Workstations have evolved into powerful tools that cater to professionals across industries. From managing complex design projects and crunching large datasets to collaborating remotely, they can do it all. HP’s ZBook lineup has consistently pushed boundaries in the mobile workstation segment, offering top-tier performance and user-focused features.
The HP ZBook Firefly 16 G10 is no exception. Designed for professionals who demand power without sacrificing portability, this laptop bridges the gap between high performance and sleek mobility.
It’s tailored for engineers, architects, and designers who need reliable hardware to keep up with their creative and technical needs. But does it live up to its workstation label? Let’s explore its design and build quality to find out.
Key Specifications
- Display: 16″ diagonal WUXGA (1920 x 1200) touch display
- Processor: 13th Generation Intel® Core™ i7 processor
- Memory: 32 GB DDR5-5200 RAM
- Storage: 1 TB SSD
- Graphics: NVIDIA RTX™ A500
- Operating System: Windows 11 Pro
- Audio: Bang & Olufsen speakers
- Security: Fingerprint Reader
- Camera: 5MP HD IR camera
- Weight: Approximately 1.72 kg
- Price: Available from HP for $3708. Independent retailers no long stock it as the model has been discontinued (10th generation model)
Design and Build Quality

The ZBook Firefly 16 G10 embodies HP’s professional design ethos with its sleek yet robust aluminum chassis. The minimalist design is both modern and practical, making it a great fit for boardrooms and creative studios alike. At approximately 1.5 kg, it’s impressively portable for a 16-inch workstation, catering to professionals who are always on the move.
The build quality is exceptional, featuring military-grade durability (MIL-STD 810H certification) to withstand bumps, spills, and demanding travel conditions. HP has also equipped this ZBook with a spill-resistant, full-size keyboard, so that minor accidents won’t disrupt your work. The ErgoLift hinge slightly raises the keyboard when the lid is opened, improving typing ergonomics and enhancing airflow for cooling. Overall, the ZBook Firefly 16 G10 combines functionality and style, striking a balance that many professionals will appreciate.
Display

The 16-inch WUXGA touch display on the HP ZBook Firefly 16 G10 offers a sharp and functional viewing experience. With a 1920 x 1200 resolution and a 16:10 aspect ratio, it provides more vertical screen space, which is especially useful for multitasking or working on large documents and design layouts. The touch functionality adds convenience for creative professionals and those who prefer intuitive navigation.
Colour reproduction is vibrant, though it leans toward practicality rather than cinematic brilliance. During testing, the screen performed well for tasks like editing presentations, videoconferencing, and light design work. However, it may not satisfy users requiring ultra-precise colour accuracy for high-end creative projects. The anti-glare coating and decent brightness levels allow comfortable viewing, even under harsh office lighting, making the display a reliable tool for professional use.
Performance
The ZBook Firefly 16 G10 packs a punch with its 13th Gen Intel Core i7 processor and NVIDIA RTX A500 graphics. This combination makes it well-suited for demanding workloads, including CAD software, 3D modeling, and data analysis. During testing, the laptop effortlessly handled multitasking, running multiple applications like Adobe Photoshop and AutoCAD without any noticeable lag.
The 32GB DDR5 RAM brings smooth operation even when working on memory-intensive tasks, while the 1TB SSD provides ample storage with blazing-fast read and write speeds. While the RTX A500 GPU is designed for professional workloads rather than gaming, it delivers reliable performance for rendering and graphical tasks. Overall, the ZBook Firefly G10 excels in scenarios that require precision, speed, and multitasking capabilities.
Keyboard and Trackpad

The keyboard on the HP ZBook Firefly 16 G10 is a standout feature, designed with professionals in mind. The spill-resistant, full-sized layout provides a comfortable typing experience, with keys that offer satisfying travel and feedback. Backlighting adds convenience for working in dimly lit environments, and the durability of the DuraKeys coating ensures the keyboard holds up under daily use. This is a keyboard built for marathon work sessions, whether you’re drafting reports or coding complex scripts.
The trackpad is generously sized and highly responsive, supporting multi-touch gestures like pinch-to-zoom and three-finger swipes with ease. Its smooth surface feels premium, making navigation intuitive and precise. For users who rely heavily on input accuracy and speed, the combination of a reliable keyboard and trackpad makes the ZBook Firefly 16 a joy to use.
Battery Life
Battery performance is a crucial factor for mobile workstations, and the ZBook Firefly 16 G10 doesn’t disappoint. Equipped with a 56Wh battery, it delivers up to 10–13 hours of usage under typical workloads, such as document editing, video conferencing, and light design tasks. This allows you to work through a full day without needing to hunt for a charger.
The fast-charging capability is another highlight, allowing the battery to recharge up to 50% in just 30 minutes—a lifesaver for busy professionals on the go. While more intensive tasks like rendering or 3D modeling will naturally drain the battery faster, the ZBook’s overall endurance and efficiency make it a reliable companion for those who demand portability and power.
Pros:
- Reasonably light with military-grade certification for portability and reliability.
- Vibrant 16-inch WUXGA touch display with extra vertical space for productivity.
- Impressive multitasking performance, powered by Intel Core i7 and 32GB of RAM.
- Professional-grade NVIDIA RTX A500 GPU for CAD and other graphical workloads.
- Spill-resistant, backlit keyboard designed for comfort and durability.
- Long battery life with fast-charging support.
Cons:
- Display brightness and colour accuracy may not meet the needs of high-end creative professionals.
- The current price tag is too steep for an older generation model.
Final Verdict
The HP ZBook Firefly 16 G10 is a mobile workstation that delivers where it matters most—performance, portability, and reliability. Its combination of a sleek, durable design and professional-grade hardware makes it a powerful tool for engineers, designers, and business professionals who need robust capabilities on the go.
While its display might not satisfy the most demanding creatives, it’s more than sufficient for productivity and moderate design work. The long battery life, fast-charging capabilities, and a feature-rich keyboard add to its appeal, making it an excellent choice for professionals looking for a versatile and dependable laptop. If you’re looking for a more affordable yet capable alternative, the Dell Latitude 5550 is a strong contender. It offers solid performance, durability, and an excellent keyboard, making it a great choice for business users who don’t require workstation-grade graphics but still need reliability and efficiency in their day-to-day tasks.