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HP ENVY Laptops: A Complete Review
Staff Writer
|
June 28, 2018
Today’s consumers demand both functionality and style from their personal devices, and that includes their laptops. It’s about more than just expressing yourself digitally in a blog post, tweet, or Facebook post. We know you also want your laptop to physically reflect your personality and sense of style.
With these considerations in mind, HP® developed the forward-thinking, style-meets-substance family of HP ENVY laptops. And if you’re considering an HP ENVY and want to know more about what makes them so revered, our complete review can guide you to the exact model and specifications to meet your computing needs.
Why you should choose an HP ENVY laptop
“Exceptional power in a sleek, stylish design” - this phrase only describes the surface of the many benefits and features you can enjoy using models across the HP ENVY laptop family.
Design
As its name implies, we kept style and desirability at the forefront of many design decisions with the HP ENVY series.
At first glance, the all-aluminum casing showcases elegance and style, but it also provides durability and a lighter weight. Depending on the model, you can give your HP ENVY laptop an even more distinct look with a Natural Silver or Pale Gold case color finish.
When you open the laptop, you’re met with the HP ENVY’s in-plane switching (IPS) 3-way micro-edge display. An ultra-thin bezel surrounds an LCD screen protected by Corning® Gorilla® Glass NBT™, which we’ve synced to a full-size, edge-to-edge keyboard for maximum efficiency and utility.
You’ll also likely notice the elevated hinge design we’ve included in every HP ENVY. Like many elements of this series, this particular innovation serves both form and function. In addition to promoting more ergonomic typing, the hinge improves the laptop’s cooling capabilities to maximize its overall performance.
Performance
Exact specifications can vary among our HP ENVY laptops, but we made sure each model includes the following high-powered components: the latest Intel® Core™ processors, an NVIDIA® or Intel® graphics card (GPU), and up to 16GB RAM memory. When combined, these features provide a faster and smoother performance, even when you’re pushing the HP ENVY to its limits during a late-night gaming or video-editing session.
Entertainment
You’ll love binge-watching all your favorite shows and streaming video on the HP ENVY’s ultra-bright 4K Ultra High Definition (UHD) display with 178-degree wide-viewing angles on select models.
And with the dual support display feature, you can connect up to two 4K ultrawide curved PC monitors for an even more immersive computing experience. Ramp up your productivity with a more streamlined workflow, or simply take advantage of a larger display to watch new movies or play the latest games.
Those of you who enjoy getting hands-on with your entertainment will certainly favor the responsive touch screen display, which is optional on certain models. Illustrate to your heart’s content or simply navigate applications more easily with a swipe of your finger.
Anyone interested in a high-quality entertainment experience knows it’s not just how a device looks, but also how it sounds.
The HP ENVY’s custom-tuned quad speakers were designed with entertainment in mind as part of our collaboration with the high-end sound engineering experts at Bang & Olufsen. Music lovers will especially enjoy the addition of HP Audio Boost and SmartAmp technology. Together, they help deliver a louder, richer, and more authentic sound with deeper bass and less distortion.
Connectivity
HP ENVY laptops offer combinations of versatile connectivity options depending on the model you choose. Port options include:
- HDMI 2.0 port
- Combo audio jack
- USB Type-C™ ports
- USB 3.1 Type-A ports
- SD or microSD memory card readers
With this breadth of connectivity options available, you can make the most of your HP ENVY, its accessories, and other digital devices you use for work, leisure, or both.
Battery life
The HP ENVY family prioritizes battery life to ensure all-day performance even when power sources are out of reach.
Depending on the model, your laptop’s battery life could last up to 20 hours, which includes up to 10 hours and 45 minutes of Full HD (FHD) video playback. Your model may also include HP Fast Charge capability, which helps cut back on the stress brought on by a low battery warning. Just plug in, shut down, wait 45 minutes, and the battery will be back to 50 percent.
Security features
Beyond looks and performance, select HP ENVY models take laptop security to the next level.
Some include the HP Sure View integrated privacy screen, which restricts side-angle viewing from anyone sitting or standing nearby. Certain models also have a built-in fingerprint sensor, allowing you to easily log-in to your laptop despite its next-level privacy and security features.
Let’s now take a look at each individual HP ENVY model and their features to find the best fit for you.
HP ENVY x2 Detachable Laptop
The HP ENVY x2 combines the power and utility of a laptop with the functionality and versatility of a tablet.
As both a computer and a mobile device, this convertible laptop offers an array of features that enhance productivity and leisure, no matter where you are.
It’s not restricted by Wi-Fi connections like a traditional laptop, either. The HP ENVY x2 boasts 4G LTE connectivity for increased mobility and access.
If you’re frequently using your device on-the-go, it’s good to know that the HP ENVY x2 has one of the longest-lasting batteries available. It will run for nearly an entire day (up to 22 hours), which includes up to 19 hours of video playback.
The battery can also be recharged in a pinch thanks to HP Fast Charging technology. It replenishes 90 percent of the laptop’s battery life in just 90 minutes of downtime - a critical feature for busy users on the move.
HP ENVY 13-Inch Laptop
If you’re looking to strike a balance between design and computing power when choosing your next laptop, the HP ENVY 13-inch laptop delivers. A sleek Natural Gold or Pale Silver case color finish complements stylish and practical elements like the micro-edge bezel and ergonomic keyboard hinge design.
But this HP ENVY laptop is more than just visually stunning. It also comes loaded with an 8th Gen Intel® Core™ processor that supports the 13.3-inch display’s crisp 4K resolution. Add in an NVIDIA® GeForce® MX150 graphics card (GPU) and 14 hours of battery life, and you have brains and beauty wrapped up in one chic device.
HP ENVY 15-Inch Laptop
In its latest iteration, the HP ENVY 15-inch laptop continues to improve upon its reputation as a powerful but affordable option in the mid-range size. Along with its usual 15.6-inch display, 7th Gen Intel® Core™ i7 processor and Intel® HD Graphics 620, this device doubles its former memory capacity (now 16GB) and features a 512GB solid-state drive (SSD).
HP ENVY 17-Inch Laptop
In both power and design, this is the bigger, and in some ways better, version of the compact HP ENVY 13t. One obvious but important difference is that the HP ENVY 17-inch laptop offers a much larger and sharper 4K Ultra High Definition (UHD) display.
Despite its massive display’s energy use, the HP ENVY 17t still delivers 10 hours of battery life. That’s plenty of time you can spend streaming movies and TV shows, playing games, or editing photos and videos with the included NVIDIA® GeForce® 940MX graphics card (GPU).
If the one mega display isn’t enough, this HP ENVY laptop also supports a second external display with up to 4K resolution. In short, this mighty laptop provides a number of opportunities for increased productivity and more effective multitasking.
HP ENVY x360 Convertible Laptop
Versatility is the key draw for the HP ENVY x360 laptop.
The HP ENVY x360 has four modes that satisfy both power and performance:
- (1) Laptop and (2) Tablet modes transform the laptop into an ultimate productivity machine no matter the work environment
- (3) Tent and (4) Stand modes enhance entertainment, gaming, and communication experiences - conference call or video chat
The varying HP ENVY x360 models can accommodate all your needs as they relate to chassis size, processing power, and key amenities. You can choose between a 13.3-inch or 15.6-inch display, though it’s worth noting that the 15.6-inch model tends to have a wider range of optional performance features.
For example, you can choose between an Intel® Core™ or an AMD Ryzen™ processor (CPU), depending on how you’ll use the device, whether for everyday tasks or serious gaming.
Summary
If you’re looking to invest in a new laptop that elevates your productivity, leisure, and sense of style in one sleek package, consider what the HP ENVY family of laptops can do for you.
That goes for whether you need a new device to complement your work or home office, or are simply looking for a laptop that looks as good as it performs.
