The quest for a versatile laptop that seamlessly transitions between work and play often leads to the realm of 2-in-1 convertibles. HP's Envy x360 series has long been a contender in this space, promising a blend of sophisticated design, capable performance, and the flexibility of a tablet. With the latest iterations for 2024, including 14-inch and 16-inch models, HP aims to solidify the Envy x360's position as an attractive option, especially for those seeking a balance between premium features and a reasonable price point. Let's delve into what makes these convertibles tick and whether they live up to the hype.
Design and Build: A Touch of Elegance and Durability
The HP Envy x360 has consistently sported an appealing aesthetic, and the 2024 models continue this trend. The use of an all-metal design in the keyboard deck and display lid, often crafted from aluminum, contributes to a premium feel and a sturdy build. This robust construction is particularly important for a convertible device that will inevitably be handled in various modes. While some earlier iterations faced critiques regarding the thinness of the aluminum frame leading to potential dents, the 2024 versions reportedly feature a thicker, more solid aluminum build, enhancing the overall durability and heft. The smooth plastic underside often mimics the feel of the aluminum, creating a cohesive and refined enclosure.
The 360-degree hinge, a defining feature of the x360 series, allows for seamless transformation between laptop, tablet, tent, and presentation modes. Improvements in the hinge design for the 2024 models have seemingly addressed past concerns about screen wobble during typing, resulting in a firmer and more stable experience. This enhanced stability is crucial for comfortable use in laptop mode. The attention to detail extends to the consistent rounding of edges throughout the design, from the touchpad and keyboard frame to the screen bezel and body, contributing to a balanced and refined overall look. The subtle Envy logo elegantly engraved near the hinge adds a touch of sophistication.
Visual Feast: Display Quality and Features
A standout feature of the 2024 HP Envy x360 models is the emphasis on high-quality displays. Both the 14-inch and 16-inch versions often boast 2.8K (2880x1800) OLED displays with a 16:10 aspect ratio, providing ample vertical screen real estate for enhanced productivity and a more immersive viewing experience. These displays are frequently IMAX Enhanced certified and support a variable refresh rate of up to 120Hz, resulting in smooth scrolling and fluid visuals, which can be particularly noticeable in everyday use.
The OLED technology delivers deep blacks, vibrant colours, and high contrast, making them excellent for multimedia consumption and content creation tasks like photo and video editing. These panels generally offer excellent colour gamut coverage and colour accuracy, catering to users who require precise colour reproduction for their work. While the displays are glossy due to the touch functionality and glass finish, potentially leading to some glare and reflections, the brightness levels, typically around 400 nits for standard dynamic range and peaking up to 500 nits for HDR content, aim to mitigate this issue. Both models also support pen input, although the pen is usually an optional accessory sold separately. The ability to magnetically attach the pen to the side of the unit provides a convenient storage solution, though securing it further during travel is advisable.
However, not all configurations feature the OLED display. Some models may come with a Full HD+ (1920x1200) IPS touchscreen. While suitable for general productivity, these panels might have lower colour accuracy and brightness compared to their OLED counterparts. For users prioritizing visual fidelity, especially for colour-sensitive work or immersive entertainment, the OLED option is a significant draw.
Performance and Power: Balancing Efficiency and Capability
The 2024 HP Envy x360 models offer a choice between Intel's Core Ultra (Meteor Lake) processors and AMD's Ryzen 7000/8000 series processors. The 14-inch version often features Intel Core Ultra U-series processors, such as the Core Ultra 7 155U, known for their power efficiency. These processors integrate Intel Arc graphics, offering a step up in graphical performance compared to previous integrated solutions. The 16-inch model commonly utilizes AMD Ryzen processors, like the Ryzen 7 8840HS with integrated Radeon 780M graphics, providing a strong balance of processing power and efficiency.
In terms of RAM, the configurations vary. The Intel-based 14-inch model can be configured with up to 32GB of LPDDR5x RAM, running in dual-channel mode. The AMD-based 16-inch model typically maxes out at 16GB of RAM. Unfortunately, the RAM is soldered to the motherboard in both models, meaning it is not user-upgradeable, so choosing the appropriate amount at the time of purchase is crucial. On the positive side, both the 14-inch and 16-inch Envy x360 feature replaceable NVMe SSDs, allowing for storage upgrades if needed.
Performance-wise, the Intel Core Ultra U-series processors are generally well-suited for everyday productivity tasks, web browsing, and multimedia consumption. While capable, their performance in demanding tasks like heavy video editing or intense gaming might lag behind laptops equipped with higher-power H-series processors or dedicated graphics cards. Similarly, the AMD Ryzen processors offer strong performance for a wide range of tasks, with integrated Radeon graphics providing decent graphical capabilities for casual gaming and light content creation. The presence of a Neural Processing Unit (NPU) in the Intel models allows for AI-powered features like auto-framing and background blur during video calls.
While the cooling systems in both models effectively prevent significant thermal throttling under load, some users have reported noticeable fan noise during intensive tasks. Surface temperatures can also rise, with some localized hotspots being reported. However, for typical everyday use, the laptops generally maintain reasonable temperatures and noise levels.
Input and Interaction: Keyboard, Touchpad, and Pen
The typing experience on the HP Envy x360 series is generally well-regarded. The keyboards on both the 14-inch and 16-inch models offer good tactility, feedback, and key travel, making them comfortable for extended typing sessions. A notable improvement in recent models is the adoption of darker keycaps, enhancing the visibility of the multi-stage LED backlight. Both models also feature a dedicated Copilot key for quick access to Windows' AI assistant.
The touchpads on the Envy x360 are typically nicely sized and responsive, providing accurate tracking and gesture support. While they are mechanical touchpads with a physical click rather than haptic ones found on more premium models, they offer a satisfactory user experience for the price point.
As mentioned earlier, both models support stylus input, enabling note-taking, sketching, and other creative tasks. The HP Rechargeable MPP2 Tilt Pen is often recommended as an optional accessory. The responsiveness of the touch screen combined with pen support adds another layer of versatility to the convertible design.
Connectivity: Ports and Wireless Capabilities
The HP Envy x360 2024 models offer a decent array of ports for slim laptops. Both typically include USB Type-A ports (often with USB 3.2 Gen 2 speeds), an HDMI 2.1 port, and a 3.5mm headphone/microphone combo jack. However, there are some differences between the 14-inch and 16-inch models regarding their USB Type-C ports. The 14-inch Intel variant usually features one Thunderbolt 4 port (offering 40Gbps data transfer speeds and display connectivity) and one USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 2 port. In contrast, the 16-inch AMD model typically comes with two USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 2 ports, lacking the Thunderbolt 4 functionality. This absence of USB 4.0 (which includes Thunderbolt capabilities) on the AMD model might be a drawback for users who rely on Thunderbolt accessories.
For wireless connectivity, the 14-inch Intel model often features Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4, offering the latest standards for fast and reliable connections. The 16-inch AMD model, however, typically includes a MediaTek Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 combo card, which, while still providing excellent performance, is not as cutting-edge as the Wi-Fi 7 found in its Intel counterpart. Notably, neither model includes a built-in SD card reader, which might be disappointing for content creators who frequently work with SD cards.
Audio and Webcam: Enhanced Communication and Entertainment
HP has partnered with Bang & Olufsen and Poly Studio to enhance the audio experience on the Envy x360. Both models typically feature dual speakers with HP Audio Boost and Poly Studio tuning, aiming to deliver clear sound with good bass, mids, and highs, suitable for multimedia consumption and video conferencing. While the 16-inch model is often cited as having slightly better sound than the 14-inch, both offer a decent audio experience for their price range.
The webcams on the 2024 HP Envy x360 models are a notable upgrade, often featuring 5-megapixel IR cameras capable of 1440p video. These IR cameras support Windows Hello facial recognition for secure and convenient login. Both models also include a physical privacy shutter for the webcam, providing an extra layer of security. Furthermore, the webcams often incorporate AI-powered features like auto-framing, eye contact correction, and background blur, enhancing the video conferencing experience.
Battery Life: Impressive Endurance for All-Day Use
Battery life is a crucial aspect of any portable device, and the HP Envy x360 models generally deliver commendable endurance. The 14-inch model typically features a 59Wh battery, while the 16-inch model has a slightly larger 68Wh battery. Despite these not being the absolute largest batteries in their respective categories, both laptops often achieve impressive battery life, thanks to the efficient processors. Real-world usage in typical office tasks can often yield 7.5 hours or more on the 14-inch model. The 16-inch model has also been reported to achieve over 15 hours in modern office PC Mark tests and around 14 hours for video playback in specific tests, showcasing excellent power efficiency. However, battery life will vary depending on usage patterns, screen brightness, and the types of tasks being performed.
Pros and Cons at a Glance
Pros:
- Stylish and well-built design with a durable all-metal chassis.
- Versatile 2-in-1 functionality with a smooth and stable 360-degree hinge.
- High-quality OLED display options with vibrant colours, deep blacks, and up to 120Hz refresh rate.
- Responsive and comfortable keyboard with backlighting and a dedicated Copilot key.
- Decent port selection, including USB-A and HDMI.
- Good battery life for all-day productivity.
- Improved 5-megapixel IR webcam with privacy shutter and AI features.
- Enhanced audio with Bang & Olufsen and Poly Studio tuning.
- Replaceable SSD for storage upgrades.
Cons:
- RAM is soldered and not user-upgradeable.
- AMD model lacks Thunderbolt 4 support.
- No built-in SD card reader on either model.
- Pen is typically sold separately.
- Integrated graphics may limit performance in demanding tasks and gaming.
- Some configurations may have less colour-accurate or dimmer displays.
- Potential for noticeable fan noise and some surface heat under heavy load.
Who is the HP Envy x360 For?
The HP Envy x360 series is particularly well-suited for students, professionals, and everyday users who value versatility, a premium design, and good battery life without breaking the bank. Its 2-in-1 form factor caters to various usage scenarios, from taking notes in tablet mode to delivering presentations or simply enjoying multimedia content. The availability of high-quality OLED displays makes it an attractive option for those who appreciate excellent visuals for work and entertainment. While not designed for hardcore gaming or intensive creative workflows, it offers sufficient performance for most common tasks. The improved webcam and audio make it a solid choice for remote work and video conferencing.
However, users with demanding creative workloads or those who prioritize gaming performance might need to consider laptops with more powerful processors and dedicated graphics. The lack of upgradeable RAM is also a factor to consider for long-term use.
Conclusion: A Compelling Blend of Features and Value
The HP Envy x360 series, especially the 2024 14-inch and 16-inch models, represents a compelling offering in the 2-in-1 laptop market. With their elegant designs, robust build quality, impressive display options, and solid performance for everyday tasks, they provide a strong value proposition for a wide range of users. While certain limitations like soldered RAM and the absence of an SD card reader might be drawbacks for some, the overall package delivers a versatile and enjoyable computing experience. For those seeking a premium-feeling convertible laptop without the top-tier price tag, the HP Envy x360 remains a serious contender worth considering.