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| The EliteBook X G2q comes exclusively in a deep blue finish. |
If you’ve been keeping an eye on HP’s premium laptop lineup, you might have missed a quiet but significant release. The company has started selling the EliteBook X G2q internationally—without much fanfare—just a few months after teasing it at CES 2026 in January. And yes, this is the ARM-based successor to last year’s EliteBook Ultra G1q, meaning it’s powered by Snapdragon X2 chips instead of traditional x86 processors from Intel or AMD.
But here’s the kicker: the pricing is all over the map, and some configurations will make your wallet weep. Let’s break down what’s new, what it costs, and whether it’s worth considering.
Snapdragon X2 Inside: Three Chip Options
HP is offering the EliteBook X G2q with three distinct Snapdragon X2 series processors: the Snapdragon X2 Plus X2P-42-100, the Snapdragon X2 Elite X2E-84-100, and the top-dog Snapdragon X2 Elite X2E-90-100. All are built on ARM architecture, promising better power efficiency and AI capabilities than their x86 rivals—think longer battery life and snappier on-device Copilot+ experiences.
The company is positioning this laptop as a "next-gen AI PC," and the Snapdragon X2 platform includes an upgraded NPU (neural processing unit) for Windows 11’s AI features. But performance aside, the pricing strategy is… interesting.
Global Pricing: From “Ouch” to “Are You Serious?”
HP has published prices across the Eurozone, the UK, and the US. Some configurations are surprisingly reasonable (well, for a business flagship), while others climb into workstation territory. Here’s the full rundown as of today:
Snapdragon X2 Plus X2P-42-100
- 16GB RAM / 512GB SSD → €2,742.96 / £1,571.99
- 24GB RAM / 512GB SSD → $3,888
- 32GB RAM / 512GB SSD → £1,991.99 / $4,277
Snapdragon X2 Elite X2E-84-100
- 32GB RAM / 512GB SSD → $4,589
- 32GB RAM / 1TB SSD → £2,627.99
Snapdragon X2 Elite X2E-90-100
- 32GB RAM / 512GB SSD → €4,214.06 / £2,339.99 / $4,783
- 32GB RAM / 1TB SSD → £2,819
- 64GB RAM / 512GB SSD → $6,340
- 64GB RAM / 1TB SSD → £3,239.99
Yes, you read that right. A fully loaded EliteBook X G2q with 64GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD will set you back £3,239.99 in the UK or **$6,340 in the US**. That’s MacBook Pro with M4 Max territory, minus the Apple logo. The wide discrepancy between regions (the same spec is $6,340 in the US but “only” £3,240 in the UK) suggests HP is still tweaking regional pricing or dealing with different tax structures.
Display Choices Galore – But Read the Fine Print
One of the most flexible aspects of this laptop is the screen. HP lets you choose from over half a dozen panel options, ranging from budget-friendly to genuinely impressive.
At the entry level, you get a 1200p OLED panel with a 60Hz refresh rate and 300 nits of brightness. That’s fine for office work, but the 60Hz feels dated on a premium laptop in 2026. Step up to a 800-nit IPS display if you work outdoors or in bright environments—great for field engineers or on-the-go executives.
The real star is the 700-nit OLED panel that outputs at 1800p with a 120Hz variable refresh rate (VRR). That’s bright, sharp, and smooth, perfect for media consumption or even light creative work. Just be prepared to pay extra for it.
Storage, Battery, Trackpad, and 5G
Beyond the processor and screen, HP offers a handful of other configurable options:
- Storage: 512GB or 1TB of PCIe Gen 5 M.2 2280 SSDs – blazing fast, but no 2TB option listed yet.
- Battery: Choose between a 56 Wh or 68 Wh cell. With ARM efficiency, the larger battery could easily last a full workday and then some.
- Trackpad: Mechanical or haptic. The haptic version is likely the better bet for a modern, premium feel.
- Connectivity: Optional Snapdragon X72 5G modem – a must-have if you’re always on the road.
For a deeper dive into every spec sheet and customization option, check out HP’s official product page right here:
👉 HP EliteBook X G2q 14-inch Next Gen AI PC – Tech Specs
How Does It Compare to the EliteBook Ultra G1q?
The EliteBook X G2q follows directly in the footsteps of the EliteBook Ultra G1q, which was HP’s first major ARM-based business laptop. That model launched with the original Snapdragon X Elite chips and earned praise for its battery life but criticism for software compatibility (classic ARM growing pains).
If you don’t need the latest X2 processors or the fancy 1800p OLED screen, you can still grab the previous generation at a significant discount. For example, used EliteBook Ultra G1q units start at around $1,649 on Amazon – less than half the price of some X G2q configurations.
👉 Check current used prices on Amazon
That said, the X2 platform brings notable improvements: faster GPU performance, better efficiency, and wider native app support. For businesses that demand the latest AI features and don’t mind the premium, the G2q makes sense.
Final Thoughts: Who Is This For?
Let’s be honest – the HP EliteBook X G2q is not a consumer laptop. With prices pushing past $6,000, it’s aimed squarely at enterprise buyers, IT departments, and professionals who need top-tier security, manageability, and battery life. The ARM architecture also appeals to companies experimenting with Windows on ARM or those already invested in Qualcomm’s ecosystem.
But for the average user? The previous-gen EliteBook Ultra G1q used on Amazon is a far smarter buy. Or wait a few months – HP historically discounts its business lineup heavily for back-to-school and Black Friday.
One last note: HP’s quiet international rollout suggests they’re testing demand before a full marketing push. If you’re interested, don’t expect flashy ads. Just head to HP’s website, configure your dream build, and brace your credit card.
Disclosure: This article includes affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you make a purchase through Amazon, at no extra cost to you.
Source : HP Germany (1) (2), HP UK (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) & HP US
