HP EliteBook 845 G9 vs Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5i

The Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5i outperforms the HP EliteBook 845 G9 in gaming and 3D applications primarily due to its more powerful Nvidia RTX 4050 graphics card and higher screen refresh rate of 120Hz, compared to the HP's AMD Radeon 660M GPU and 60Hz refresh rate. While both laptops have capable processors and high-quality IPS displays, the superior GPU and refresh rate in the IdeaPad Pro 5i contribute to smoother visuals and better overall gaming performance.

The Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5i is marked higher for engineering and design due to its more powerful Intel processor and superior Nvidia graphics, making it better suited for demanding software used in those fields, along with a higher-resolution, brighter display which enhances visual precision. Conversely, the HP EliteBook 845 G9, with its AMD processor and graphics, offers a balance of performance suitable for less intensive design tasks, and its lightweight build and lower operating noise could be more appealing for those prioritizing comfort and portability.

The HP EliteBook 845 G9 boasts sufficient resolution and brightness, making its display pleasant for general tasks and engineering work where color accuracy is key, but for gaming and 3D applications, its slower refresh rate hinders smooth visuals. The Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5i offers higher resolution and peak brightness that enhances the experience for both everyday tasks and professional design, ensuring sharp and vivid images, but like the EliteBook, falls short in gaming due to its limited refresh rate which could lead to less fluid motion in fast-paced scenarios. Both laptops prioritize color fidelity and visual clarity over gaming prowess, making them excellent for productivity, but not ideal for the demands of high-frame-rate gaming.

Battery life estimate is based on a mix of common use patterns. More portable and higher performing laptops tend to have less battery life.

The HP EliteBook 845 G9 offers solid general use with a good balance of power and efficiency through its AMD Ryzen CPU and adequate RAM for multitasking, coupled with a high-quality IPS screen and a battery life that supports longer use without a charge, making it highly portable. On the other hand, the Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5i, while heavier, features a higher resolution and larger screen for superior visuals, a powerful Intel i7 CPU and Nvidia graphics suited for more demanding tasks, with tradeoffs in lesser battery life and reduced portability. Both laptops boast considerable storage, backlit keyboards, and various quality-of-life features like fingerprint readers, though the IdeaPad has an edge in gaming capabilities due to its dedicated GPU.

PerfectRec’s Content Creation Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for photo editing, video editing and other content creation tasks.

PerfectRec’s Software Development Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for software developers.

PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.