HP ProBook 440 G9 Review: Efficient Core i7

The HP ProBook 440 G9 that we tested offers a lot of familiar features. In particular, the exterior seems almost unchanged compared to its predecessor, the HP ProBook 440 G8. More information about the chassis and input devices can be found in the ProBook 440 G8's review linked before, but we will only mention them in passing here.

An IPS panel is now installed instead of a VA panel, even though our measurements can hardly stir up any enthusiasm.

That's not all, however. HP primarily promises a fast performance, low emissions even during high loads, and lots of security for the stored data. Small and medium-sized businesses especially buy additional security features with the ProBook, which their own IT department cannot take over. Otherwise, businesses also have choice of even more powerful laptops for just over €1,000, such as a Lenovo ThinkBook 14 G4.

In the test, the ProBook 440 G9 with Intel Core i7-1255U, 16 GB RAM, and 512 GB M.2 SSD shows where the improvements or new weaknesses lie when compared to its predecessor, the ProBook 440 G8 or to the version of the ProBook with AMD processor.

With an aluminum lid and keyboard frame, the ProBook 440 G9's chassis is stable and torsion resistant. It also appears to be precisely manufactured and spares any visual conspicuities.

The selection of ports is limited. Thunderbolt or an SD card reader are completely missing, while the LAN port only reaches 1 Gbit/s. Only the USB Type-C at least reaches 10 Gbit/s. As a basic selection, it is okay.

A RAM slot and a slot for a second M.2 SSD or a WWAN module are still free inside. The primary SSD, battery, WLAN module, and the complete working memory are replaceable. Accessing the innards is similar to other HP laptops and can be accomplished with almost no effort — only five exposed screws have to be removed.

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A big plus point of the ProBook is its software offering. HP provides a whole range of programs that always ensure up-to-date drivers and can detect various software conflicts. HP Wolf Security is a comprehensive security package. Basically, everything is included from protection against malware via a built-in sandbox browser to protected hardware that helps to restore the original system after an attack. The associated license has to be renewed after one year.

Thanks to Wi-Fi 6E, data transfer is very fast even with large amounts of data. If the distance to the router is small enough, even the LAN cable would be slower. The difference is enormous, especially in comparison to the HP ProBook 445 G8 with an AMD processor.

The two-level backlit keyboard is not very remarkable. It is suitable for quick typing but is not better than most chiclet keyboards.

The webcam convinces with good brightening of even extremely dark scenes. The image noise also remains decent, while the overall image quality is weak on the 720p webcam. Color deviations are present but not very pronounced. A dual-array microphone always records the sound in decent quality and relatively constant volume, but it sounds tinny. However, this is perfectly sufficient for video telephony on the go.

In addition, a physical shutter is installed to cover the lens. Next to the webcam is also an infrared camera for unlocking via face recognition. It works flawlessly and should render the fingerprint scanner somewhat redundant.

The ProBook 440 G9 offers a picture that is sufficient for writing, reading, and working. The Full HD resolution on a 14-inch diagonal provides detailed pictures. However, these are neither very color-intensive nor particularly bright. The color palette is at most sufficient for the correct display of pictures and graphics but would already be overtaxed in simple image editing.

The brightness of just under 250 cd/m² always allows good legibility indoors as long as no direct light falls on the workstation. The backlight is reduced to a minimum in battery mode, so text can only be read sufficiently well in a shady place, especially outdoors. In contrast, the screen content is almost hidden in sunlight.

* ... smaller is better

In comparison: 53 % of all tested devices do not use PWM to dim the display. If PWM was detected, an average of 19035 (minimum: 5 - maximum: 3846000) Hz was measured.

Besides a limited color palette, the color fidelity is also rather low. Color deviations are visible to the naked eye.

However, for a classic work device that the ProBook is, this is not a disadvantage.

The Intel Alder Lake Core i7-1255U processor stands out when looking at the hardware. In addition, there is enough working memory of 16 GB and a decently sized 512 GB SSD. However, the RAM is still DDR4. The SSD runs on PCIe 3.0 speeds.

Neither will slow down the processor, which ensures that all tasks — even those executed in parallel — are processed quickly. A dGPU is completely omitted. The Intel Iris Xe 96EUs manages less demanding graphic applications very well. However, it is too weak for gaming or video rendering.

The Intel Core i7-1255U does not shy away from demanding tasks. Two performance and eight efficiency cores as well as the resulting twelve threads ensure high computing power.

HP has also granted the CPU in the ProBook 440 G9 a higher power consumption than is standard. While, for example, the HP ProBook 450 G9 is allowed 15 W over a longer period, the identical CPU runs with 24 W here. For a fraction of a second, it is even allowed to consume 51 W and not just 39 W like in the larger model. This momentary increase in power is responsible for the CPU's clear advantages in benchmarks like the Cinebench R15 multi-core loop test.

On the other hand, the power consumption is limited to 12 W (for 28 seconds) and 17 W (for 2.44 ms) in battery mode.

This results in performance rates that are consistently above those of the ProBook 450 in our CPU benchmarks. However, laptops that are less cut out efficiency can get even more performance out of the Core i7, like the HP Spectre x360.

* ... smaller is better

Multitasking works very well with the HP ProBook 440 G9. Fast program starts and short response times ensure smooth work. A performance reduction is noticeable in battery mode, but the notebook remains cool and quiet at the same time.

* ... smaller is better

Samsung's M.2 SSD, which is connected at 30 Gbit/s, performs below its capabilities. It can only reach 3,000 MB/s for a short time in the endurance test, which is close to the possible maximum. It then gets too warm, and throttles read speeds. However, this behavior should not have much effect in normal use.

On a positive note, a second slot is free for storage expansion. An M.2-2280 SSD can also be used instead of a WWAN module.

* ... smaller is better

The ProBook remains quiet in battery mode as well as when connected to the power supply. It is also less demanding under load in terms of energy consumption.

We observe only a perceptible noise in the background, if the fan turns on during higher load. Speed changes are not unpleasantly noticeable.

Surface warming is not noticeable in normal use. Our measurements show an increase of just 5 °C in surface temperatures compared to the surroundings at low load. At maximum load, it is 15 °C but only near the CPU area. The palm rests in particular only warm up slightly.

The power consumption without load seems a bit too high. Despite featuring an efficient CPU and a less demanding display, at least 5 W are always consumed.

For simple tasks, such as web surfing, the Core i7 in the ProBook hardly has to exert itself. This results in an at least acceptable run time of almost 6 hours despite the small battery.

However, the competition with similar capacities clearly manages more in this regard. The Lenovo ThinkBook 15 G4 with the slightly more powerful AMD Ryzen 5 5625U can surf for more than 2 hours longer.

Noise Level

* ... smaller is better

* ... smaller is better

(+) | speakers can play relatively loud (83.8 dB)Bass 100 - 315 Hz(-) | nearly no bass - on average 35.5% lower than median(±) | linearity of bass is average (11.4% delta to prev. frequency)Mids 400 - 2000 Hz(+) | balanced mids - only 3.8% away from median(±) | linearity of mids is average (7.2% delta to prev. frequency)Highs 2 - 16 kHz(+) | balanced highs - only 4.1% away from median(+) | highs are linear (4.5% delta to prev. frequency)Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz(±) | linearity of overall sound is average (22.7% difference to median)Compared to same class» 70% of all tested devices in this class were better, 7% similar, 24% worse» The best had a delta of 6%, average was 20%, worst was 51%Compared to all devices tested» 69% of all tested devices were better, 7% similar, 25% worse» The best had a delta of 3%, average was 20%, worst was 65%

(+) | speakers can play relatively loud (84 dB)Bass 100 - 315 Hz(-) | nearly no bass - on average 41.4% lower than median(±) | linearity of bass is average (9.5% delta to prev. frequency)Mids 400 - 2000 Hz(+) | balanced mids - only 4.8% away from median(±) | linearity of mids is average (9% delta to prev. frequency)Highs 2 - 16 kHz(+) | balanced highs - only 4.2% away from median(+) | highs are linear (3.6% delta to prev. frequency)Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz(±) | linearity of overall sound is average (26% difference to median)Compared to same class» 84% of all tested devices in this class were better, 4% similar, 11% worse» The best had a delta of 6%, average was 20%, worst was 51%Compared to all devices tested» 83% of all tested devices were better, 4% similar, 13% worse» The best had a delta of 3%, average was 20%, worst was 65%

As a laptop for important business tasks, the HP ProBook 440 G9 offers exactly the right features and nothing more. With a stable case, biometric login options, and extensive security software, the ProBook 440 G9 is well used as a work device for sensitive data.

Compared to its predecessor, the HP ProBook 440 G8, the computing power has been increased considerably thanks to the Intel Alder Lake processor. However, the CPU consumes correspondingly more power than in the model with Intel's Tiger Lake architecture. The battery life, too, is lower — a run time just under 6 hours is still acceptable, but it not much compared to the competition with similarly small batteries.

Security for your own data, high speed, a pleasantly quiet fan, but absolutely modest other equipment characterize the HP ProBook 440 G9.

The ProBook is at its best when writing, researching, and number crunching. The fan is only rarely audible. Without a power connection, the notebook remains silent, and the warming is not noticeable. The pleasant keyboard makes it possible to work precisely and quickly.

Beyond that, HP has cut corners in almost all other areas. This is especially true for the low luminance and color-poor display despite the IPS panel. Even looking at photos is not necessarily a recommendable activity. Furthermore, the reduced brightness in battery mode makes working outdoors almost impossible.

Also, the 720p webcam offers just about sufficient picture quality for video telephony. Among the ports, there are just the most necessary ones. Thunderbolt, card reader, or a proprietary docking port are missing.

If the security package is important for daily work, it is worth buying the stable and pleasantly fast HP ProBook 440 G9 business notebook. Otherwise, the Lenovo ThinkBook 14 G4 would offer considerably more computing power and a more convincing overall package. The Acer Aspire Vero AV14 also works with the Intel Core i7-1255U, which would better suit for creative work, among other things.

The HP ProBook 440 G9-5Y3Z3EA that we tested is available at Cyberport for just under €1,100. The entry variant with a Core i5-1235U, 8 GB and RAM, and 256 GB SSD, the HP ProBook 440 G9-5Y3Z1EA, is available at Notebooksbilliger for €850.

HP ProBook 440 G9-5Y3Z3EA- 2023-02-2802/28/2023 v7Mario Petzold

The present review sample was made available to the author as a loan by the manufacturer or a shop for the purposes of review. The lender had no influence on this review, nor did the manufacturer receive a copy of this review before publication. There was no obligation to publish this review.