HP Envy x360 15.6 2023 review an unusual mix in 2023
HP Envy x360 15.6 2023 review an unusual mix in 2023
HP Envy x360 15.6: A Unique Blend of Old and New
Introduction
In the ever-evolving landscape of 2-in-1 laptops, HP has kept itself afloat with its latest release, the Envy x360 15.6. While many manufacturers have shifted away from the 15-inch, 360-degree, convertible 2-in-1 design, HP remains a holdout. However, this laptop seems a bit behind the curve, not only in terms of design but also in equipping it with an old-school 16:9 display that may not be well-suited for productivity or tablet use. Let’s take a closer look at the specifications, design, performance, and overall value of the HP Envy x360 15.6.
Specs and Configurations
First, let’s delve into the specifications and configurations of the Envy x360 15.6. HP offers both Intel and AMD versions of this laptop, and for the purposes of this review, we will focus on the AMD model. You have a choice of several configurations, ranging from the baseline model priced at $900 to the higher-end model which we reviewed, priced at $1,200 (currently on sale for $850).
The reviewed model boasts an AMD Ryzen 7 7730U CPU, 16GB of RAM, a 1TB SSD, and an FHD OLED panel that is Imax Certified. While this places the Envy x360 15.6 at the top end of the budget range, it may not represent the best value unless purchased at the discounted price.
A Curiously Old-School Design
The Envy x360 15.6 sports a design that seems oddly out of touch in today’s market. With the industry moving towards taller 16:10 or 3:2 aspect ratios, the decision to stick with a 16:9 display raises eyebrows. This choice not only affects productivity but also compromises the tablet mode experience. The long and skinny portrait tablet mode feels unwieldy, especially on a 15-inch chassis.
Furthermore, the Envy x360 15.6 features relatively large top and bottom display bezels compared to its competitors. While it is reasonably thin at 0.73 inches and lightweight at 4.04 pounds, it falls short in comparison to other models in terms of portability.
The laptop’s construction is a mix of plastic in the bottom chassis and aluminum in the keyboard deck and lid. Despite the presence of plastic, the Envy x360 15.6 feels solid and well-built. HP has also made an effort to incorporate sustainable and recyclable materials in its design, catering to environmentally conscious users. Aesthetically, the laptop exudes minimalism with its simple lines and lack of bling, available in Natural Silver or Nightfall Black.
The keyboard offers a decent typing experience, with large keycaps and comfortable spacing. However, the switches lack the snappiness found in high-end laptops like HP’s Spectre series or Dell’s XPS and Apple’s MacBook lines. The touchpad, while on the smaller side, is precise and provides confident, quiet clicks. The display supports HP’s latest active pen, although it was not included with the review unit.
In terms of connectivity, the Envy x360 15.6 offers an acceptable range of ports but lacks Thunderbolt 4 support. The inclusion of a full-size SD card reader is a welcome addition, and wireless connectivity is up to date. Additionally, the 5MP webcam delivers excellent videoconferencing quality, and the infrared camera enables reliable facial recognition for Windows 11 Hello passwordless login.
Enough Performance for Productivity, But That’s It
The Envy x360 15.6 comes equipped with either an AMD Ryzen 5 7530U or a Ryzen 7 7730U CPU. In our test unit, we experienced solid performance with the Ryzen 7 CPU, especially in CPU-intensive benchmarks compared to the Ryzen 5 and Intel’s Core i7-1355U. However, in terms of graphical capabilities, the integrated AMD Radeon graphics proved to be slower than Intel Iris Xe graphics, making this laptop less suitable for gaming.
AMD processors, known for their efficiency, are particularly impressive in the low-power U-series CPUs. This efficiency, coupled with the Envy x360 15.6’s OLED display and 51 watt-hour battery, provided promising results in battery life tests. The laptop lasted approximately 10 hours in web browsing, 14 hours in video looping, and 12.5 hours in the PCMark 10 Applications battery benchmark. While it may not be sufficient for an entire day’s worth of work, these results are above average and demonstrate the balancing act between battery efficiency and display quality.
An OLED Display That Falls Short
The Envy x360 15.6 offers a choice between an IPS or an OLED display, both running at a maximum resolution of Full HD (1,920 x 1,080) and 60Hz. However, the use of a 16:9 aspect ratio on a 15-inch display seems outdated and limiting. Despite being Imax Certified and boasting enhanced colors and sound, the OLED display fails to deliver sharpness, especially at Full HD resolution.
On the positive side, the Envy x360 15.6’s display performs well in terms of quality. It boasts excellent brightness, exceeding the 300-nit threshold, and offers deep contrast. Its color width is impressive, covering sRGB, AdobeRGB, and DCI-P3 with high accuracy. Overall, while the aspect ratio and resolution may disappoint, this display is well-suited for productivity users and media consumers.
Conclusion: A Decent Laptop That Lacks Distinction
In conclusion, the HP Envy x360 15.6 is a laptop that seems to lack a clear identity. Released in 2023, it remains rooted in the old-school 16:9 aspect ratio, which is puzzling, considering the industry’s shift towards taller and more versatile options. While its OLED display performs well in terms of quality, its lack of sharpness and limited content compatibility prevent it from standing out.
When it comes to performance and battery life, the Envy x360 15.6 is decent but has its limitations. It offers a solid CPU performance, especially in resource-intensive tasks, but falls short in graphic capabilities, making it a less than ideal choice for gamers. Battery life is respectable, considering the small size of the battery.
The Envy x360 15.6 is reasonably well-built and comes in a minimalist design, appealing to those who prefer an understated aesthetic. While it may offer value for money when purchased at a discounted price, its list prices do not justify its overall performance. Ultimately, the HP Envy x360 15.6 is a laptop that, while not necessarily bad, fails to make a lasting impression in a crowded market of similar devices.
