HP 15s Laptop Review: A Detailed Comparison of Intel & AMD Variants (2025)
Introduction
The HP 15s series is one of the most popular budget-friendly laptops in the market, offering a perfect balance of performance, design, and affordability. In this in-depth review, we will compare two of its best variants:
- HP 15s, 12th Gen Intel Core i3-1215U (fy5011TU)
- HP 15s, AMD Ryzen 5 5500U (eq2144AU)
Both laptops come with impressive specs, but they cater to slightly different user needs. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or a casual user, this comparison will help you decide which one suits you best.
Design & Build Quality
1. Aesthetics & Portability
Both models share the same sleek silver-colored chassis with a minimalist HP logo on the lid. The 1.69 kg weight makes them highly portable, ideal for students and professionals who need a lightweight laptop.
- Dimensions: 35.85 x 24.2 x 1.79 cm (same for both)
- Material: Plastic body with a brushed metal finish for a premium feel.
- Keyboard & Trackpad: Full-sized keyboard with decent key travel, making typing comfortable. The trackpad is responsive and supports multi-touch gestures.
2. Display & Visual Experience
Both variants feature a 15.6-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) anti-glare IPS display, ensuring good color accuracy and wide viewing angles. The anti-glare coating reduces eye strain, making it suitable for long work sessions.
- Brightness: ~250 nits (adequate for indoor use)
- Color Gamut: ~45% NTSC (good for everyday tasks but not for professional color work)
Performance Comparison
1. HP 15s (Intel Core i3-1215U) – fy5011TU
- Processor: 12th Gen Intel Core i3-1215U (6 cores, 8 threads, up to 4.4 GHz)
- Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics
- RAM: 8GB DDR4 (soldered, non-upgradable)
- Storage: 512GB PCIe NVMe SSD
Performance Analysis:
- The 12th Gen Intel i3 is efficient for daily tasks like web browsing, document editing, and light multitasking.
- Intel UHD Graphics can handle basic photo editing and 1080p video playback but struggles with gaming.
- Battery Life: ~7-8 hours (mixed usage)
Price
M.R.P.: ₹48,988
Amazon Sale Price: ₹32,990 Buy Now
Best For: Students, office work, casual browsing, and light productivity tasks.
2. HP 15s (AMD Ryzen 5 5500U) – eq2144AU
- Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 5500U (6 cores, 12 threads, up to 4.0 GHz)
- Graphics: AMD Radeon Graphics (Vega 7)
- RAM: 8GB DDR4 (soldered, non-upgradable)
- Storage: 512GB PCIe NVMe SSD
Performance Analysis:
- The Ryzen 5 5500U offers better multi-core performance than the Intel i3, making it ideal for heavier workloads.
- AMD Radeon Graphics outperforms Intel UHD, allowing for light gaming (e.g., CS:GO, GTA V at low settings) and smoother video editing.
- Battery Life: ~6-7 hours (slightly less than Intel due to higher performance)
Price
M.R.P.: ₹60,959.00
Amazon Sale Price: ₹36,923 Buy Now
Best For: Content creators, programmers, and users who need extra processing power.
Software & Connectivity
1. Operating System & Pre-installed Apps
- Both run Windows 11 Home out of the box.
- Microsoft Office included (2021 for Intel, 2019 for AMD).
- HP bloatware (can be uninstalled).
2. Ports & Connectivity
- 1 x USB Type-C (Gen 1, 5Gbps)
- 2 x USB Type-A (Gen 1, 5Gbps)
- 1 x HDMI 1.4b
- 1 x 3.5mm headphone/mic combo jack
- 1 x SD card reader
- Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) & Bluetooth 5.0
Missing: No Thunderbolt, USB 4, or Wi-Fi 6.
Audio & Webcam
- Dual Speakers: Decent sound quality but lacks bass (good for calls and casual media).
- HD Webcam (720p): Suitable for Zoom calls but not for professional streaming.
Battery Life & Charging
- Intel Model: ~7-8 hours (better efficiency)
- AMD Model: ~6-7 hours (more power-hungry)
- Charger: 45W USB-C (fast charging supported)
Gaming & Graphics Performance
| Game (1080p, Low Settings) | Intel UHD Graphics | AMD Radeon Graphics |
|---|---|---|
| CS:GO | 30-40 FPS | 50-60 FPS |
| GTA V | 20-25 FPS | 35-45 FPS |
| Valorant | 40-50 FPS | 70-80 FPS |
Verdict: AMD is better for casual gaming.
Upgradability & Longevity
- RAM: Soldered (not upgradable).
- Storage: 512GB SSD (can be replaced with a larger NVMe drive).
Pricing & Value for Money
- Intel i3 Model: More affordable, best for basic tasks.
- AMD Ryzen 5 Model: Slightly pricier but offers better performance.
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
Choose Intel i3 (fy5011TU) if:
✅ You need longer battery life.
✅ Your tasks include browsing, MS Office, and streaming.
✅ You prefer a more budget-friendly option.
Choose AMD Ryzen 5 (eq2144AU) if:
✅ You need better multi-core performance.
✅ You do light gaming or video editing.
✅ You want a more future-proof machine.
Conclusion
Both HP 15s laptops are excellent choices for budget-conscious buyers. The Intel model is ideal for everyday use, while the AMD variant offers better performance for demanding tasks. Pick based on your needs!
Would you like a deeper dive into any specific aspect? Let us know in the comments!