HP ProBook 650 G4 Review: 8th Gen Power in Business Package

The HP ProBook 650 G4 marked a transition point in the ProBook series, introducing 8th Gen Intel processors and laying the groundwork for modern business features. This 15.6-inch laptop represents a solid middle-generation option that still holds value in the second-hand market.

Key Specifications

• Processor: Intel Core i5-8250U / i5-8350U / i7-8550U (8th Gen)
• Memory: 4GB / 8GB DDR4-2400 (upgradeable to 32GB)
• Storage: 500GB HDD or 256GB SSD
• Display: 15.6″ HD (1366×768) or FHD (1920×1080) Anti-glare
• Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 620
• Battery: 3-cell 48Wh (up to 10 hours)
• Weight: 2.07 kg

Security Features

• TPM 2.0 security chip
• HP BIOSphere Gen4
• HP Sure Start Gen4
• Fingerprint reader (optional)
• Smart card reader (optional)

Connectivity

• Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) + Bluetooth 4.2
• USB-C 3.1 Gen 1
• 3x USB-A 3.1 Gen 1
• HDMI 1.4
• VGA port
• RJ-45 Ethernet
• DVD-RW drive (optional)
• SD card reader

Ang ProBook 650 G4 ay isang significant upgrade mula sa G3, dahil dito unang ipinakilala ang 8th Gen processors. Quad-core na ang processors kaya mas malakas sa multitasking kaysa sa mga previous generations.

Performance Leap

The jump to 8th Gen processors was significant, moving from dual-core to quad-core designs. This made the G4 substantially better at multitasking and handling demanding applications compared to the G3. The DDR4 memory support also improved overall system responsiveness.

Pros

• 8th Gen quad-core processors
• Upgradeable to 32GB RAM
• USB-C port included
• Good port selection
• Affordable second-hand prices
• Full-size keyboard

Cons

• No Thunderbolt support
• Wi-Fi 5 only
• Heavier than newer models
• No 10th Gen or newer option
• HD display not recommended

Philippine Pricing

Estimated second-hand price: PHP 22,000 – PHP 30,000. Good value for users who need quad-core performance at an affordable price.

Ideal For

Best suited for budget-conscious professionals and small businesses needing reliable quad-core performance. A good entry point for users transitioning from older laptops who need better multitasking capabilities.