The HP EliteBook 850 G6 with Core i5 8th Gen, 16GB RAM, and 512GB SSD currently sells for KSh 85,000 to KSh 120,000 in Kenya, depending on condition and seller warranties. This business-class laptop remains highly sought after for its reliability, security features, and professional-grade performance.
Discover why Kenyan professionals and enterprises consistently choose this model for demanding workloads. Its military-grade durability, enterprise security suite, and 15.6-inch anti-glare display make it ideal for Nairobi’s mobile workforce.
Current Price Range of HP EliteBook 850 G6 in Kenya
The HP EliteBook 850 G6 (Core i5 8th Gen, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) falls into three distinct price brackets in Kenya’s market:
- Budget Range (KSh 85,000 – KSh 95,000): Refurbished or lightly used units with 6-12 months warranty from local dealers.
- Mid-Range (KSh 96,000 – KSh 110,000): Certified refurbished models with 1-year warranty or new units from smaller retailers.
- Premium (KSh 110,000 – KSh 120,000): Brand-new, sealed units with 3-year HP warranty from authorized resellers.
Prices have stabilized after a 5-8% drop in early 2024 due to increased refurbished stock. Expect slight increases (3-5%) during back-to-school and corporate procurement cycles.
Key Specifications of HP EliteBook 850 G6
This business laptop delivers enterprise-grade performance with these critical specifications:
- Processor: 8th Gen Intel Core i5-8265U (1.6GHz base, 3.9GHz turbo, 4 cores)
- Memory: 16GB DDR4-2400MHz (soldered, non-upgradable)
- Storage: 512GB PCIe NVMe SSD (M.2 2280 slot, supports upgrades)
- Display: 15.6″ FHD (1920×1080) IPS anti-glare, 250-nit brightness
- Build: MIL-STD-810G certified magnesium-aluminum chassis
- Security: TPM 2.0, fingerprint reader, IR camera with Windows Hello
- Ports: 2x USB-C (Thunderbolt 3), 2x USB-A 3.1, HDMI 1.4b, smart card reader
- Weight: 1.53kg (3.37lbs) with 4-cell 64Wh battery
Includes HP Sure Start BIOS protection and 3-year limited warranty on new units.
Factors Affecting HP EliteBook 850 G6 Prices in Kenya
Several market forces influence the final price you’ll pay for this business laptop:
- Import Duties: Kenya’s 10-25% electronics import tax directly impacts base pricing
- Currency Fluctuations: The KES/USD exchange rate affects wholesale costs (most units are USD-priced imports)
- Warranty Status: Units with remaining HP global warranty command 15-20% premiums
- Battery Health: Refurbished units with >80% battery capacity cost 8-12% more
- Corporate Leasing Cycles: Floods of ex-lease units in Q1-Q2 create seasonal price drops
- Retailer Tier: Authorized HP partners charge 7-10% more than grey market importers
- Configuration Variations: Backlit keyboard and WWAN-ready models fetch higher prices
The recent influx of UK corporate refurbished units has created a 5-8% price suppression since March 2024.
Where to Buy HP EliteBook 850 G6 in Kenya
Kenyan buyers have multiple reliable purchasing options with distinct advantages:
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- Authorized HP Dealers: (HP Store Nairobi, PC Planet) – Premium pricing (KSh 110K+) but includes full 3-year warranty and after-sales support
- Tech Retail Chains: (Ultimate Solutions, Gadget World) – Mid-range pricing (KSh 95K-105K) with store warranties and installment plans
Online Marketplaces:
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- Jumia (KSh 85K-100K) – Best for refurbished units with buyer protection
- Kilimall (KSh 90K-110K) – Often includes free accessories like laptop bags
- Physical Tech Hubs: (Tumu Building Nairobi, Mombasa’s Nyali Tech Plaza) – Best for price negotiation on ex-UK corporate units (KSh 80K-95K)
Always verify serial numbers via HP’s warranty checker before purchase, especially for grey market units.
Popular Brands and Alternatives in Kenya
Here’s how the HP EliteBook 850 G6 compares to other business laptops in its class available in Kenya:
| Brand/Model | Price Range (KES) | Key Features | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| HP EliteBook 850 G6 | 85,000-120,000 | Military-grade durability, Thunderbolt 3, best keyboard | Widely available (new & refurbished) |
| Dell Latitude 5500 | 80,000-115,000 | Better service network, ExpressCharge | Limited new stock, mostly refurbished |
| Lenovo ThinkPad T490 | 90,000-130,000 | Legendary keyboard, superior Linux support | Available at authorized dealers only |
| Asus ExpertBook B5 | 95,000-140,000 | Lighter weight (1.14kg), NumberPad 2.0 | Rare, special order basis |
For budget-conscious buyers, consider the HP ProBook 450 G6 (KSh 65,000-85,000) with similar specs but plastic chassis. Enterprise users should note HP and Dell offer the best after-sales support in Kenya with service centers in Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu.
Essential Buying Tips for HP EliteBook 850 G6
Follow these expert recommendations to ensure you get genuine value:
- Physical Inspection: Check for chassis cracks, hinge stiffness, and keyboard backlight uniformity
- Battery Test: Run powercfg /batteryreport in Command Prompt to verify original capacity
- Warranty Verification: Demand serial number to check on HP’s official warranty portal before payment
- Performance Check: Stress test with CPU-Z and CrystalDiskMark for 15 minutes minimum
- Red Flags: Avoid units with BIOS passwords, missing asset tags, or suspiciously low prices (below KSh 75,000)
- Negotiation Tip: Ask for free upgrades (extra RAM/SSD) instead of price reductions
Always meet sellers at HP service centers for professional diagnostics – most offer this verification for KSh 500-1000.
Final Verdict
The HP EliteBook 850 G6 (KSh 85,000-120,000) remains Kenya’s best-value business laptop for 2024. Corporate buyers should opt for authorized dealers’ new units, while budget-conscious professionals will find excellent refurbished options at tech hubs. Before purchasing, verify all specifications and warranty status through HP’s official channels. This investment in durable, enterprise-grade hardware will serve you reliably for years – choose wisely based on your specific needs and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions About HP EliteBook 850 G6 in Kenya
How can I verify if an HP EliteBook 850 G6 is genuine?
Check the serial number on HP’s official warranty status page. Genuine units will display full specifications and warranty details. Physically inspect for proper HP logos, original Windows license sticker, and matching serial numbers on the bottom case and BIOS.
What’s the typical battery life for this model?
Expect 6-8 hours of normal office use with the 64Wh battery. Battery health degrades about 15% annually – always request a battery report (hold power button for 30 seconds to generate) when buying used units.
Where can I get official repairs in Kenya?
HP has authorized service centers in Nairobi (HP Store ABC Place), Mombasa (Nyali), and Kisumu (Westend Mall). Repairs take 3-5 business days for common issues like keyboard replacements or battery swaps.
Is the RAM upgradeable on this model?
No, the 16GB RAM is soldered. However, you can upgrade the SSD up to 2TB. Use only HP-approved NVMe drives to maintain system stability and warranty coverage.
How does this compare to newer EliteBook models?
While newer G8/G9 models offer 11th/12th Gen processors, the 850 G6 provides better value. Performance differences are minimal for office tasks, and you save 40-50% buying this proven workhorse.
