HP EliteBook X G2i 14" review

Intel Arc in a Business Shell: Near-Top Office, Mid Gaming

The HP EliteBook X G2i 14 (2026) combines a Core Ultra X7 358H with an Arc B390 GPU and 64 GB of memory — real discrete-class graphics in a business chassis. At $1,300 it delivers a joint-top office reading of 98.34 for this batch and a mid-band gaming index of 42, which almost no other EliteBook here can say.

Where it holds up

The office axis reads 98.34 in the top band — jointly the highest in this batch, shared with the G2q and the X Flip G2i. Reliability posts a perfect 100, and the 64 GB of memory stands 60% above the business median of 40. The Arc B390 lifts the graphics reading to 21.65, and the gaming index reaches the mid band at 42 while portability stays high-band at 83.3. Performance overall is mid-band at 45.83, appropriate for a processor tuned for efficiency.

Where it falls short

The composite score reads 39 against a class median of 49 — the sheet's one below-median verdict, driven by creation axes that stay low: modeling at 19, engineering CAD at 22, and photo design at 22. The matched game entries are contradictory on paper: Grand Theft Auto V, Far Cry 5, and Battlefield 5 all fail their bars despite generous-looking readings, so the honest summary is that the scoring entries do not back the gaming index here.

Price and depreciation

The listing price is $1,300. As a 2026 entry, no depreciation curve is modeled yet; the 0% rate is an empty projection, not a promise.

Alternatives to consider

The EliteBook X Flip G2i (2026) carries the identical platform and scores for $200 more, adding a convertible hinge. The G2a (2026) trades the Arc GPU for a stronger photo design reading of 79 at the same price.

Bottom line

Fairly priced for the class. Office work is top-band, memory is generous, and there is more graphics here than in any clamshell EliteBook of this generation — just do not buy it expecting the game entries to cooperate.