HP ENVY 16 review
The HP HP ENVY 16 ranks as the #269 laptops globally, achieving a LibraScore of 76. Across all metrics, this product stands out most for its #79-ranked connectivity among 419 laptops. Consider the HP ZBook Fury 16 G10 or HP Pavilion 16, which offer higher scores while staying in the same price range.
Is it Worth it?
The HP Envy 16 is a solid mid-range laptop that checks most boxes. While it's more expensive than its predecessor, the Envy 15, it's still relatively affordable compared to premium laptops. The 4K OLED display is a highlight, but I wouldn't recommend spending extra for it - the 2K version offers better value with its higher refresh rate. The RTX 3060 GPU provides capable performance, and Intel's Arc GPU, unfortunately, falls short due to bugs in the drivers. Overall, this laptop offers good specs at a fair price point, making it worth considering for those seeking a balance of quality and affordability.
Build
The HP Envy 16's design is simple yet effective. The silver lid with the HP logo in the middle still looks premium, but the laptop itself feels heavy at five pounds due to its deeper and wider body. There might be a quality control issue with the indented strip on the back. The lid is flexible, which provides better airflow but collects dust. IO ports are plentiful, but awkwardly positioned on the front. A wobbly screen and soft keyboard deck detract from an otherwise comfortable typing experience. Overall, the build feels more like a mid-range device than a premium one. You may find HP ZBook Fury 16 G10 a better fit, thanks to its superior build.
Display
The HP Envy 16's display is its standout feature. A 4K OLED panel offers good color gamut, accuracy, and brightness (albeit slightly lower than advertised). However, it's capped at 60Hz, which may not be ideal for gaming. A 2K version with a 120Hz refresh rate is also available, making it a better choice for those who want to take advantage of the RTX 3060's capabilities. The display's peak brightness reaches around 400 nits, providing decent viewing angles and color representation. Overall, the Envy 16's display is impressive, but its lower refresh rate on the 4K model may be a drawback for some users. If you’re after a better display, HP ZBook Fury 16 G10 could be the ideal option.
Performance
The HP Envy 16 is a capable laptop that excels in everyday workflow and content creation. The Intel Core i7 12700H processor and RTX 3060 GPU deliver impressive performance, with single-core clock speeds meeting expectations but multi-core speeds slightly lower than expected. Quick Sync capabilities make the Intel CPU preferred for content creation over AMD options. In terms of gaming, the laptop's performance is comparable to that of a dedicated gaming laptop like the Dell Alienware x14. Overall, the Envy 16's performance is solid, making it a great option for those who need a balance between work and play without breaking the bank. HP ZBook Fury 16 G10 might be a smarter choice, offering an upgraded performance.
Battery and Charging
The HP Envy 16's battery performance is decent, lasting around 4-5 hours on a single charge. The 83Wh battery should suffice for daily use, but heavy users may need to top it up more frequently. It's worth noting that the laptop's charging speed is average, taking about an hour and a half to reach 50% capacity. Overall, while not exceptional, the Envy 16's battery life is satisfactory for a device in its class.
Connectivity
The HP Envy 16 boasts a robust connectivity setup, with ports positioned at the front. A USB-A port, audio jack, micro SD card slot, and power connector are all conveniently located on the right side. The left side features two Thunderbolt 4 ports, HDMI, and an additional USB-A port. This configuration provides ample options for peripherals and accessories, making it ideal for creators and professionals. You might want to check out HP ZBook Fury 16 G10, featuring an upgraded connectivity for a superior experience.
Features
The HP Envy 16 boasts a 4K OLED display with good color gamut and accuracy, but a 60Hz refresh rate. It's available in 2K version with 120Hz refresh rate for gaming. The laptop features an Intel Core i9 or i7 processor, Nvidia RTX 3060 GPU, and up to 32GB RAM. Take a look at HP ZBook Fury 16 G10 - its improved features sets a new standard.
Support and Maintenance
The HP Envy 16 offers good value for its price point, but falls short in some aspects. The laptop's design is simple, with a flexible lid that collects dust. The hinge could be tightened to improve screen stability. Additionally, the keyboard deck is too flexy, affecting typing comfort. However, the 2K display and RTX 3060 GPU are notable features.
Pros
1. It's a pretty good deal too, it's more on the fair scale rather than like a budget alternative
2. There's a massive touchpad on the bottom very accurate to use lots of space feels great when you click on it
3. The display is definitely one of the stars of the show it is a 4K OLED panel unfortunately it's 60 hertz but the color gamut is good the color accuracy is good and the screen brightness is okay
4. You do have Windows hello to log you in now my skin he was the I9 12900h but you can buy it with the i7 12700h
5. Fan noise is pretty good like you can put this on performance mode and the loudest it's going to get is 52 decibels
6. Heat management was fantastic on this laptop and obviously power throttles a lot in order to keep the temps down
Cons
1. It's a little heavy at five pounds, which might not be ideal for everyone
2. The hinge can be a bit wobbly, which can be annoying when trying to use the laptop on a uneven surface
3. I wouldn't waste my money on the i9 version I would probably stick to the i7 instead if you're buying this for Content creation the Intel CPU is preferred over AMD because of quick sync
4. Intel's Arc gpus are not as powerful plus they're full of a lot of bugs right now that I don't think will get ironed out for a while
5. The battery life could be better, it gave me about four to five hours of use before needing to charge
6. I wouldn't recommend buying the 4K version save yourself the money get the 2K version instead
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