HP Unleashes Next-Gen EliteBook X Series: Snapdragon X and Ryzen AI Pro Power a New Wave of Business Laptops

HP has unveiled two new EliteBook X laptops at CES 2026

In a significant refresh of its commercial notebook lineup, HP has unveiled the new EliteBook X series, designed to meet the escalating demands of modern enterprises and small businesses. The spotlight is on two flagship models: the EliteBook X G2q and the EliteBook X G2a, each powered by a different next-generation architecture—Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X and AMD’s Ryzen AI Pro—promising a potent mix of AI acceleration, enhanced security, and all-day connectivity.

The announcement signals HP’s commitment to providing choice and cutting-edge technology for professionals, with a sharp focus on the pillars of modern business computing: performance, security, and mobility.

A Display for Every Professional

Both the 14-inch EliteBook X G2q and G2a offer a surprising array of display configurations, allowing businesses to tailor the visual experience to specific roles. The top-tier option is a stunning 3K (2880 x 1800) OLED panel with a buttery-smooth 120Hz refresh rate, variable refresh rate (VRR) for efficiency, and 500 nits of brightness.

For those prioritizing color accuracy, a WUXGA (1920 x 1200) OLED with 95% DCI-P3 coverage is available. Alternatively, a brighter 400-nit LCD with 100% sRGB gamut offers a compelling value. Touchscreen users aren’t left behind, with options for a 500-nit or an exceptionally bright 800-nit panel, ensuring readability even in harsh lighting.

HP EliteBook X G2q

HP EliteBook X G2q ports

HP EliteBook X G2q

Under the Hood: The Silicon Core

The divergence between the two models lies at their computational heart, offering distinct advantages.

The EliteBook X G2q harnesses the power-efficiency of the Qualcomm Snapdragon X platform. Configurations range from the top-tier Snapdragon X2 Elite with 18 cores down to a Snapdragon X Plus variant. This chipset is built with an integrated 5G modem option (a significant boon for mobile professionals) and is engineered for exceptional battery life and always-connected capabilities. It supports up to 64GB of fast LPDDR5x RAM and 2TB of SSD storage.

On the other side, the EliteBook X G2a is driven by AMD’s Ryzen AI Pro 400 “Gorgon Point” processors, from the Ryzen AI 9 HX Pro 470 down to the Ryzen AI 5 435. These chips bring dedicated AI horsepower to the forefront for on-device AI task acceleration, alongside strong traditional CPU performance. It also supports up to 64GB of DDR5 RAM and 2TB of storage.

Built for the Road: Battery, Connectivity & A Surprising First

Mobility is key. Both laptops start with a 56 Wh battery, with an option to upgrade to a larger 68 Wh unit for marathon work sessions. They come standard with a 65W charger, upgradeable to 100W for faster top-ups.

The I/O selection is robust and nearly identical: a high-speed USB-C with power delivery and DisplayPort, a USB-A port for legacy devices, HDMI 2.1, and a headphone jack. However, a notable difference exists in the high-speed ports: the G2q features a USB 4 port, while the G2a makes history by including two Thunderbolt 4 ports—marking it as one of the very first AMD-powered laptops to officially support the Thunderbolt standard, a win for versatility and docking.

Security and Collaboration Features

As expected from the EliteBook series, these laptops are fortified for business. The underlying platforms from Qualcomm and AMD include advanced, hardware-based security features like Microsoft Pluton security processors. They are also equipped with a 5MP camera for sharper video calls, Wi-Fi 7 for lightning-fast wireless (using Qualcomm and MediaTek adapters respectively), and Bluetooth 5.4.

"Businesses need technology that empowers their teams without compromise—whether that's through seamless connectivity, intelligent performance, or robust security," said a spokesperson from HP. "The new EliteBook X series delivers this choice, powered by the latest silicon innovations."

Availability and Pricing

The new HP EliteBook X G2q (Snapdragon X) and EliteBook X G2a (Ryzen AI Pro) will be available in Spring 2026 in Glacial Silver and Atmospheric Blue color options. Pricing will be announced closer to the launch date.

This launch sets the stage for an intriguing battle in the 2026 business laptop market, giving IT departments compelling, future-ready options centered on AI and connectivity.