The HP Pavilion Plus 16 (2023) strikes an impressive balance between performance and affordability in the premium laptop segment. While it offers robust specs including Intel Core i7/i5 processors, optional NVIDIA RTX 3050 graphics, and a vibrant 16-inch display, some minor drawbacks like the missing SD card slot and mixed keyboard feedback prevent it from being perfect. Nevertheless, it remains a compelling choice for users seeking a versatile machine that can handle both work and entertainment.

Design and Build Quality

The laptop features a sophisticated three-sided metal body with an aluminum display shell, weighing approximately 1.9kg. Available in Warm Gold and Natural Silver, it has a fingerprint-resistant frosted surface adding a premium touch. Measuring 357.12 x 253.49 x 17.78 mm³, it maintains a slim profile while matching the build quality of competitors like the Dell XPS 15.

Display

The 16-inch screen boasts a productivity-friendly 16:10 aspect ratio and 2,560 x 1,600 pixels resolution. With 100% sRGB coverage, 120Hz refresh rate (variable down to 48Hz), and an anti-glare coating, it delivers impressive visuals. The 400 nits of brightness, while adequate for indoor use, falls short of some competitors’ offerings for outdoor visibility.

Software

Windows 11 Home comes pre-installed, complemented by facial recognition security features through the 5MP webcam with a manual privacy shutter.

Performance

The Pavilion Plus 16 packs either an Intel Core i5-13500H or i7-13700H processor, paired with an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 GPU featuring 6GB GDDR6 memory. This configuration outperforms many similarly priced competitors that rely on integrated graphics. Compared to laptops like the Lenovo Yoga 7i or the Acer Swift X, the RTX 3050 provides a significant advantage in graphics-intensive tasks and casual gaming. The 16GB LPDDR5x RAM ensures smooth multitasking, while storage options include 512GB or 1TB PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSDs. The combination of high-speed memory and storage puts it on a par with premium alternatives, making it suitable for content creation, 3D rendering, and video editing, though it may not match the gaming capabilities of dedicated gaming laptops with RTX 4050 or higher GPUs.

Battery Life

The 68Wh battery delivers up to 11 hours and 45 minutes of regular use, extending to 18 hours and 15 minutes for video playback.

Keyboard and Trackpad

A full-sized keyboard with a number pad offers comfortable typing, though some users report inconsistent feedback. The responsive trackpad provides adequate space for navigation.

Ports and Connectivity

Connectivity includes USB-C ports with DisplayPort and Power Delivery, USB-A ports, HDMI 2.1, and Thunderbolt 4 with 40Gbps speeds. Wireless options feature Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3.

Audio and Webcam

Bang & Olufsen speakers deliver clear, robust audio. The 5MP webcam includes noise reduction and AI-enhanced video quality.

Thermal Performance

The laptop has effective cooling with dual fans and heat pipes but gets warm under heavy loads. Fans remain quiet, but gaming increases noise and heat, especially on the right side.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Premium aluminum build quality
• Vivid 16-inch display with 120Hz refresh rate
• Powerful processor and dedicated GPU options
• Comprehensive port selection
• High-quality Bang & Olufsen audio

Cons

• Limited display brightness for outdoor use
• No SD card slot
• Inconsistent keyboard feedback
• Some quality control concerns

Market Buzz

The device receives positive feedback for its balance of style, performance, and value, particularly appealing to users seeking a premium experience without the flagship price tag.

Pricing

• Base model (Core i5): ₹1,24,999
• High-end model (Core i7): ₹1,36,900

Value for Money

The Pavilion Plus 16 offers competitive features and performance at a price point below many premium alternatives, making it an attractive option for value-conscious buyers seeking high-end features.

Final Verdict

Despite some minor shortcomings, the HP Pavilion Plus 16 (2023) delivers excellent value with its premium build, capable performance, and comprehensive feature set. It’s an ideal choice for users seeking a versatile laptop that doesn’t break the bank.