What Makes the HP Dragonfly Chromebook Stand Out?

It costs a lot. However, the Dragonfly Pro has become the top Chromebook to surpass.

Pros

• Beautiful appearance

• Large, bright, high-resolution screen

• Clear 8-megapixel webcam

• Comfortable keyboard with vibrant RGB lighting

• Excellent haptic touchpad

• Powerful quad speakers

Cons

• It is expensive compared to other Chromebooks

• It uses an older Intel processor

• Stylus not included

Most Chromebooks use plastic, come in small sizes, and cost less. The HP Dragonfly Pro Chromebook breaks that mold. 

This 14-inch device belongs to the premium Chromebook category, joining models like the Acer Chromebook Spin 714 and Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2.

It mirrors last year’s HP Elite Dragonfly Chromebook but trades some business features for a slightly reduced price. 

However, its $1,000 price tag keeps it out of reach for budget buyers looking for a low-cost alternative to Windows laptops or MacBooks.

Freelancers and contractors who rely on a device daily will find it more practical.

HP equips the Dragonfly Pro Chromebook with the same high-quality build and haptic touchpad as its business version.

It also includes a more prominent 14-inch display with a sharper 2,560×1,600 resolution and a brightness of up to 1,200 nits. 

HP adds an 8-megapixel camera, calling it a first for Chromebooks. These features create one of the best Chromebooks available and deliver an outstanding ChromeOS experience.

The HP Elite Dragonfly Chromebook won a CNET Innovation Award last year, and the Dragonfly Pro Chromebook now earns the Editors’ Choice Award.

Specifications of Dragonfly Pro Chromebook

The Acer Chromebook Spin 714 remains the top choice for most users.

However, the Dragonfly Pro Chromebook justifies its higher price for those seeking the best Chromebook experience and willing to pay a premium.

A $1,000 Chromebook is still a reasonable option compared to high-end laptops.

HP offers a single model of the Dragonfly Pro Chromebook. It costs $1,000 and includes an Intel Core i5-1235U processor, 16GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD.

The Core i5-1235U belongs to Intel’s older 12th-generation chips, featuring two performance and eight efficiency cores. 

The 15-watt U-series prioritizes efficiency over performance. Customers choose between black and white. The reviewer tested the black model.

Retailers in the UK and Australia don’t offer this Chromebook. They only sell Windows-based Dragonfly laptops.

The Dragonfly Pro Chromebook excelled in ChromeOS benchmarks. It topped tests for premium Chromebooks with Core i3 or Core i5 chips and came second only to the Acer Chromebook 516 GE on the Google Octane 2 test.

In a battery drain test, it lasted over eight hours and 30 minutes, slightly behind the Acer Chromebook 714’s impressive runtime.

During daily use, the device handled multitasking smoothly. Though a 13th-generation Intel chip would have been better, the 12th-generation Core i5 and 16GB of RAM provide ample power for ChromeOS and multiple Chrome browser tabs.

Premium Build and Design

The Dragonfly Pro Chromebook has a high-end look, resembling the Windows-based HP Dragonfly Pro.

It has a sleek matte-black magnesium-and-aluminum body, matching its minimalist design.

The build feels sturdy, with a strong and smooth hinge. Few Chromebooks match its fit and finish.

While stylish, its robust construction adds weight. It weighs 3.4 pounds, more than the 14-inch Acer Chromebook Spin 714 at 3 pounds.

The smaller 13.3-inch Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2 is lighter, weighing under 3 pounds.

The Dragonfly Pro Chromebook has a sleek design and an excellent display. The screen is sharp, bright, and spacious.

It measures 14 inches with a 16:10 aspect ratio, making it feel larger than typical 16:9 displays. The resolution is 2,560×1,600 pixels, producing clear text, sharp images, and accurate colors.

The brightness is remarkable. HP claims it reaches 1,200 nits, but my testing showed 950 nits. Even so, it remains impressively bright and works well outdoors.

The glossy touchscreen reflects little light, ensuring usability in direct sunlight. Although the touch display supports a pen, HP doesn’t include one.

The keyboard offers a fantastic experience. The flat keys have firm feedback and just the right amount of travel.

They are quiet and stable, thanks to the rigid frame that resists flexing. RGB lighting adds a unique touch, allowing users to match the lighting to the display wallpaper for a coordinated look.

The touchpad is top-tier. It uses haptic feedback to deliver a consistent click feel across its surface. A standout feature sets a new standard for laptops and Chromebooks.

The 8-megapixel webcam delivers sharp and balanced video quality. It’s ideal for remote work and ensures a clear image on video calls.

While facial recognition isn’t available, a fingerprint scanner near the power button allows quick and secure logins.

The quad speakers provide rich, clear sound. They produce balanced audio with some detectable bass. It’s a rare Chromebook that delivers a satisfying music experience.

The HP Dragonfly Pro Chromebook has limited ports. It includes four Thunderbolt 4 ports, two on each side and none on the other.

You will need an HDMI, Ethernet, or older USB Type-A devices adapter. 

Charging happens through one of the Thunderbolt 4 ports. The charger complements the premium design, featuring a compact, square power brick and a braided cable that avoids tangling.

It weighs only 0.6 pounds, which offsets the device’s slightly heavy feel for a 14-inch laptop.

For many, a $1,000 Chromebook goes against buying an affordable laptop. However, the HP Dragonfly Pro Chromebook is an attractive choice for those who work primarily in Gmail, Google Drive, and the Chrome browser. 

It replaces flimsy, basic Chromebooks with a well-crafted system. You get a stunning display, an excellent keyboard and touchpad, a top-tier webcam, and firm performance with long battery life.

It’s expensive, but it delivers exceptional value.

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