HP ENVY 14 review
The HP HP ENVY 14 ranks as the #624 laptops globally, achieving a LibraScore of 68. Across all metrics, this product stands out most for its #416-ranked features among 365 laptops. Consider the HP OmniBook X Flip or HP ENVY 13, which offer higher scores while staying in the same price range.
Is it Worth it?
The HP Envy 14 is an impressive laptop that offers excellent value for its price. With a dedicated GPU, 16GB of RAM, and a 1920x1200 display, it's a powerhouse in its class. The build quality is good, if not outstanding, but the addition of double the RAM and a higher-resolution display compared to competitors like Razer Book 13 and Dell XPS 13 makes it a compelling choice. Overall, the Envy 14 is definitely worth considering for those seeking a capable and portable laptop that won't break the bank.
Build
The HP Envy 14's build quality is good, but not exceptional. The premium metal lid feels sturdy, while the top of the lid can be a bit squishy due to a deliberate gap for airflow. This design choice may seem cheap, but it allows for effective internal cooling. Port selection is excellent, with plenty of options on both sides. Overall, the build quality is solid, if not outstanding, making it a decent value proposition given its competitive pricing and feature set. Take a look at HP OmniBook X Flip - its improved build sets a new standard.
Display
The HP Envy 14 boasts an impressive display that sets it apart from its competitors. Measuring 14 inches with a 16:10 aspect ratio, this screen offers more vertical space and about 10-11% more room to work with compared to traditional 13-inch laptops. With a brightness of almost 500 nits, the glossy display is both vibrant and color-accurate. HP's calibration process ensures that colors are precise straight out of the factory. While there may be some reflection due to its glossy nature, the Envy 14's display is undoubtedly one of its standout features, making it an excellent choice for productivity and content creation tasks. If you're after top-notch display, consider HP EliteBook 840 G9.
Performance
The HP ENVY 14 delivers impressive performance for its price point. With an i5 processor, 16GB RAM, and GTX 1650 Max-Q GPU, this laptop handles productivity tasks with ease. Adobe Photoshop and Premiere Pro rendering speeds are also commendable. In multi-core tests, the i5 in the ENVY 14 outperformed the i7 in the Razer Book 13. Compiling code was handled efficiently, comparable to a MacBook Air M1. Thermal performance is good, with no thermal throttling or dropped frames during gaming sessions. Overall, the HP ENVY 14's performance is impressive considering its price. It’s worth checking out HP EliteBook X G1a, delivering remarkable performance.
Battery and Charging
The HP ENVY 14 boasts excellent battery life, delivering 12 hours and 30 minutes of use before needing a charge. The 63Wh battery is a welcome feature for those who need a reliable laptop that can keep up with their demands. With its long-lasting battery, this laptop is perfect for students, professionals, and anyone looking for a device that can stay powered throughout the day.
Connectivity
The HP Envy 14 offers excellent connectivity options. On the left side, you'll find an audio jack, USB port, HDMI, and Thunderbolt 4. The right side features a power connector, another USB port, and a micro SD card slot. This setup provides ample opportunities for expansion and convenience, making it ideal for creatives and professionals who need to connect multiple devices. Get your hands on HP EliteBook x360 1040 G7 if you're looking for better connectivity.
Features
The HP Envy 14 boasts a 16:10 aspect ratio display at 14 inches, rivaling the competition in terms of specs for a lower price. It features an i5 processor, 16GB RAM, and GTX 1650 Max Q dedicated GPU, outperforming Dell XPS 13 and Razer Book 13 in some aspects, while offering more vertical space for productivity or content creation. Consider discovering the power of HP EliteBook 845 G8, featuring the latest advancements in features.
Support and Maintenance
The HP Envy 14 offers excellent support and maintenance features. The laptop has a well-designed chassis with easy-to-reach ports, including two USB-A ports, an HDMI port, and a Thunderbolt 4 connector. The display's aspect ratio is 16:10, providing more vertical space for productivity tasks. The keyboard is comfortable to type on, and the touchpad is accurate. The laptop also features a fingerprint scanner for secure login via Windows Hello. Overall, the HP Envy 14 has impressive support and maintenance capabilities.
Pros
1. You get a 4k OLED display, RTX 2060, H Series processor, and 16 GB RAM for under $1500.
2. The Envy 14 is priced better than the Razer Book 13 with similar specs, offering more value for money.
3. The build quality is premium, with a sturdy metal lid that feels solid.
4. The display is 16:10 aspect ratio at 14 inches, providing more vertical space and about 10-11% more room to work with.
5. The laptop has good performance in content creation tasks like Adobe Photoshop and Premiere Pro.
6. Developers can compile Mozilla Firefox without issues, making it suitable for coding tasks.
7. Thermals are good, with no thermal throttling or drop frames when gaming.
8. The battery life is 12 hours and 30 minutes before needing to charge, which is impressive.
Cons
1. The display is glossy, leading to some reflection.
2. The hinge can be a bit squishy on the top of the lid.
3. The sticker placement can be off-putting, with crookedness everywhere.
4. The laptop has limited upgradability options, except for the NVMe SSD.
5. The fan noise can get very loud when in performance mode.
6. The single-core speeds are not as good as an i7 processor like the Razer Book 13.
7. The keyboard's travel distance is good but may not be perfect for typing enthusiasts.
8. The touchpad is accurate but may not be as good as some other laptops.
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