HP Envy x360 13

amazon HP Envy x360 13 reviews

The new HP Envy x360 13 laptop still possesses a luxurious, ergonomic design with the ability to rotate the screen 360 degrees, along with a powerful hardware configuration with AMD’s Ryzen 7 processor use the best experiences at work as well as multimedia entertainment.

Luxurious and high-class design

Like the previous generation, the most prominent highlight in the design of the new HP Envy x360 13 is nothing but the hinge capable of rotating up to 360 degrees as its name suggests. This not only allows users to rotate the screen at an arbitrary angle for more convenient use in many different conditions but also “turns” this laptop into a large screen tablet in just a few seconds ticked by the touch screen.

In general, the overall machine is a neat and elegant design style, emphasizing flexibility, and rigidity with very sharp lines. Since then, the device becomes more luxurious and helps users feel more secure when used by the extremely solid design that the machine offers.

Quality touch screen

The versatility of the new HP Envy x360 13 laptops is also demonstrated through the multi-touch screen, allowing you to directly touch the screen with your finger to manipulate the components directly calculate more quickly.

Colors are displayed vividly, and details are clearly presented, making your viewing experience even better.

Keyboard and touchpad

In general, the keyboard on the Envy series I do not appreciate very much, the keys are quite shallow, the experience is only normal, not outstanding. The backlit key is a plus point to help you work even in low light conditions. Unfortunately, the manufacturer only allows you to turn it on or off through the default keyboard shortcuts, not for tweaking to reduce or increase the brightness as you like.

For the TrackPad, this mouseover is a bit small and a bit cramped because the manufacturer has deliberately done so to minimize the size of the device. Overall, the experience is pretty good.

The strong performance with AMD Ryzen processor

HP Envy x360 13 laptop possesses quite a powerful hardware configuration so that for the work of office work or a playing light games, the machine is responsive. It is powered by an 8-core AMD Ryzen 7 2700U processor clocked at 2.2GHz. Comes with 8GB of RAM comfortably for multitasking, 256GB SSD hard drives with a pre-installed Windows 10 license operating system to help all operations respond quickly, smoothly, and without latency.

Real test

First, with the familiar 3DMark tool, the graphics score of the machine is very good, about 1.6 times higher than the integrated Intel UHD Graphics 620 solution of the 8th generation Intel chip. However, the CPU partial score is lower. Core i7 Whiskey Lake series 8565U, on par with the i7-8550U.

However, through the Cinenbech R20 software measuring the processor’s rendering capabilities, the Ryzen 7 2700U is slightly better than the Intel Core i7-8565U score. This is probably due to the recently released Cinebench R20, so it has an optimal update for the latest generations of processors including AMD.

The results with PCMark 10 show that the machine has good overall performance, sufficient to meet many common needs of users, including basic photo and video editing. In addition to the performance Benchmark tools, I also try the power of the device with familiar eSports games that are being played by many players

With League of Legends, the machine can weigh well at Full HD resolution, maximum configuration, the average frame rate is still around 60 FPS, completely good for the MOBA game genre.

With the DOTA2 game, I also tried at Full HD resolution, but only at medium settings, the machine achieved an average of 37 FPS, in fact, with the MOBA game genre, this frame rate is still playable, however, In order to be smoother in the total combat, in my opinion, you should lower the HD resolution to have a much higher frame rate.

With the game CS GO (Counter-Strike: Global Offensive), if you adjust to HD resolution, low setting, the frame rate will be around 60 FPS. Although 60 FPS is normal with other games, with CS GO gamers often require very high frames (usually 100 FPS), the HP Envy x360 is still temporarily playable but not ideal for this game.

where can you get a HP Envy x360 13 online

Newest HP Envy X360 2-in-1 13.3″ FHD IPS Touchscreen Thin and Lightweight Laptop, AMD Ryzen 5 Quad-core 2.0 GHz, 8GB DDR4 RAM, 512GB SSD, Backlit Keyboard, USB-C, WiFi, Bluetooth, Windows 10: Buy it now

Temperature

The heat issue is probably quite a lot of you are concerned about due to the old belief that AMD is the default hot default

As you can see here I run 3DMark, a tool that squeezes most of the CPU and GPU processing capabilities, the average temperature is only 58-59 degrees Celsius, completely on par with the version using Intel processors never hotter. The surface temperature of the hand contact part of the machine is also quite cool, only slightly warm on the speaker and the top small function keys so it does not affect the experience.

Performance

Powerful Hardware

The HP Envy x360 13 is powered by AMD Ryzen 5 and Ryzen 7 processors, offering a choice between different performance levels. The Ryzen 5 4500U and Ryzen 7 4700U are both based on AMD’s Zen 2 architecture, providing excellent performance and power efficiency. These processors are paired with up to 16GB of DDR4 RAM and up to 1TB of PCIe NVMe SSD storage, ensuring smooth multitasking and fast data access.

CPU Performance

The AMD Ryzen 5 4500U and Ryzen 7 4700U processors deliver impressive performance for a wide range of tasks. The six-core Ryzen 5 4500U is more than capable of handling everyday tasks such as web browsing, document editing, and media consumption. For more demanding workloads, the eight-core Ryzen 7 4700U provides additional processing power, making it suitable for tasks like video editing, programming, and light gaming. Both processors offer excellent performance per watt, ensuring that the laptop remains efficient even under heavy loads.

GPU Performance

The integrated AMD Radeon graphics provide sufficient performance for casual gaming and light graphics work. While not designed for high-end gaming, the GPU can handle less demanding games and creative applications with ease. For users who require more graphics power, the Envy x360 13 might not be the ideal choice, but it offers a good balance between performance and efficiency for most users.

Storage and Memory

The HP Envy x360 13 offers configurations with up to 16GB of DDR4 RAM and up to 1TB of PCIe NVMe SSD storage. The fast SSD ensures quick boot times, fast application launches, and smooth performance when working with large files. The ample RAM allows for efficient multitasking, enabling users to switch between multiple applications without experiencing significant slowdowns. These specifications make the laptop suitable for productivity tasks, creative work, and general everyday use.

Battery Life

Long-Lasting Battery

Battery life is a crucial factor for users who need a portable device, and the HP Envy x360 13 delivers impressive battery performance. The laptop is equipped with a 51Wh battery, which provides up to 11 hours of usage on a single charge, depending on the workload and settings. This makes it an excellent choice for users who need a reliable device for all-day use, whether for work, study, or travel.

Real-World Battery Performance

In real-world usage scenarios, the battery life of the HP Envy x360 13 varies based on the type of tasks being performed. For general tasks like web browsing, document editing, and video streaming, the laptop can easily last a full workday without needing to be recharged. More demanding tasks, such as video editing or gaming, will reduce the battery life, but the device still offers respectable performance.

Fast Charging

The HP Envy x360 13 supports fast charging, allowing the battery to be charged to 50% capacity in approximately 30 minutes. This is a convenient feature for users who need to quickly top up their battery between meetings or during short breaks. The included 65W charger provides efficient and reliable charging, ensuring that the laptop is always ready to go when needed.

Connectivity and Ports

Comprehensive Connectivity Options

The HP Envy x360 13 offers a comprehensive range of connectivity options, catering to a variety of needs. Despite its slim profile, the laptop includes a good selection of ports and wireless connectivity features.

USB Ports and HDMI

The laptop features two USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports, one USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C port with Power Delivery and DisplayPort support, and an HDMI 2.0 port. The USB-C port allows for fast data transfer, charging, and video output, providing versatility for different use cases. The HDMI port enables easy connection to external displays, making it convenient for presentations, extended desktop setups, and multimedia playback.

Audio and MicroSD Card Reader

The HP Envy x360 13 includes a 3.5mm headphone/microphone combo jack, providing flexibility for audio input and output. The microSD card reader is a useful addition for users who frequently transfer files from cameras, smartphones, or other devices that use microSD storage. It provides a quick and easy way to expand storage or transfer data without needing additional adapters or dongles.

Wireless Connectivity

The laptop is equipped with Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) and Bluetooth 5.0, ensuring fast and reliable wireless connectivity. Wi-Fi 6 offers improved performance in crowded networks, higher speeds, and better energy efficiency, making it well-suited for modern wireless environments. Bluetooth 5.0 provides stable connections for wireless peripherals, such as headphones, mice, and keyboards.

Keyboard and Touchpad

Comfortable Typing Experience

The keyboard on the HP Envy x360 13 provides a comfortable and responsive typing experience. The keys are well-spaced and have a good amount of travel, making it easy to type for extended periods without discomfort. The backlit keyboard is particularly useful for working in low-light conditions, ensuring that the keys remain visible and easy to use.

Precision Touchpad

The touchpad on the Envy x360 13 is responsive and accurate, thanks to Windows Precision drivers. It is adequately sized, providing enough space for smooth navigation and gesture control. The touchpad supports multi-touch gestures, making it easy to perform tasks such as scrolling, zooming, and switching between applications.

Additional Keyboard Features

The keyboard includes dedicated keys for volume control, screen brightness adjustment, and media playback, providing quick access to frequently used functions. The inclusion of a fingerprint sensor on the keyboard deck adds an extra layer of security and convenience, allowing for quick and secure login through Windows Hello.

Audio

High-Quality Speakers

The HP Envy x360 13 features dual speakers tuned by Bang & Olufsen, providing high-quality audio for a laptop of this size. The speakers deliver clear and balanced sound, with a good mix of mids, highs, and lows. While the bass might not be as deep as that of larger laptops, the overall audio quality is impressive for a 13-inch device of this size. Whether you’re watching movies, listening to music, or participating in video calls, the audio experience is more than satisfactory. The placement of the speakers above the keyboard ensures that sound is directed towards the user, enhancing the listening experience.

Audio Software Enhancements

The HP Envy x360 13 also includes HP Audio Boost and Bang & Olufsen audio control software, allowing users to customize their audio settings according to their preferences. This software provides various presets and equalizer settings, enabling users to enhance the sound quality based on different use cases, such as music, movies, or voice calls. The combination of high-quality hardware and customizable software ensures that users can achieve the best possible audio experience from their device.

Webcam and Microphone

HD Webcam

The HP Envy x360 13 is equipped with a 720p HD webcam, which is sufficient for video conferencing and casual video calls. The webcam produces clear and detailed video, although it may struggle slightly in low-light conditions. The quality is adequate for most users, but those who require higher video quality for professional purposes might consider using an external webcam.

Integrated Microphone

The laptop features dual-array microphones that capture clear and crisp audio. These microphones are designed to filter out background noise, ensuring that your voice comes through clearly during calls and recordings. This makes the Envy x360 13 suitable for remote work, online classes, and virtual meetings, providing reliable audio performance for communication.

Privacy Features

For added security and privacy, the HP Envy x360 13 includes a physical webcam kill switch. This feature allows users to disable the webcam when not in use, preventing unauthorized access and ensuring privacy. This is a valuable addition for users who are concerned about their privacy and want to protect themselves from potential webcam hacking.

Software and User Experience

Windows 10 and Pre-Installed Software

The HP Envy x360 13 comes with Windows 10 Home pre-installed, providing a familiar and user-friendly operating system. Windows 10 offers a wide range of features and functionalities, making it suitable for both productivity and entertainment. The laptop also comes with a selection of pre-installed software, including HP’s own utility apps, which provide additional tools and settings for managing the device.

HP Command Center

One of the notable pre-installed apps is HP Command Center, which allows users to optimize performance, control fan speeds, and monitor system health. This app provides different performance modes, such as Performance, Balanced, and Cool, enabling users to choose the best settings based on their current tasks. HP Command Center also includes features for network optimization and battery management, enhancing the overall user experience.

Bloatware

While the HP Envy x360 13 includes some useful pre-installed software, it also comes with a fair amount of bloatware. These are third-party apps and trial versions that may not be necessary for all users. Fortunately, most of these apps can be easily uninstalled, allowing users to free up storage space and streamline their device.

Security Features

Fingerprint Reader

The HP Envy x360 13 includes a fingerprint reader integrated into the keyboard deck. This biometric security feature allows users to log in quickly and securely using Windows Hello. The fingerprint reader is responsive and accurate, providing a convenient and secure way to access the device without needing to enter a password.

Webcam Kill Switch

As mentioned earlier, the physical webcam kill switch is a valuable security feature that ensures users’ privacy by disabling the webcam when not in use. This prevents unauthorized access and provides peace of mind for users who are concerned about their online security.

BIOS Protection

HP includes BIOS-level security features to protect the laptop from firmware attacks. The HP BIOSphere Gen5 provides automated updates and security checks, ensuring that the system firmware remains secure and up to date. This adds an additional layer of protection against potential vulnerabilities and threats.

Conclusion

Overall Impressions

The HP Envy x360 13 is an impressive 2-in-1 laptop that excels in design, performance, and versatility. Its sleek and stylish aesthetics, combined with a robust build quality, make it a premium device that is both portable and durable. The 360-degree hinge and touchscreen functionality provide flexibility for different use cases, making it suitable for productivity, creative work, and entertainment.

Strengths

• Design and Build Quality: The all-metal chassis and minimalist design give the laptop a premium look and feel.
• Display: The vibrant Full HD IPS touchscreen delivers excellent visuals with good color accuracy and brightness.
• Performance: The AMD Ryzen processors provide powerful performance for a wide range of tasks.
• Battery Life: The long-lasting battery and fast charging capabilities make it a reliable device for all-day use.
• Versatility: The 360-degree hinge, touchscreen, and pen support add versatility for different modes and tasks.
• Security Features: The fingerprint reader and webcam kill switch provide added security and privacy.

Areas for Improvement

• Bloatware: The laptop comes with a fair amount of pre-installed third-party software that may not be necessary for all users.
• Webcam Quality: While adequate for casual use, the 720p webcam may not meet the needs of users who require higher video quality.