HP EliteBook x360 1040 G8 vs Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch (2019)
The real choice here is the system: the HP EliteBook x360 1040 G8 runs Windows and the Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch runs macOS. Beyond that, the HP EliteBook x360 1040 G8 doubles as a tablet and is lighter, while the Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch lasts longer on a charge.
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Key differences
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Performance
HP EliteBook x360 1040 G8 wins
Same class of processor, but the HP EliteBook x360 1040 G8 has more memory (32 GB against 16 GB).
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Gaming
Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch wins
The Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch's AMD Radeon Pro 5300M manages light and older games, while the HP EliteBook x360 1040 G8's built-in graphics isn't made for games.
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Display
Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch wins
The Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch has the better screen: 16" 3K 500 nits against 14" Full HD.
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Battery life
Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch wins
The Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch should last longer: a 99.8 Wh battery against a 54 Wh battery.
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Connectivity
HP EliteBook x360 1040 G8 wins
The HP EliteBook x360 1040 G8 is better connected. Only it has HDMI and USB-A.
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Portability
HP EliteBook x360 1040 G8 wins
The HP EliteBook x360 1040 G8 is easier to carry at 1.32 kg, against 2 kg.
Other differences
- Operating system Depends on you
They run different systems: the HP EliteBook x360 1040 G8 runs Windows and the Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch runs macOS. Pick the one that runs the apps you rely on.
- Tablet mode Depends on you
The HP EliteBook x360 1040 G8 is a 2-in-1 that turns into a tablet; the Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch is a regular laptop.
- Memory HP EliteBook x360 1040 G8 wins
The HP EliteBook x360 1040 G8 has 32 GB of memory against 16 GB, so it has more room for big projects and heavy multitasking.
Which one should you choose?
Choose the HP EliteBook x360 1040 G8 if…
- You need Windows programs or want to play PC games: it runs Windows 11, which runs almost anything.
- You'd like to use it as a tablet, or write and draw on the screen: it's a 2-in-1.
- You'll carry it every day: at 1.32 kg it's easy to take everywhere.
- You keep lots of tabs and apps open: 32 GB of memory gives it more room.
Choose the Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch if…
- You own an iPhone or prefer a Mac: it runs macOS and works smoothly with Apple devices.
- You work away from a plug: it should last longer on a charge.
- You want more room to work: its 16-inch screen fits two windows side by side.
Full spec comparison
The HP EliteBook x360 1040 G8 leads on performance and ports and wireless, while the Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch leads on the screen.
Green cells with a ✓ mark the better spec in that row. Tick "Show differences only" to hide the rows where they match.
Performance
The HP EliteBook x360 1040 G8 is ahead on performance.
It has more memory, and the Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch doesn't beat it on anything here.
| Spec | HP EliteBook x360 1040 G8 | Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch (2019) |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core i7-1185G7 | Intel Core i7-9750H |
| Graphics | Intel Iris Xe Graphics | AMD Radeon Pro 5300M + Intel UHD Graphics 630 |
| Graphics memory | — | 4 GB |
| Memory (RAM) | 32 GB | 16 GB |
| Memory type | LPDDR4X-4266 | DDR4-2666 |
| Maximum memory | 32 GB | 16 GB |
| Memory upgrades | Soldered (not upgradeable) | Soldered (not upgradeable) |
| Storage | 512 GB | 512 GB |
| Storage type | SSD | SSD |
| Storage interface | PCIe NVMe x4 M.2 | — |
Screen
The Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch is ahead on the screen.
The HP EliteBook x360 1040 G8 is a 2-in-1 that turns into a tablet; the Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch is a regular laptop. The HP EliteBook x360 1040 G8 doubles as a tablet and is more compact, while the Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch has a bigger screen and has a sharper screen.
| Spec | HP EliteBook x360 1040 G8 | Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch (2019) |
|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 14" | 16" |
| Resolution | Full HD (1920 x 1080) | 3K (3072 x 1920) |
| Aspect ratio | 16:9 | 16:10 |
| Panel | IPS | IPS |
| Refresh rate | 60 Hz | 60 Hz |
| Variable refresh (VRR) | No | — |
| Brightness | — | 500 nits |
| Colour range | — | Wide colour (P3) |
| Finish | Matte | — |
| Touchscreen | Yes | No |
Battery and size
Each laptop has its strengths on battery and weight.
The HP EliteBook x360 1040 G8 is lighter, while the Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch lasts longer on a charge.
| Spec | HP EliteBook x360 1040 G8 | Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch (2019) |
|---|---|---|
| Battery capacity | 54 Wh | 99.8 Wh |
| Charger | — | 96 W |
| Charges via | USB-C | USB-C |
| Fast charging | 50% in 30 minutes | — |
| Weight | 1.32 kg | 2 kg |
| Dimensions | 319.3 x 202.6 x 16.6 mm | 357.9 x 245.9 x 16.2 mm |
| Materials | 75% recycled aluminium display cover; 90% recycled magnesium bottom cover | — |
| Hinge | 360-degree convertible | — |
| Colour | Black | Space Grey |
| Colours available | — | Silver, Space Gray |
Ports and wireless
The HP EliteBook x360 1040 G8 is ahead on ports and wireless.
It has HDMI and USB-A and has Wi-Fi 6, and the Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch doesn't beat it on anything here.
| Spec | HP EliteBook x360 1040 G8 | Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch (2019) |
|---|---|---|
| Ports | 2x Thunderbolt 4 / USB4 Type-C (40 Gbps, USB Power Delivery charging, DisplayPort 1.4), 2x USB-A 5 Gbps (1 with sleep-and-charge), 1x HDMI 2.0, 1x 3.5 mm headphone/microphone combo | 4x Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C; all four charge, DisplayPort, USB 3.1 Gen 2 10Gb/s), 1x 3.5 mm headphone |
| Thunderbolt / USB4 | 2x Thunderbolt 4 / USB4 (40 Gbps) | Thunderbolt 3 |
| External displays (max) | — | 4 |
| Card reader | None | None |
| Ethernet | None | None |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 5 |
| Wi-Fi card | Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201 | — |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5 | Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Mobile data | — | None |
Features
Both have much the same extras.
From the keyboard to the webcam and login, there is little between them.
| Spec | HP EliteBook x360 1040 G8 | Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch (2019) |
|---|---|---|
| Webcam | 720p | 720p FaceTime HD |
| Webcam privacy | electronic privacy shutter (HP Sure Shutter) | — |
| Backlit keyboard | Yes | Yes |
| Keyboard | backlit HP Quiet Keyboard, programmable key | Backlit Magic Keyboard, 65 (US) / 66 (ISO) keys, inverted-T arrows, Touch Bar, ambient light sensor |
| Login | Fingerprint | Fingerprint |
| Number pad | No | No |
| Touchpad | glass ClickPad with Microsoft Precision Touchpad support | Force Touch trackpad (pressure-sensing, Force clicks, Multi-Touch) |
| Speakers | 4 speakers, 4 discrete amplifiers, HP Audio Boost, Bang & Olufsen | Six-speaker system with force-cancelling woofers, wide stereo, Dolby Atmos playback |
| Microphones | 4-microphone array (2 world-facing) | Studio-quality three-mic array with directional beamforming |
| Pen | Supported (sold separately) | No |
| Security | TPM 2.0, HP Sure Start Gen6, HP Tamper Lock, Nano lock slot, fingerprint reader | — |
Software and model
They run different systems, so this comes down to the apps you use.
It is newer, and the Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch doesn't beat it on anything here.
| Spec | HP EliteBook x360 1040 G8 | Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch (2019) |
|---|---|---|
| Operating system | Windows 11 Pro | macOS |
| Model number | x360 1040 G8 i7 | — |
| Released | 2021 | 2019 |