HP Envy 15.6" x360 2-in-1 Review

If you're looking for a 2-in-1 laptop that's absolutely loaded with memory and storage, the HP Envy x360 with the Intel Ultra 7 is a serious contender. This 15.6-inch convertible packs a massive 32GB of RAM and a huge 4TB SSD, which puts it in the top tier for those specs. It's designed for people who need a flexible device for work and study, with a touchscreen, a backlit keyboard, and a decent selection of ports including Thunderbolt 4. At around $1,719, it's positioned as a premium productivity machine, not a gaming rig. For developers or power users who hate running out of space, the sheer amount of RAM and storage here is a major selling point.

Performance is a bit of a mixed bag, and it really depends on what you're doing. The 12-core Intel Ultra 7 155U CPU lands in the 38th percentile, which means it's competent for everyday tasks and moderate multi-tasking, but it's not a speed demon. You'll get smooth performance for coding, web browsing, and office apps. The integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics, however, are in the 18th percentile. This confirms what the 'gaming' score of 13.7 tells you: don't buy this for games. It's fine for video calls and very light photo editing, but that's it. The real star is the storage and RAM combo, which hits the 97th and 92nd percentiles. Having 4TB and 32GB means you'll almost never worry about running out of room or having too many Chrome tabs open.

At $1,719, the value proposition is all about the storage and RAM. You're paying a premium for that 4TB SSD and 32GB of memory. If you absolutely need that much space and memory in a 2-in-1 form factor, this is a rare find. But if you don't, you can find laptops with better overall performance, better screens, or longer battery life for the same price or less. It's a niche product for a specific type of user who prioritizes capacity above all else.

This Envy x360 sits in a weird spot compared to its top competitors. The Apple MacBook Pro 14" with an M4 chip will run circles around it in CPU performance, battery life, and screen quality, but it costs more and isn't a 2-in-1. The ASUS Zenbook Duo offers a unique dual-screen setup for multi-tasking, which might be more useful to some than a convertible hinge. For raw power, gaming laptops like the MSI Vector or Gigabyte AORUS will demolish it in performance, but they're heavy, lack battery life, and aren't convertibles. The Lenovo Legion Pro 7i is another powerful alternative that's better for gaming and heavy workloads. Basically, if you want a 2-in-1, you're trading peak performance for flexibility. And if you want the most power for your money, a traditional clamshell or a gaming laptop is a better bet.

So, should you buy the HP Envy x360? It's a yes, but only if your needs are very specific. Buy this if you are a developer, researcher, or power user who needs a massive 4TB SSD and 32GB of RAM in a laptop that can also flip into a tablet for notes or presentations. The flexibility is great. Do not buy this if you care about gaming, video editing, having the brightest screen, or all-day battery life. It's a specialized tool, not a jack-of-all-trades. For most students or general users, there are better-balanced and often cheaper options out there.