Review HP Envy x360 15 Notebook
The updated Envy x360 15 replaces the previous year’s model, which was based on AMD Ryzen 4000U processors. The fresh 201 version received new Ryzen 5000U chips, as well as a slightly redesigned design with a redesigned keyboard. To date, the Envy x360 15 is almost the only transformer based on the Ryzen 7 5700U and occupies an intermediate position between the Pavilion x360 and Specter 360 series. The main difference between the Envy series is the availability of configurations with AMD chips, because only Intel chips are installed in the Specter.
Our competitors are the mid-to-high-end 15-inch converters from other manufacturers: Samsung Galaxy Book Flex 15, Asus ZenBook Flip 15 and Lenovo Yoga C740-15 . The HP Envy x360 15 configuration we are testing today is priced at $ 999.
Other HP Notebook Reviews:
- HP EliteBook x360 1040 G7
Хорошо (86%)HP Envy x360 15-eu0097nrAMD Ryzen 7 5700UAMD Radeon RX Vega 8 (Ryzen 4000)Convertible – 26/05/2021 – v7
WDC PC SN530 SDBPNPZ-512G, 512 GB
Design and Features – New keyboard and touchpad
The body of the updated Envy x360 15 is made from the same materials as the 202 model – even the finish is the same. The structural strength is high, but slightly worse than the Specter x360 15 . In the center of the keyboard, the deck is pressed a little more than that of the more expensive brother.
Visual differences from its predecessor are immediately evident due to the new keyboard, which no longer has the number pad on the right. The freed up space was used for the speakers, which are located under the beautiful grilles to the right and left of the keyboard; the touchpad has become larger. As a result of all these changes, the laptop now looks like the Razer Blade 15 .
The case has become slightly thinner (18.4 mm versus 18.9 mm), and the laptop itself has become lighter (1.9 kg versus 2.0 kg) of the previous model. However, the most striking difference is with the HP Specter x360 15, which makes the Envy significantly lighter and more compact. Among the rivals, only the Samsung Galaxy Book Flex 15 is more compact and lightweight, but it is much more expensive.
The location of the ports has changed, but they are still quite conveniently located. We are glad that the manufacturer has abandoned the mechanical plug that previously covered one of the USB ports – now it is much easier and more convenient to connect devices to it.
Like all other AMD-based laptops, the Envy x360 15 lacks a Thunderbolt interface. Fortunately, the USB Type-C port supports other popular standards: Power Delivery for charging and DisplayPort for connecting a monitor.
Card reader
It took 14 seconds to copy a 1GB picture folder from our test UHS-II memory card. In comparison, the Specter x360 15 took a few seconds to do the same.
| SDCardreader Transfer Speed | |
| average JPG Copy Test (av. of 3 runs) | |
| (Toshiba Exceria Pro M501 UHS-II) |
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| (Toshiba Exceria Pro M501 microSDXC 64GB) |
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| (Toshiba Exceria Pro SDXC 64 GB UHS-II) |
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| (Toshiba Exceria Pro SDXC 64 GB UHS-II) |
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| (AV PRO microSD 128 GB V60) |
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| maximum AS SSD Seq Read Test (1GB) | |
| (Toshiba Exceria Pro M501 UHS-II) |
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| (Toshiba Exceria Pro M501 microSDXC 64GB) |
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| (Toshiba Exceria Pro SDXC 64 GB UHS-II) |
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| (AV PRO microSD 128 GB V60) |
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| Networking | |
| iperf3 Client (transmit) TCP 1 m 4M x10 | |
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| iperf3 Client (receive) TCP 1 m 4M x10 | |
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Accessories and warranty
The box with the laptop contains only a charger and documentation; HP does not produce additional accessories specifically for this model. The warranty period is standard – 1 year – and can be extended on the HP website.
Input Devices – Goodbye Numpad
Keyboard
The keyboard is exactly the same as the Envy 15 Creator , so all of our comments from the review of the said model also apply to the Envy x360 15. Overall, we really like the keyboards on the HP Envy, Specter and EliteBook series as they offer crisp response and deep key travel. However, the Envy x360 15 still lacks the Numpad like the MSU Summit B15, and the customizable key found on the EliteBooks today.
The Envy x360 15’s keyboard backlighting is white with two brightness levels; all symbols on the keys – major and minor – are highlighted.
Touchpad
The touchpad has become slightly larger than its predecessor: 12.5 x 8 cm versus 11.5 x 7.3 cm. The surface is smooth and pleasant and with fast movement the fingers glide well (with slow movement the fingers get a little stuck). The touchpad coating is very easily soiled, so prints, streaks and dirt on its surface are collected very quickly.
The keys are built-in and are pressed with a clear loud click. Despite this, their tactile response is rather weak.
Display – Good color rendering
HP swapped out the BOE display from its predecessor with a different model from AU Optronics, which offers much more accurate color reproduction and a wider color gamut. More vibrant and vibrant colors are visible to the naked eye – you don’t even need a spectrophotometer to tell the difference. However, the response time of the new display is almost two times worse, because the trail behind moving objects is more noticeable.
