HP EliteBook 865 G11 review

HP EliteBook 865 G11 (2024) Review: The Dependable Generation Forward

The EliteBook 865 G11 is the 2024 refresh of HP's AMD business flagship: a Ryzen 5 8540U with 64 GB of memory at $1,007. Where the G10 was a generational sweet spot, the G11 is the dependable sequel — same strengths, newer badge, modest premiums on durability and weight.

Where it holds up

Reliability reads 87 — 104.7 percent above the business-class median of 42.5 — and the 64 GB of memory holds 60 percent above the class median in the pro band. Overall performance lands at 65.22 in the high band, photo design at 81 in the high band, engineering CAD at 64 mid, modeling at 49 mid, and office work tops at 91.91. The graphics score of 34.39 stands 795.6 percent above the class median, and the capability checks clear at every measured point: Overwatch and Grand Theft Auto V at recommended, Far Cry 5 at 21 fps minimum, Photoshop and Visual Studio Code at recommended, AutoCAD passing.

Where it falls short

Weight is the flagged weakness: 1.86 kg sits 16.3 percent above the class median of 1.6, and portability drops to 40.9, mid-band — the G11 grew heavier where the G10 carried lighter. Gaming reads 34 in the low band, the same 2023-generation iGPU ceiling, and value at 59.05 is mid-high but no longer the class-dominating reading of its predecessor.

Price and depreciation

At $1,007 the 865 G11 prices $121 above the G10 while posting marginally lower performance and value numbers — the premium buys the badge year and the reliability jump. The modeled depreciation curve runs at a gentle 11.27 percent per year; no listing anchor is available for dollar projections.

Alternatives to consider

The EliteBook 865 G10 at $886 remains the value pick of the platform: performance 67.79 against 65.22, value 69.6 against 59.05, for less money. The EliteBook 845 G11 at the same $1,007 posts the identical sheet in a lighter 14-inch frame with 71 portability. Buyers wanting the reliability ceiling should note the EliteBook 6 G1a pair at $1,144 with 83 reliability and the same 64 GB allocation.

Bottom line

Fairly priced for the class. The EliteBook 865 G11 is the dependable forward step — reliability doubled, capability held, weight added — and the rational buy only when the badge year matters more than the $121 the G10 saves.