, the performance can also be optimized by adding a second RAM module for dual-channel operation. The input devices are also well-suited for frequent use.
With a Tiger Lake CPU, HP improves the system performance in the ProBook 440 G8, but it is just barely able to keep up with the competitors.
In the direct comparison with the competitors, small details often influence the purchase decision. Users who value a long battery life should better look elsewhere for alternatives. It is also unfortunate that the included charger is insufficient for using the quick-charge function. But for those who are not bothered by such things, a closer look at the HP ProBook 440 G8 is worthwhile.