The HP Elite Dragonfly G2 and HP Elite Dragonfly G3 are both exceptional business laptops. These are designed for professionals who are after performance in a portable, lightweight package.
While both offer cutting-edge specifications, advanced security features and a premium look that set them apart from counterparts in the market, there are some key differences between the two. That includes their aspect ratios and form factor, to name a few. We compare the two to hopefully help you decide which one is the right choice for you.
HP Elite Dragonfly G2 vs G3 Comparison Chart
| Model | HP Elite Dragonfly G2 | HP Elite Dragonfly G3 |
 |  | |
| Price | Check Price at HP.com | Check Price at HP.com |
| Display | 13.3″, up to 4K UHD, touchscreen, 16:9 aspect ratio | 13.5″, up to 3K2K, optional touchscreen, 3:2 aspect ratio |
| Form Factor | Convertible | Clamshell |
| Processor | 11th-generation Intel vPro | 12th-generation Intel vPro |
| RAM | DDR4, up to 32GB | DDR5, up to 32GB |
| Storage | PCIe 3.0 SSD, up to 2TB | PCIe 4.0 SSD, up to 1TB |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi 6, optional 4G and 5G | Bluetooth 5.2, Wi-Fi 6E, optional 4G and 5G |
| Dimensions (W x D x H) | 11.98″ x 7.78″ x 0.63″ | 11.7″ x 8.67″ x 0.64″ |
| Weight | Starts at 2.18 lbs | Starts at 2.2 lbs |
Display and Build
The biggest difference is the HP Elite Dragonfly G3 ditches the convertible form factor of its predecessor, the HP Elite Dragonfly G2.
In terms of design, the HP Elite Dragonfly G3 has the edge. For one thing, it builds on the Elite Dragonfly G2’s almost sharp and angular palm rest with rounded edges, providing a more comfortable typing experience overall.
Moreover, the Elite Dragonfly G3 features a 3:2 aspect ratio, and in the context of productivity, it’s arguably better since a taller screen can show more at a time, be it on a word processor or spreadsheets. That said, there are definitely folks out there who’d prefer the relatively more traditional 16:9 aspect ratio of the Elite Dragonfly G2.
In fact, the Elite Dragonfly G2 even has the better display, as it can be configured with an FHD or 4K UHD. On top of that, the high-end option’s brightness can go all the way up to 5,550 nits. This can be especially beneficial for those who use their laptop in outdoor environments. In contrast, the Elite Dragonfly G3 maxes out at 3K2K with a comparatively paltry 400 nits.
Additionally, the Elite Dragonfly G2 is a convertible laptop with a hinge connecting its screen and body. It goes without saying that it’s the more versatile of the two, as it can be used as a tablet as well.
Performance and Storage
The HP Elite Dragonfly G3 is better equipped for performance than the HP Elite Dragonfly G2.
When it comes to hardware, the HP Elite Dragonfly G3 has the upper hand across the board. First off, it uses 12th-generation Intel P-series chips, and these generally offer better performance than the Elite Dragonfly G2’s 11th-generation processors. Secondly, it features DDR5 RAM that’s more efficient as compared to its predecessor’s DDR4. Last but not least, it’s equipped with a speedier PCIe 4.0 SSD as opposed to the older model’s PCIe 3.0. Long story short, it’s an upgrade all around as far as performance is concerned.
Battery and Connectivity
On the power front, the HP Elite Dragonfly G3 wins with its 68WHr battery, as the Elite Dragonfly G2 only offers a 38WHr or 56WHr option. Also, both support fast charging that promises to juice them up to 50 percent in 30 minutes, but it’s more impressive in the former’s case, considering its battery has a larger capacity.
As for connectivity, the Elite Dragonfly G3 boasts a more advanced Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2 instead of the Elite Dragonfly G2’s Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0. At any rate, both offer optional 4G and 5G connections.
Verdict
The HP Elite Dragonfly G3 is the better workhorse of the two, but the HP Elite Dragonfly G2 is arguably superior as a media machine.
To sum things up, the HP Elite Dragonfly G3 is a pretty significant upgrade over the HP Elite Dragonfly G2. It sports an arguably better design with its 3:2 aspect ratio not only for work but also for casual use, and it delivers better performance with more modern hardware and updated connectivity. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean its predecessor has lost its place. After all, it’s more versatile owing to its convertible design, and it has a more traditional 16:9 aspect ratio that may be more appealing to some users.
FAQs
The HP Elite Dragonfly G3 is more modern in the sense that it uses newer processors and connectivity features, as well as a 3:2 aspect ratio for work. Meanwhile, the HP Elite Dragonfly G2 has a more common 16:9 aspect ratio, and unlike its clamshell successor, it’s a convertible.
The HP Elite Dragonfly G3 has the option to be configured with a touchscreen, but its base model uses an ordinary non-touch panel.
The HP Elite Dragonfly G2 can be configured to include a pen, but the entry-level option does not come with one out of the box.
Performance-wise, the HP Elite Dragonfly G3 is better because of its 12th-generation Intel P-series chips, DDR5 RAM and PCIe 4.0 SSD. In comparison, the HP Elite Dragonfly G2 uses 11th-generation Intel processors, DDR4 RAM and PCIe 3.0 SSD, but it does have a convertible form factor, giving it the flexibility to be used as a tablet.