In the world of budget-friendly laptops, the HP Laptop 15s stands out as a reliable option for everyday computing needs. With its AMD Ryzen™ 5 5500U processor and integrated Radeon graphics, this device promises smooth performance for a variety of tasks.
Boasting a sleek design and a host of practical features, the HP Laptop 15s is designed to cater to students, professionals, and casual users alike. Let’s dive into a detailed review to see if it lives up to the expectations.
After using the HP Laptop 15s for several weeks, I found its performance to be quite impressive for its price range. The AMD Ryzen 5 5500U processor coupled with 8GB DDR4 RAM ensured smooth multitasking and efficient handling of day-to-day applications. The 512GB SSD provided ample storage and quick boot times, enhancing overall productivity.
However, I did notice a few drawbacks. The laptop tends to heat up quickly, even during light tasks such as streaming videos. Additionally, the battery life could be better, as it often required charging within a few hours of use. Despite these minor issues, the HP Laptop 15s offers good value for money with its solid build and sleek design.
Display Quality and Visuals
The HP Laptop 15s features a 15.6-inch Full HD micro-edge display that offers a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. The anti-glare screen ensures that you can work for long hours without straining your eyes, making it ideal for both professional and personal use. With 250 nits of brightness, the screen delivers clear and bright images, enhancing your viewing experience whether you’re watching videos or working on spreadsheets. The thin bezels provide a more immersive experience and a modern look to the laptop.
Performance and Processor
Equipped with an AMD Ryzen 5 5500U processor, the HP Laptop 15s offers reliable performance for everyday tasks. The 6-core processor with a base speed of 4 GHz ensures smooth multitasking and efficient handling of applications. Whether you’re browsing the web, working on office applications, or streaming content, the processor provides a seamless experience. However, it’s worth noting that this laptop may not be suitable for heavy gaming or high-end video editing.
Memory and Storage
The laptop comes with 8GB of DDR4 SDRAM, which allows for efficient multitasking and smooth performance. This makes it easy to switch between different applications without experiencing lag. Additionally, the 512GB PCIe NVMe SSD provides ample storage space for your files, documents, and media. The SSD also ensures faster boot times and quick access to your data, enhancing the overall performance of the laptop.
Graphics and Visual Experience
For graphics, the HP Laptop 15s relies on integrated AMD Radeon Graphics. While it may not be suitable for high-end gaming, it is more than capable of handling everyday tasks and casual gaming. The integrated graphics also make it a good choice for light video editing and graphic design work. The visuals are smooth and the colors are fairly accurate, making it a reliable option for multimedia consumption.
Design and Build Quality
Weighing just 1.69 kg, the HP Laptop 15s is designed to be portable and easy to carry around. The thin and light design makes it convenient for students and professionals who are always on the go. The silver finish gives it a sleek and modern look. However, some users have noted that the build quality could be improved, as it is made of plastic and may feel less sturdy compared to other laptops in the same price range.
Battery Life and Charging
The laptop is equipped with a 3-cell, 41Wh lithium-ion battery that provides decent battery life. With HP Fast Charge, the battery can be charged up to 50% in just 45 minutes, reducing downtime significantly. While the battery life is sufficient for everyday tasks, some users have reported that it may not last as long when performing more demanding activities. Additionally, the charger can get quite hot, which is something to keep in mind.
Keyboard and Touchpad
The HP Laptop 15s features a full-size island-style backlit keyboard with a numeric keypad. The keys are well-spaced and provide a comfortable typing experience, making it suitable for long typing sessions. The backlit feature is particularly useful for working in low-light conditions. The HP Imagepad with multi-touch gesture support ensures smooth and precise navigation. However, some users have reported issues with the touchpad’s durability over time.
Connectivity and Ports
The laptop offers a variety of connectivity options, including Realtek RTL8822CE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5. It has 1 USB Type-C port, 2 USB Type-A ports, an HDMI 1.4b port, and a headphone/microphone combo jack. These ports provide flexibility for connecting various peripherals and external devices. The inclusion of a USB Type-C port is a welcome addition, allowing for faster data transfer rates.
Audio and Speakers
The HP Laptop 15s is equipped with dual speakers that deliver decent audio quality for everyday use. While the sound quality may not be on par with high-end laptops, it is sufficient for watching videos, listening to music, and video conferencing. The built-in microphone and headphone combo jack ensure clear communication during calls and meetings.
Operating System and Software
The laptop comes pre-installed with Windows 11 Home, offering a user-friendly interface and a range of features to enhance productivity. Additionally, it includes Microsoft Office 2021, which is a great value for students and professionals who rely on office applications. The laptop also comes with a one-year subscription to McAfee antivirus and Amazon Alexa, adding extra value to the overall package.
Pros:
- Smooth performance for daily tasks
- Good for video editing and light gaming
- Fast booting time with SSD
Cons:
- Not suitable for heavy gaming
- Battery life could be better
- Build quality issues reported
Conclusion
In conclusion, the HP Laptop 15s is a commendable choice for those seeking a budget-friendly laptop with reliable performance. Its sleek design, backlit keyboard, and decent display make it a versatile companion for everyday tasks.
While it may not be suitable for heavy gaming or high-end video editing, its performance for regular use cases is noteworthy. Overall, the HP Laptop 15s is a solid investment for students and professionals looking for an affordable yet efficient laptop.
Questions & Answers:
Question: Is this laptop good for video editing?
Answer: This laptop is good for basic video editing but not recommended for high-end video editing tasks.
Question: How is the battery life?
Answer: The battery life can be a concern as it drops significantly during usage, lasting about 5 hours on normal usage.
Question: Does the laptop have a backlit keyboard?
Answer: Yes, the laptop features a full-size island-style backlit keyboard.
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