HP 15s fq5327tu Laptop Review with 12th Gen Intel Core i3

The HP 15s fq5327tu is a mid-range laptop that offers a good balance of performance for everyday tasks. 

 

Features

1. Processor: Intel Core i3-1215U (12th Gen)

• Architecture:
  The Intel Core i3-1215U is part of the Alder Lake family (12th Gen), offering a hybrid architecture. It features both Performance cores (P-cores) and Efficiency cores (E-cores) for improved multitasking and power efficiency.
• Base Clock Speed: 1.2 GHz (on the E-cores) and up to 4.4 GHz (on the P-cores, depending on workload)
• Cores/Threads: 6 cores (2 Performance + 4 Efficiency cores) and 8 threads. This makes it more efficient in handling multi-threaded tasks than older generations of i3 processors.
• Performance:
  While the Core i3-1215U is not designed for heavy tasks like gaming or video editing, it’s a low-power processor designed for basic productivity, light multitasking, and web-based applications. It can run programs like web browsers, Microsoft Office apps, and streaming apps with ease.
• Power Efficiency:
  The U-series processors are optimized for low power consumption, which helps extend battery life while maintaining sufficient power for daily tasks.

2. Memory (RAM): 8GB DDR4

• Capacity: 8GB of RAM is a sweet spot for general use laptops, providing enough capacity for running multiple applications simultaneously without significant slowdowns. This makes the laptop great for students, professionals, and casual users.
• DDR4:
  The laptop uses DDR4 RAM, which is faster than the older DDR3 standard. The typical speed of DDR4 in laptops is between 2400 MHz to 3200 MHz.
• Upgradeability:
  Depending on the specific model, the 8GB RAM might be integrated into the motherboard or in a removable module. If it’s upgradable, you could potentially expand it to 16GB for better multitasking performance down the line.

3. Storage: 512GB SSD (Solid-State Drive)

• Storage Type: 512GB SSD means faster read/write speeds compared to traditional Hard Disk Drives (HDDs). You’ll notice much quicker boot-up times, faster file transfers, and quicker application loading.
• Speed Advantage:
  SSDs provide a significant speed boost to the overall system performance compared to HDDs. Boot times for Windows will be reduced to around 15-20 seconds, and launching programs will be nearly instantaneous.
• Capacity:
  512GB is a great balance between storage space and performance. It’s enough to store most of your documents, media (photos, videos, music), and a good number of applications. You’ll likely need external storage or cloud storage for large files like videos or games if you have a large library.

4. Display: 15.6-inch FHD Anti-glare Micro-edge

• Resolution: Full HD (1920x1080) is the industry standard for a 15.6-inch laptop, providing sharp and clear visuals. Text and images will be crisp, and HD content will look great. This is a big upgrade over older HD (1366x768) displays, which would look blurry or pixelated.
• Anti-glare Coating:
  This feature helps reduce reflections, making it more comfortable to use in bright environments or under artificial lighting. This is particularly useful if you work in spaces with strong overhead lighting or next to windows.
• Micro-edge:
  The micro-edge design means the bezels around the display are thin, which gives you a more immersive viewing experience and makes the laptop feel more modern and stylish. The slim bezels also allow the laptop to have a larger display in a relatively compact chassis.
• Brightness & Color Accuracy:
  While it’s not a high-end display, the brightness of the FHD screen should be around 250 nits. For most indoor usage, this should be adequate, but it might struggle in very bright environments. Color reproduction will be standard, but it’s not suitable for professional photo or video editing (which requires a more color-accurate display).

Best Buying Link

5. Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics

• Intel UHD Graphics:
  The Intel UHD Graphics are integrated graphics based on the Intel Xe architecture. These are entry-level graphics and are suitable for everyday tasks like video streaming, web browsing, light photo editing, and basic gaming.
• Basic Gaming: You can run older or less demanding games at lower settings, but newer AAA games will not perform well.
• Media: Video playback (1080p and 4K) will run smoothly on the UHD Graphics.

If you need more advanced graphics performance for gaming, video editing, or 3D rendering, a laptop with a dedicated GPU would be a better choice.

6. Operating System: Windows 11

• New Features:
  Windows 11 comes with a redesigned interface that’s more user-friendly and visually modern than Windows 10. Key features include a centred Start menu, rounded corners, Snap layouts for better multitasking, and enhanced gaming performance with Direct Storage and Auto HDR.
• System Requirements:
  Windows 11 runs well on systems with modern processors (like the Core i3-1215U), and it optimizes both performance and security.
• Compatibility:
  Windows 11 is fully compatible with most software and offers better performance, security, and support for newer hardware standards.

7. Additional Features:

• Backlit Keyboard:
  The backlit keyboard is useful for typing in low-light conditions, like working at night or in dimly lit rooms. It allows you to see the keys more clearly, which improves the typing experience and prevents mistakes.
• HD Camera:
  The HD camera (720p) is suitable for video calls, online classes, or meetings. The camera may not be as sharp as high-end models, but it should suffice for most casual or professional video conferencing needs.
• Battery Life:
  With the low-power Intel Core i3 and a 15.6-inch display, the laptop should offer a battery life ranging from 8 to 10 hours, depending on usage. Light tasks like browsing and document editing will provide longer battery life, while gaming or media streaming will drain the battery faster.
• Weight (1.69kg):
  Weighing at 1.69kg (about 3.7 lbs), the laptop is relatively lightweight for a 15.6-inch laptop. It’s still portable enough for daily commuting, school, or work. Lighter than many other larger laptops, it should be easy to carry around.

8. Connectivity Options:

• USB Ports: Likely includes USB 3.0, USB 2.0, and possibly a USB Type-C port for faster data transfer and charging.
• HDMI: For connecting the laptop to external displays like monitors or TVs.
• Wi-Fi: It probably supports Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) or even Wi-Fi 6, offering faster wireless internet speeds (important for streaming, gaming, or large file downloads).
• Bluetooth: Typically comes with Bluetooth 5.0, allowing you to connect wireless devices like headphones, keyboards, and mice.

Conclusion:

The HP 15s fq5327tu is a reliable choice for users who want a budget-friendly, well-rounded laptop for everyday tasks like web browsing, office productivity, video streaming, and light multitasking. With its 12th Gen Intel Core i3, 8GB of RAM, and 512GB SSD, it provides solid performance and ample storage for casual users. The backlit keyboard, HD camera, and 15.6-inch FHD display are additional perks that enhance the overall user experience. However, if you need power for heavy tasks like gaming, 3D modelling, or video editing, a higher-tier laptop with more advanced specs would be more suitable.