Today, we are reviewing whether to buy the HP Envy or HP Pavilion. As both convertible laptops from HP, it can be difficult to tell the difference between HP Envy and HP Pavilion. However, the two laptops are different. But which one should you buy?
HP Envy Vs HP Pavilion
We can’t answer this question without taking your budget and person circumstances into account. Do you need a powerful machine or will a cheaper alternative surface?
The HP Envy is a premium-laptop that has a range of high-end features. Don’t let the thin build fool you; this laptop has a powerful engine that will cope with almost any task.
The HP Pavilion has fewer features than the Envy, but it is more than capable of doing the basic essentials, like browsing the web and creating files. They can be found at more mainstream price, which makes them the choice for consumers on a budget. While they can be found in metal like the Envy range, the Pavilion also has some plastic models.
HP Envy Pros
- Sleek design
- Solid build quality
- Impressive performance
- Slim & lightweight
HP Envy Cons
- No upgrades
- No thunderbolt 3 port
HP Pavilion Pros
- Good performance
- Slim & lightweight
- Affordable
HP Pavilion Cons
- Display could be brighter
- Build quality not on par with the Envy
HP Envy
HP Pavillion
Differences Between HP Envy and HP Pavilion
Build Quality & Design
As you may expect when reviewing two laptops from the same company, the HP Pavilion and HP Envy have a similar design. In fact, it can be difficult to separate them on looks alone. Although they have a similar silver finish, there are differences under the chassis.
When talking about HP Pavilion versus HP Envy build quality, the HP Envy wins every time. It has a body meticulously-crafted from anodized aluminium that can withstand bumps and scrapes. This stiff build also prevents any flex on the display or keyboard.
While the build quality of the HP Pavilion is good, it’s not quite as good as the HP Envy. The HP Pavilion has a chassis made from metal and plastic. We wish it was all metal, but the keyboard desk and display lid are both metal, which are the most important areas. Even so, there is some flex to this laptop. The thickness and weight depends on the exact Pavilion model, but they can be found between 0.7-0.8” think and 3-6lb weight.
To sum up this section, the HP Envy wins. Rather than partly plastic, the HP Envy has a complete metal build that doesn’t bend. The slim build is both professional and beautiful.
Configurations
The HP Envy impresses with its processors. In fact, the laptop is capable of AMD Ryzen processors or 10th Gen Intel Core i7 processors. It can take 1TB PCIe SSD of storage and 16GB RAM. If you want to know about the graphics cards, you’ll be impressed by HP Envy’s dedicated graphics card (NVIDIA MX150 or MX150) or integrated (Intel or AMD) or dedicated graphics card (NVIDIA MX150 or MX150).
The HP Pavilion has either an AMD Processor or 8th Gen Intel Core i7 processor. For storage and ram, it is capable of 1TB SSD or 1TB HDD and 16GB RAM. The HP Pavilion laptop is fitted with a dedicated graphics card (MX250) or an integrated graphics card (Intel or AMD).
Teardown/ Upgradeability
So, how easy is it to get inside each laptop? Well, it is not recommend attempting to open the HP Envy, as you risk damaging the chassis. Also, it is only possible to upgrade the SSD, so it isn’t worth it anyway.
The HP Pavilion is slightly easier to get inside, but it is still not recommended. The bottom cover is especially troublesome to open. However, once you have opened it up, you can upgrade the SSD, HDD, WLAN, and RAM.
Display
The HP Envy is available in a range of difference screen sizes and display resolutions. You can choose between 13 inch, 15-inch, or 17-inch display. For the resolution, you have to choose between Full HD (1920 x 1080) or 4K (3840 x 2160) non-touch or touch. The HP Envy really excels in this category – the display is bright, the colour is accurate, and the picture is clear from multiple viewing angles.
Unfortunately, the HP Pavilion isn’t as good. The display is slightly below average, so make sure to always go for the Full HD option, which will give better sharpness. There is a touch screen option too. It is hard to use outdoors, and the colours aren’t anywhere near as vivid as the colours on the Envy. HP Pavilion Vs Envy screen quality – The Envy wins!
Keyboard & Touchpad
The HP Envy has a full-size keyboard with well-spaced keys. We would prefer if the up and down keys were bigger, but this is no big issue (if you pardon the pun).
The keys travel well and provide great tactile feedback, which provides an enjoyable typing experience. The keyboard has backlit lighting that can be adjusted to the perfect level. With Windows Precision drivers, the large touchpad is responsive and accurate.
Although not quite as good, we were impressed with the HP Pavilion’s keyboard. The keyboard measure either 15 or 17 inches, and both come with a Numpad. The keyboard is well-spaced with decently-sized keys, which makes typing an easy experience.
Some HP Pavilions have backlit keyboards, whilst others don’t. The touchpard is large and responsive to touch. Overall we were impressed with the keyboard on the HP Pavilion range.
Build Quality & Design
As you may expect when reviewing two laptops from the same company, the HP Pavilion and HP Envy have a similar design. In fact, it can be difficult to separate them on looks alone. Although they have a similar silver finish, there are differences under the chassis.
When talking about HP Pavilion versus HP Envy build quality, the HP Envy wins every time. It has a body meticulously-crafted from anodized aluminium that can withstand bumps and scrapes. This stiff build also prevents any flex on the display or keyboard.
While the build quality of the HP Pavilion is good, it’s not quite as good as the HP Envy. The HP Pavilion has a chassis made from metal and plastic. We wish it was all metal, but the keyboard desk and display lid are both metal, which are the most important areas. Even so, there is some flex to this laptop. The thickness and weight depends on the exact Pavilion model, but they can be found between 0.7-0.8” think and 3-6lb weight.
To sum up this section, the HP Envy wins. Rather than partly plastic, the HP Envy has a complete metal build that doesn’t bend. The slim build is both professional and beautiful.
Performance
When comparing the HP Envy Vs HP Pavilion, it’s important to consider their performance. Now, they have similar configurations, but the HP Envy is the more powerful laptop. It has a 10th Gen Intel, whereas the HP Pavilion uses a Core 8th Gen Intel Core. Either way, you will find both laptops more than good enough for everyday tasks. The 10th Gen HP Envy is the best choice for those who want superior performance.
The graphics card you get will depend on the exact model. Simply put, you get a dedicated (MX150 or MX250) or an integrated (Intel or AMD).
If you want a laptop for gaming, you need a powerful graphics card. Although the MX250 is more powerful than the MX250, it is still an entry-level card. They are able to handle simple games, but you’ll need to upgrade for AAA title games.
Battery Life
Now, battery life depends on multiple factors, but we are going to give rough times for general usage. Envys with Full HD display will allow for 9-10 hours of battery life, but Envys with 4K display will allow for only 6-7 hours of use.
The HP Pavilion gives 6-11 hours of battery life, depending on the exact model you purchase. Unlike the HP Envy, the battery life on HP Pavilion range varies from model to model.
HP Envy Vs HP Pavilion – Who Wins?
So, what is the difference between HP Envy and HP Pavilion? After reviewing both laptops, it is time to announce the HP Envy as our clear winner (if that wasn’t already obvious). The laptop has superior build, clearer display, and better overall performance. We also like that the HP Envy has a slimmer build that is easy to transport from place to place.
The HP Pavilion is ideal for those on a strict budget. We still think the HP Envy offers more value, but if it’s out of your price range, the HP Pavilion is a budget laptop that won’t let you down.