If you’re hunting for a laptop that blends premium design, cutting-edge performance, and AI-driven innovation, the 2025 HP EliteBook X G1a might just be the MacBook Pro rival you’ve been waiting for. As a seasoned laptop reviewer with a deep understanding of content writing and SEO, I’ve put this high-end Windows machine through its paces. Spoiler alert: it’s one of the most impressive laptops I’ve tested this year. HP sent me this unit for review (full disclosure), but my excitement for the EliteBook series was already sky-high thanks to its new Ryzen Pro AI processors. Let’s dive into this detailed review and see if it truly lives up to the hype.

Overview: What Makes the HP EliteBook X G1a Stand Out?

The HP EliteBook X G1a is a flagship Windows laptop designed for professionals, creators, and power users who demand top-tier performance in a portable package. Available with AMD’s Ryzen Pro AI series processors—up to the Ryzen 9 Pro HX 375 with 12 cores and 24 threads—this laptop promises exceptional power. My review unit, however, sports the mid-tier Ryzen AI 7 Pro 360 (8 cores, 16 threads) paired with Radeon 880M graphics, 32GB of DDR5 RAM, and a stunning 14-inch 2.8K OLED touchscreen with a 120Hz refresh rate. Add in premium build quality, AI-enhanced features, and Bang & Olufsen-tuned speakers, and you’ve got a serious contender in the high-end laptop market.

Design & Build Quality: Premium to the Core

First Impressions

From the moment I unboxed the HP EliteBook X G1a, its premium credentials were undeniable. Crafted from aluminum and recycled metals, this laptop exudes quality. It’s lightweight at under 1.5kg, making it a breeze to carry, yet sturdy enough to pass the “single-finger test”—you can lift the lid with one finger without the base wobbling. That’s a hallmark of elite engineering.

Aesthetics

The dual-tone design—silver body paired with a dark gray keyboard—looks sleek and modern. The contrast is visually striking, and the large, responsive trackpad complements the minimalist vibe. The keyboard itself is a joy to type on, with silent keys, excellent travel, and smart placement. Bonus points for the fingerprint reader integrated into the power button and LED indicators on keys like mute and caps lock—a small but thoughtful touch.

Verdict

The EliteBook X G1a’s design rivals the MacBook Pro’s iconic unibody aesthetic while adding its own flair. It’s durable, portable, and screams “high-end.” For professionals who value form as much as function, this is a winner.

Display: A Visual Masterpiece

The 14-inch 2.8K OLED touchscreen is the star of the show. With a 120Hz refresh rate, 400 nits of peak brightness, and 100% DCI-P3 color gamut coverage, this display is a dream for creators and media enthusiasts alike. Deep blacks and vibrant colors make watching content a treat, while the color accuracy ensures it’s a reliable choice for photo editing in Photoshop or video grading in Premiere Pro.

The touchscreen is responsive, and the 120Hz refresh rate keeps animations buttery smooth—perfect for both work and play. Compared to the MacBook Pro’s mini-LED display, the EliteBook’s OLED panel offers superior contrast, though it may fall slightly short in peak brightness for outdoor use.

Performance: Ryzen AI Power Unleashed

Processor & Graphics

The Ryzen AI 7 Pro 360 in my review unit delivers a 5GHz max boost clock and handles multitasking like a champ. Web browsing, running multiple apps, and even AI-driven workflows in Adobe Suite were seamless—no lag, no hiccups. The integrated Radeon 880M GPU surprised me with its graphical prowess. While not a gaming laptop, it managed decent 1080p gaming at medium-to-high settings—a bonus for casual gamers.

For power users, the top-tier Ryzen 9 Pro HX 375 option (12 cores, 24 threads) and up to 64GB DDR5 RAM and 2TB M.2 SSD make this a beast for heavy workloads. The built-in NPU (55 TOPS) powers local AI tasks, like face-tracking in video calls via the Poly Camera Pro app, with ease.

Battery & Charging

The 140W fast-charging brick juices it up to 50% in 30 minutes—ideal for on-the-go pros. Battery life held up well during my testing, easily lasting a full workday with mixed usage.

Verdict

This laptop’s performance rivals the MacBook Pro M-series chips, especially for AI-driven tasks and multitasking. It’s a powerhouse for professionals and creators, with enough juice for light gaming too.

Audio: Best-in-Class Sound

The Bang & Olufsen-tuned speakers—top-firing and bottom-mounted—deliver the best audio I’ve heard from a Windows laptop. Crisp highs, rich mids, and surprising bass make it perfect for music, movies, or video calls. The Poly Studio audio tuning elevates the experience further, offering crystal-clear sound for meetings.

Compared to the MacBook Pro’s stellar speakers, the EliteBook X G1a holds its own and might even edge ahead for sheer volume and clarity.

Ports & Connectivity: No Compromises

HP didn’t skimp on I/O:

• Left Side: HDMI 2.1, 2x USB-C (10Gbps and 40Gbps), 3.5mm headphone/mic jack.
• Right Side: USB-A, Nano Kensington lock, another USB-C (40Gbps).

This versatility outshines the MacBook Pro’s dongle-dependent design, making it a dream for pros who need to connect multiple devices on the fly.

Software & AI Features

Running Windows 11 Pro out of the box, the EliteBook X G1a integrates AI seamlessly. The HP Companion AI app acts as a personal assistant, while the Windows Copilot button offers quick access to AI tools. The Poly Camera Pro app’s face-tracking and video enhancements are standout features for remote workers.

Pricing & Value

Starting at around ₹2,00,000 in India (roughly $2,400 USD), the EliteBook X G1a isn’t cheap. But for its premium build, AI performance, and gorgeous OLED display, it’s a justified investment for professionals and creators who need the best. It’s a direct competitor to the MacBook Pro 16-inch, offering similar power with more port flexibility.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Stunning 14-inch 2.8K OLED display with 120Hz.
• Premium aluminum build under 1.5kg.
• Exceptional Bang & Olufsen audio.
• Powerful Ryzen AI processors and Radeon 880M graphics.
• Versatile port selection.
• Fast charging and solid battery life.

Cons

• Premium price tag.
• OLED brightness could be higher for outdoor use.
• Not a dedicated gaming machine.

Final Verdict: A MacBook Pro Killer?

The 2025 HP EliteBook X G1a is a premium Windows laptop that punches above its weight. Its blend of portability, performance, and AI innovation makes it a formidable rival to the MacBook Pro. While it may not fully dethrone Apple’s king for creative pros (thanks to macOS’s ecosystem), it’s a top choice for Windows users who want power, style, and versatility in one package.

Who’s it for? Professionals, creators, and power users seeking a high-end laptop with AI capabilities and a jaw-dropping display.

Should you buy it? If budget isn’t a barrier. Check it out via HP’s official site [insert link] and let me know your thoughts!