HP 15 4gb/256GB Laptop Review: A Budget-Friendly Windows 11 Machine?
The HP 15 4gb/256GB, a budget-friendly laptop boasting a 15.6-inch display and powered by a Celeron N4120 processor, promises a decent computing experience. Over the past few weeks, I’ve put this machine through its paces, tackling everyday tasks and some more demanding applications to see if it lives up to the hype. This review will delve into its performance, features, and overall value proposition.
Out of the box, the HP 15 4gb/256GB presents a sleek silver design. The 15.6-inch display offers a Full HD (1920×1080) resolution, providing crisp visuals for everyday tasks. The keyboard is comfortable for typing, though not particularly noteworthy. Connectivity options are somewhat limited, with only a single USB port – a significant drawback. The inclusion of a 256GB SSD ensures snappy boot times and application loading speeds. While 4GB of RAM might feel restrictive for multitasking, for basic productivity tasks it might be enough for some users. The machine runs on Windows 11, offering access to the latest features and applications.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Processor Speed | 2.6 GHz |
| RAM Size | 4 GB |
| Internal Memory | 256 GB |
| Screen Size | 15.6 in |
| Display Resolution | 1920×1080 |
| Colour Name | Silver |
| Keyboard Language | English |
| Graphics Processor Version | Intel UHD 600 |
| Display Type | LED |
| Connection Type | Wifi |
| Storage Type | SSD |
| Operating System Version | Windows 11 |
| Operating System | Windows |
| Usage Type | Personal |
| Processor Version Number/Generation | Not Applicable |
| Number of Cores | Quad Core |
| RAM Type | DDR4 |
| External Graphics | Integrated |
| Graphic Memory | 2 GB |
| Model Number | HP 15 4gb/256GB |
| Model Name | HP 15 4gb/256GB |
| Number of USB Ports | 1.0 |
| Processor Version | Celeron N4120 |
The Celeron N4120 processor, while not a powerhouse, handles everyday tasks such as web browsing, document editing, and streaming reasonably well. However, it struggles with more demanding applications. Multitasking can lead to noticeable lag, particularly when running multiple browser tabs or resource-intensive programs. The 4GB of RAM acts as a bottleneck in such scenarios. The integrated Intel UHD 600 graphics are sufficient for basic video playback but are not suitable for gaming or video editing. The SSD, however, provides excellent responsiveness, ensuring that the system remains snappy despite the processor’s limitations.
I tested the HP 15 4gb/256GB with various applications including Google Chrome, Microsoft Office Suite, and video streaming services. While it performed adequately for these tasks, attempting more complex operations like photo editing or video encoding resulted in significant performance slowdowns.
Pros:
- Affordable price point
- Crisp 15.6-inch Full HD display
- Fast boot times thanks to the SSD
- Decent performance for basic tasks
- Sleek and portable design
- Windows 11 pre-installed
Cons:
- Limited RAM (4GB) leads to performance bottlenecks when multitasking
- Underpowered processor struggles with demanding applications
- Only one USB port is insufficient for many users.
- Integrated graphics are not suitable for gaming or intensive video editing.
The HP 15 4gb/256GB is a decent budget laptop that’s suitable for light users. Students who need a machine for note-taking, web browsing, and basic document creation will find it adequate. Its major shortcomings are the limited RAM and single USB port. If you’re looking for a machine for more intensive tasks, you should consider a model with more RAM and a more powerful processor. However, for its price, the HP 15 4gb/256GB provides good value for those who don’t need a high-performance machine. I would recommend this laptop only for basic users and students who have a restricted budget.
