HP ZBook Firefly 16" G11 2024

A world-class OLED screen trapped in a chunky, graphics-starved body. Buy it for the display, but only if you find it on sale and promise you'll never try to run a game on it.

The Intel Core Ultra 7 165U is a solid middle-of-the-pack performer for getting stuff done. It chews through browser tabs, code compiles, and Office docs without breaking a sweat, but don't expect it to set any render records. The real surprise here is the integrated Intel Graphics. For a laptop that can cost over three grand, seeing gaming performance score a 20 out of 100 is a gut punch. This machine is all about the CPU and that gorgeous screen, and it makes zero apologies for its graphical shortcomings.

Stacked against an Apple MacBook Pro M4 Max, the Firefly gets demolished on raw power, battery life, and build quality, but it fights back with that OLED screen and Windows flexibility. The ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 is a more direct foil, it's lighter, has a real GPU for less money, and a great screen of its own, making the HP look like a one-trick pony. Even the MSI Prestige offers a similar vibe with a more modern, compact design. The Firefly's only real win is if you need HP's enterprise security and that specific 16-inch OLED in a vPro-enabled package.

Value is a tricky word here. With prices swinging wildly from $2,499 to $3,456 across vendors, you absolutely need to shop around. At the low end, you're getting a premium display and loads of RAM for a price that almost makes sense. At the high end, you're getting fleeced. Find the deal closer to $2,500 and it's a solid buy for a very specific type of user. Pay a dollar over three grand and you've made a mistake.

The HP ZBook Firefly G11 is a workstation that forgot to hit the gym. It packs a stunning 16-inch OLED screen and 32GB of RAM into a chassis that feels a bit chunky for 2025, and the integrated graphics mean this thing is strictly for work, not play. The one thing to know? That display is an absolute treat for your eyeballs, but you're paying a premium for mobile workstation branding on what's essentially a very nice ultrabook with a SmartCard reader.

If you're looking for a machine that can handle creative work like 3D rendering or even casual gaming after hours, this isn't it. Go get an ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 or a MacBook Pro instead. They'll give you real graphics power and better all-around performance for the same money or less.

The HP ZBook Firefly G11 is a niche machine that does one thing brilliantly: displaying your work on a phenomenal screen. If you're a coder, writer, or data cruncher who lives in spreadsheets and values pixel-perfect clarity above all else, and you never, ever game, it's a compelling choice at the right price. For everyone else, there are lighter, faster, and more versatile laptops that won't make your wallet weep.