HP Pavilion Plus 16 (2023) Review – Productivity Chops for the Day, Gaming Prowess for the Night

Tech Specs

• Operating System: Windows 11 Home
• Processor: Intel Core i7-13700H / i5-13500H
• Graphics: Intel Iris Xe Graphics / NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 (6 GB GDDR6)
• Memory: 16 GB LPDDR5x-5200 MHz RAM
• Internal Storage: 1 TB / 512 GB PCIe Gen4 NVMe TLC M.2 SSD
• Connectivity: Thunderbolt 4 USB-C, USB Type-C, USB Type-A, HDMI 2.1, AC smart pin
• Wireless: Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX211, Bluetooth 5.3
• Finish: Aluminum with stamping, Sandblasted + Matte
• Panel: 16" WQXGA IPS, 48-120 Hz, 400 nits, 100% sRGB
• Audio: B&O, Dual Speakers, DTS:X Ultra, HP Audio Boost
• Camera: HP Wide Vision 5MP IR camera
• Security: Mic mute key, Camera privacy shutter, TPM support
• Battery: Up to 11:45 hours, 90W / 135W AC power adapter, 68 Wh Li-ion polymer
• Colors: Natural Silver, Warm Gold

There is a demographic of people wanting to have a professional work laptop that can also double as a decent gaming machine when work is closed off. If you resonate with this need, the HP Pavilion Plus 16 (2023) aims to be a possible choice.

With a starting price of ₹1,24,999, is the laptop a good investment? Read our full review to find out.

PROS

• Solid build quality
• High-refresh rate display
• Excellent webcam
• Ample array of ports
• Decent performance

CONS

• Weak Speakers
• Keyboard can take some time to get used to
• No MicroSD Card Slot
• Could Have Better Battery Life
• Could Have Faster Charging

Design and Build

The HP Pavilion Plus 16 exudes a robust and premium aura with its tank-like build quality and aesthetically pleasing design. The three-sided metal body and aluminum display shell not only contribute to the device's durability but also enhance its modern and elegant appearance. The subtle silver color not only adds a touch of sophistication but also cleverly conceals scuffs and fingerprints.

Measuring 357 x 253.5 x 17.7mm and weighing approximately 1.89kg, the Pavilion Plus 16, though not the lightest, manages to maintain a slim profile. The curved lower edges not only add to its visual appeal but also create an illusion of reduced thickness. However, the weight, hovering close to 2kg, might be a consideration for those prioritizing portability.

The minimalist and professional design is complemented by the alternative HP logo reserved for premium models, adding a touch of snazziness to an otherwise understated exterior.

Ports

In terms of connectivity, we have a Thunderbolt 4 USB-C port that supports DisplayPort 1.4. Another USB-C port supports DisplayPort 1.4 and has a data transfer rate of 10 GB/s. The laptop comes with two USB-A ports, HDMI 2.1, a 3.5mm audio port, and an AC barrel port for charging.

Notably, there is no SD card slot, a noticeable absence in a productivity laptop. For wireless connectivity, the laptop boasts WiFi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3.

Lastly, the 1080p webcam has a privacy shutter. Even though there is no fingerprint sensor, Windows Hello facial recognition makes up for it.

Display

The Pavilion Plus 16 boasts a 16-inch 16:10 display that steals the spotlight with its impressive 2560 x 1600 resolution. The high pixel density ensures a crisp and clear visual experience, making it ideal for both work and leisure activities. Vibrant colors and excellent contrast further elevate the display quality.

Furthermore, the Pavilion Plus features a 120Hz refresh rate, enhancing the visual experience with smoother transitions in the user interface and scrolling. This elevated refresh rate not only gives seamless performance but also enhances the overall responsiveness of the device.

Despite the use of an IPS panel instead of AMOLED, the Pavilion Plus 16 manages to deliver surprisingly dark blacks. Viewing angles are commendable, with practically no noticeable color shifting. The extra vertical space, courtesy of the 16:10 aspect ratio, proves valuable for productivity tasks, such as working with spreadsheets or documents.

Performance

Underneath the sleek exterior, the Pavilion Plus 16 harbors impressive hardware, making it a powerhouse for both professional and gaming tasks. The device is equipped with a zippy 13th Gen Intel Core i7-13700H CPU, coupled with 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM, providing ample resources for multitasking and demanding applications.

The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 graphics card adds a gaming edge to this professional-oriented laptop. Creative professionals will appreciate the graphics prowess for tasks that demand substantial graphical rendering.

In real-world testing, the Pavilion Plus 16 impresses with its swift performance during multitasking, seamlessly handling demanding workloads without any slowdown. The laptop also delivers satisfactory performance for casual gaming, smoothly running titles like Resident Evil 2 and Valorant. However, it's important to note that frame rates may drop when graphics settings are set to the maximum.

For instance, while playing Resident Evil 2 at the highest settings, I saw frame rates dip below 60fps and also experienced some in-game stutters. These limitations are attributed to the RTX 3050 graphics card, which falls short of the capabilities of higher-tier cards like the 3070 and beyond.

In contrast, the Pavilion Plus 16 keeps its cool during operation, thanks to its efficient fan management. The fan runs quietly, so the laptop doesn't become a noisy distraction during intensive tasks.

Keyboard

I usually get accustomed to laptop keyboards quite easily, and I've tested a bunch of laptops; however, the keyboard of the HP Pavilion Plus took me quite some time, and I would say a day to get accustomed to it, much to my surprise. After my arguably long honeymoon period with this laptop's keyboard, I was back to my speed.

While the keys aren't super sharp, they become comfortable once you get used to them. The laptop comes with a full-sized, backlit keyboard and a numpad. HP has better keyboards in some of their other laptops, though.

On the bright side, the trackpad is spacious, well-designed, and easy to use, providing precise tracking and satisfying clicky feedback for an improved overall experience.

Battery

The battery life of this laptop is average, lasting around 5.5 hours for productivity tasks. This is in line with the expected performance for a laptop of this caliber. The charging speed is decent, taking close to 2 hours to charge the 68Wh battery from near empty to full with the included 135W charging adapter.

Camera

On the positive side, HP impresses with the inclusion of a 5MP webcam. The image quality remains impressively high even in difficult lighting conditions, ranging from dimly lit rooms to bright sunlight.

Speakers

The audio department, unfortunately, is where the Pavilion Plus 16 falls slightly short of expectations. While the speakers deliver clear midrange sound, the maximum volume is lacking. The bass response, especially when listening to music, lacks the expected punch and weight.

Should You Purchase the HP Pavilion Plus 16?

The decision to purchase the HP Pavilion Plus 16 hinges on your specific needs. If you seek a laptop that excels in both professional tasks and moderate gaming, the Pavilion Plus 16 is undoubtedly a strong contender.

Its impressive display, decent gaming performance, and sleek design make it a worthy investment. However, if battery life and top-notch audio are non-negotiable priorities, you may want to weigh your options.