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In this article, I give you my HP Envy x360 15 Ryzen (2021) review with specs included. This is the HP Envy x360 15 or 15z specifically which means the AMD Ryzen inside. I always like the Envy line because it sits between the Pavilion, which is a pretty low-end line from HP, and the very pricey Spectre line.

This laptop has things like an aluminum-clad chassis, the usual 360-degree hinges, pen support on board, and more.

HP Envy x360 15 Ryzen (2021) model starts around $659 list price on HP’s website and that gets you a Ryzen 5, eight GB of RAM, a 256 GB SSD, and a Full HD touch and pen compatible display. Not too bad really considering this is a pretty classy chassis, nice design, and all that sort of thing.

The model that I have is a little higher in configuration and the list price is about $999. You’ll probably find it for less. It has 16 GB of RAM, 512 GB SSD, a Ryzen 7, and a Full HD brighter version of the display.

There are two versions of the display with the AMD models. One’s 250-nit and the 400-nit display that I have which is like $80 more. Totally worth the spend I would say unless you work in really dark places all the time. Especially because HP displays are very reflective.

Inside we have AMD Ryzen 5000 series CPUs. I have the Ryzen 7 5700U. It gets a little confusing what Ryzen’s doing with the U-series CPUs in 2021.

Anyway, it’s a 5000-series CPU, which is normally the latest, but some of them, like the 5700 and the 5500, are based on a modified Zen 2 architecture, not the latest Zen 3 architecture. That said, it’s still a good enough CPU.

In terms of thermals and battery life, it’s still doing better than Intel so it’s desirable nonetheless. Even if it’s not the ultimate fastest, it’s a great price. I mean, we’re talking about an eight percent difference in performance between this and a Zen 3 architecture. It’s not something you want to worry about if you need to save some money.

Speaking of Intel, there is an Intel model which is the 15T (which is typical for HP lingo with their Z’s for AMD and Ts for Intel). That one is also available with the 4K 400-nit IPS display. All the displays are IPS on this model.

So, if you really have to have a 4K display you’re going to have to go with Intel and spend some more money too. It’s available with Core i5 and Core i7 Intel 11th-gen Tiger Lake U-series CPUs.

Since this is basically a big ultrabook, a 15-inch convertible, which is pretty typical for convertibles, you’re looking at AMD Radeon graphics or if you got the Intel version you’d have Iris Xe graphics. There’s really no room for a dedicated GPU in here. Again, for this one, they’re keeping the price down.

The review revolves around the evaluation of the performance, design, specifications, and usability of the HP Envy x360 15-inch laptop equipped with a Ryzen processor. Here’s an elaborate breakdown of the review:

Performance and Usability

• That the laptop performs well for tasks like content consumption and light Photoshop usage while acknowledging the preference for more powerful CPUs for intensive tasks like 4K video editing.
• It’s noted that the laptop’s build quality is commendable, featuring a stamped aluminum chassis that offers structural rigidity and a minimalist design that appeals to most users.
• The laptop is praised for its port selection, offering multiple USB-A and USB-C ports, HDMI, a headphone jack, and a full-size SD card slot, catering to various connectivity needs.
• The laptop’s specifications, including a Snapdragon 800 processor, 2GB of RAM, and 16 or 32GB of internal memory, are highlighted, indicating its suitability for gaming and other tasks.
• The display, featuring a Full HD 400-nit panel, is lauded for its pleasant viewing experience and accurate color calibration, though reflections are noted as a minor issue.
• The laptop’s functionality with an active pen, utilizing Microsoft Pen Protocol 2.0, is discussed, with mention of its potential inclusion in the package, enhancing its versatility for creative tasks.
• Despite being less favorable than other pen technologies, the active pen offers satisfactory performance for note-taking and creative endeavors.

Build and Design

• The laptop’s design, characterized by a 5.2-inch HD display and a plastic exterior with rounded edges, is described as ergonomic and visually appealing, resembling the Galaxy S4 in some aspects.
• Notable design elements include the placement of buttons on the back of the device, offering a unique approach to user interaction.
• The laptop’s thinness, lightweight, and compatibility with gloves are highlighted as favorable attributes, contributing to its portability and ease of use.

Battery Life and Charging

• The laptop is equipped with a 51-watt-hour battery, providing up to nine hours of usage under mixed conditions, including productivity tasks and video streaming.
• A 65-watt fast charger is included, enabling rapid charging from empty to 50% in 30 minutes, with the remaining charge requiring additional time for optimal battery health.

Additional Features

• The laptop features a fingerprint scanner for secure authentication, lacking facial recognition capabilities but offering reasonable security measures.
• Other features include a standard webcam with a privacy shutter, a backlit keyboard, and a spacious trackpad, providing convenience and functionality for everyday use.
• The laptop’s upgradeability is emphasized, with accessible internals allowing for potential RAM and SSD upgrades, though disassembly is noted as challenging due to adhesive and clips.

Conclusion

• The HP Envy x360 15-inch laptop impresses with its performance, design, and versatility, offering a compelling option for consumers seeking a balance of power and portability.
• Despite minor drawbacks such as reflections on the display and the absence of certain features like Windows Hello IR, the laptop’s overall value proposition is deemed favorable, making it a viable choice for various computing needs.