HP Envy 15 x360 Convertible Review

The two Envy 15 x360 models we've had in our test laboratory are outfitted with the same display. Even so, our measurements varied somewhat. This is normal: Two structurally identical panels are never 100% alike. In both cases the display exhibits an average level of brightness and acceptable contrast ratio.

HP's Envy 15 x360 comes in the 15.6-inch format. With its display that rotates 360 degrees, the device operates in a variety of modes - for example tablet mode. Our test device is currently available for around 700 Euros (~$762). We were unable to find any other versions with different hardware - with the exception of the Haswell sister model.

The Envy is equipped with a Core i5-5200U (Broadwell) dual-core processor. This CPU runs at a base clock speed of 2.2 GHz. Using turbo, the speed can be increased to up to 2.5 GHz (both cores) or 2.7 GHz (only one core). The turbo is available in both AC power mode and battery mode: The computer completed the Cinebench benchmark's CPU tests at 2.5 GHz (multi-thread) and 2.5 to 2.7 GHz (single-thread). With the new Broadwell processor, the Envy performed up to 15% better than its Haswell counterpart in our benchmarks.

In operation, the computer's behavior is fluid and stable. We didn't encounter any problems. The system also achieved good results in the PCMark benchmarks. The new device clearly surpasses its sister model here. Should the user desire to dial up the performance by upgrading the working memory or switching out the hard drive for an SSD, the task isn't so easy: In order to access the computer's inner workings, the user has to remove the top side of the base unit. At that point, the hard drive is accessible. To increase the device's working memory, the user is then forced to remove the motherboard. We advise anyone who plans to perform this task to peruse the Envy's hardware handbook.

A hard drive from Toshiba serves as the system's storage medium. This drive has a capacity of 1 TB and runs at 5400 revolutions per minute. The transfer rates are normal for a 5400 rpm hard drive. In a computer with a 700-Euro (~$762) price tag, we would have expected more here - a hybrid hard drive at the very least. At such a price, a Solid State Drive would be fitting as well.

Intel's HD Graphics 5500 GPU is responsible for graphics-related tasks. This graphics card supports DirectX 11.1 and runs at speeds of up to 900 MHz. There is nothing conspicuous about the results in the 3DMark benchmarks. When a second RAM module is installed into the computer, the memory works in dual-channel mode. This increases the system's graphics performance, as the GPU is able to perform closer to its full capacity. Consequently, the results in the 3DMark benchmark tests improve with this second module.

The Envy can fluidly render a number of games at low resolution and low to medium quality settings. This is primarily true of games that don't have excessively high hardware demands. The installation of a second memory module (which activates dual-channel mode) has a positive impact on the system's gaming performance as well: The frame rates increase by somewhere between 5 and 40%, depending on the game.

In idle mode, the fan perpetually runs at an audible sound pressure level. It never stands still. The reason: In the BIOS, the function "Fan Always On" is activated. All HP notebooks offer this function, but not every model comes with the function activated. After the function is deactivated, the fan very often stands still. Under load, the fan picks up speed. Under the stress test, we measured a sound pressure level of 43.4 dB - a normal number. However, the Envy certainly could go about its work more quietly. A glance at the case temperatures reveals that the computer hardly warms up at all. Even if the fan ran at a lower speed, it would be able to cool the machine sufficiently.

In idle mode, the Envy's energy usage remains under 10 Watts - a normal rate for a ULV notebook. Under load as well (stress test), at 31.8 Watts, the consumption rate doesn't soar to unexpected heights. If the processor was to use its turbo during the stress test, this number would be somewhat higher.

In our WLAN test, which is designed to simulate practical, everyday use, we run a script that automatically loads a new webpage every 40 seconds. The "Balanced" profile is active, and the display brightness is set to about 150 cd/m². The Envy reaches a runtime of 4:59 h, falling far behind its Haswell sister model (5:51 h). The two results aren't 100% comparable, however, as we recently implemented a new version of our WLAN test.