The HP Envy 16 has always aimed to deliver premium performance at a mid-range price, a compelling alternative to the MacBook Pro. The 2023 model continues this tradition, boasting updated 13th-gen Intel CPUs and Nvidia RTX 4000-series GPUs, offering a significant performance boost for creators and gamers without breaking the bank.
Performance Boost for Creators and Gamers
HP Envy 16 2023 rear view showing lid and logo.Mark Coppock/MaagX
The 2023 HP Envy 16 features the powerful 45-watt Intel Core i9-13900H, equipped with 14 cores (six Performance at 5.4GHz and eight Efficient at 4.1GHz) and 20 threads. While the core count matches the Core i7-13700H, the i9-13900H boasts higher clock speeds. While synthetic benchmark scores show a marginal improvement over the i7, the Envy 16 truly shines in real-world applications.
The PugetBench Premiere Pro benchmark, utilizing the GPU for accelerated tasks, highlights the Envy 16’s prowess. Equipped with the RTX 4060, it outperforms competitors like the Dell XPS 15 and XPS 17, both featuring RTX 4070 GPUs. It even holds its own against the MacBook Pro 14 with the M2 Max chip. This performance leap makes the 2023 Envy 16 a compelling upgrade for creators seeking affordable power.
| Feature | Geekbench (single / multi) | Handbrake (seconds) | Cinebench R23 (single / multi) | Pugetbench Premiere Pro |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HP Envy 16 (2023) (Core i9-13900H) | Bal: 1,997 / 12,742 Perf: 1,992 / 12,645 | Bal: 73 Perf: 75 | Bal: 1,944 / 15,596 Perf: 1,954 / 15,422 | Bal: 1,106 Perf: 1,121 |
| HP Envy 16 (2022) (Core i9-12900H) | Bal: 1,839 / 11,187 Perf: 1,811 / 11,387 | Bal: 83 Perf: 84 | Bal: 1,919 / 12,538 Perf: 1,922 / 12,525 | Bal: 814 Perf: 932 |
Gaming Performance and Graphics Capabilities
HP Envy 16 2023 side view showing ports and display.Mark Coppock / MaagX
The Nvidia RTX 4060 delivers solid gaming performance, outperforming laptops with faster RTX 4070 GPUs in several tests. The Envy 16 utilizes Nvidia Studio drivers, optimized for creative applications. Switching to Game Ready drivers could potentially enhance gaming performance further, though it might impact creative workflow speeds. The Envy 16 handles 1080p gaming with ease and can even manage 1440p gaming with adjusted settings, making it a versatile option for both work and play.
| Feature | Assassin’s Creed Valhalla (1080p/1200p Ultra High) | Cyberpunk 2077 (1080p/1200p Ultra) | 3DMark Time Spy |
|---|---|---|---|
| HP Envy 16 (2023) (RTX 4060) | Bal: 100 fps Perf: 108 fps | Bal: 78 fps Perf: 83 fps | Bal: 9,366 Perf: 9,765 |
| HP Envy 16 (2022) (RTX 3060) | Bal: 70 fps Perf: 71 fps | Bal: 40 fps Perf: 41 fps | Bal: 7,645 Perf: 8,040 |
Battery Life, Design, and Connectivity
HP Envy 16 2023 front angled view showing display and keyboard deck.Mark Coppock / MaagX
Despite retaining the 83 watt-hour battery from the previous generation, the 2023 Envy 16’s battery life is noticeably shorter. While the PCMark 10 Applications benchmark shows comparable results, other tests reveal a significant drop in longevity, making it average at best.
The Envy 16 retains its larger chassis, prioritizing airflow and thermal performance. The build quality is robust, though not as rigid as the Dell XPS 15 or MacBook Pro 16. The keyboard remains a highlight, offering a comfortable typing experience. The touchpad is functional, although a larger size would be welcomed. Connectivity is comprehensive, featuring Thunderbolt 4 and legacy ports, though a full-size SD card reader would be preferable. The 5MP webcam provides excellent image quality for video conferencing, complemented by an infrared camera for Windows Hello login.
HP Envy 16 2023 top down view showing keyboard and touchpad.Mark Coppock / MaagX
Display Quality and Audio
HP Envy 13 2023 front view showing display.Mark Coppock / MaagX
While the reviewed IPS display offers adequate brightness and excellent color accuracy, its limited color gamut, particularly the 73% AdobeRGB coverage, might disappoint creators. The OLED option from the previous generation offers significantly better color performance. The quad-speaker system provides clear audio, but lacks volume compared to competitors like the Dell XPS 15 and MacBook Pro 16.
HP Envy 16 2023 top down view showing speaker.Mark Coppock/MaagX
Conclusion: A Solid Upgrade with a Display Caveat
The 2023 HP Envy 16 is a worthwhile upgrade for creators and gamers, thanks to its enhanced CPU and GPU performance. Its affordable price point makes it an attractive option for those seeking power on a budget. However, creators who prioritize accurate color representation should consider upgrading to the OLED display for a superior visual experience.
