HP Elite Dragonfly Chromebook

Published on February 10, 2026

The HP Elite Dragonfly Chromebook represents HP’s vision of what a no-compromise Chrome OS device should look like, bringing the same premium engineering found in its Windows-based EliteBook lineup to the Chromebook world. Powered by 12th Gen Intel Core processors with vPro security and wrapped in a magnesium alloy chassis weighing just 2.8 pounds, this 13.5-inch 2-in-1 convertible targets enterprise professionals and power users who live in the cloud. The 3:2 aspect ratio QHD+ touchscreen, industry-first haptic trackpad, and included wirelessly-charging USI stylus elevate it far beyond what most people expect from a Chromebook. With dual Thunderbolt 4 ports, a 5MP webcam with privacy shutter, and optional LTE/5G connectivity, the Elite Dragonfly delivers the kind of hardware typically reserved for premium Windows ultrabooks. This is not a budget-minded machine by any stretch, but for organizations and individuals who want the absolute best Chrome OS experience, it sets the benchmark.

Pros and Cons of the HP Elite Dragonfly Chromebook

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HP Elite Dragonfly Chromebook Comparison Chart

	HP Elite Dragonfly Chromebook	HP Elite Dragonfly Chromebook	HP Elite Dragonfly Chromebook	HP Elite Dragonfly Chromebook
Price	List Price: Amazon Prices: Check Price on Amazon	List Price: Amazon Prices: Check Price on Amazon	List Price: Amazon Prices: Check Price on Amazon	List Price: Amazon Prices: Check Price on Amazon
Model number	---	---	---	---
Perfomance Rating	8.5	9.9	4.8	1.2
Chromebook Plus	No	No	No	No
Processor	Hexa-core 3.30 Ghz (max 4.40 Ghz) Intel Core i3-1215U Processor	Deca-core 3.30 Ghz (max 4.40 Ghz) Intel Core i5-1235U	Deca-core 1.60 Ghz (max 4.40 Ghz) Intel Core i5-1245U	Deca-core 1.80 Ghz (max 4.80 Ghz) Intel Core i7-1265U
RAM	8 GB	16 GB	16 GB	32 GB
Internal Storage	128 GB NVMe SSD (upgradable)	256 GB NVMe SSD (upgradable)	256 GB NVMe SSD (upgradable)	512 GB NVMe SSD (upgradable)
Screen Size	13.5"	13.5"	13.5"	13.5"
Screen Resolution	2256x1504	2256x1504	2256x1504	2256x1504
Screen Type	IPS	IPS	IPS	IPS
Touch Screen	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Stylus / Pen	Supported	Supported	Supported	Supported
Dimensions width x length x thickness	11.59 x 8.73 x 0.65 inches (294.39 x 221.74 x 16.51 mm)	11.59 x 8.73 x 0.65 inches (294.39 x 221.74 x 16.51 mm)	11.59 x 8.73 x 0.65 inches (294.39 x 221.74 x 16.51 mm)	11.59 x 8.73 x 0.65 inches (294.39 x 221.74 x 16.51 mm)
Weight	2.8 lbs (1.27 kg)	2.8 lbs (1.27 kg)	2.8 lbs (1.27 kg)	2.8 lbs (1.27 kg)
Backlit Keyboard	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Webcam	5MP	5MP	5MP	5MP
WiFi	Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax)	Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax)	Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax)	Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax)
Bluetooth	Bluetooth 5.2	Bluetooth 5.2	Bluetooth 5.2	Bluetooth 5.2
Ethernet	No	No	No	No
Cellular Modem	Optional 4G LTE / 5G	Optional 4G LTE / 5G	Optional 4G LTE / 5G	Optional 4G LTE / 5G
HDMI	Full-Size HDMI	Full-Size HDMI	Full-Size HDMI	Full-Size HDMI
USB Ports	1 USB 3 2x Thunderbolt 4 USB-C (Power Delivery, DisplayPort 1.4, 40 Gbps), 1x USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 (10 Gbps)	1 USB 3 2x Thunderbolt 4 USB-C (Power Delivery, DisplayPort 1.4, 40 Gbps), 1x USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 (10 Gbps)	1 USB 3 2x Thunderbolt 4 USB-C (Power Delivery, DisplayPort 1.4, 40 Gbps), 1x USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 (10 Gbps)	1 USB 3 2x Thunderbolt 4 USB-C (Power Delivery, DisplayPort 1.4, 40 Gbps), 1x USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 (10 Gbps)
Thunderbolt Ports	2	2	2	2
Card Reader	microSD Card Reader	microSD Card Reader	microSD Card Reader	microSD Card Reader
Battery	50Wh, Li-ion	50Wh, Li-ion	50Wh, Li-ion	50Wh, Li-ion
Battery Life	8 hours	8 hours	8 hours	8 hours
Fanless	No	No	No	No
Auto Update Expiration Date	June, 2032	June, 2032	June, 2032	June, 2032

Detailed Insights into the HP Elite Dragonfly Chromebook

The HP Elite Dragonfly Chromebook measures 11.59 x 8.73 x 0.65 inches and tips the scales at just 2.8 pounds, making it one of the most portable premium Chromebooks available. The magnesium alloy chassis delivers a sense of solidity without the heft, and HP backs it with MIL-STD 810H certification for vibration and drop resistance. The 360-degree hinge enables tent, stand, and tablet modes alongside traditional laptop use, though some reviewers noted slight screen wobble inherent in the convertible design. The matte blue finish gives the device a professional, understated appearance, though it does tend to collect fingerprints on the lid according to 9to5Google’s review. Overall build quality is exceptional, with no detectable flex in the keyboard deck or display panel.

At the heart of the Elite Dragonfly sits a 12th Gen Intel Core i5-1245U processor with 10 cores and 12 threads, capable of boosting up to 4.4 GHz. This chip includes Intel vPro technology for enhanced enterprise security and manageability. In real-world use, the Dragonfly handles heavy multitasking with dozens of browser tabs, Linux development environments, and Android apps without breaking a sweat. Andrew Marc David tested Geekbench scores and confirmed top-tier Chromebook performance, while Chrome Unboxed praised the smooth everyday experience. HP also offers configurations with the Core i3-1215U for lighter workloads and the Core i7-1265U for maximum performance, with RAM options spanning 8GB to 32GB.

Connectivity is comprehensive for a device this thin. The two Thunderbolt 4 ports support 40 Gbps data transfer, Power Delivery charging, and DisplayPort 1.4 output, with one port placed on each side of the chassis for convenient docking from either direction. A full-size USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 port handles legacy peripherals, while HDMI provides direct external display output without dongles. WiFi 6E (802.11ax) delivers tri-band wireless performance across 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz bands, paired with Bluetooth 5.2 for wireless peripherals. Optional 4G LTE or 5G cellular connectivity makes this a true always-connected mobile workstation, and a microSD card reader rounds out the expansion options.

Reviewer Insights on the HP Elite Dragonfly Chromebook

Engadget

Engadget’s video review focused on the Elite Dragonfly’s position as the pinnacle of Chrome OS hardware, comparing it favorably to a MacBook Air in size and weight. The reviewer praised the 13.5-inch 3:2 display, calling it “the nicest screen on a Chromebook I’ve seen in a long time,” and highlighted the excellent port selection including Thunderbolt 4 and HDMI. However, the review struck a cautionary tone about value, noting “that is crazy money for a Chromebook no matter how nice it is” and concluding that while “it’s the best Chromebook you can buy,” the price premium over capable alternatives is difficult to justify for most buyers. Battery life came in at 6-8 hours, which they found adequate but unremarkable for the category.

Chrome Unboxed

Chrome Unboxed’s detailed review provided one of the most thorough evaluations, covering the haptic trackpad, webcam quality, and enterprise features in depth. The reviewer described the haptic trackpad as “the first all haptic trackpad on a Chromebook” and “an absolute joy to use,” comparing it favorably to Apple’s Force Touch implementation. The 5MP webcam received particular praise, with the reviewer declaring it “has made this my absolute favorite device for video calling.” Chrome Unboxed emphasized that this device was built without compromise, noting HP “just went and included everything” rather than cutting corners. The review positioned the Dragonfly as clearly targeted at enterprise and professional users rather than budget-conscious consumers.

Tech In Black

Tech In Black’s review highlighted the Dragonfly’s appeal as a cloud-based productivity machine, with the reviewer noting “it honestly feels like flipping through a notepad, especially in tablet mode.” The 3:2 aspect ratio display received high marks for document editing and vertical scrolling, while the haptic touchpad was described as having “no moving parts” with responsive vibration feedback. The review praised the quad speakers with Bang & Olufsen tuning for clear audio during video calls, and the included magnetic stylus for annotation and note-taking. Battery life testing showed approximately 10.5 hours in their test configuration, suggesting results can vary significantly depending on the processor and display resolution selected. The reviewer ultimately recommended the Dragonfly for professionals whose “entire workflow lives in the cloud.”

Danny Winget

Danny Winget’s hands-on review came after a full month of daily use, including travel testing. He declared it “the most premium Chromebook that money can buy” and praised the thin, lightweight design built from magnesium and aluminum as ideal for frequent travelers. The keyboard earned particular acclaim for its travel and tactile feedback, while the haptic touchpad was described as “fast and responsive.” Winget appreciated the enterprise security features including Intel vPro, a Titan C security chip, and a fingerprint scanner, as well as the included GaN charger for fast charging. He acknowledged this is “not going to be for everyone” and described it as “more of a niche laptop,” but maintained the build quality and feature set justify the premium for its target audience.

Andrew Marc David

Andrew Marc David’s comprehensive review included an internal disassembly and specific benchmark testing. He called it “probably the best Chromebook I’ve used to date” and highlighted the haptic touchpad as “on par with that of a MacBook Pro.” The review confirmed that the SSD is user-replaceable via M.2 slot, offering rare upgradeability for a premium Chromebook. Geekbench and Speedometer benchmarks demonstrated top-tier ChromeOS performance, and the reviewer praised the 3:2 aspect ratio as “the optimal aspect ratio for cloud-based computing.” He noted battery life of approximately 8 hours and 6 minutes in his testing. The review positioned the Dragonfly as “a worthy business enterprise two-in-one convertible” that also includes one year of free Parallels for running Windows applications.

9to5Google

According to 9to5Google’s review by Ben Schoon, the Elite Dragonfly is “Google’s Pixelbook reborn” and represents “truly the best you can get in Chrome OS.” The review singled out the keyboard as “tremendous,” noting it kept the reviewer coming back to the device over other Chromebooks. Build quality impressed with its MIL-STD 810H durability rating and sturdy hinge mechanism. However, 9to5Google noted the 5MP webcam, while high resolution, “is not particularly sharp and struggles in low light,” and the LTE connectivity was “consistently less reliable than flagship phones.” Battery life landed at 6-8 hours with solid 65W fast charging. The review concluded that while this is the finest Chrome OS hardware available, “there’s almost no justification for that price tag on the consumer level.”

PCWorld

PCWorld’s review awarded the Elite Dragonfly 4 out of 5 stars, praising the 3:2 aspect ratio display, excellent keyboard, and premium build quality. Performance testing showed it handled 20+ browser tabs without lag, though the review noted a significantly cheaper Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus actually outperformed it in synthetic benchmarks. The trackpad’s haptic feedback received mild criticism for being weak, and battery life around 7 hours was called “disappointing for a Chromebook.” The reviewer concluded that “if money is no object, then this is one of the most luxurious Chromebooks money can buy.”

Across all reviews, the consensus points to exceptional build quality, the innovative haptic trackpad, the beautiful 3:2 display, and comprehensive connectivity as the Elite Dragonfly’s defining strengths. The consistently cited weaknesses are the premium enterprise pricing and average battery life that falls short of what many expect from a Chromebook. Reviewers universally acknowledged this is the best-built Chromebook available but disagreed on whether the premium over more affordable options like the Acer Chromebook Spin 714 is worthwhile for non-enterprise buyers.

Conclusion

The HP Elite Dragonfly Chromebook stands as the gold standard for premium Chrome OS hardware, delivering a level of build quality, engineering, and enterprise features unmatched in the category. Its combination of the magnesium alloy chassis, 3:2 QHD+ touchscreen, haptic trackpad, dual Thunderbolt 4 connectivity, and 5MP webcam makes it the ideal choice for professionals and organizations that have standardized on Chrome OS and demand no compromises in their hardware.

That said, this is an enterprise-class device with pricing to match, and most individual buyers will find better value in alternatives like the Acer Chromebook Spin 714 or HP Dragonfly Pro Chromebook. Users who primarily need a capable Chromebook for web browsing and productivity will get 90% of the experience at a fraction of the cost with a Chromebook Plus certified device. The Elite Dragonfly earns its place as a showcase for what Chrome OS can be on premium hardware, even if its target audience remains relatively narrow.

For those comparing options, see our Chromebook Comparison Chart to find the best match for your needs.

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