HP Essential Laptop Review: Everyday Computing That Fits Any Budget
When it comes to choosing a laptop for everyday use, most people want something that’s simple, reliable, and doesn’t cost a fortune. That’s the sweet spot HP aims for with its Essential series—designed for students, remote workers, and anyone who needs a dependable laptop without breaking the bank. These machines prioritize value over flash, and in this review, we explore what they really offer.
We tested three HP Essential laptops to find out how they perform for real users. Whether you’re sending emails, attending online classes, or streaming your favorite shows, this guide will help you decide if one of these laptops deserves a place on your desk.
HP 15-Inch Laptop with 13th Gen Intel Core i5 Review
This HP Essential model balances power and practicality. With a 13th-generation Intel Core i5-1334U processor, 8GB RAM, and 512GB SSD, it delivers solid performance for multitasking and productivity. It’s great for those who work from home or students who need to manage Zoom calls, research, and documents.
The 15-inch HD display is comfortable for prolonged use, and while it doesn’t offer high-end resolution, it’s perfectly fine for daily tasks. Intel Iris Xe Graphics give it a visual edge for light photo editing or streaming, and the SSD ensures fast boot times and app launches.
HP Essential Laptop 14″ with Intel Celeron N4120 Review
If affordability is your top priority, this 14-inch model shines. It’s powered by an Intel Celeron N4120 processor with 16GB RAM and 64GB eMMC storage. Despite the basic CPU, the extra RAM helps this laptop stay snappy when running multiple tabs or lightweight apps.
It includes Windows 11 Home and a one-year Office 365 subscription—perfect for schoolwork, web browsing, or basic document editing. The rose gold color adds a stylish touch, and its lightweight design makes it ideal for users on the move.
HP Essential Laptop 15.6″ with Intel Core i3 Review
This model steps up the game with an Intel Core i3-1215U, 16GB RAM, and a spacious 1TB PCIe SSD. It’s made for users who want more than just the basics but still value simplicity and affordability.
The full HD 15.6″ display is a noticeable upgrade, offering crisp visuals for movies, editing, or spreadsheet work. It also includes a fingerprint reader, Type-C port, HDMI, and SD card reader—features usually reserved for higher-end models. It’s a well-rounded choice for anyone who wants performance and storage without paying for premium extras.
Conclusion
The HP Essential laptop series is a testament to how far budget laptops have come. Whether you’re looking for an ultra-affordable student model, a lightweight device for casual use, or a solid performer for home and office tasks, HP has created something for everyone.
If you want the best value and aren’t concerned with heavy lifting, the 14-inch Celeron model is a great pick. The 15-inch i5 version is ideal for consistent productivity. And if you’re looking for big storage and solid mid-tier performance, the Core i3 Essential delivers more than expected.
These aren’t just “essential” by name—they’re essential in function.
