When it comes to choosing a laptop that balances performance, portability, and reliability, the HP Laptop 15s is a compelling option. This device, powered by the 12th Gen Intel Core i5-1235U processor, offers a blend of powerful computing and elegant design that appeals to both professionals and students alike. Priced at ₹52,990, it’s positioned in a competitive market where it needs to stand out not just with specifications but also with real-world performance. Having used this laptop extensively for both work and leisure, I’m here to share my personal experience with the HP 15s, detailing its strengths and weaknesses.
Highlight Features
Before diving into the specifics, let’s take a quick look at what makes this laptop noteworthy:
- Processor: 12th Gen Intel Core i5-1235U, 10-core, up to 4.4 GHz
- Memory: 16GB DDR4 RAM
- Storage: 512GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD
- Graphics: Intel Iris Xe Graphics
- Display: 15.6-inch FHD, anti-glare, micro-edge
- Battery Life: Up to 7 hours and 30 minutes with HP Fast Charge
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.0, USB Type-C, HDMI 1.4b
- Weight: 1.69 kg
Product Description
The HP 15s is designed to be a reliable everyday laptop that doesn’t compromise on performance. The device’s sleek silver finish gives it a professional look, and at 1.69 kg, it’s lightweight enough to be portable without feeling flimsy. The laptop comes preloaded with Windows 11 Home, which enhances the user experience with its new interface and features. Whether you’re working on spreadsheets, streaming videos, or attending virtual meetings, this laptop aims to provide a smooth and responsive experience.
Specifications
Here’s a breakdown of the key technical specifications:
- Brand: HP
- Model Name: HP Laptop 15s
- Processor: 12th Gen Intel Core i5-1235U, 10-core, 4.4 GHz
- RAM: 16GB DDR4
- Storage: 512GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD
- Graphics: Intel Iris Xe Graphics
- Display: 15.6-inch FHD (1920 x 1080 pixels), anti-glare
- Operating System: Windows 11 Home
- Battery: 41 Wh, up to 7 hours and 30 minutes
- Weight: 1.69 kg
Display Features
The 15.6-inch Full HD display is one of the standout features of the HP 15s. The anti-glare screen is a blessing, especially if you’re working in well-lit environments or near windows. The micro-edge design minimizes bezels, offering a more immersive viewing experience. Colors are vivid, and the brightness levels are adequate for most indoor settings. Whether you’re binge-watching your favorite series or working on graphic-intensive tasks, the display delivers sharp and clear visuals.
Processor and Memory Features
At the heart of the HP 15s is the 12th Gen Intel Core i5-1235U processor, which features 10 cores and a maximum clock speed of 4.4 GHz. This makes it a powerhouse for multitasking, allowing you to run multiple applications simultaneously without any noticeable lag. The 16GB DDR4 RAM complements the processor perfectly, ensuring smooth operation even when handling demanding tasks like video editing or running virtual machines. The 512GB SSD storage not only offers ample space for your files but also significantly boosts the laptop’s boot and load times.
Port and Slot Features
The HP 15s comes equipped with a variety of ports and slots that cater to modern connectivity needs. It includes:
- 1 x USB Type-C (for fast data transfer)
- 2 x USB Type-A (for connecting peripherals)
- 1 x HDMI 1.4b (for external display)
- 1 x Headphone/microphone combo (3.5mm jack)
- 1 x SD card reader
This array of ports ensures that you can connect all your essential devices without needing any additional dongles, making it a versatile choice for both work and play.
Keyboard, Touchpad
The keyboard on the HP 15s is backlit, which is a huge plus for late-night work sessions. The keys are well-spaced and provide a satisfying amount of travel, making typing a comfortable experience. The touchpad is responsive and supports multi-touch gestures, which are particularly handy in Windows 11. However, if you’re someone who does a lot of typing, you might find the key travel to be slightly shallow compared to mechanical keyboards, but it’s quite adequate for a laptop in this category.
Hardware and Performance
In terms of hardware, the HP 15s is well-equipped for both everyday tasks and more intensive applications. The combination of the Intel Core i5 processor, 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD ensures that the laptop performs reliably, whether you’re multitasking with multiple browser tabs, editing photos, or playing light games. The Intel Iris Xe Graphics provides decent graphical performance, making it suitable for casual gaming and media editing, though it’s not meant for high-end gaming.
Noise, Heat, Connectivity, Speakers, and Others
The HP 15s runs relatively quiet, with minimal fan noise even under load. However, during extended periods of use, particularly when performing heavy tasks, the laptop does tend to get warm, especially on the underside. This is something to be mindful of if you prefer working with the laptop on your lap.
Connectivity is seamless, with Wi-Fi 5 providing stable internet access and Bluetooth 5.0 ensuring quick connections with wireless peripherals. The dual speakers offer good sound quality, adequate for conference calls and media consumption, though audiophiles might find them lacking in bass.
Battery Life
Battery life is another area where the HP 15s shines. The 41Wh battery is capable of providing up to 7 hours and 30 minutes of usage on a single charge, depending on your workload. The HP Fast Charge feature is particularly useful, allowing the laptop to charge quickly and get you back to work faster. For someone who’s frequently on the move, this extended battery life is a significant advantage.
Key Features – Pros, Cons
Pros:
- Powerful Performance: The 12th Gen Intel Core i5 processor and 16GB RAM make multitasking a breeze.
- Excellent Display: The FHD anti-glare display offers sharp and vibrant visuals.
- Lightweight and Portable: At 1.69 kg, it’s easy to carry around.
- Fast Storage: 512GB SSD ensures quick boot and load times.
- Good Battery Life: Up to 7 hours and 30 minutes with fast charging.
Cons:
- Limited Graphics Power: While Intel Iris Xe is good, it’s not ideal for high-end gaming.
- Heat Management: The laptop tends to get warm during prolonged use.
- Speakers: Audio quality is decent but lacks depth, particularly in the bass.
Conclusion: Final Thoughts
The HP 15s with the 12th Gen Intel Core i5 processor is a solid choice for those who need a reliable, everyday laptop with enough power to handle a wide range of tasks. It’s well-suited for students, professionals, and even casual gamers looking for a device that balances performance, portability, and price. While it has its shortcomings, particularly in heat management and audio, the overall package is hard to beat at this price point. If you’re in the market for a laptop that offers excellent value for money, the HP 15s should definitely be on your shortlist.
