HP EliteBook 840 G3 vs G4 vs G5: Which Used Laptop Is Worth Buying in Kenya?

Updated October 2026 · Infinite Tech Kenya buying analysis. This guide compares specific published configurations and the decisions a Kenyan shopper actually faces. It is a researched comparison, not a claim that every refurbished unit has been physically benchmarked.

Which should you choose?

Choose the G5 for a more sustainable office purchase when its actual processor, security hardware and screen check out. Choose G3 if budget is strict and you understand its operating-system limitations. Choose G4 for a verified touchscreen you genuinely need, rather than because the generation number sounds newer.

Price comparison at Infinite Tech Kenya

Prices are WooCommerce snapshots, not permanent offers. The products can differ in CPU tier, RAM, touch input or physical condition; this is not a controlled performance benchmark.

Four important differences

Processor and generation

The generation labels are not Intel processor generations. On this family G3 commonly carries sixth-generation Intel CPUs, G4 seventh-generation and G5 eighth-generation options. Ask for the precise CPU part number before comparing performance.

What the configuration really buys

The 840 G5 usually offers the most important generational jump for typical eighth-generation quad-core U-series configurations compared with common dual-core G3/G4 U-series CPUs. An i7 badge on an older laptop is not automatically faster than a later i5.

Display, battery and day-to-day use

A touchscreen G4 can be more useful for tapping through documents than a non-touch G5, but touch alone does not improve processing speed. Compare the supplied screen’s resolution, brightness and panel condition.

Refurbished ownership risks

The older G3 and G4 may be attractive on price, but Windows 11 eligibility is a serious consideration after Windows 10 standard support ended. Check Microsoft’s requirements for the complete device and do not treat unsupported installations as equivalent.

Our practical buying recommendation

Choose the G5 for a more sustainable office purchase when its actual processor, security hardware and screen check out. Choose G3 if budget is strict and you understand its operating-system limitations. Choose G4 for a verified touchscreen you genuinely need, rather than because the generation number sounds newer. Do not choose solely by model naming. For a better comparison, inspect two real machines on the same day, open a document, run a video call, test keyboard and trackpad, and look at the battery health report before paying.

Five checks to do before paying for a refurbished laptop

1. Processor identity: Open Settings → System → About or System Information to verify the processor model rather than accepting an ambiguous seller title.
2. Display: Check native resolution, brightness, dead pixels, dim spots and touch registration where touch is advertised.
3. Battery: Run powercfg /batteryreport on Windows to compare design capacity with current full-charge capacity. A report is a diagnostic clue, not a promise of hours.
4. Storage and memory: Confirm actual SSD capacity and RAM in Task Manager and check disk health before relying on the advertised specification.
5. Warranty and accessories: Ask about charger, keyboard layout, returns, grading and specific warranty conditions in writing.

Frequently asked questions

Does 840 G5 always have an eighth-generation CPU?

No. Confirm the processor SKU of the individual listing; variants and reseller descriptions can differ.

Is 840 G4 automatically touchscreen?

No. Touch was optional; the linked shop configuration specifically advertises touch.

Can I install Windows 11 on 840 G3?

Check official eligibility with Microsoft’s PC Health Check. An unofficial installation is not the same as a supported device.

Which has more useful value: G4 touch or G5 non-touch?

For sustained office multitasking G5 is generally the stronger candidate; touch matters when your workflow uses it.

Can I compare these prices with a supplier’s quotation?

Supplier quotations are not the Infinite Tech retail offer. The table shows live catalogue prices at the time of this comparison; check the product page again before ordering.

What do I check when collecting an ex-UK laptop in Nairobi?

Confirm the laptop model in BIOS or Windows System Information, battery report, screen pixels and touch input where advertised, charger, ports, Wi-Fi, keyboard and included warranty.

Does Windows 10 still receive standard support?

No. Standard Windows 10 support ended on 14 October 2025; where a laptop cannot meet Windows 11 requirements, plan for an appropriate supported alternative or approved extended security updates.

Does a higher Intel generation always guarantee better performance?

No. Compare the exact processor SKU, number of cores, sustained cooling, RAM and intended applications; generation is a guide, not an absolute benchmark.

Where can I see these models in Nairobi?

Infinite Tech is at Rehema House, Standard Street, behind Sarova Stanley Hotel, Nairobi CBD, 1st Floor Shop No. 2. WhatsApp 0720450148 to confirm current stock and collection.

Related reading and shopping

For another view, read our related laptop comparison, HP EliteBook comparison and buying guide or Lenovo ThinkPad prices and model comparison. For checking a used laptop in person, see our Used laptop inspection checklist. Select the exact product from the price table for current specifications.

Technical reference and transparency

Product-family specifications can be independently checked at the manufacturer’s support/specifications pages. Microsoft’s Windows 10 end-of-support notice explains the security implications of older machines. This article combines the linked store catalogue with manufacturer-family documentation; no hands-on comparative benchmark was performed for this article.

Order assistance: Infinite Tech, Rehema House, Standard Street, behind Sarova Stanley Hotel, Nairobi CBD. Call or WhatsApp 0720450148 to verify availability, battery grade and warranty before placing an order.