The HP Pavilion Plus 14 laptop offers a blend of features without breaking the bank and is priced under $1,000. It has an impressive IMAX-enhanced 14-inch OLED display with a sharp 2.8k resolution and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. with the robust AMD Ryzen 7 7840U processor, built on the efficient Zen4 architecture.
Specifications
Display | 14-inch 2.8k OLED 48-120Hz, SDR 400 nits, HDR 500 nits display. |
CPU | AMD Ryzenâ„¢ 7 7840U (up to5.1 GHz, 16 MB L3 cache, 8 cores, 16 threats). |
Graphics | AMD Radeonâ„¢ 780M Graphics. |
Memory | 16 GB Onboard |
Storage | UP to 1 TB PCIe® M.2 SSD (4×4 SSD) |
Battery | 3 cell, 51Wh Li-ion polymer or 4 cell, 68Wh Li-ion polymer. |
Connectivity | MediaTek Wi-Fi 6E MT7922 (2×2) and Bluetooth 5.3 wireless card. |
Camera | HP Wide vision 5MP IR Camera with integrated dual array mics. |
Ports | 2x USB Type-C, 2x USB Type-A,1x HDMI-out2.1, 1 headphone/mic combo jack. |
Price | $939.99 |
Unboxing and Design
![Unboxing](https://www.clearcrypt.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/HP-Pavilion-Plus-14-AMD-Ryzen-7-Unboxing-1024x576.jpg)
So first inside the box, we get some documentation, including a warranty, then the HP Pavilion 14 Plus itself, and it seems pretty light, not too bad. We have a 65-watt USB-A to USB Type-C charger, which is pretty compact, and a power cord.
![Design and Build Quality](https://www.clearcrypt.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/HP-Pavilion-Plus-14-AMD-Ryzen-7-Design-and-Build-Quality-1024x576.jpg)
The HP Pavilion Plus 14 boasts a sleek all-metal design, a departure from the circular logo seen in the Pavilion line and a positive move away from the Spectre line’s aesthetics. Notably, the lid opens effortlessly with just one finger. Weighing in at 1.392kg alone and 1.68 kg with accessories, it proves to be a remarkably light and portable laptop and an ideal on-the-go companion.
![Ports and Connectivity](https://www.clearcrypt.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/HP-Pavilion-Plus-14-Ports-1024x576.jpg)
As far as the ports on the left side of the Pavilion Plus 14, you’ll find a versatile 3.5 mm microphone/headphone combo jack and a reassuring legacy USB Type-A port. Shifting to the right, two USB Type-C ports (3.2 Gen 2) are present, offering full functionality for data, charging, and display output, though it’s worth noting the absence of USB 4 or Thunderbolt support.
Adjacent to these is an HDMI 2.1 port capable of handling resolutions up to 4K at 60 Hz. To complete the lineup, it has a second USB Type-A port. While the overall port selection is commendable, it does not have an SD card reader in this configuration.
User Upgradeability
![Internals and User Upgradeable](https://www.clearcrypt.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/HP-Pavilion-Plus-14-Internals-and-User-Upgradeable-1024x576.jpg)
In terms of upgradability, the RAM is unfortunately soldered into the motherboard, limiting user upgrades. It’s boasting 16 GB of DDR5 6400 MHz RAM in dual-channel mode, with no option for 32 GB, which aligns with the mid-tier nature of the laptop.
All | Read (MB/s) | Write (MB/s) |
---|---|---|
SEQ1M Q8T1 | 6918.15 | 5225.32 |
SEQ1M Q1T1 | 3365.58 | 3549.03 |
RND4K Q32T1 | 506.46 | 378.33 |
RND4K Q1T1 | 51.61 | 96.45 |
The NVMe PCIe Gen 4 SSD storage is user-upgradable and offers swift performance, as shown in the above table, with commendable read and write speeds. For wireless connectivity, the device features MediaTek Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 on a replaceable combo card. Noteworthy is the flawless functionality of both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
The HP Pavilion 14 Plus houses a substantial 68Wh battery. The cooling system utilizes a single fan with an intriguing dummy fan slot adjacent to it, serving as a decoy rather than a functional second fan. The design choice adds a layer of interest, potentially suggesting a repurposed chassis from another laptop. Regardless, the laptop’s cooling system and overall internal design present an interesting blend of features.
Display and Speakers
![Display](https://www.clearcrypt.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/HP-Pavilion-Plus-14-Display-1024x576.jpg)
The HP Pavilion Plus 14 boasts an impressive iMac-enhanced OLED display, delivering a stunning 2.8k resolution at 2880 by 1800. With a 120Hz refresh rate and a measured brightness of 407 nits (above the claimed 400 nits), the display promises a visually immersive experience.
The color gamut coverage is outstanding, with excellent color accuracy and high contrast, showcasing the hallmark qualities of an OLED screen. This makes it an ideal choice for creative tasks like photo and video editing, offering deep blacks and vibrant colors.
While the 120Hz refresh rate ensures a smooth and fluid experience, the Pavilion Plus 14 introduces a dynamic refresh rate mode, allowing users to toggle between 60Hz and 120Hz for a balance between performance and battery life.
Notably, the non-touch HDR display elevates the viewing experience, making it ideal for high-dynamic range content on platforms like Netflix and Amazon. While an IPS Full HD Plus display option exists, opting for the OLED display is highly recommended for an unparalleled visual experience.
The HP Pavilion Plus 14 features audio by Bang & Olufsen with dual speakers and HP audio boost. The audio quality is decent, with a satisfactory volume level. While the speakers deliver respectable mids, there’s room for improvement in the bass department. Compared to some other laptops in the same category, the audio performance is good, though not exceptional. Volume is adequate, but a bit more bass could enhance the overall experience.
Webcam and Mics
The Pavilion Plus 14 is equipped with a 5-megapixel camera capable of capturing 1440p video. Noteworthy is the inclusion of a physical shutter switch above the camera, offering a privacy-focused feature by allowing users to easily turn off the camera. The camera functions as an IR camera, enabling convenient face recognition log-ins with Windows Hello. Ideal for Zoom calls, work-from-home, and hybrid work scenarios, this camera ensures reliable performance.
Additionally, it integrates Windows’ studio effects, providing options like auto framing, eye contact, and background blur effects, with choices between standard and portrait blur.
Performance and Gaming
PCMARK 10 | 6,877 |
GEEKBENCH 6 (Single-Core) | 2,455 |
GEEKBENCH 6 (Multi-Core) | 10,866 |
CINEBENCH R20 | 4,760 |
CINEBENCH R15 | 1,915 CB | 160.91 FPS |
CINEBENCH R23 | 1,633 Single-Core, 12,475 Multi-Core |
3DMARK Fire Strike | 6,123 |
3DMARK Time Spy | 2,715 |
The HP Pavilion Plus 14 boasts the AMD Ryzen 7 7840 processor, coupled with integrated Radeon 780m graphics. While similar to the framework laptop 13’s chipset, the performance isn’t quite on par but still commendable. The single-thread and multi-thread performance numbers exhibit its efficiency, making it well-suited for tasks like Microsoft Office, email, and web browsing.
Asus Zenbook 14x OLED (Q420VA) Core 17-13700H | 1,887 |
Lenovo Yoga 9i Gen 8 Core i7-1360P | 1,805 |
Asus Zenbook 14X OLED (Q410VA) Core i5-13500H | 1,773 |
Samsung Galaxy Book 3 Pro Core i7-1360P | 1,683 |
Framework Laptop 13 AMD Ryzen 7 7840U | 1,676 |
HP Pavilion Plus 14 (2023) AMD Ryzen 7 7840U | 1,633 |
Cinebench R23 showcases a respectable single-core score of 1,633 and a robust multi-core result of 12,475, highlighting its prowess. Notably, the integrated Radeon 780m graphics outshine Intel’s Iris XE Graphics, offering a significant performance boost.
Games Titles | Low Graphics | Medium Graphics | High Graphics | Ultra Graphics |
---|---|---|---|---|
DOTA 2 REBORN | 148 FPS | 112 FPS | 72 fps | 67 Fps |
The Witcher 3 | 125 FPS | 41 fps | 38 FPS | 25 fps |
F1 2022 | 77 FPS | 68 FPS | 51 FPS | 21 FPS |
Cyberpunk 2077 | 42 FPS | 37 Fps | 28 FPS | 22 FPS |
Gaming performance is surprisingly good, with playable frame rates achievable by tweaking settings on popular titles. Although adjustments may be needed for more demanding games, this integrated graphics solution delivers a satisfying experience, making the Pavilion Plus 14 a solid performer.
Thermals and Surface Temperatures
![Surface Temperature](https://www.clearcrypt.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/HP-Pavilion-Plus-14-Surface-Temperature.jpg)
The HP Pavilion Plus 14 delivers promising results in thermal performance. During the Time Spy stress test, it achieved an impressive score of 97.7%, comfortably surpassing the 97% passing score and indicating minimal to no thermal throttling. The CPU maintained good temperatures even under heavy loads, ensuring consistent performance.
Surface temperatures remained pleasantly cool throughout usage, with the underside reaching around 41-42°C, but never becoming uncomfortably hot to the touch. Remarkably, the laptop stayed relatively quiet, with noise levels not exceeding 39-40 dB even under heavy load. Whether during normal usage or intense tasks, thermal management proves to be a strong suit for the Pavilion Plus 14, making it a commendable choice for those who prioritize efficient cooling and low noise levels.
Battery Performance
Laptops | PCMARK 10 Modern Office | PCMAR 10 Video Playback |
---|---|---|
Framework Laptop 13 61Wh, 2256×1504 AMD Ryzen 7 784U | 12 hours 12 minutes. | 12 hours 43 minutes. |
HP Pavilion Plus 14 (2023) 68Wh, 2.8k OLED AMD Ryzen 7 7840U 120Hz enabled | 10 hours 47 minutes. | 11 hours 8 minutes. |
The HP Pavilion Plus 14 excels in battery life, clocking in at 10 hours and 47 minutes on the PC Mark 10 modern office battery test, it did 11 hours and 8 minutes on the video playback that’s with the 120Hz enabled, with the 2.8k OLED display. It’s not quite as good as what we saw on the framework laptop 13 that did 12 hours and 12 minutes on the modern office test and 12 hours and 43 minutes of video playback. Which had a 60Hz refresh rate, the Pavilion’s 120Hz display offers a smoother experience, with the potential for an extra hour or more by adjusting settings.
Switching to a 60Hz refresh rate or utilizing the dynamic refresh rate feature could extend battery life further. Despite these nuances, the overall verdict is positive, with the Pavilion Plus 14 delivering very good battery life, making it a reliable companion for extended usage.
Keyboard and Touchpad
![Keyboard and Touchpad](https://www.clearcrypt.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/HP-Pavilion-Plus-14-Keyboard-and-Touchpad.jpg)
Opening the lid of the HP Pavilion Plus 14 is a breeze, achievable with just one finger. The hinges are robust, exhibiting minimal screen wobble even during intense typing sessions, a notable improvement.
The keyboard itself stands out with excellent tactility, key travel, and overall feedback, making it a comfortable choice for extended typing sessions. Transitioning from silver to a darker gray key color enhances visibility, especially with the multi-stage backlight, allowing for efficient work in dimly lit environments.
The touchpad, a precision model, performs admirably, providing fluid and smooth two-finger scrolling along with seamless gesture support. In essence, the Pavilion Plus 14 offers a user-friendly design, where every element, from the lid to the keyboard and touchpad, functions seamlessly as expected.
Conclusion
The HP Pavilion Plus 14 (2023) review, there’s much to appreciate, with commendable overall performance, long-lasting battery life, and a stunning OLED display, this laptop checks many boxes. The all-metal chassis and robust build quality add to its appeal, alongside features like the 1440p IR webcam and comfortable keyboard.
Remarkably, it maintains cool and quiet operation even under heavy loads. While the absence of USB-C support and soldered RAM might be drawbacks, they don’t overshadow the Pavilion Plus 14’s strengths. Offering a solid price-to-performance ratio, it provides excellent value for the money. The Pavilion Plus 14 is a compelling choice for 2023, with no hesitation in recommending it.
The HP Pavilion Plus 14 (2023) impresses with solid performance, enduring battery life, and a 2.8K OLED display. Despite minor drawbacks like the absence of USB-C, its excellent value at $939 makes it a compelling choice. I Highly recommend it for 2023.
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Design9
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Specs10
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Display10
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Ports9
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keyboard9
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Pointing device8
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Battery9
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Thermals and Fan Noise9
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Webcam9
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Audio7
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Price / Value10