ZDNET’s key takeaways
- HP’s 16-inch Envy x360 2-in-1 (2024) is available in a wide range of configurations, however the model with 1TB of storage and an OLED show is on sale for $949.
- It sports activities one of the vital attractive shows I’ve seen on a convertible laptop computer on this worth vary.
- It is a bit of on the heavy facet, and the configuration swapping may be buggy.
What is the deal?
HP is promoting a number of discounted Envy x360 fashions on its on-line retailer. Costs begin at $620 and go as much as $1,300 for high-end configurations. Understand that the cheaper models lack the extra impactful options, reminiscent of OLED touchscreens.
A number of nice 2-in-1 laptops launched in 2024, forcing an increasing number of laptop computer diehards (myself included) beforehand unwilling to decide to the shape issue to change to convertibles, which provide the better of each worlds.
The HP Envy x360 16″ 2-in-1 reveals as much as the celebration with all of the options that buyers really need in a convertible: a stunning show, beefy audio system, and a set of {hardware} to again it up. This ends in a strong efficiency and a satisfying media expertise at a mid-range worth level.
Additionally: HP reveals off three next-gen laptops and revamps its desktops at CES 2025
Sure, a 16-inch display is giant when used as a pill — a bit of unwieldy, even. Nonetheless, the OLED show on this laptop computer is so good that it does not matter to me. In truth, it may very well be greater, and I’d nonetheless fortunately tote it round.
The Envy x360 includes a 2.8K (2880 x 1800) decision OLED touchscreen with a variable 120Hz refresh fee and edge-to-edge glass that ends in a smooth-as-silk visible expertise. The five hundred-nit brightness is greater than sufficient for regular use, and the shiny end seems to be attractive (though it might not be for everybody, as a result of fingerprints are a factor).
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Video playback is vibrant, {smooth}, and sharp, with a practical depth of coloration and distinction. HP additionally advertises the Envy x360 as an “IMAX licensed” laptop computer, one of many first of its variety. It earned this certification for its potential to show IMAX-formatted content material in its unique 1.43:1 or 1.90:1 side ratio. Whereas a flashy designation, it is a laptop computer we’re speaking about right here; it is nonetheless a 16-inch display. It does look good, although — I will give it that.
The audio can also be respectable. Whereas it might appear that the 2 vents on both facet of the keyboard are audio system, audio really originates from the twin DTS:X Extremely bar-shaped audio system on the again of the system. There is not loads of bass, however mid-frequency audio and dialogue sound crisp and clear and held their very own after I performed Netflix in a loud kitchen.
The beforehand talked about vents on both facet of the keyboard are literally for expelling warmth, one thing my colleague Cesar Cadenas will admire, as it is a laptop computer you may really place in your lap with out getting first-degree burns in your legs.
The Envy x360 is positioned just under HP’s Spectre line of laptops to supply nice efficiency that serves most customers’ wants. We reviewed the 2024 Spectre x360 early final 12 months and located it has top-notch {hardware} due to the “Meteor Lake” AI processor, however it should run you a whole bunch of {dollars} extra.
The Envy x360 mannequin that I examined, nevertheless, got here with an built-in AMD Radeon GPU that, coupled with the AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS processor, can run each CPU-intensive and graphics duties nicely. This aligns with its focused creator/freelancer shopper demographic, permitting visible apps like DaVinci Resolve and Adobe Photoshop to run easily, with an eye fixed towards generative AI capabilities.
I discovered that the battery life was higher than common — particularly for an OLED-equipped laptop computer — due to the effectivity features of the Ryzen 7 8840HS processor. With solely intermittent use, the laptop computer lasted me a number of days, whereas sustained exercise resulted in over 10 hours of battery life, roughly equal to what’s marketed. Even higher is the quick charging characteristic, which I discovered even sooner than HP’s 50% in 45-minute claims.
Additionally: My favourite light-weight laptop computer for work is just not a ThinkPad or MacBook – and it is on sale
The two-in-1 type issue requires a sure diploma of bodily fortitude, and its hinge-style design (which is nearly similar to the Lenovo 7i 2-in-1) helps a sturdy construct that is as much as the duty. It has minimal display wobble, but sufficient resistance to remain in place as a touchscreen.
That stated, this isn’t a very mild laptop computer, weighing in at round 4 kilos, with most of that weight coming from the 16-inch OLED. Regardless of the load, it’s totally skinny — solely 0.72 inches — which leads to a laptop computer that also feels sufficiently moveable.
Port choice on the 2024 Envy x360 may also be enough for many customers, with two USB-A ports, two USB-C ports, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and an HDMI port. The keyboard is especially distinctive: the keys are large and chunky, in a matte grey coloration, with outsized letters in a definite sans serif font. It seems to be good however lacks a right-side quantity pad, which I want to have on a laptop computer — particularly one among this dimension.
Additionally: This 11-in-1 docking station is the workplace productiveness gadget I did not know I wanted
If you cannot inform already, I am a giant fan of the Envy x360, and out of all of the 2-in-1 laptops I’ve examined, I want this one. My important critique of this laptop computer is the bugginess that may happen when swapping between the completely different orientations. Going from pill to laptop computer may end up in delayed or glitchy keyboard response, and the display orientation can stick in a single place or one other, requiring a deliberate re-positioning of the laptop computer to reset the inner gyroscope.
These points are prevalent throughout all 2-in-1 laptops I’ve examined and are (normally) intermittent sufficient to not be issues — however in sure moments, going through non-functioning {hardware} may be irritating, and it’s best to preserve that in thoughts.
ZDNET’s shopping for recommendation
The HP Envy x360 16 (2024) is priced nicely for an upper-mid-tier system with a stunning show and strong efficiency. Creators will love this laptop computer’s versatile type issue and spectacular battery life. After utilizing it for a couple of weeks, I can say that it is my favourite big-screen 2-in-1, regardless of its quirks. It is a laptop computer for work as a lot as it’s for leisure, and should you’re searching for a 2-in-1 laptop computer, it’s a must to take into account the Envy x360.
In comparison with its rivals, HP’s mannequin presents a extra full bundle. Check out Lenovo’s Yoga 7i. It is also an awesome machine value consideration, however the Yoga is heavier with a duller display. Microsoft’s Eleventh-Gen Floor Professional arguably has higher {hardware}, however it’s a lot smaller, sporting a 13-inch touchscreen.
When you’re searching for a smaller possibility, take into account HP’s 2024 Spectre x360, which has a 14-inch show. For one thing extra adventurous, try the Lenovo Yoga E book 9i, which has two shows.
