The HP Pavilion Plus 14 strikes a compelling balance between performance and portability in the Indian laptop market. This slim device packs impressive specs, including a vibrant display and robust performance, though battery life could be better. Despite minor drawbacks, it offers solid value for users seeking a reliable productivity and entertainment machine.

Design and Build Quality

The aluminum construction lends a premium feel to HP’s slimmest Pavilion yet. While the build quality is generally good, there’s some flex in the chassis and lid wobble. The smaller footprint and high screen-to-body ratio contribute to its modern aesthetic, though users might note the plasticky bezels.

Display

Available in 1920 x 1200 pixels (WUXGA) or 2240 x 1400 pixels resolution, the 14-inch IPS panel delivers sharp visuals. The 16:10 aspect ratio enhances productivity, while slim bezels improve the viewing experience. An optional 2.8K OLED display with 120Hz refresh rate offers superior contrast compared to competitors.

Software

Windows 11 Home comes pre-installed, along with useful utilities like the B&O Audio Control app for sound enhancement.

Performance

The laptop offers various processor options, including Intel Core i5-12500H, i5-1335U, Core Ultra 5, and Core Ultra 7. The Core Ultra 7 model impresses with 16 cores (6 P-Cores, 8 E-Cores, 2 LP E-Cores) and Intel Iris Xe or Arc GPU options. Benchmark results show strong performance, with CPU-Z scores of 748 (Single-Core) and 7,924 (Multi-Core), outperforming rivals like the Dell Inspiron 14 Plus 7440 and ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED. Models with NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2050 handle 1080p gaming at low settings. The Core i7-1355U variant excels in both single and multi-threaded tasks, making it suitable for 3D rendering. While the ASUS Zenbook series and Dell XPS 13 offer similar performance, the Pavilion Plus 14 maintains a competitive price advantage.

Battery Life

The 51Wh battery struggles to last a full workday, falling short of competitors’ endurance.

Keyboard and Trackpad

The well-spaced keyboard offers comfortable typing with low noise, though the right-side navigation keys create an offset layout. The large trackpad’s bottom-half-only clicking mechanism feels mushy, but the integrated fingerprint reader works well.

Ports and Connectivity

Connectivity includes HDMI 2.1, two USB-A, two USB-C ports, and a 3.5mm audio jack. Wireless options feature Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth.

Audio and Webcam

Dual microphones with AI noise reduction complement the B&O speakers. The 5MP HP True Vision webcam performs well in various lighting conditions.

Thermal Performance

The cooling system maintains comfortable temperatures during intensive tasks, with notably quiet operation under load.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Premium build with aluminum construction
• Sharp, productivity-friendly 16:10 display
• Strong performance across processor options
• Quality 5MP webcam
• Competitive pricing

Cons

• Subpar battery life
• Awkward keyboard layout
• Mushy trackpad mechanism
• Wobbly lid
• Limited base model storage

Market Buzz

Users praise its portability, performance, and suitability for data analytics. The build quality and overall value receive positive feedback, with many expecting long-term durability.

Pricing

• Intel i5-1335U/16GB/512GB SSD: ₹76,449
• Intel Core i7/16GB/512GB SSD: ₹85,999
• Intel Core i7/16GB/1TB SSD: ₹99,980

Value for Money

The device offers excellent features and performance for its price point in the Indian market, making it a compelling choice in its segment.

Final Verdict

The HP Pavilion Plus 14 delivers solid performance and premium features at a competitive price. Despite battery life concerns, it’s a worthy consideration for users seeking a capable everyday laptop that balances style, power, and value.