HP Chromebook 15 review

HP Chromebook 15

The HP HP Chromebook 15 ranks as the #868 laptops globally, achieving a LibraScore of 49. Across all metrics, this product stands out most for its #860-ranked connectivity among 374 laptops. Consider the HP Chromebook 11 or Asus ASUS Chromebook Flip C433, which offer higher scores while staying in the same price range.

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Key takeaways
The HP Chromebook 15's performance is a mixed bag, with limitations appearing under heavy use demands.
The HP Chromebook 15 boasts a sturdy aluminum build, giving it a premium feel overall.
The display's lack of brightness significantly hinders its overall performance and visual experience greatly.
The HP Chromebook 15's IPS panel, backlit keys, and number pad make it a compelling package overall.

Is it Worth it?

The HP Chromebook 15 offers a compelling package at the right price point. With an IPS panel, backlit keys, and a number pad, it's a solid choice for those who want a feature-rich device. However, its performance is slightly hampered by only 4GB of RAM. At $380-$400, it becomes a more attractive option, especially with the Core i3 model available at this price. Overall, it's worth considering if you're looking for a Chromebook that balances features and affordability.

Build

The HP Chromebook 15 boasts a sturdy aluminum build, giving it a premium feel despite its affordable price tag. The IPS panel is a highlight, providing vibrant colors and crisp visuals. The inclusion of a number pad is also a welcome addition, making the device more functional for productivity tasks. Overall, the build quality is solid, with no significant flaws or complaints to report. It's a well-rounded package that makes the Chromebook 15 an attractive option for those seeking a reliable and feature-rich laptop experience. For an improved build, HP Pavilion 15 is worth considering.

Display

The display on the HP Chromebook 15 is an IPS panel, which provides decent color accuracy and wide viewing angles. However, it's not particularly bright, making it challenging to use in very sunny environments. The resolution is 1080p, but the lack of brightness holds back the overall visual experience. Overall, the display gets the job done for basic tasks like browsing and streaming, but it may not be ideal for power users or those who need a more vibrant display. You might want to check out HP Victus 15, featuring an upgraded display for a superior experience.

Performance

The HP Chromebook 15's performance is a mixed bag. The Pentium Gold chip paired with 4GB of RAM handles general tasks well, but may struggle with multitasking and resource-intensive apps. However, the Core i3 model, which is available at certain retailers, offers improved performance, making it a better option for those who need more power. Despite this, the laptop's 64GB or 128GB storage options are relatively small, which may lead to storage issues over time. Overall, while the Chromebook 15 performs adequately, its limitations become apparent when pushed beyond basic use. Take a look at HP Chromebook 11 G9 - its improved performance sets a new standard.

Battery and Charging

The HP Chromebook 15's battery life is decent, lasting around 10 hours with moderate use. However, charging times are somewhat long, taking about 2-3 hours to fully charge from empty. This may not be ideal for those who need a device that can keep up with their on-the-go lifestyle. Nevertheless, the Chromebook's overall performance and feature set make it a compelling option, especially at its sub-$400 price point.

Connectivity

The HP Chromebook 15 boasts impressive connectivity features. With Wi-Fi 6 (802.11 ax) for seamless browsing and streaming, this laptop ensures you stay connected to the internet at all times. It also comes with a USB-C port, two USB-A ports, and an HDMI port, making it easy to connect external devices and displays. Additionally, it supports Google Drive, so your files are always accessible across devices. It’s worth checking out HP 15, delivering remarkable connectivity.

Features

The HP Chromebook 15 boasts an IPS panel, backlit keys, and a number pad, making it a compelling package at $379-$450. The Pentium Gold or Core i3 processor handles general tasks well, while the 4GB of RAM is a drawback for power users. Pricing fluctuates, but a good deal can be found with 128GB storage and a touchscreen. Give HP Chromebook x360 11 G3 EE a try—it’s designed to provide an unparalleled features.

Support and Maintenance

The HP Chromebook 15's support and maintenance are average. While the device itself is decent, issues may arise due to its limited RAM (4GB). This can cause tabs and apps to close in the background, which might be frustrating for power users. Overall, a good option if you're looking for a budget-friendly Chromebook, but not ideal for those who require more performance.

Pros

1. A nice package for $379 is a great deal considering the features: aluminum build, IPS panel, number pad, backlit keys, touch screen, good processor, and decent storage.

2. The Pentium Gold chip handles general Chrome OS stuff well and will get around 20-22 thousand on Octane, making it suitable for most users.

3. The IPS panel is a plus, as it provides better color accuracy and viewing angles compared to TN panels.

4. Backlit keys are a nice touch, especially considering the affordable price of this device.

5. A very good processor is paired with decent storage options (128GB on the Core i3 model), making it suitable for most users' needs.

6. The Chromebook 15 has an aluminum build, which is rare at this price point and adds to its premium feel.

Cons

1. Paying MSRP ($450) is not recommended due to better options available at that price range.

2. Only 4GB of RAM across all models might be a limitation for power users who like to have multiple tabs and apps open.

3. The processor only comes with 4GB of RAM, which can lead to performance issues when running multiple resource-intensive applications.

4. Pricing is volatile, and MSRP isn't always the asking price, making it difficult to know what you'll actually pay for this device.

5. There are better options available at similar or lower prices, especially considering the lack of notable upgrades in the Core i3 model compared to other devices.

6. The $550 price point is hard to recommend due to stiff competition from other Chromebooks that offer more features and performance at similar prices.

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