In the realm of laptops, HP Pavilion Plus 14 emerges as a notable contender. Traditionally known for budget-friendly options, the Pavilion line has evolved, offering midrange models with a focus on lightweight design rather than solely competitive pricing.

The Pavilion Plus laptop represents this shift, boasting the title of the thinnest Pavilion yet and introducing the first inclusion of an OLED screen. In the UAE, selling within price bracket of AED 836 to AED 4,899, the model reviewed features a 12th Gen Intel Core i7-12700H processor, 16GB of RAM, 256GB of storage, and a 2.8K 90Hz OLED display.

The Pavilion Plus 14 presents a compelling blend of portability, performance, and conferencing.

HP Pavilion Plus 14: Weight

The standout feature of the Pavilion Plus 14 lies in its portability. Weighing just 3.09 pounds, it's incredibly easy to carry with a single arm, effortlessly slipping into a backpack without adding noticeable weight. Surpassing even the higher-end Envy x360 15 by over a full pound, it proves exceptionally light for its class. 

However, one drawback is the size of the 90W USB-C adapter, which seems disproportionately large for an ultraportable device. Its dimensions resemble those of the charger included with the HP Victus gaming laptop, potentially impacting the overall portability experience.

HP Pavilion Plus 14: Display

The Pavilion Plus 14 excels in another key aspect: its 14-inch OLED display. Boasting a 16:10 aspect ratio and a crisp 2880 x 1800 resolution—higher than that of the MacBook Air—the display offers exceptional visual clarity. With a 90Hz refresh rate, scrolling feels noticeably smoother compared to many laptops in the same price range. The display's deep blacks and bright whites contribute to excellent contrast, enhancing the overall viewing experience, even during routine tasks like working in Google Docs. Impressively, the display also achieves a high brightness level, reaching 420 nits during testing—a feat not always guaranteed with OLED displays. This surpasses the M1 MacBook Air's rated brightness of 400 nits and proves ample for most laptop usage scenarios.

HP Pavilion Plus 14: Webcam

The Pavilion Plus boasts one of the top-performing laptop cameras. It captures accurate details, manages lighting well—particularly in bright office environments where users often appear washed out—and keeps noise to a minimum.

Additionally, the camera offers various advanced features accessible through the myHP app. These include auto-framing, which keeps the user centered during movement (although not as seamlessly as Apple's Center Stage), as well as backlight and low-light adjustments. A standout feature is the "BRB Mode," which freezes the video feed and displays a "BRB" banner, adding a touch of humor to video calls.

However, it's worth noting that the camera lacks support for Windows Hello facial logins, and there's no physical privacy shutter—though a kill switch on the keyboard provides a workaround for privacy concerns.

HP Pavilion Plus 14: Performance

In terms of raw CPU performance, this HP laptop ranks among the most powerful in the thin-and-light category, especially among those featuring OLED screens. The 12th Gen Core i7-12700H effortlessly managed heavy Chrome usage with minimal chassis heat and no fan noise. Tasks like video calls and basic photo editing in Lightroom ran smoothly, without any noticeable delays—a contrast to budget-oriented competitors like the Acer Swift 3. Its performance matches that of other top thin-and-light laptops, such as HP's Envy x360 15.

However, it's worth noting that an H-series processor may be excessive for this device's intended usage. While it's not marketed as a workstation or content creation machine, and lacks discrete graphics, opting for a more efficient chip could potentially extend battery life—an aspect some users may prioritize over raw processing power.

HP Pavilion Plus 14: Battery

The Pavilion Plus laptop manages its battery life better compared to some H-series Intel laptops, which is a positive aspect. However, the battery performance falls short of expectations for a laptop emphasizing portability. On average, the laptop lasts about four hours and 38 minutes of continuous usage. For users who prioritize longer battery life, they might opt for a GPU-powered workstation with superior graphical capabilities, despite potential limitations in portability.

Final Thoughts

Without a doubt, the Pavilion Plus 14 laptop boasts a sturdy build compared to other Pavilion models. Crafted entirely from metal, featuring a recycled aluminum lid, it exudes durability and sustainability. While there's some flex in certain areas of the chassis, it's far from flimsy. The keyboard deck offers comfort with its textured surface, maintaining sturdiness even during typing.

However, the bezels stand out as a notable drawback. Despite their size not being excessive, they appear and feel plasticky, detracting from the overall premium feel of the device.

While the inclusion of recycled materials, including in the packaging, is commendable, it's essential to consider the environmental impact beyond just materials usage. Despite the use of recycled aluminum, the device's power consumption remains a concern.

Despite its imperfection, the Pavilion Plus 14 remains a solid midrange option. Its robust and lightweight chassis, combined with neat camera features and an impressive screen, make it a compelling choice. Even compared to the MacBook Air, the Pavilion stands out with its 90Hz smoothness and OLED contrast.

However, it's worth noting that the inefficiency of the processor may limit its appeal to a specific group of users seeking heavy-duty CPU power and an exceptional screen on a lightweight device. For those prioritizing overall performance in an ultraportable, there may be better alternatives available.