HP 17 Laptop Review: Budget 17-inch with Mixed Display
Few laptops in the budget 17-inch category earn praise across platforms, but the HP 17 Laptop 17.3-inch (13th Gen Intel i5) has carved out a niche — a solid 8.2/10 in aggregated user sentiment — as a capable everyday workhorse with enough performance headroom for light gaming and multitasking-heavy workflows.
Quick Verdict: Conditional buy
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Large 17.3" screen with decent brightness | Some models only offer HD+ (1600x900) resolution |
| Strong multitasking performance with Intel i5-1335U | Keyboard flex while typing |
| Quiet fan noise even under load | Short battery life (avg 4 hours for heavy use) in real-world |
| Upgradeable RAM and storage | No SD card reader |
| Lightweight for its size (4.6 lbs) | Backlit keyboard missing on certain trims |
| Available at competitive prices | Touchpad feels cheap to some users |
Claims vs Reality
HP advertises this laptop as delivering "thoughtfully designed, reliable performance" with its 13th Gen Intel Core i5 processor and Intel Iris Xe Graphics. On paper, this means smooth everyday computing and even some creative or light gaming work. A verified buyer on Amazon noted: "It runs multiple applications and tabs all at once without a hitch" — confirming general performance strength.
However, HP also markets the display as "Full HD IPS" with great viewing angles and anti-glare coating. Digging deeper into user reports reveals a split: some configurations do indeed offer FHD, while others ship with HD+ (1600x900) TN panels. Trustpilot feedback warns: "The resolution is not as crisp as desired; colors are around 60% sRGB" — a gap that can matter for design work.
Battery life claims also vary widely. While HP's spec sheets and certain reviews tout all-day performance, Reddit user feedback is more sobering: "Fan noise is quiet, but battery life is pretty minimal. Maybe 4 hours of use." This highlights how real-world workloads — especially multitasking with heavy apps — often halve official battery estimates.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
The performance uplift from the 13th Gen Intel Core i5 has been a consistent highlight. For office-heavy users, the 10-core chip paired with SSD storage means snappy application launches and smooth multitasking. Reddit user u/[Name***] described working in "large Excel spreadsheets, statistical programming in R, and a million Chrome tabs" without slowdown.
Display brightness sits around 250 nits, which multiple Best Buy customers report as adequate even in brightly lit rooms. One reviewer there appreciated the "nice large touch screen with good graphics and large icons for lower vision", reinforcing that size and visibility can outweigh pixel density for some user segments.
Upgradability is another cross-platform win. From Newegg listings to Reddit discussions, users note the presence of RAM slots and an additional bay for a 2.5-inch hard drive. This flexibility makes the laptop appealing to tinkerers, students, and professionals wanting future-proof storage expansion.
Common Complaints
Battery consistency is the most frequently cited disappointment. Consumer Reports testing recorded between 6–8 hours on light loads, but more demanding scenarios report only 4–5. For travel-heavy users or students away from outlets, this could be restrictive.
Build quality, while generally called "sleek and professional," suffers from noticeable keyboard flex. LibraSpecs notes: "The keyboard does bend slightly when typing," and Best Buy reviewers mention the plastic shell isn't ideal for travel durability.
A missing SD card reader and Ethernet port limits connectivity. While Wi-Fi 6 is praised for stability and speed, photographers and network-reliant professionals may need dongles.
Divisive Features
The display resolution is perhaps the most polarizing. For casual users streaming Netflix or browsing, the HD+ panel (on certain trims) poses little issue — even increasing gaming frame rates thanks to fewer pixels to push. However, for photo/video editors, the reduced sharpness and color accuracy are clear drawbacks.
The backlit keyboard, present on some SKUs, is absent on others — frustrating night-time typists. Some Best Buy customers lauded the feature when available, while LibraSpecs penalized models without it, marking difficulty for low-light usage.
Trust & Reliability
Scam concerns are minimal given broad distribution through major retailers and HP's own store. eBay-certified refurbished units clearly state their condition and warranty, adding transparency. There is, however, caution from Reddit threads regarding HP's mixed brand reputation over long-term durability, especially hinge and plastic fatigue.
Long-term owners in forums report performance holding up for over a year without degradation, though one Reddit comment mentioned "the keyboard gets warm overnight" — possibly thermal management quirks when left plugged in.
Alternatives
User discussions frequently compare this HP 17 to the Dell Inspiron 15 3510 or HP ProBook 455 G7. The Inspiron offers higher build ratings at similar prices but a smaller display. The ProBook carries better display options and build materials, making it more suited for professionals sensitive to screen quality and shell rigidity.
Price & Value
As of recent listings, prices range from $399 (refurbished HD+) to around $699 (new FHD, upgraded RAM/storage). Resale holds reasonably well given upgrade potential, but HD+ trims depreciate faster due to perceived inferior display specs.
Buying tips from community members:
- Verify resolution before purchase — the product line mixes HD+ and FHD panels.
- Consider refurbished units if budget-sensitive; warranties from major refurbishers can match new unit coverage.
- If backlit keyboard is a priority, double-check variant details.
FAQ
Q: Is the HP 17 Laptop suitable for gaming?
A: Yes, for light and casual gaming. Intel Iris Xe Graphics and the i5-1335U can handle medium settings in many titles, especially with HD+ resolution, but it's not built for AAA games at max settings.
Q: Can the RAM be upgraded?
A: Absolutely. Many SKUs ship with 8–16GB but can be upgraded to 32GB. Users report adding aftermarket RAM sticks without issue.
Q: What's the actual battery life?
A: Real-world usage sees 4–5 hours under heavy loads, 6–8 hours on light browsing, and Consumer Reports managed close to 10 hours with video streaming.
Q: Is the display always Full HD?
A: No. Certain models use 1600x900 TN panels. Be sure to check the specs for your exact model before buying.
Q: Does it have a backlit keyboard?
A: Only on certain configurations. Base HD+ models often omit this feature.
Final Verdict: Buy if you need a large-screen budget laptop for multitasking-heavy work, light gaming, and occasional travel — and can verify the resolution meets your needs. Avoid if high color accuracy, top-tier battery life, or rugged build are priorities. Pro tip from community: "Always double-check the exact SKU — resolution and features vary wildly within HP's 17-inch lineup."
