If you’re in the market for a new laptop and HP is on your radar, two popular options stand out—the HP Laptop 15s with AMD Ryzen 5 5500U and the HP Laptop 15s with 12th Gen Intel Core i3. While both models offer a sleek, lightweight design and solid performance for everyday tasks, there are key differences that might sway your decision based on your specific needs. Let’s dive into a head-to-head comparison to help you decide which model suits you best.

1. Performance

HP Laptop 15s (AMD Ryzen 5 5500U):

  • Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 5500U (6 cores, 12 threads, 2.1 GHz base clock, up to 4.0 GHz boost)
  • Graphics: Integrated AMD Radeon Graphics
  • RAM: 16 GB DDR4

The AMD Ryzen 5 5500U processor is a 6-core, 12-thread chip that delivers great multitasking performance. It's ideal for users who plan to run more intensive applications like photo or video editing software, moderate gaming, or even light content creation. The integrated AMD Radeon Graphics, combined with the 16GB RAM, gives it a performance edge in handling more resource-hungry tasks.

HP Laptop 15s (12th Gen Intel Core i3):

  • Processor: Intel Core i3-1215U (6 cores, 8 threads, 1.2 GHz base clock, up to 4.4 GHz boost)
  • Graphics: Integrated Intel UHD Graphics
  • RAM: 8 GB DDR4

The 12th Gen Intel Core i3 is also a strong contender, featuring 6 cores and 8 threads, which makes it capable of handling general multitasking efficiently. However, it lags behind the Ryzen 5 5500U in terms of processing power and core count, making it more suitable for light to moderate tasks like web browsing, video streaming, and document work.

2. RAM and Storage

  • HP (Ryzen 5 5500U): 16 GB DDR4 RAM, 512 GB SSD
  • HP (Intel Core i3): 8 GB DDR4 RAM, 512 GB SSD

The AMD Ryzen model wins in terms of memory, offering 16 GB RAM, which will significantly improve performance for users who tend to run multiple programs simultaneously or work with larger files. The Intel Core i3 model, with 8 GB RAM, is adequate for general use but may not be as future-proof for heavy multitasking or memory-intensive applications.

Both laptops come with a 512 GB SSD, which provides fast boot times and ample storage for most users. The SSD in both models ensures smooth operation for everyday tasks like file transfers, app loading, and even gaming.

3. Display and Build Quality

Both laptops feature a 15.6-inch (39.6 cm) Full HD display with 1920 x 1080 resolution, offering clear, sharp visuals for streaming, browsing, or working on documents. Whether you’re watching movies or creating presentations, the display quality will satisfy most users.

In terms of design, both laptops are thin and light, weighing 1.69 kg, making them portable and easy to carry around. Both models come in a sleek silver finish, and neither compromises on style. They also feature a 720p HD camera for video calls, making them ideal for students and professionals working remotely.

4. Graphics

  • HP (Ryzen 5 5500U): AMD Radeon Graphics
  • HP (Intel Core i3): Intel UHD Graphics

For graphics, the AMD Ryzen model with Radeon Graphics outperforms the Intel Core i3’s UHD Graphics. While neither is designed for high-end gaming, the AMD Radeon Graphics can handle light gaming and graphic design software more smoothly. The Intel UHD Graphics, though capable, is more suitable for basic tasks like watching videos and light productivity.

5. Keyboard and Other Features

  • HP (Ryzen 5 5500U): Backlit keyboard
  • HP (Intel Core i3): Standard keyboard

The backlit keyboard on the Ryzen 5 5500U model is a nice touch for those who often work in low-light conditions. The Intel Core i3 version lacks this feature, making the AMD model more versatile for late-night workers or students.

Both models come preloaded with Windows 11 and Microsoft Office 2021, making them ready for productivity right out of the box.

6. Battery Life

While HP doesn’t list the exact battery life for these models, both should provide sufficient power for most daily tasks, with battery life ranging from 6 to 8 hours depending on usage. Power efficiency will vary slightly, with the Intel Core i3 model likely offering a slight edge in power consumption during light tasks due to the efficient design of Intel’s 12th Gen processors.

7. Pricing

The Intel Core i3 model is the more budget-friendly option, making it a great choice for students or users who need a basic yet reliable laptop for everyday tasks. The AMD Ryzen 5 model is priced higher due to its superior performance, making it a better investment for those looking for more power and future-proofing.

Which One Should You Choose?

  • Go for the HP Laptop 15s (AMD Ryzen 5 5500U) if:

    • You need better multitasking and processing power.
    • You’ll be using the laptop for content creation, photo/video editing, or moderate gaming.
    • You want more RAM for memory-intensive tasks.
    • You prefer a backlit keyboard for working in low-light environments.
  • Choose the HP Laptop 15s (12th Gen Intel Core i3) if:

    • You’re on a budget and need a solid laptop for everyday tasks like browsing, streaming, and light productivity.
    • You don’t need extra power for intensive applications or multitasking.
    • You’re primarily using the laptop for schoolwork or simple business tasks.

Conclusion

Both laptops are excellent choices within their categories, but your decision should be based on how you intend to use the device. The HP Laptop 15s with AMD Ryzen 5 offers more power, making it a better option for heavier tasks, while the HP Laptop 15s with Intel Core i3 is a solid and more affordable choice for everyday computing.

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