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HP Laptop 14: Two-minute review
The HP Laptop 14 is a budget-friendly option that seeks to merge a compact design with sufficient performance for daily tasks. Its aesthetic is unremarkable, particularly in the dull gray colorway, yet it maintains a clean and functional look with smooth lines that exude understated elegance.
On a positive note, the lid hinge operates smoothly, offering stability and allowing the display to recline at a comfortable angle, though it stops short of laying flat at 180 degrees.
The HP Laptop 14 includes two USB-A ports and a single USB-C interface that lacks power or display support. At least there is an HDMI port for external displays.
(Image credit: Future)
- HP Laptop 14-ep1070nr 14 inch (14-inch 128GB) at HP Store for £299
Equipped with an Intel Core i5, the HP Laptop 14 performs adequately for light browsing and productivity tasks, alongside high-quality video streaming. However, multitasking can be challenging; with 8GB of RAM, I noticed frequent stutters and freezes when multiple tabs were open, particularly with media-heavy content.
In terms of gaming, this model falls short due to its lack of a dedicated GPU. Titles like Cyberpunk 2077 are virtually unplayable, even at the lowest settings. Interestingly, the device remains relatively cool and quiet even during intensive tasks.
The 1080p display is sufficient for basic tasks, though it can feel antiquated compared to higher-resolution offerings. Moreover, reflections and shadows can muddle the visuals if viewing angles aren’t precisely aligned, leading to frustrating viewing experiences.
The keyboard on the HP Laptop 14 is one of its stronger suits. Keys are spaced well and provide light actuation, making typing quick and comfortable, despite some lack of dampening. The touchpad is functional, though slightly smaller than ideal, offering decent responsiveness for casual use.
Battery life is one area where the HP Laptop 14 underperforms. It lasts just under eight hours in our movie playback test, placing it on the lower end for laptops of similar classification. Many mid-range options can sustain full-day usage easily.
While the starting price may seem attractive, the base model struggles with modern basic tasks, and even higher spec options don’t adequately compete in the mid-range market.
HP Laptop 14 review: Price & Availability
- Starts from $539.99 / £299 (about AU$585)
- Base spec is cheap
- Expensive higher-spec models
The HP Laptop 14 starts at $539.99 / £299 (approximately AU$585) and is currently available. Interestingly, in the UK, it is marketed as the HP Pavilion SE, with no direct equivalent in Australia.
Despite the affordability of the base model, it’s unlikely to handle modern workloads smoothly, while the higher spec options remain pricey and underwhelming.
HP Laptop 14 review: Specs
| Row 0 – Cell 0 | Base configuration | Review configuration |
Price | $539.99 / £299 (about AU$585) | $629.99 / £599 (about AU$900) |
CPU | US: Intel Core 3 100U (up to 4.7GHz, 6 cores) / UK: Intel Core i3-N305 (up to 3.8GHz, 8 cores) | US: Intel Core 5 120U (up to 5.0GHz, 10 cores) / UK: Intel Core i5-1334U (up to 4.6GHz, 10 cores) |
GPU | Intel UHD Graphics (integrated) | Intel Iris Xe Graphics (integrated) |
RAM | 8GB DDR4 | 8GB DDR4 |
Storage | US: 256GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD / UK: 128GB UFS | 256GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD |
Display | US: 14-inch HD (1366 x 768), IPS, micro-edge, anti-glare / UK: 14-inch FHD (1920 x 1080), IPS, micro-edge, anti-glare | 14-inch FHD (1920 x 1080), IPS, micro-edge, anti-glare |
Ports and Connectivity | 1x USB-C (5Gbps), 2x USB-A (5Gbps), 1x HDMI 1.4b, 1x combo audio; Wi-Fi 6, US: Bluetooth 5.3 / UK: Bluetooth 5.4 | 1x USB-C (5Gbps), 2x USB-A (5Gbps), 1x HDMI 1.4b, 1x combo audio; Wi-Fi 6, US: Bluetooth 5.3 / UK: Bluetooth 5.4 |
Battery | 41Wh | 41Wh |
Dimensions | 12.7 x 8.5 x 1.3 inches (323.7 x 215 x 32.5mm) | 12.7 x 8.5 x 1.3 inches (323.7 x 215 x 32.5mm) |
Weight | 3.1lbs / 1.41kg | 3.1lbs / 1.41kg |
HP Laptop 14 review: Design
(Image credit: Future)
- Minimal looks and weight
- No keyboard backlighting
- Limited USB-C functionality
The HP Laptop 14 boasts a sensible and sleek appearance. While its gray finish may lack excitement, its understated design offers its own sophistication. Clean lines and a minimalist approach contribute to its appeal, distancing it from the typical utilitarian laptops in this category.
Despite its elegant design, the materials used in its construction do not feel particularly premium, giving it a somewhat flimsy aesthetic. However, the hinge provides decent stability, preventing wobbles during use and allowing for a comfortable display angle—but it doesn’t reach a full 180-degree flatness.
The keyboard features prominently embossed keycaps for tactile feedback, which I found pleasing. However, the absence of backlighting on the keyboard is a glaring omission for a laptop in this price range.
The device includes a couple of USB-A ports; however, the single USB-C connection lacks sufficient power for charging or external displays. Thankfully, an HDMI port compensates for this shortcoming.
HP Laptop 14 review: Performance
(Image credit: Future)
- Shoddy multitasking abilities
- Non-existent gaming capability
- Poor display viewing angles
In benchmark tests, the HP Laptop 14 struggled to impress, proving suitable only for light workloads such as word processing and video streaming. That said, it regularly experienced slowdowns with multiple tabs, making it not ideal for those who rely on multitasking.
In terms of gaming performance, the device falters significantly. High-end titles are essentially out of reach, as even low settings couldn’t get Cyberpunk 2077 to run smoothly. Fortunately, the device stays cool and quiet even when pushed to its limits.
While the 1080p resolution serves basic needs, it feels dated given that many brands now offer higher resolutions. The display’s limited viewing angles are perhaps its most significant drawback, as they can render content nearly worthless if not perfectly positioned.
(Image credit: Future)
On the bright side, the keyboard proves pleasant to use, with responsive keys that boast a reasonable amount of travel, facilitating quick typing. Though it lacks premium feel, its performance is satisfying.
The touchpad performs adequately overall; however, occasional stuttering during swipes led to frustrations, albeit it suffices for basic navigation. Its dimensions, while slightly small, do not overly impede ease of use.
HP Laptop 14 review: Battery Life
(Image credit: Future)
- Middling battery life
- Not very quick to charge
Battery performance on the HP Laptop 14 is relatively poor for this segment, managing just under eight hours in our movie playback test—outclassed by many competitors. Notably, other HP models exhibit remarkable longevity, with one achieving an outstanding 26-hour performance in the same tests.
Additionally, charging isn’t speedy, with a full recharge taking over three hours, a duration that trails behind many similarly priced rivals.
Should I buy the HP Laptop 14?
Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
Value | The base model is cheap, but I wouldn’t recommend it. Higher spec models are too expensive. | 3.5 / 5 |
Design | Compact form and tidy looks are commendable, but the cheap-feeling materials and limited connectivity options are drawbacks. | 3.5 / 5 |
Performance | Disappointing for the price. The display is also poor at keeping reflections and shadows at bay. | 3 / 5 |
Battery life | Not great; many rivals can outlast it by a long way. | 3 / 5 |
Total Score | The small footprint and minimalist design are strengths, but it’s too expensive given the mediocre performance. Many rivals offer better value for money. | 3 / 5 |
Buy it if…
Don’t buy it if…
HP Laptop 14 review: Also consider
How I tested the HP Laptop 14
(Image credit: Future)
- Tested for several days
- Used for a variety of tasks
- Ran numerous benchmarks
I tested the HP Laptop 14 over several days, using it for general browsing, light productivity tasks, and streaming videos. I also conducted a series of benchmarks designed to evaluate various performance parameters. To assess battery life, I utilized a continuous movie playback loop until the device shut down.
I have extensive experience reviewing a wide range of laptops, from budget-friendly models to gaming powerhouses, and this informed my testing methodology.
For comprehensive insights on the HP Laptop 14, please refer to the original review Here
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