A larger competition that has been going on for years pits Windows against Mac computers against HP’s EliteBook Ultra and Apple’s MacBook Pro 14 M3. Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon recently emphasized this competition at Computex, using the classic “Hello” The “I’m a Mac” advertisements from 2006. This is not just a marketing comparison; it also looks at the processing architecture underneath these two gadgets. It was inevitable that the new Copilot+ PCs would target Apple as a major competitor because both Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite and X Plus chipsets and Apple’s M-series CPUs utilize the ARM (Advanced RISC Machine) architecture. Comparing the performance of the EliteBook Ultra to the MacBook Pro 14 M3 and the MacBook, HP has made a number of claims.
When comparing the price and configurations of the HP EliteBook Ultra and the Apple MacBook Pro 14 M3, the MacBook Pro 14 starts at a lower price point of $1,599 compared to the HP EliteBook Ultra’s starting price of $1,699. However, the HP EliteBook Ultra comes with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, whereas a similarly specced MacBook Pro 14 M3 would cost $1,799. This makes the HP EliteBook Ultra a more cost-effective option when considering the specifications provided. The MacBook Pro 14 M3 offers multiple configuration options, including processor and graphics card upgrades as well as increased memory and storage, whereas the HP EliteBook Ultra currently has only one specification available. Despite this, the 16GB of memory and 512GB of storage in the HP EliteBook Ultra is a generous setup for most users, making it the winner in terms of initial cost and value for money.
In terms of design, both laptops are 14-inch ultra-thin clamshell devices, but there are notable differences. The HP EliteBook Ultra is available in a dark Atmospheric Blue, which provides a visually interesting and understated look compared to the MacBook Pro 14’s standard Space Gray and Silver color options. The HP EliteBook Ultra measures 12.31 x 8.79 x 0.44 inches, making it thinner than the MacBook Pro 14, which measures 12.3 x 8.7 x 0.6 inches. Additionally, the EliteBook Ultra is lighter at 2.9 pounds compared to the MacBook Pro’s 3.4 pounds. While these differences may seem minor, they make the EliteBook Ultra the better option for those seeking the thinnest and lightest device. The iconic design of the MacBook Pro’s aluminum chassis is a notable advantage, but the HP EliteBook Ultra’s pop of color and overall design gives it the edge in this category.
When comparing displays, neither the HP EliteBook Ultra nor the Apple MacBook Pro 14 M3 feature OLED panels. However, the EliteBook Ultra’s glossy IPS display covers 84.7% of the DCI-P3 color gamut with an accuracy of 0.22, while the MacBook Pro’s Super Retina gloss panel covers 81.3% of the DCI-P3 color gamut with an accuracy of 0.12. This makes the EliteBook Ultra slightly more vibrant, though the MacBook Pro is more accurate. The MacBook Pro excels in brightness, achieving an average peak brightness of 558 nits compared to the EliteBook Ultra’s 321 nits. This makes the MacBook Pro better for fighting glare and providing a slight visual advantage due to brighter whites. Therefore, the MacBook Pro 14 M3 is the winner in terms of display quality.
Performance is a critical factor, and both laptops handle a range of tasks from light photo and video editing to web browsing and video streaming. On Geekbench 6, the EliteBook Ultra leads in multicore performance with an average score of 12,717, while the MacBook Pro averages 11,968. However, the MacBook Pro has the advantage in single-core performance with an average score of 3,163 compared to the EliteBook Ultra’s 2,371. In the Handbrake video encoding test, the MacBook Pro completes the task about a minute faster than the EliteBook Ultra. While single-core performance and video encoding speeds are important, multicore performance is generally more reflective of everyday usage. Thus, this category results in a draw, as both laptops excel in different aspects of performance.
Gaming and graphics performance reveal a clear distinction between the two devices. The MacBook Pro 14 M3, with its M-series chipsets, performs better in gaming despite a smaller game library compared to the HP EliteBook Ultra. Games available on both platforms run natively on the Metal API on the MacBook Pro, while the EliteBook Ultra relies on emulation. In tests like Sid Meier’s Civilization VI: Gathering Storm, the MacBook Pro averages 51 FPS at medium settings and 1080p resolution, significantly outperforming the EliteBook Ultra’s 20 FPS. Additionally, the MacBook Pro scores higher on 3DMark Wild Life Extreme Unlimited, further establishing its superiority in gaming and graphics.
Battery life is another straightforward comparison. The MacBook Pro 14 M3 outlasts the HP EliteBook Ultra in the Laptop Mag battery test, lasting 17 hours and 16 minutes compared to the EliteBook Ultra’s 16 hours and 1 minute. This clear advantage makes the MacBook Pro the winner in battery life.
In conclusion, the decision between the HP EliteBook Ultra and the Apple MacBook Pro 14 M3 largely depends on individual preferences and needs. The EliteBook Ultra wins in terms of initial cost, value for money, design, and multicore performance. The MacBook Pro excels in display quality, single-core performance, gaming, and battery life. Both laptops offer excellent performance, making them strong contenders in the 14-inch ultra-thin laptop market. However, for users prioritizing battery life, gaming, and display brightness, the MacBook Pro 14 M3 is the better choice.
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