The HP ProBook 455 G9: A Comprehensive Review
The HP ProBook 455 G9 sits squarely in the business laptop segment, promising a balance of performance, affordability, and security. Designed for professionals seeking a reliable workhorse, this laptop leverages AMD’s Ryzen processors and a range of customizable options to cater to diverse needs. This comprehensive review dives deep into the ProBook 455 G9’s features, performance, and overall suitability for modern business environments.
The ProBook 455 G9 maintains HP’s understated design philosophy, prioritizing functionality over flashy aesthetics. The chassis, primarily constructed from plastic, feels robust and durable. While not as premium as aluminum-clad counterparts, it offers a solid build that should withstand the rigors of daily use. The dark ash silver finish lends a professional and subtle appearance.
The laptop offers various display options, typically a 15.6-inch panel with HD or FHD resolution. The standard HD option, while sufficient for basic tasks, may leave users wanting sharper visuals. The FHD option significantly improves clarity and detail, making it ideal for productivity work and multimedia consumption. Brightness levels are generally adequate for indoor use, but outdoor visibility might be challenging in direct sunlight.
The keyboard on the ProBook 455 G9 provides a comfortable typing experience with decent key travel and tactile feedback. The layout is standard and includes a numeric keypad, a welcome addition for data entry and spreadsheet work. Backlighting is often available as an option, enhancing usability in low-light environments.
The trackpad is responsive and accurate, supporting multi-touch gestures for smooth navigation. While not as large as some premium laptops, it offers ample space for everyday tasks. The integrated click buttons provide a satisfying click, though some users might prefer dedicated buttons.
The ProBook 455 G9’s performance hinges on its AMD Ryzen processors, offering a range of options from Ryzen 3 to Ryzen 7. These CPUs deliver excellent performance for everyday tasks, including web browsing, office productivity, and multimedia consumption. The integrated AMD Radeon graphics are sufficient for light graphics work and casual gaming.
AMD Ryzen 3 5425U
This entry-level option provides adequate performance for basic tasks. Expect smooth web browsing, document editing, and light multitasking. However, it might struggle with demanding applications or heavy multitasking.
AMD Ryzen 5 5625U
A mid-range option offering a significant performance boost over the Ryzen 3. This CPU handles demanding applications and multitasking with ease, making it suitable for professionals who require more processing power.
AMD Ryzen 7 5825U
The top-tier option delivers excellent performance for demanding tasks, including video editing, content creation, and complex calculations. This CPU is ideal for users who require maximum performance from their laptop.
The ProBook 455 G9 supports up to 32GB of DDR4 memory, allowing for smooth multitasking and efficient handling of large files. Storage options include traditional hard drives and fast PCIe NVMe SSDs. Opting for an SSD significantly improves boot times and application loading speeds.
The laptop offers a comprehensive selection of ports, including USB-A, USB-C, HDMI, Ethernet, and a headphone/microphone combo jack. This ensures compatibility with a wide range of peripherals and external displays.
USB-A Ports
Multiple USB-A ports allow for connecting legacy devices, such as mice, keyboards, and external hard drives.
USB-C Port
The USB-C port supports data transfer, display output, and power delivery, offering versatility and future-proofing.
HDMI Port
The HDMI port allows for connecting to external displays, projectors, and TVs, enhancing productivity and presentation capabilities.
Ethernet Port
The Ethernet port provides a stable wired network connection, essential for environments with unreliable Wi-Fi.
The ProBook 455 G9 supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2, ensuring fast and reliable wireless connectivity. Wi-Fi 6 offers improved speeds and reduced latency, while Bluetooth 5.2 provides enhanced range and stability for wireless peripherals.
Battery life is a crucial factor for business laptops, and the ProBook 455 G9 delivers respectable performance. Depending on the configuration and usage, users can expect to get several hours of use on a single charge. Light tasks, such as web browsing and document editing, will yield longer battery life, while demanding tasks will drain the battery faster.
HP prioritizes security on its ProBook line, and the 455 G9 is no exception. Features include:
HP Wolf Security for Business
This suite of security features provides comprehensive protection against malware, phishing attacks, and other threats. It includes features like HP Sure Start Gen6, which protects the BIOS from attacks, and HP Sure Click, which isolates browser tabs to prevent malware from spreading.
Fingerprint Reader
An optional fingerprint reader provides secure biometric authentication, allowing for quick and easy login.
TPM 2.0 Chip
The Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 chip provides hardware-based security for encryption and authentication.
The integrated stereo speakers provide decent audio quality for video conferencing and multimedia consumption. While not audiophile-grade, they are sufficient for everyday use.
The webcam, typically a 720p HD camera, provides adequate video quality for video conferencing. However, image quality might be grainy in low-light conditions.
The ProBook 455 G9 typically comes with Windows 10 or Windows 11 Pro pre-installed. HP also includes a suite of software utilities, such as HP Support Assistant, which provides driver updates and system diagnostics.
The HP ProBook 455 G9 is designed for professionals seeking a reliable and affordable business laptop. It is suitable for:
Small and Medium Businesses
The laptop’s affordability and comprehensive features make it an ideal choice for SMBs.
Remote Workers
The decent battery life and robust connectivity options make it suitable for remote work.
Students and Educators
The laptop’s performance and affordability make it a good option for students and educators.
Pros
Affordable price point
Cons
Plastic chassis may feel less premium
Lenovo ThinkPad E15 Gen 4
Offers similar performance and features with a focus on durability and keyboard quality.
Dell Latitude 3530
Provides a range of configurations and strong security features, often with Intel processors.
Acer Aspire 5
A more budget-friendly option with decent performance for everyday tasks.
The HP ProBook 455 G9 is a solid business laptop that delivers a balance of performance, affordability, and security. While it may not offer the premium features of high-end laptops, it provides a reliable and efficient platform for everyday business tasks. With its range of customizable options and robust build quality, the ProBook 455 G9 is a worthy contender in the mid-range business laptop segment. For businesses or individuals seeking a reliable workhorse without breaking the bank, the HP ProBook 455 G9 is a compelling choice.
