TechRadar Verdict
Between the gorgeous 16-inch 4K OLED screening and powerful specs, the HP Envy 16 should appeal to content curators who enjoy gaming occasionally. Potential buyers who can get past the underwhelming battery life may also find a laptop that excels at general computing tasks from video conferencing to media consumption.
Beautiful 4K OLED display
Solid content creation and gaming performance
Fantastic webcam
Great audio quality
No fingerprint scanner
Battery life isn’t the best
Can get a bit loud
Can run hot under load
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HP Envy 16: Two minute review
More of a side-step than a full on refresh or downgrade, theHPEnvy 16 carries many standout features from its previous iteration.
When we reviewed theHP Envy 15 (2022), we praised the laptop for its ability to near-perfectly blend bang-for-buck performance with a phenomenal audio/visual package and sleek design.
The beautiful grey alluminum chassis returns with a sleek minimalist design that’s also enviromentally friendly. Weighing a little over five pounds, the HP Envy 16 balances a weighty feel with portability. Packed into all of that are performance specs that go a long way into catering toward creatives who probably like to game a little bit.
It’s powerful hardware is more than enough for creatives looking to edit high resolution photos or edit4Kvideo content. Meanwhile, the gaming performance is respectable as well if expectations are kept in order.
Just be mindful that pushing the HP Envy 16 to the limits will bring some loud fan noise and slightly uncomfortable heat on the lap. Also, the power at hand means it’ll have to be plugged in continuously for more strenuous tasks. Though battery life isn’t class-leading, it’ll last for a bi-coastal trip across the U.S.
Making all the difference is an outstanding audio/video package starting with the drop dead gorgious 16-inch 16:10 4K display with touch capabilities. This update from the Envy 15’s 16:9 display provides an 11% increase in screen space. Digital creatives will see accurate colors that won’t strain the eyes after long term use due to 100 percent sRGB gamut, 100 percentAdobegamut, amazing color calibration with Delta E and Eyesafe certification.
Speakers from Bang & Olufsen return with the same audio quality that makes mixing video audio, listening to music, watching movies, or gaming without headphones a pleasure. This definitely comes in handy during video conferencing that’s enhanced through HP’s 5MP True Vision IR web cam and duel microphones. Despite how remarkable the webcam functions, it isn’t good enough to completely replace the Envy 15’s fingerprint scanner which is missing this time around.
Serious content creatives who participate in multiple daily video conferencing calls and pack a controller for games ofElden Ringevery so often are in for a treat with the HP Envy 16.
HP Envy 16: Price and availability
Here is theHP Envy 16configuration sent to TechRadar for review:
CPU: Intel Core i9-12900HGraphics:Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060RAM: 32GB DDR5Screen:16-inch 16:10 UHD+ (3,840 x 2,400) OLED touchStorage:2TB PCIe Gen4 SSDPorts:2 x USB-C with Thunderbolt 4 | 2 x USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 | 1 x HDMI 2.1 | 1 x 3.5mm audio jack | 1 x microSD card readerConnectivity:Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2Camera:HP True Vision 5MP IR camera with camera shutter, temporal noise reduction and integrated dual array digital microphonesDimensions: 14.07 x 9.91 x 0.78 in | 357.38 x 251.71 x 19.81 mmWeight:5.12 lb | 2.32 kg
Starting at $1,049, the lowest HP Envy 16 configuration comes with a 12th Gen i5, integratedIntelArc A370M GPU with 4GB dedicated GDDR6 memory, 512 GB SSD and WQXGA 2560 X 1600 display offering a 120Hz refresh rate.
The highest configuration which is pretty much what was provided for the review minus the 4KOLEDcomes in around $2,599. As of run-time, it’s not known when this particular set up will be released and for how much. However,Micro Centerdoes offer a configuration featuring an Intel i7, Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060, 16GB DDR5, 1TB SSD and the UHD touch screen for $1,699.
Citizens living in the UK there have two configurations available. They both come with a 2.5K screen andNvidiaGeForce RTX 3060 only. For £1,649.99, the lowest spec price comes with an Intel i7, 16GB RAM and 1TB SSD. Those who can afford the highest £2,299 configuration will get an Intel i9, 32 GB RAM and 2TB SSD.
Australia’s two HP Envy 16 spec options are different enough though they both come with the 120Hz WQXGA display, Intel i7 and 16GB of DDR5 RAM. The lowest AU$2,639 configuration comes with an Intel Arc A370M GPU and 512 SSD storage. Meanwhile, the highest AU$3,519 pricepoint comes with Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 and 1TB of SSD.
Prices could get lower still when you factor in one of theHP promo codesyou can check out at the moment.
HP Envy 16: Design
Made up of recycled alluminum, the HP Envy 16’s design matchs incredibly polished looks with a solid build. All around, this laptop has a premium feel. That doesn’t mean functionality is placed on the backburner.
Port placement is well done. On the left side is a USB-A with a latch that has to be pulled down to insert anything, 3.5mm audio jack and microSD card reader. The power jack, single USB-A, HDMI 2.1 port and two USB-C Thunderbolt 4 ports hang on the right. This is more than enough for photo and video editors or those who want to get some gaming done in a hotel room.
As mentioned previously, the 16-inch 16:10 4K OLED touch display may be one of the best displays this year. It’s just simply gorgeous to look at. Though the brightness is a bit on the lower side, the color depth and accuracy here is near perfect while the blacks get deep. Considering it can handle 100 percent of the Adobe color gamut, it’s definitely something Adobe Suite loyalists should definitely appreciate.
HDRcapabilities are also well implemented. This means that watching Netflix or 4KYouTubevideos become a visually lush experience. The same goes for games like Rollerdrome and Dirt 5 that can handle 4K resolutions with some graphic settings tweaks. Users looking to tweak their visual presentation can also utilize HP’s small yet effective HP Display app that’s included.
The internal Bang & Olufsen speakers sound vivid, clear and can get pretty loud, volume-wise. There’s also an included app for customizing the audio experience from EQ settings to noise cancellation for both input and output devices.
Laptop input takes a few steps forward and backward on the HP Envy 16. First thing, it’s just as comfortable to use as its predecessor from keystrokes to sliding fingers across the touchpad. Keyboard layout still remains best-in-class with a few additions like a dedicated emoji key. Unfortunately, HP removed the fingerprint reader so the only secure login options are pin, password and webcam.
HP Envy 16: Performance
Here is how theHP Envy 16performed in oursuite of benchmark tests:
Cinebench R23 Multi-core:12,5993DMark Time Spy:6,871Fire Strike:17,336Night Raid:24,737GeekBench 5:1,887 (single-core) 11,045 (multi-core)PC Mark 10:7,322PC Mark 10 Battery:8 Hours and 20 minutesBattery Life (TechRadar movie test):6 hours and 24 minutesTotal War: Warhammer 3:59 (Ultra 1080p); 170 (Low 1080p)Dirt 5:65 (Ultra 1080p); 112 (Low 1080p)Cyberpunk 2077:53 (Ultra 1080p); 65 (Low 1080p)Handbrake (4K to 1080p, fast):84 fpsBlender Monster:1,135Junkshop:699Classroom:606PugetBench for Photoshop:1,036 pointsPugetBench forPremier Pro:746 points
The HP Envy 16 caters toward members of the creative economy who need to be able to edit photos and videos on the go or other tasks like creating a small indie game. When it comes to the Adobe Suite crowd, the laptop should definitely be in consideration.
Photoshopruns well under heavy layer load in addition to high resolution photos. The same goes for Premiere Pro. Multiple video and sound layers for 10 minute 4K videos exported fairly quickly. Having 100 percent of the Adobe color gambut really does allow creators to see every single detail in an image and the added performance power makes those task a breeze.
Gaming may not be as performance-ready as the creative front but the HP Envy 16 more than holds its own. Considering the integrated RTX 3060 GPU has around 6GB of dedicated video RAM, the laptop probably won’t make the best use of its 4K screen for games with higher visual fidelity. This is most notable with Cyberpunk 2077 where frames per second were a little over 60 on average at 1080p. Hitting ultra settings pumped out around 53fps and tweeking a few settings lower could lock in a solid 60. One thing’s for sure, it was best to stay away from ray tracing.
General computing task worked well from web browsing to watching video content. A highlight of the Envy 16 is its video conferencing capabilities. Even in less than idea lighting settings, the webcam was more than up to task. Part of that is due to the HP’s Enhanced Lighting app which can provide a white screen effect similar to selfies on a mobile phone among other functions like color temperature control. It doesn’t replace the need of a lighting source such as a ringlight but does the job.
HP Envy 16: Battery life
Considering the sleek and portable frame in addition to performance specs, a lot of power runs through the HP Envy 16. This means that battery life isn’t ideal. General usage of the laptop with middle level volume and screen brightness can have the Envy 16 last for about 8 or so hours. Through our video loop test, we were able to get 6 and a half hours out of the laptop while the PC Mark 10 Battery test provided 8 hours and 20 minutes.
Besides Windows 11 settings, HP also has its Command Center app to help tweek battery life. The Envy 16 should work fine for bi-coastal flights. Charging takes a little under two hours and has a few ways of charging. Besides the charging port, the two USB-C ports can be used to charge the Envy 16 as well.
Should you buy an HP Envy 16?
Buy it if…
You want a high-performance creative’s workstationBesides working well with Adobe Suite and other creative software, the Envy 16 works well with video conferencing thanks to the great webcam packed in. Casual PC gamers will appreciate its ability to play modern games.
You require a top tier audio visual packageThe 16:10 UHD screen is stunning to look at and the Bang & Olufsen speakers are a nice quality compliment.
You need a well thought out keyboard and touchpadThe Envy 16 keyboard and touchpad layout are tactile and comfortable for long periods of usage.
Don’t buy it if…
You need better battery lifeBattery life is a bit below average which means users are going to definitely keep the Envy 16 plugged in for more strenuous processing tasks.
You require a laptop that can stay cool and quietEven when handling simple computing task like word processing, it’s easy to hear the fans in a quiet room and gets louder when pushed harder. Working for too long on the lap can be uncomfortable.
Also consider
Apple Macbook Pro 16-inch (2021)Creatives who don’t care much about gaming and are a bit platform-agnostic should consider the 16 inch Macbook Pro.
Read More:Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch (2021) review
Acer ConceptD 7As powerful as the HP Envy 16 but a bit more affordable. Just be mindful that battery power with the Acer ConceptD 7 is worse.
Read more:Acer ConceptD 7 review
Gigabyte Aero 17Though the Gigabyte Aero 17 doesn’t have good battery life or a powerful webcam, this is best for creative gamers who can afford the higher price point.
Read more:Gigabyte Aero 17 (2021) review
HP Envy 16: Report card
How We Test
We pride ourselves on our independence and our rigorous review-testing process, offering up long-term attention to the products we review and making sure our reviews are updated and maintained - regardless of when a device was released, if you can still buy it, it’s on our radar.
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Ural Garrett is an Inglewood, CA-based journalist and content curator. His byline has been featured in outlets including CNN, MTVNews, Complex, TechRadar, BET, The Hollywood Reporter and more.
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