HP Victus 15 (15-fa0025nr) Gaming Laptop Review: Is it Worth the Hype?
Introduction
The HP Victus 15 (15-fa0025nr) gaming laptop promises a compelling blend of performance and affordability. With its 12th Generation Intel Core i5-12500H processor, 16GB of RAM, a 512GB SSD, and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 graphics card, it aims to deliver a smooth gaming experience without breaking the bank. Over the past few weeks, I’ve put this machine through its paces, subjecting it to a rigorous testing regime to determine if it lives up to the hype. This in-depth review will cover its performance in various scenarios, its design and build quality, and its overall value proposition.
Key Features
The HP Victus 15 boasts a sleek and modern design. The Mica Silver finish is understated yet stylish. The keyboard is comfortable for extended use, and the trackpad is responsive. The 15.6-inch Full HD display offers vibrant colors and good viewing angles, though brightness could be better in direct sunlight. Audio is surprisingly good thanks to the B&O speakers and HP Audio Boost.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Processor Speed | 4.5 GHz |
| RAM Size | 16 GB |
| Battery Size | 43 mAh |
| Internal Memory | 512 GB |
| Version | International Version |
| Screen Size | 15.6 in |
| SIM Type | No SIM Card |
| Display Resolution | 1920×1080 |
| Screen Features | Anti Glare |
| Monitor response time | 4 to 5 ms |
| Colour Name | Mica Silver |
| Keyboard Language | English |
| Graphics Processor Version | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 |
| Display Type | IPS |
| Display Resolution Type | Full HD |
| Connection Type | HDMI |
| Average Battery Life | 6 Hours |
| Storage Type | SSD |
| Operating System Version | Windows 11 Home |
| Operating System | Windows |
| Usage Type | Gaming |
| Model Series | HP Victus |
| Processor Version Number/Generation | 12th Gen |
| What’s In The Box | Laptop, Charger, Manual |
| Number of Cores | 12-Core |
| Wireless | Wireless |
| RAM Type | DDR4 |
| External Graphics | Graphic Card |
| Graphic Memory | 4 GB |
| Features | Intel, Compact Size, USB, Gaming |
| Model Number | 15-fa0025nr |
| Model Name | Victus 15 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 250 |
| HDMI Output | Yes |
| Adobe Flash Compatible | Yes |
| Number of USB Ports | 3 |
| SD Card Slot | Yes |
| Number of HDMI Ports | 1 |
| Processor Version | Core i5-12500H |
Performance and Benchmarks
The HP Victus 15 handles everyday tasks with ease. Multitasking between several applications felt smooth and responsive. The 12th Gen Intel Core i5-12500H processor and 16GB of RAM proved to be a powerful combination. Gaming performance was impressive for the price point. I tested several AAA titles at 1080p resolution, and while I had to lower the settings in some games to maintain a stable 60fps, the overall experience was enjoyable. The RTX 3050 delivered solid performance in most games. The SSD contributes to quick boot times and loading screens. Battery life is reasonable, lasting around 6 hours on a single charge with moderate usage. However, under heavy load (gaming), expect battery life to drop significantly.
Pros & Cons
- Powerful processor and ample RAM for smooth multitasking and gaming.
- Fast SSD for quick boot times and loading screens.
- Good gaming performance for its price range.
- Decent display with vibrant colors.
- Comfortable keyboard and trackpad.
- Surprisingly good sound quality.
Pros:
- Battery life could be improved, especially under heavy load.
- Screen brightness could be higher for outdoor use.
- Some thermal throttling was observed during extended gaming sessions, but it wasn’t overly excessive.
Cons:
Final Verdict
The HP Victus 15 (15-fa0025nr) is a strong contender in the budget gaming laptop market. It offers excellent performance for its price, thanks to its powerful processor and dedicated graphics card. While it has a few minor drawbacks, such as battery life and screen brightness, these are easily outweighed by its strengths. Overall, it’s a great option for gamers on a budget who want a machine capable of handling modern games at decent settings. I would happily recommend this laptop.
