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HP Pavilion 16: Two-minute review
The HP Pavilion 16 is aimed at those looking for a capable everyday machine for a reasonable price.
The aesthetics of the Pavilion 16 illustrate HP’s attention to detail. The Sky Blue colorway stands out in a market dominated by monochromatic tones, while the materials used give it a premium feel.
Its elegance is emphasized by its slender design; it’s one of the thinnest 16-inch laptops available, making it an attractive option for portability, despite its somewhat hefty weight.
Despite its lean form, the build quality of the Pavilion 16 is impressive. There’s minimal flex in the chassis, and the plastic components are comfortable to the touch, particularly the keyboard, which offers a slight texture for added tactility.
Connectivity is decent, featuring two USB-A, two USB-C (supporting both Power Delivery and DisplayPort standards), and HDMI. However, most ports are located on the right-hand side, with the conveniently placed USB-C ports that can create a tangled connection when plugging in the power cable.
(Image credit: Future)
The Pavilion 16 manages general tasks well, from light productivity to 4K video streaming. However, it struggles with graphics-heavy workloads due to the absence of a dedicated GPU. Some light gaming is feasible, though adjustments to settings will be necessary for acceptable performance.
Fan noise can be noticeable at moderate intensities, but it stays within acceptable limits, with heat primarily confined to the rear of the laptop’s underside.
The 1200p WUGXA display offers clarity and sharpness, with commendable color reproduction and brightness levels, although reflections can occasionally detract from visibility.
Typing experience on the Pavilion 16 is largely positive, thanks to wide key spacing and deep travel that add to the tactile experience. Additionally, the inclusion of a numeric keypad is beneficial for users dealing with numbers.
Conversely, the touchpad could be improved. Its smaller size is a downside, leading to occasional cursor movement during typing, although it remains functional for everyday use.
Battery life is one of the Pavilion 16’s strongest attributes, lasting over 20 hours during testing. Fast charging is another notable feature, giving it an edge over competitors in this price bracket.
When evaluating its features and pricing, the Pavilion 16 is an enticing option for those seeking a mid-range laptop for work and leisure. While other laptops in this segment may offer slightly better performance, the Pavilion 16 stands out for its overall value.
HP Pavilion 16 review: Price & Availability
(Image credit: Future)
- Starts from $459 / £569 (about AU$700)
- Available now in various configurations
- Reasonable price point
The HP Pavilion 16 starts from $459 / £569 (about AU$700) and is currently available in different configurations, including models with both Intel and AMD processors. RAM options range from 8GB to 16GB, making it versatile for various user needs.
Comparatively, the Acer Aspire Go 15 offers slightly better performance, though with a display that does not match the Pavilion 16’s quality. Alternatively, the HP OmniBook 5 14-inch (2025) features an OLED display with a long-lasting battery.
HP Pavilion 16 review: Specs
Price | £569 (about $745 / AU$1,140) |
CPU | Intel Core Ultra 5 125U (3.6GHz, 12 cores) |
GPU | Intel Graphics (integrated) |
RAM | 16GB LPDDR5 |
Storage | 512GB PCIe 5.0 NVMe M.2 SSD |
Display | 16-inch (1920 x 1200), 16:10, IPS, micro-edge, anti-glare |
Ports and Connectivity | 2x USB-A, 2x USB-C (Power Delivery, DisplayPort 1.4a), 1x HDMI 2.1, 1x 3.5mm combo audio; Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3 |
Battery | 59Wh |
Dimensions | 14 x 10 x 0.7in (358 x 255 x 18mm) |
Weight | 3.9lbs / 1.77kg |
HP Pavilion 16 review: Design
(Image credit: Future)
- Exceptionally thin
- Premium feel
- Mixed connectivity options
The Pavilion 16 presents an elegant design, marked by its minimalist aesthetic and the attractive Sky Blue color that sets it apart from others in its category, showcasing a level of professionalism.
The laptop’s slim profile enhances its portability, yet it surprises with its weight, coming in heavier than anticipated for a 16-inch model.
The quality of materials is reassuring, especially the textured keyboard that offers a comfortable typing experience and remains securely fastened without any looseness.
(Image credit: Future)
This level of robustness extends throughout the Pavilion 16’s construction. With minimal flex present in both the body and lid, users will find the hinge effective in securely holding the display at any angle with impressive stability.
While the laptop includes two USB-A and two USB-C ports along with an HDMI port, its limited configuration and the absence of an SD card reader might disappoint some users.
The positioning of its ports presents potential inconveniences, notably with the USB-C ports precluding easy access to a power adapter without obstructing other connections. Generally, users prefer power ports to be positioned farther from the primary play interface.
HP Pavilion 16 review: Performance
(Image credit: Future)
- Reasonable everyday performance
- Not ideal for gamers or creative pros
- Tactile keyboard
HP Pavilion 16 benchmarks
Geekbench 6 (Single Core): 2,166; (Multi Core): 9,496
Cinebench R23 (Multi Core): 7,730
Cinebench R24 (Single Core): 94 (Multi Core): 411
Crossmark Overall: 1,433
3DMark Night Raid: 18,673; Fire Strike: 4,717; Steel Nomad: 352; Solar Bay: 6,519; Solar Bay Unlimited: 6,993; Solar Bay Extreme: 737; Solar Bay Extreme Unlimited: 734
BlackMagicDisk Read: 2,639MB/s; Write: 2,494MB/s
Total War: Warhammer III: Mirrors of Madness (1080p, Low): 22.7fps
Everyday performance from the Pavilion 16 is commendable, handling light productivity, browsing, and entertainment tasks without a hitch. Streaming ultra-HD video is seamless, enhancing the experience on its sizable display and thin bezels.
While fan noise is audible during moderately intense workloads, it remains unobtrusive, and heat remains primarily confined to the rear, leaving frequently touched surfaces comfortably cool.
Nevertheless, the lack of a dedicated GPU renders the Pavilion 16 unsuitable for gaming and creative professionals. While Cyberpunk 2077 is technically playable on lower settings, performance falls short, resulting in unsatisfactory visuals and occasional stutters.
(Image credit: Future)
The wide layout of the keyboard accommodates a numeric keypad and ample space between keys, although key size appears slightly smaller than on some other laptops. Adaptation to the keyboard size is swift, bolstered by substantial travel and dampening that enhance tactile feedback.
While the touchpad’s size can lead to accidental cursor movements during typing, it functions adequately for general use, despite not matching the smoothness of top-tier touchpads. The touchpad produces a slight rattle on click, affecting usability, but remains serviceable overall.
HP Pavilion 16 review: Battery Life
(Image credit: Future)
- Lasts long
- Beats many rivals
- Quick to charge, too
The HP Pavilion 16 impresses with its battery life, lasting over 20 hours and 15 minutes in a continuous playback test, outperforming many competitors, such as the Acer Aspire Go 15, at about 12 hours.
Fast charging capabilities are another bonus, enabling the Pavilion 16 to fully recharge in approximately 90 minutes.
Should I buy the HP Pavilion 16?
Attributes | Notes | Rating |
Value | The HP Pavilion 16 offers a lot for the money, but it stands alongside some equally-capable rivals. | 4 / 5 |
Design | The HP Pavilion 16 is remarkably thin for its size, while the looks and build quality are admirable at this price point. | 4.5 / 5 |
Performance | For general tasking, the HP Pavilion 16 suffices. The display and keyboard are great, but gaming and creative applications suffer from the absence of dedicated graphics. | 3.5 / 5 |
Battery Life | The HP Pavilion 16 can outlast many of its rivals by a long way, and it’s quick to recharge, too. | 5 / 5 |
Total | The HP Pavilion 16 represents good value considering what it offers, but you’ll have to settle for poor graphical performance. | 4 / 5 |
Buy the HP Pavilion 16 if…
You’re looking for a stylish, mid-range laptop that excels in battery life and general productivity.
Don’t buy it if…
You’re a gamer or creative professional in need of a system that supports graphics-intensive software.
HP Pavilion 16 review: Also Consider
For users seeking alternatives, examining peers in the same category can yield options that suit specific needs better.
How I tested the HP Pavilion 16
- Tested for a few days
- Used for multiple purposes and benchmarked
- Experienced laptop reviewer
I tested the HP Pavilion 16 in various usage scenarios, from productivity tasks to streaming and gaming, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of its performance.
I implemented a series of benchmark tests, including a battery life test utilizing continuous movie playback to assess its endurance.
With experience in reviewing a variety of laptops across different price points and use cases, I provide an informed perspective on this model’s performance.
Read more about how we test
- First reviewed November 2025
HP Pavilion 16: Price Comparison
For a detailed review, visit Here.
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