HP 17.3" Ryzen 5 Laptop Review — Solid Everyday Performer
A retired IT professional summed it up best: "Large screen format, responsive processor… perfect for my needs."
The HP 17.3" Laptop (AMD Ryzen 5, Natural Silver) consistently earns strong praise for its expansive display, comfortable keyboard, and solid everyday performance, averaging 9.1/10 across platforms.
Quick Verdict: Conditional Yes – Great for students, office users, and home entertainment, but not built for heavy gaming or demanding graphics work.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Expansive 17.3" display ideal for multitasking | Screen brightness and color accuracy not top-tier |
| Responsive Ryzen 5 processor for everyday tasks | Integrated graphics limit high-end creative work |
| Generous storage options (up to 1–2TB SSD) | No memory card reader |
| Comfortable full-size keyboard with numeric pad | Some users report occasional speaker/static issues |
| Solid battery life for mixed use | Size/weight less portable for frequent travel |
| Easy setup and data transfer tools | Certain models lack backlit keyboard |
Claims vs Reality
HP markets this model as a large-format productivity powerhouse with “excellent processing power for multitasking.” In practice, many owners echo that sentiment for routine workloads. A verified Best Buy buyer wrote: "Fast and can definitely multi-task. I love the big screen and full HD. Netflix loaded quickly… no interruptions or lagging."
The company claims “up to 8 hours” battery life, but real-world reports vary. Reddit user bryana noted: "Battery life is decent for a full day of work or study," whereas webb ster 47 saw "about 5 to 6 hours on a full charge" under continuous office use. Heavy streaming or brightness cranked up? Expect shorter runs.
HP positions the HD+ or optional Full HD display as immersive. For casual viewing and productivity, users are satisfied—brandonc likened it to "a small theater". Yet Consumer Reports found "colors not reproduced as accurately as on better displays," cautioning creative professionals about color-critical work.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
The large screen dominates user praise. Reddit user prashi tap 21 enthused: "Feels almost like working on a desktop monitor… spacious display." For spreadsheet-heavy office workers, bryana said the 17.3" panel makes "docs, spreadsheets, and streaming all at once feel spacious and comfortable."
Everyday performance earns consistent approval. The AMD Ryzen 5’s ability to juggle multiple apps without slowdown is highlighted repeatedly; rafay called it "excellent for medium intensity work" and josuer rated it “price, quality and excellent processor.” Boot speeds from SSD storage impressed many—“starting up in seconds to opening apps instantly” according to prashi tap 21.
Ergonomics also score well, with several praising the full-sized keyboard and numeric keypad for data entry, plus overall lightweight feel for its size. steved described it as "light weight, big screen, easy access keyboard."
Common Complaints
Screen brightness and accuracy show up as sore points for select buyers. ferg cautioned it’s "not bright or recommended" for gaming or movies without an external monitor, and Consumer Reports marked color reproduction below premium displays.
Integrated graphics become a clear limitation for gaming or demanding creative work. webb ster 47 warned: "This is not designed for gaming, so don't purchase thinking you'll be able to do so." Heavy photo/video editing can be sluggish according to lab data.
Audio issues appear sporadically. buxiang reported "speaker does some weird static thing" when playing videos. And portability is subjective—while 4.6 lbs is average for its class, buxiang found it "cumbersome to lug around".
The lack of a memory card reader disappointed photographers and video shooters, forcing workarounds with external readers.
Divisive Features
Battery life splits opinion. Some see it as robust enough for full workdays—erint said it "lasts most of the day"—while others note rapid drain during high-brightness or multitasking scenarios. A Best Buy buyer admitted: "It does seem to die fast… still lasts me at least 2 hours" under heavy load.
Backlit keyboard availability differs by configuration, creating confusion. One buyer lamented: "Although 17-inch, it’s lightweight and slim… but no backlit keyboard." For low-light typists, that absence can be a deal breaker.
Trust & Reliability
Patterns across reviews suggest decent short-term reliability, with little evidence of widespread defects beyond isolated quirks. However, one long-term user warned of their predecessor model failing Wi-Fi after a year. They bought the newer generation but remain cautious, saying they "would not pay full price… given previous experience."
On Trustpilot and retail listings, timely delivery and accurate specs are consistent. edi nz confirmed: "Arrived on time. Laptop is great, works perfectly." Many praised easy setup and successful data transfers via HP’s built-in migration tools—robyn r found it "really great the laptop asked if I wanted to transfer all my things… it actually worked!"
Consumer Reports testing did note performance “only fair” for heavy workloads yet reliable under common tasks, hinting at a fit for productivity over power-intensive use.
Alternatives
Within HP’s own range, smaller 15.6" models offer better portability but sacrifice screen space, which is a core appeal here. Some older 17" HP Envy variants have stronger displays and faster graphics but cost significantly more. External monitor setups were mentioned by users like ferg as a workaround for brightness/color limitations.
Price & Value
Amazon lists higher-spec builds (up to 64GB RAM/2TB SSD) around $729–$799, while standard 8GB/512GB configurations hit $409–$629 depending on sales. eBay sellers offer refurbished units for as low as $341.99.
Several buyers advise waiting for sales; one snagged theirs on Black Friday for ~$300. Resale value appears solid in the business-class market due to HP’s brand recognition, though higher-tier RAM/storage builds depreciate faster since those specs cater to niche buyers.
FAQ
Q: Can this laptop handle modern games?
A: Not well. With integrated AMD Radeon graphics, it runs office and streaming content fine, but serious gaming performance is limited. As webb ster 47 said, "This is not designed for gaming."
Q: Is the keyboard backlit?
A: Depends on configuration. Some HP 17.3" models include backlighting, but buyers report others lacking it, even at higher prices, so check specs carefully.
Q: How portable is it?
A: At 4.6 lbs, it’s standard for its size but bulky compared to smaller laptops. Great for desk use or occasional travel—buxiang found it "cumbersome to lug around."
Q: How long does the battery last?
A: Mixed reports—light use can stretch toward a full workday, but high brightness or heavy multitasking drops it to 2–6 hours.
Q: Is it easy to upgrade RAM or storage?
A: Yes. Some users note the RAM and M.2 SSD are not soldered, making upgrades straightforward.
Final Verdict: Buy if you’re a student, remote worker, or home user wanting a huge display, comfortable typing, and steady everyday performance. Avoid if gaming or color-critical creative work is top priority. Pro tip from community: Wait for seasonal sales—multiple owners scored steep discounts under $450.
