2023 HP 250 G9 12th Generation 15.6″ HD Display Laptop Review – Intel Core i5-1235U, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD

2023 HP 250 G9 Review: A Budget-Friendly Workhorse

The HP 250 G9 is a budget-friendly laptop designed for everyday tasks and productivity. This laptop boasts a 12th Gen Intel Core i5-1235U processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 512GB NVMe SSD, making it a capable machine for work, school, or light gaming. In this comprehensive review, we’ll delve into its features, performance, and overall value to determine if it’s the right choice for your needs.

Table of Contents

Introduction

The HP 250 G9 aims to provide a reliable and affordable computing experience. With its modern design, upgraded processor, and generous storage, it’s a good option for users who are on a budget but need a machine that can handle everyday tasks. It also features a 15.6″ HD display, a comfortable keyboard, and long battery life, making it a good choice for students, professionals, and casual users alike.

Key Features

Let’s take a closer look at the standout features of the HP 250 G9:

  • 12th Gen Intel Core i5-1235U Processor: The heart of the HP 250 G9 is a 12th Gen Intel Core i5-1235U processor, offering solid performance for multitasking and everyday tasks. It’s efficient and manages to keep things running smoothly for the most part.
  • 8GB DDR4 RAM: With 8GB of DDR4 RAM, you can comfortably run multiple applications and browse the web without encountering significant lag. It’s enough for most users, but if you’re a heavy multitasker, consider upgrading.
  • 512GB NVMe M.2 SSD: The 512GB NVMe SSD provides ample storage space for your files, applications, and operating system. It also boasts fast loading times, significantly improving overall system responsiveness.
  • 15.6″ HD Display: The HP 250 G9 features a 15.6″ HD display, providing adequate screen real estate for work and entertainment. The resolution is decent for everyday use, but it lacks the vibrancy and sharpness of a higher-resolution display.
  • Windows 11: The laptop comes pre-installed with Windows 11, offering a familiar and user-friendly interface with modern features. It’s a solid operating system with excellent compatibility for most software and applications.
  • Comfortable Keyboard & Touchpad: The keyboard is spacious and comfortable for typing, providing a good typing experience. The touchpad is responsive and offers smooth navigation.
  • Long Battery Life: The HP 250 G9 boasts impressive battery life, lasting for several hours on a single charge. This is a significant advantage for users who are frequently on the go.

Performance & Benchmarks

In terms of performance, the HP 250 G9 delivers solid performance for everyday tasks. The 12th Gen Intel Core i5 processor handles multitasking with ease, allowing you to run multiple applications concurrently without significant lag. The 8GB of RAM is sufficient for most users, but you might encounter some performance limitations if you are constantly running resource-intensive applications.

The 512GB NVMe SSD is a real game-changer. It boots up the system quickly and launches applications in a flash. The fast storage makes a significant difference in overall system responsiveness.

I also tested the laptop’s performance on various benchmark tests, including PCMark 10 and Cinebench R23. The scores were in line with expectations for a machine in this price range.

In gaming, the HP 250 G9 is not designed for high-end gaming. The Intel Iris Xe graphics can handle some casual games, but it will struggle to run demanding titles at high settings.

Pros & Cons

Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of the HP 250 G9:

Pros

  • Affordable price point
  • Solid performance for everyday tasks
  • Fast NVMe SSD for quick boot times and application loading
  • Comfortable keyboard and responsive touchpad
  • Long battery life
  • Comes with Windows 11

Cons

  • Limited upgrade options
  • Not ideal for gaming or demanding tasks
  • HD display lacks vibrancy and sharpness

Final Verdict

The HP 250 G9 is a solid laptop that delivers excellent value for its price. It’s a great option for students, professionals, and casual users who need a reliable and affordable machine for everyday tasks. It’s also a good choice for users who are on the go, thanks to its long battery life. The fast NVMe SSD makes a big difference in overall system responsiveness. However, it’s important to note that the HP 250 G9 is not designed for high-end gaming or demanding tasks. If you need a laptop for more demanding tasks, you’ll need to look at a higher-end model.

Overall, I highly recommend the HP 250 G9 to users looking for a budget-friendly laptop that can handle everyday tasks with ease.

Specifications

Processor Intel Core i5-1235U (up to 4.4 GHz with 10 cores)
Memory 8GB DDR4 RAM
Storage 512GB NVMe M.2 SSD
Display 15.6″ HD (1366 x 768) Display
Graphics Intel Iris Xe Graphics
Operating System Windows 11