HP EliteBook 850 G2 review

A 2015 EliteBook with a weak discrete GPU and limited RAM

The HP EliteBook 850 G2 (2015) pairs a dual-core Core i7-5600U with an entry-level AMD Radeon R7 M260 discrete GPU and 16 GB of RAM in a 15-inch business chassis. At about $172 it sits well below the $297 category median — in the ultra-budget tier. The headline is the i7 CPU and the discrete GPU, both uncommon at this price, but the platform has clear trade-offs: the 16 GB of RAM sits below the category median, and the mobility index is low.

Where it shines: discrete graphics (relatively)

The R7 M260 is technically a discrete GPU, which gives the EliteBook 850 G2 a graphics score well above the business-laptop median — but only because the median includes many iGPU-only configurations. In absolute terms the GPU is a 2015 entry-level part. The capability fit confirms the limits: minimum-setting Overwatch and Grand Theft Auto V (the latter at a measured 140 fps) are within reach, but Far Cry 5 at minimum settings is clearly unplayable. Modern gaming is out of scope.

Where it doesn't: memory and mobility

The 16 GB of RAM sits below the category median, which limits multitasking headroom. The mobility index is also low, reflecting the 15-inch chassis and the older battery technology. The reliability isn't flagged as a weakness but buyers should expect a 10-year-old machine.

Price trajectory

From an original $1,300 MSRP, the EliteBook 850 G2 has depreciated to about $172 today — an annual rate near 6.9%, one of the gentler curves in this batch. Projected forward, another two years bring it to roughly $149, a 13.3% drop. Most of the value loss is already behind it.

How it compares

Slightly above it, the HP EliteBook Folio 1040 G2 ($184) and Dell Latitude 7370 ($184) are the natural step-up alternatives — broadly comparable hardware for a small premium. Below it, the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon 3rd Gen ($152) and Dell Latitude E7440 ($147) are cheaper, with the X1 Carbon in particular offering a stronger ultraportable build.

Bottom line

The EliteBook 850 G2 is worth the asking price for buyers who specifically want a 2015-vintage EliteBook with a discrete GPU and accept the trade-offs: limited 16 GB of RAM, low mobility, and a GPU that's too old for modern gaming (Far Cry 5 at minimum is unplayable). For most buyers, the cheaper ThinkPad X1 Carbon 3rd Gen at $152 offers a stronger ultraportable build for less money.