HP EliteBook 840 G5 14" vs Microsoft Surface Go 2 10"

The HP EliteBook 840 G5, a 14-inch business notebook released in 2018, and the Microsoft Surface Go 2, a 10.5-inch 2-in-1 tablet launched in 2020, cater to distinct user needs. While both devices operate on the Windows ecosystem, the EliteBook prioritizes traditional laptop productivity and robust security features, whereas the Surface Go 2 emphasizes portability and versatility as a tablet-first device. Their core differences lie in form factor, processing power, and intended use cases.

When considering the long-term usability of these devices, their release timelines and operating system support are key factors. The HP EliteBook 840 G5, introduced in 2018, and the Microsoft Surface Go 2, released in 2020, both initially ran Windows 10.

• Operating System Support: Windows 10 reached its end of free support on October 14, 2025. Both devices are capable of running Windows 11, provided they meet the hardware requirements. Newer versions of Windows 11, such as version 26H1 released in February 2026, are supported for Home and Pro editions until March 2028, offering a longer software lifespan for compatible devices. [1, 6, 7, 10, 11, 12, 14, 19, 20]
• Software Longevity: Users can expect continued security updates for Windows 10 through an Extended Security Updates (ESU) program until October 2028 for consumers, or transition to Windows 11 for a more current and longer-supported operating system experience. [1, 3, 7, 10, 12]
• Repairability: The HP EliteBook 840 G5, as a traditional laptop, generally offers more straightforward repair and component replacement compared to the tablet-centric design of the Surface Go 2. The Surface Go 2 received an iFixit repairability score of 3 out of 10, indicating that while some components like cameras are modular, the battery is heavily glued, and RAM and storage are soldered, making repairs challenging. [8, 9, 17, 18, 21, 36]

The performance profiles of the EliteBook 840 G5 and Surface Go 2 reflect their different design philosophies and target audiences. The EliteBook is built for sustained productivity, while the Surface Go 2 is designed for lighter, on-the-go tasks.

• Processing Capabilities: The HP EliteBook 840 G5 features 8th Generation Intel Core i5 or i7 U-series processors, which provide robust performance for demanding business applications, multitasking, and more intensive computing tasks. The Surface Go 2, on the other hand, is equipped with Intel Pentium Gold or Core m3-8100Y processors, suitable for web browsing, email, media consumption, and light productivity applications. [2, 4, 5, 9, 15, 24, 26, 29, 32, 37]
• Memory and Storage: The EliteBook 840 G5 typically comes with 8GB or 16GB of DDR4 RAM, expandable up to 32GB, and utilizes fast PCIe NVMe SSDs for storage, ensuring quick boot times and responsive application loading. The Surface Go 2 offers 4GB or 8GB of LPDDR3 RAM and storage options including eMMC or SSDs, with RAM and storage often soldered to the motherboard, limiting upgradeability. [2, 4, 5, 9, 15, 16, 22, 24, 26, 27, 29, 30, 31, 32, 36, 37]
• Battery Behavior: In real-world usage, the EliteBook 840 G5 generally provides around 6 to 8.5 hours of battery life, sufficient for an average workday. The Surface Go 2 is rated for up to 10 hours of typical device usage, with user reports suggesting similar longevity for web browsing and video playback, making it a good companion for extended periods away from a power outlet. [2, 4, 13, 23, 28, 29, 32, 43, 44]

The display experience differs significantly between these two devices, primarily due to their form factors and intended uses.

• Display Technology and Resolution: The HP EliteBook 840 G5 offers a 14-inch IPS LED display with Full HD (1920x1080) or optional 4K UHD (3840x2160) resolutions, providing a larger canvas for productivity. The Microsoft Surface Go 2 features a 10.5-inch PixelSense (IPS LCD) display with a 1920x1280 resolution and a 3:2 aspect ratio, which is well-suited for document viewing and web browsing in a more compact form. [2, 4, 5, 9, 13, 15, 16, 22, 24, 25, 29, 31, 32, 34, 37, 39, 42, 43, 44]
• Brightness and Clarity: EliteBook 840 G5 models can range from 220 nits to a very bright 700 nits, especially with the optional Sure View privacy screen, making it highly adaptable for various lighting conditions, including outdoor use. The Surface Go 2 typically offers around 390 nits of brightness, which is good for indoor and moderate outdoor use. Both displays provide clear visuals, with the Surface Go 2's higher pixel density (220 ppi) on its smaller screen contributing to sharp text and images. [4, 9, 13, 15, 16, 24, 29, 31, 32, 43, 44]
• Touch and Features: The Surface Go 2 features a 10-point multi-touch display with Corning Gorilla Glass 3, offering a responsive touch experience and support for pen input, enhancing its tablet functionality. Some configurations of the EliteBook 840 G5 also include touchscreens with Gorilla Glass 3, and certain models offer a 120Hz refresh rate for smoother visuals. [9, 16, 24, 29, 32, 34, 42]

The camera and audio capabilities of these devices are tailored to their primary functions, with the EliteBook focusing on business communication and the Surface Go 2 offering versatile use.

• Camera System: The HP EliteBook 840 G5 includes a 720p IR webcam, often accompanied by an HP Privacy Camera with a physical shutter for enhanced security during video calls. The Microsoft Surface Go 2 features a 5MP front-facing camera capable of 1080p HD video, which also includes an IR sensor for Windows Hello facial recognition, and an 8MP rear-facing camera with autofocus for capturing photos and videos. [5, 9, 16, 24, 29, 32, 42, 44]
• Microphone Quality: For audio input, the EliteBook 840 G5 is equipped with three multi-array microphones and HP Noise Cancellation technology, designed to provide clear audio in professional conferencing environments. The Surface Go 2 incorporates dual far-field Studio Mics, which are effective for online meetings and voice commands. [9, 16, 24, 32, 44]
• Speaker Output: The EliteBook 840 G5 boasts Bang & Olufsen stereo speakers, delivering rich sound for media consumption and clear audio during calls. The Surface Go 2 features 2W stereo speakers with Dolby Audio, providing a good audio experience for its compact size, suitable for casual listening and video playback. [4, 9, 16, 24, 32, 44]