HP Pavilion Plus 14 (2023)

The HP Pavilion Plus 14 2023 emerges as a compelling mid-range laptop, striking a notable balance between performance, display quality, and portability, making it a strong contender for students, professionals, and casual users alike.

This iteration builds upon its predecessors by integrating more powerful processors, often featuring Intel’s 13th Gen or AMD’s Ryzen 7000 series, alongside an impressive OLED display option that truly elevates the visual experience.

It’s designed for those who need a reliable workhorse capable of handling everyday tasks, light creative work, and media consumption without breaking the bank.

The blend of a sleek design, robust connectivity, and a vibrant screen positions it as a significant upgrade in its category, offering a premium feel at a more accessible price point than many flagships.

When you’re looking to optimize your workflow or enhance your computing experience, the right accessories can make all the difference.

Here’s a quick glance at some top products that complement a modern laptop like the HP Pavilion Plus 14, helping you boost productivity and comfort.

Product Name	Category	Key Benefit	Compatibility with HP Pavilion Plus 14
Logitech MX Master 3S Wireless Mouse	Peripherals	Ergonomic precision and customizable buttons	Excellent Bluetooth or USB-A dongle
Anker 7-in-1 USB-C Hub	Connectivity	Expands port options HDMI, USB-A, SD card	Excellent USB-C port
Samsung T7 Portable SSD 1TB	External Storage	Fast, compact, and durable data storage	Excellent USB-C or USB-A
Dell UltraSharp U2723QE Monitor	External Display	High-resolution, professional-grade visual	Excellent USB-C or HDMI
Twelve South Curve Laptop Stand	Ergonomics	Elevates laptop for better posture and cooling	Excellent Universal fit
HP Spectre Rechargeable Mouse 700	Peripherals	Stylish, precise, and rechargeable HP ecosystem	Excellent Bluetooth or USB-A dongle
Amazon Basics Laptop Sleeve 14-inch	Protection/Portability	Basic protection for daily commutes	Perfect fit for 14-inch laptops

Design and Build Quality: A Premium Feel on a Budget

The HP Pavilion Plus 14 2023 truly steps up its game when it comes to design and build quality, aiming to deliver a more premium experience without the premium price tag. Gone are the days of flimsy plastic.

This model often incorporates a more robust chassis, frequently utilizing aluminum in its lid and keyboard deck. This isn’t just about aesthetics.

It significantly contributes to the laptop’s overall durability and rigidity, making it feel much more substantial in hand.

Material Choices and Finish

• Aluminum Integration: Many configurations of the Pavilion Plus 14 2023 feature an aluminum lid, which not only adds a touch of sophistication but also helps in heat dissipation. The keyboard deck often follows suit, providing a more stable typing surface.
• Color Options: HP typically offers the Pavilion Plus 14 in a selection of refined colors, moving beyond just basic silver or black. These often include warm gold, natural silver, or space gray, which contribute to its modern aesthetic.
• Subtle Branding: HP keeps its branding understated, usually with a sleek, minimalist logo on the lid, aligning with the contemporary design language seen in higher-end laptops.

The tactile experience is surprisingly good.

The matte finish on the aluminum surfaces resists fingerprints better than glossy alternatives, maintaining a clean look even with regular use.

The overall impression is one of thoughtful design, demonstrating that HP put effort into making a mid-range device feel anything but.

Portability and Dimensions

• Slim Profile: The 2023 model maintains a relatively thin profile, often hovering around 0.7 inches 17.7 mm. This slimness makes it easy to slide into a backpack or briefcase without adding significant bulk.
• Lightweight Construction: Weighing in usually between 3.0 to 3.2 pounds 1.36 to 1.45 kg, the Pavilion Plus 14 is comfortably light for a 14-inch laptop. This makes it an ideal companion for students commuting between classes or professionals on the go.
• Compact Footprint: Thanks to slim bezels around the display, the laptop’s overall footprint is reduced, meaning you get a larger screen in a chassis that feels more like a traditional 13-inch device.

This combination of slimness and light weight makes the Pavilion Plus 14 a highly portable device.

You can easily carry it around all day without feeling weighed down, which is a huge plus for those who prioritize mobility.

For example, a student carrying this laptop along with books and other essentials will appreciate its minimal impact on their total load.

Keyboard and Touchpad Experience

• Comfortable Typing: The keyboard on the Pavilion Plus 14 2023 is generally well-regarded for its comfortable key travel and satisfying tactile feedback. Keys are adequately spaced, reducing typing errors.
• Backlighting: Most configurations include keyboard backlighting, a crucial feature for working in dimly lit environments. This often comes with multiple brightness levels, allowing users to adjust it to their preference.
• Precision Touchpad: The touchpad is typically spacious and supports Windows Precision Drivers, which means smooth and accurate multi-finger gestures. The surface is usually smooth, allowing for effortless gliding.

The overall typing experience is solid, making it suitable for long writing sessions or coding. Dell XPS 13 (2024)

While it may not rival the absolute best keyboards on the market found in much more expensive business laptops, it certainly punches above its weight class for its price point.

The responsive touchpad further enhances the user experience, providing reliable navigation without needing an external mouse for basic tasks.

For those who spend hours typing, this is a critical aspect, and HP seems to have paid attention to it.

Display Excellence: OLED as a Game Changer

The display is arguably one of the most significant upgrades and standout features of the HP Pavilion Plus 14 2023, especially with the option for an OLED panel.

This choice dramatically elevates the visual experience, making it a powerful contender for media consumption and creative tasks.

OLED Panel Benefits

• Vibrant Colors and Deep Blacks: OLED technology offers self-emissive pixels, meaning each pixel can be individually turned off. This results in true blacks and an infinite contrast ratio, making colors pop with incredible vibrancy and accuracy. Movies and photos look stunning.
• High Brightness and HDR Support: These OLED panels typically boast high peak brightness, often exceeding 400 nits, and are frequently VESA DisplayHDR True Black certified. This means they can display High Dynamic Range HDR content with impressive detail in both bright and dark areas.

The visual difference when comparing an OLED panel to a traditional IPS LCD is stark.

For content creators who rely on color accuracy, or simply anyone who appreciates a stunning visual experience, the OLED option is a massive value proposition. It’s like having a mini-theater in your lap.

Resolution and Refresh Rate Options

• 2.8K 2880 x 1800 Resolution: The most common resolution for the OLED option is 2.8K, which provides incredible sharpness on a 14-inch screen. Text is crisp, and images are highly detailed, eliminating visible pixels from a normal viewing distance.
• High Refresh Rate 90Hz or 120Hz: Many OLED configurations offer a refresh rate of 90Hz or even 120Hz. While not geared primarily for hardcore gaming, this higher refresh rate makes everyday interactions, like scrolling through web pages or navigating the OS, feel noticeably smoother and more fluid than standard 60Hz panels.
• Aspect Ratio: The 16:10 aspect ratio, common on these models, offers more vertical screen real estate compared to the traditional 16:9. This is particularly beneficial for productivity tasks, allowing more lines of code, paragraphs of text, or cells in a spreadsheet to be visible without excessive scrolling.

The combination of high resolution and a high refresh rate provides a truly premium visual experience that was once reserved for much more expensive laptops.

It’s a fantastic balance between sharpness and fluidity.

Calibration and Color Accuracy

• Factory Calibration: Many OLED panels in premium laptops, including those in the Pavilion Plus 14, come factory calibrated for good color accuracy. This means they are often capable of displaying 100% of the DCI-P3 color gamut, which is the standard for professional video production.
• Delta-E Values: Reviews often show low Delta-E values typically less than 2, indicating that the displayed colors are very close to their true values. This is crucial for graphic designers, photographers, or anyone for whom color fidelity is paramount.
• Viewing Angles: As with all OLEDs, viewing angles are practically perfect. Colors remain consistent and vibrant no matter how you look at the screen, making it great for sharing content with others.

This level of color accuracy and vibrancy is a significant advantage for creative professionals who might be on a tighter budget but still require a display that can accurately represent their work. Framework Laptop 13 (2021)

It also means that everyday users will simply enjoy a richer, more immersive visual experience for all their content.

Performance: Handling Everyday and Beyond

The HP Pavilion Plus 14 2023 is not just about looks.

It’s engineered to deliver solid performance for a wide range of users.

Depending on the configuration, it can handle everything from daily productivity tasks to more demanding workloads like light video editing or casual gaming.

Processor Options Intel 13th Gen / AMD Ryzen 7000 Series

• Intel 13th Gen Processors: Configurations featuring Intel’s 13th Gen “Raptor Lake” processors e.g., Core i5-13500H, Core i7-13700H offer a hybrid architecture with performance P cores and efficient E cores. This design excels in multi-threaded workloads while maintaining good power efficiency for lighter tasks.
  • Core i5-13500H: A strong choice for general productivity, web browsing, and multitasking.
  • Core i7-13700H: Provides a noticeable boost for more intensive applications like video encoding, complex spreadsheets, or light CAD work.
• AMD Ryzen 7000 Series Processors: Models with AMD’s Ryzen 7000 series e.g., Ryzen 5 7535HS, Ryzen 7 7735HS offer competitive multi-core performance and often superior integrated graphics compared to Intel’s offerings.
  • Ryzen 5 7535HS: Excellent for everyday use and light creative tasks, offering strong battery life.
  • Ryzen 7 7735HS: Delivers robust performance for demanding applications and offers a stronger integrated GPU for casual gaming.

The choice between Intel and AMD largely depends on specific workload needs.

Intel often holds an edge in single-core performance, while AMD often excels in multi-core performance and integrated graphics.

Both are highly capable and represent a significant leap over previous generations.

Integrated Graphics Capabilities

• Intel Iris Xe Graphics: Found in Intel 13th Gen models, Iris Xe provides a decent boost over older Intel integrated graphics. It’s capable of handling:
  • Casual Gaming: Older titles or less graphically demanding games at 1080p on low to medium settings e.g., Valorant, CS:GO, Rocket League.
  • Video Playback and Streaming: Smooth 4K video playback.
  • Light Photo/Video Editing: Adequate for basic photo edits in Photoshop or simple video edits in Premiere Rush.
• AMD Radeon 600M/700M Series Graphics: Integrated into AMD Ryzen 7000 series processors, these RDNA 2 or RDNA 3 architecture-based GPUs are generally more powerful than Intel’s Iris Xe. They offer:
  • Better Casual Gaming: Can often run more demanding titles at lower settings or provide higher frame rates in esports titles e.g., Grand Theft Auto V at playable frame rates, Fornite.
  • Enhanced Creative Acceleration: Better performance in applications that leverage GPU acceleration for tasks like video encoding or 3D rendering.

For those who might dabble in creative work or enjoy casual gaming, the AMD configurations with their stronger integrated graphics are often the more compelling option.

However, for most productivity users, Intel’s Iris Xe is more than sufficient.

RAM and Storage Configurations

• RAM Memory: The Pavilion Plus 14 2023 typically offers configurations with 8GB, 16GB, or sometimes even 32GB of LPDDR5 RAM.
  • 8GB RAM: Sufficient for basic tasks like web browsing, document editing, and light multitasking. However, with many browser tabs open or multiple applications running, it can become a bottleneck.
  • 16GB RAM: The sweet spot for most users, providing ample memory for heavy multitasking, creative work, and ensuring smooth operation even under moderate load. It’s highly recommended for future-proofing.
  • 32GB RAM: Ideal for power users, professional content creators, or developers who run virtual machines or extremely memory-intensive applications.
  • Note on Upgradability: Often, the RAM in these slim laptops is soldered onto the motherboard, meaning it’s not user-upgradable after purchase. Choose your RAM configuration wisely!
• Storage SSD: All modern configurations utilize fast NVMe PCIe Gen 4 SSDs, offering capacities of 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB.
  • 256GB SSD: Only suitable for very light users with minimal software and data. Fills up quickly.
  • 512GB SSD: A good starting point for most users, offering a balance between cost and storage capacity.
  • 1TB SSD: Recommended for users with large media libraries, extensive software installations, or those who need to store large project files.
  • Speed: NVMe SSDs provide significantly faster boot times, application loading, and file transfer speeds compared to older SATA SSDs or traditional HDDs.

For optimal performance and longevity, aiming for at least 16GB of RAM and a 512GB or 1TB NVMe SSD is generally recommended. Dell Alienware m18 (2023)

This setup ensures the laptop remains responsive and capable for years to come.

Connectivity and Ports: Staying Connected

The HP Pavilion Plus 14 2023 generally offers a well-rounded set of ports and modern wireless standards to keep you connected and productive.

Wired Connectivity

• USB-C Ports: The most versatile port, often supporting:
  • Power Delivery PD: For charging the laptop.
  • DisplayPort Alt Mode: For connecting external monitors.
  • Data Transfer: High-speed data transfer. Some models feature Thunderbolt 4 on Intel models or USB4 on AMD models, offering even faster speeds and expanded capabilities, such as connecting external GPUs eGPUs.
  • Typically, there are two USB-C ports, one on each side, allowing for flexible charging and peripheral connections.
• USB-A Ports: At least one, often two, traditional USB Type-A ports usually USB 3.2 Gen 1 or Gen 2 are included. These are essential for connecting older peripherals like mice, keyboards, or flash drives without needing an adapter.
• HDMI Port: A full-sized HDMI 2.0 or 2.1 port is usually present, allowing for easy connection to external monitors, TVs, or projectors for presentations or extended desktop setups.
• Headphone/Microphone Combo Jack: A standard 3.5mm jack for connecting headphones, external speakers, or headsets with a built-in microphone.
• SD Card Reader: While not always present, some configurations might include a microSD or full-sized SD card reader, which is a convenience for photographers or those who transfer files from cameras.

The inclusion of multiple USB-C ports, along with traditional USB-A and HDMI, ensures broad compatibility with a wide range of accessories and displays.

This reduces the need for cumbersome dongles for most users, which is a significant practical advantage.

For example, you can charge your laptop with one USB-C, connect an external monitor with the other, and still have USB-A for a flash drive.

For users who need more ports, a Anker 7-in-1 USB-C Hub is an excellent addition, expanding options for HDMI, more USB-A ports, and SD card slots if your model lacks them.

Wireless Standards Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2/5.3

• Wi-Fi 6E: This is the latest mainstream Wi-Fi standard, offering significant improvements over Wi-Fi 5 802.11ac and even standard Wi-Fi 6.
  • Faster Speeds: Wi-Fi 6E adds support for the 6GHz band, which is less congested than the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands. This translates to potentially faster, more stable connections, especially in crowded Wi-Fi environments like offices or apartments.
  • Lower Latency: Beneficial for online gaming or video conferencing.
  • Improved Efficiency: Better power management for longer battery life when connected to Wi-Fi.
  • Note: To fully leverage Wi-Fi 6E, you need a compatible Wi-Fi 6E router. Even without one, it’s backward compatible with older Wi-Fi standards.
• Bluetooth 5.2 or 5.3: These newer Bluetooth versions offer:
  • Increased Range: Connect devices further away from the laptop.
  • Faster Data Transfer: Quicker pairing and more reliable connections for accessories.
  • Improved Power Efficiency: Less drain on laptop battery when using Bluetooth peripherals.
  • LE Audio Support: Bluetooth 5.2 introduces LE Audio, which promises better audio quality and multi-stream capabilities for compatible headphones and speakers.

The inclusion of Wi-Fi 6E and the latest Bluetooth standards ensures that the Pavilion Plus 14 is well-equipped for the future of wireless connectivity.

This is particularly important for professionals who rely on stable internet connections for cloud-based work or virtual meetings, and for anyone who uses wireless headphones or mice, like the Logitech MX Master 3S Wireless Mouse or HP Spectre Rechargeable Mouse 700.

Battery Life and Charging: Powering Your Day

Battery life is a critical factor for any portable device, and the HP Pavilion Plus 14 2023 generally aims to provide sufficient endurance for a typical workday or study session. Dell XPS 14 (2024)

The actual battery life can vary significantly based on configuration and usage patterns.

Battery Capacity and Real-World Usage

• Battery Size: The Pavilion Plus 14 typically comes with a battery ranging from approximately 51 Wh Watt-hours to 68 Wh. Larger capacities generally translate to longer runtimes.
• Factors Influencing Battery Life:
  • Display Type: OLED displays, while stunning, can be more power-hungry than IPS LCDs, especially when displaying bright content.
  • Processor Choice: AMD Ryzen processors often demonstrate better power efficiency in lighter workloads compared to their Intel counterparts.
  • Workload Intensity: Streaming video, light web browsing, and document editing consume less power than video editing, heavy gaming, or running multiple demanding applications.
  • Brightness Settings: Running the screen at maximum brightness will significantly reduce battery life.
  • Wi-Fi Usage: Constant Wi-Fi connectivity and heavy network traffic also consume power.
• Expected Runtimes:
  • Light Usage Web browsing, document editing, video streaming: You can generally expect between 8 to 12 hours of battery life.
  • Moderate Usage Multitasking, light creative work: This might drop to 6 to 8 hours.
  • Heavy Usage Video rendering, intensive gaming: Battery life could be as low as 3 to 5 hours.

It’s important to set realistic expectations.

While HP may advertise “up to X hours,” real-world usage almost always results in lower figures.

For instance, if you’re consistently using the vibrant OLED display at high brightness while running CPU-intensive applications, you won’t hit the theoretical maximum.

For example, watching a 4K video on YouTube with the OLED panel at 75% brightness will consume more power than reading an e-book on a lower brightness IPS display.

Charging Speeds and Adapter Type

• USB-C Power Delivery PD: The Pavilion Plus 14 2023 typically charges via one of its USB-C ports, using the USB Power Delivery standard. This is a huge convenience as it means you can use a single charger for multiple devices laptop, phone, tablet if they also support USB-C PD.
• Adapter Wattage: HP usually includes a 65W or 90W USB-C power adapter. Higher wattage adapters can charge the laptop faster.
• Fast Charging Claims: HP often promotes “fast charging” capabilities, which can typically charge the laptop to 50% in about 30 to 45 minutes. This is incredibly useful for quick top-ups when you’re short on time.
• Compatibility with Third-Party Chargers: Because it uses USB-C PD, you can often use compatible third-party USB-C chargers e.g., from Anker, UGREEN if they meet the required wattage 65W or higher is recommended and support the PD standard. This offers flexibility and reduces reliance on proprietary chargers.

The move to USB-C charging is a welcome one, simplifying cable management and offering universal compatibility.

The fast-charging capability is particularly beneficial for users who are constantly on the go and need to quickly juice up their device between meetings or classes.

Software and Features: Beyond the Hardware

While the hardware specs get most of the attention, the software experience and integrated features play a crucial role in a laptop’s overall usability.

The HP Pavilion Plus 14 2023 comes with Windows 11 and a suite of HP-specific applications designed to enhance performance, security, and user experience.

Operating System: Windows 11 Home/Pro

• Windows 11: The laptop comes pre-installed with Windows 11, typically the Home edition, with Pro available on some business-focused or custom configurations. Windows 11 offers:
  • Refreshed User Interface: A modernized UI with a centered Start menu, rounded corners, and new animations.
  • Snap Layouts and Groups: Enhanced multitasking features that make it easier to arrange and manage multiple windows on your screen.
  • Widgets: A personalized feed of news, weather, and other information.
  • Microsoft Teams Integration: Built-in chat functionality for easier communication.
  • Android App Support via Amazon Appstore: Though limited, it offers the ability to run select Android apps natively.
• Performance Optimizations: Windows 11 is designed to be more efficient on modern hardware, including Intel’s hybrid architecture and AMD’s Zen 3/4 architectures, contributing to better performance and battery life.

Windows 11 provides a modern and intuitive operating environment, making the Pavilion Plus 14 feel current and responsive right out of the box.

Apple MacBook Air 15 (2023)

The multitasking features are particularly beneficial for productivity.

HP Pre-installed Software Bloatware and Useful Utilities

• HP Support Assistant: A valuable utility for managing drivers, checking system diagnostics, troubleshooting issues, and accessing HP support resources. It helps keep the laptop optimized and up-to-date.
• HP QuickDrop: A convenient app for wirelessly transferring files between your laptop and your smartphone iOS or Android, often faster and easier than traditional Bluetooth file sharing.
• myHP: A central hub for HP’s services, promotions, and product registration.
• McAfee LiveSafe Trial: Like many manufacturers, HP includes a trial version of McAfee antivirus. While it offers protection, users often prefer to uninstall it and use Windows Defender which is built-in and generally sufficient or their preferred antivirus solution due to performance overhead and pop-ups.
• Other Third-Party Apps: You might find other pre-installed apps like Dropbox promotions, ExpressVPN trials, or various casual games. These are often considered “bloatware” and can be uninstalled if not desired to free up storage and reduce background processes.

While some pre-installed software can be helpful, it’s a good practice to review and uninstall any unnecessary programs to optimize system performance and reduce clutter.

Think of it like decluttering your desk—you only want what genuinely serves a purpose.

Security Features

• Fingerprint Reader: Many Pavilion Plus 14 models include a fingerprint reader, often integrated into the power button. This provides a quick and secure way to log into Windows 11 via Windows Hello, eliminating the need to type passwords.
• TPM 2.0: All Windows 11 laptops are required to have a Trusted Platform Module TPM 2.0 chip, which is a hardware-based security feature that provides cryptographic functions and helps protect sensitive data and credentials.
• HP Sure Start: While more common on HP’s business-grade EliteBook and ProBook lines, some higher-end Pavilion models might include features like HP Sure Start, which automatically restores the BIOS to a known good state if it’s attacked or corrupted. Even if not explicitly included, the underlying security principles of modern laptops are robust.
• Webcam Privacy Shutter Physical: Some configurations may include a physical privacy shutter for the webcam, allowing users to physically block the camera when not in use. This offers peace of mind regarding privacy.

The inclusion of a fingerprint reader significantly enhances daily security and convenience.

Combined with Windows 11’s built-in security features and TPM 2.0, the Pavilion Plus 14 offers a robust security posture for most users.

Audio and Webcam: Communication and Entertainment

The HP Pavilion Plus 14 2023 aims to provide a satisfactory experience for both communication and multimedia consumption, recognizing that these aspects are increasingly important for remote work, online learning, and entertainment.

Audio Quality Speakers and Headphone Jack

• Dual Speakers with HP Audio Boost: The laptop typically features dual, down-firing speakers, often enhanced with “HP Audio Boost” technology, and sometimes tuned by Bang & Olufsen though B&O tuning is more common on higher-end HP lines like Spectre and Envy.
• Sound Profile: The audio quality is generally acceptable for casual listening, video calls, and background podcast. Expect clear dialogue in videos and decent mid-range presence.
• Bass Response: As with most thin and light laptops, don’t expect booming bass. The speakers are limited by their size and placement, so deep bass will be lacking.
• Volume: They can get reasonably loud for personal use or a small room, but won’t fill a large space.
• Headphone Jack: The standard 3.5mm headphone/microphone combo jack provides a much better audio experience, especially when paired with quality headphones. This is where you’ll get the best sound fidelity for podcast and immersive experiences.

For critical listening or immersive media, external speakers or headphones are always recommended.

However, for everyday use, the built-in speakers are perfectly adequate.

Webcam and Microphone Array

• Webcam Resolution: The Pavilion Plus 14 2023 usually features a 5MP or Full HD 1080p webcam. This is a significant improvement over the ubiquitous 720p webcams found in many laptops.
  • 1080p Webcam Benefits: Delivers sharper, clearer images, making you look more professional and presentable in video conferences and online meetings. It also performs better in varied lighting conditions compared to 720p.
• Temporal Noise Reduction TNR: HP often incorporates TNR technology into its webcams. This helps reduce visual noise and graininess, especially in low-light environments, resulting in a cleaner image.
• Dual Array Microphones: The laptop is equipped with dual array microphones. These microphones are designed to pick up your voice clearly while attempting to reduce background noise, making your voice more prominent during calls.
• AI Noise Cancellation Software-based: Many HP laptops now include software-based AI noise cancellation for microphones. This can filter out common background sounds like keyboard clicks, air conditioning hums, or even distant voices, ensuring your voice comes through more clearly to others.

The improved webcam and microphone setup are excellent for anyone who relies on video calls for work, school, or staying connected with friends and family. Acer Swift Go 14 (2024)

The 1080p resolution and noise reduction features make a noticeable difference in the quality of your virtual presence.

This is a vital feature for the era of hybrid work and learning.

Value Proposition and Target Audience

The HP Pavilion Plus 14 2023 carves out a compelling niche in the competitive laptop market by offering a blend of premium features and solid performance at a mid-range price point.

Understanding its value proposition and who it’s best for is key to deciding if it’s the right laptop for you.

Price Point and Competitive Landscape

• Mid-Range Positioning: The Pavilion Plus 14 typically falls into the $700 to $1,200 price range, depending heavily on the configuration processor, RAM, storage, and especially the display type. This positions it directly against popular models from Dell Inspiron series, Lenovo IdeaPad series, Acer Swift series, and Asus VivoBook series.
• OLED Advantage: What often sets it apart at its price point is the availability of a high-resolution OLED display, which is usually reserved for significantly more expensive flagship laptops. This display alone adds tremendous value for visual quality.
• Performance for the Price: The inclusion of Intel H-series or AMD HS-series processors higher-performing mobile chips rather than U-series lower-power, lower-performance chips in a non-gaming laptop at this price is also a strong selling point.
• Value for Money: It often delivers performance and features that punch above its weight class, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers who still want a premium feel and display.

Compared to more expensive alternatives like the Dell XPS 13/14 or MacBook Air, the Pavilion Plus 14 offers a very similar core experience excellent display, good performance for daily tasks but at a fraction of the cost, often compromising only on certain aspects like raw build material refinement or ultimate portability.

Ideal User Profiles

• Students:
  • Why: Excellent balance of portability, performance for essays and research, vibrant display for entertainment, and a comfortable keyboard for note-taking. The strong battery life is also a plus for classes and library sessions.
  • Example Use: Writing papers, attending online lectures, streaming educational videos, casual gaming during downtime.
• Home Users / Casual Users:
  • Why: Superb display for media consumption movies, photos, reliable performance for web browsing, emails, online shopping, and managing household tasks. It’s a significant upgrade from entry-level machines.
  • Example Use: Streaming Netflix/YouTube, video calls with family, photo viewing, online banking, managing personal files.
• Hybrid Workers / Small Business Professionals:
  • Why: Good performance for office applications Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, excellent webcam for virtual meetings, and sufficient portability for commuting between home and office. The OLED display is a bonus for presentations or reviewing documents.
  • Example Use: Online meetings, creating presentations, managing spreadsheets, responding to emails, light content creation.
• Light Content Creators Photographers, Casual Video Editors:
  • Why: The OLED display’s color accuracy and vibrancy are a huge asset for photo editing. The H/HS series processors and ample RAM 16GB recommended can handle lighter video editing tasks.
  • Example Use: Editing photos in Adobe Lightroom/Photoshop, basic video cuts in Premiere Rush or DaVinci Resolve, graphic design work.
• Users Upgrading from Older Laptops:
  • Why: Offers a significant leap in performance, display quality, and modern features USB-C, Wi-Fi 6E compared to laptops that are 3-5 years old or more, providing a refreshed and snappy experience.

The Pavilion Plus 14 is generally not ideal for serious gamers due to lack of a dedicated GPU or heavy-duty professional content creators who need more powerful dedicated graphics and workstation-grade CPUs. However, for the vast majority of mainstream users, it offers an outstanding package.

Environmental Considerations: Sustainability in Tech

In an increasingly environmentally conscious world, the sustainability practices of tech manufacturers and the eco-friendliness of their products are becoming more important.

HP, like many major brands, has been making efforts to incorporate more sustainable practices into the production of devices like the HP Pavilion Plus 14 2023.

Use of Recycled Materials

• Post-Consumer Recycled PCR Plastics: HP often incorporates PCR plastics in components like the speaker enclosures, display bezels, and even keycaps. This reduces the demand for virgin plastics and helps divert waste from landfills.
• Ocean-Bound Plastic: Some HP products specifically highlight the use of ocean-bound plastic in certain components, further contributing to efforts to clean up coastal areas and prevent plastic from entering the ocean.
• Recycled Aluminum: The use of recycled aluminum in the chassis or lid not only adds to the premium feel but also significantly reduces the energy required for production compared to primary aluminum.

By using these recycled materials, HP aims to lessen the environmental footprint of its manufacturing processes.

This is a step towards a circular economy, where resources are kept in use for as long as possible. ASUS Zenbook 14 Flip OLED (2023)

For example, if a certain percentage of the laptop’s plastic components are PCR, it means fewer new plastics need to be manufactured.

Energy Efficiency and Certifications

• ENERGY STAR® Certification: The Pavilion Plus 14, like most modern HP laptops, is typically ENERGY STAR® certified. This indicates that it meets strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
• EPEAT® Registered: Many HP products are also EPEAT® Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool registered. EPEAT rates electronics based on a comprehensive set of environmental criteria, including material selection, design for longevity, product lifespan extension, and end-of-life management. Higher EPEAT ratings e.g., Gold or Silver signify greater environmental performance.
• Low Halogen: HP aims for its products to be low halogen, reducing the use of certain harmful chemicals in components.

These certifications and design choices mean the laptop consumes less power during operation, reducing electricity bills and the carbon footprint associated with energy generation.

It also implies a commitment to minimizing hazardous substances.

Packaging and End-of-Life Management

• Sustainable Packaging: HP has been moving towards more sustainable packaging solutions, often using 100% sustainably sourced, recyclable materials for its outer boxes and internal cushioning. This includes avoiding Styrofoam and using molded fiber or recycled pulp instead.
• Take-Back and Recycling Programs: HP offers various product take-back and recycling programs for its electronics globally. This allows consumers to responsibly dispose of their old devices, ensuring that valuable materials are recovered and hazardous materials are handled properly, preventing them from ending up in landfills. This extends to accessories as well. if you’re upgrading your Samsung T7 Portable SSD 1TB or your old Dell UltraSharp U2723QE Monitor, check for manufacturer recycling options.

While no electronic device is entirely “green,” these efforts demonstrate HP’s commitment to reducing the environmental impact across the product lifecycle, from sourcing materials to manufacturing, energy consumption, and eventual recycling.

Choosing products from companies actively working on these fronts contributes to a more sustainable tech industry.

FAQs

What is the HP Pavilion Plus 14 2023?

The HP Pavilion Plus 14 2023 is a mid-range laptop known for offering a premium feel, often featuring a vibrant OLED display option, and solid performance driven by Intel 13th Gen or AMD Ryzen 7000 series processors, all at a competitive price point.

What are the main improvements in the 2023 model compared to previous Pavilion Plus 14 iterations?

The 2023 model typically features upgraded processors Intel 13th Gen or AMD Ryzen 7000 series, improved display options especially the high-resolution OLED panel, and often refined build quality with more use of aluminum.

Does the HP Pavilion Plus 14 2023 have an OLED display?

Yes, many configurations of the HP Pavilion Plus 14 2023 offer a stunning OLED display option, typically with a 2.8K 2880 x 1800 resolution and often a 90Hz or 120Hz refresh rate.

Is the OLED display worth the extra cost on the Pavilion Plus 14?

Yes, for users who prioritize visual quality for media consumption, creative work, or simply appreciate vibrant colors and deep blacks, the OLED display is generally considered a significant upgrade and well worth the extra investment. Acer Chromebook Plus 514 (2023)

What processors are available in the HP Pavilion Plus 14 2023?

The laptop typically comes with either Intel’s 13th Gen H-series processors e.g., Core i5-13500H, Core i7-13700H or AMD’s Ryzen 7000 series HS-series processors e.g., Ryzen 5 7535HS, Ryzen 7 7735HS.

Can the HP Pavilion Plus 14 2023 be used for gaming?

Yes, it can handle casual gaming and esports titles due to its strong integrated graphics Intel Iris Xe or AMD Radeon 600M/700M series. However, it is not designed for demanding AAA gaming as it lacks a dedicated graphics card.

What is the battery life like on the Pavilion Plus 14 2023?

Battery life varies but generally ranges from 8 to 12 hours for light usage, dropping to 6-8 hours for moderate tasks, and 3-5 hours for heavy workloads.

OLED displays can slightly reduce battery life compared to IPS LCDs.

How much RAM does the HP Pavilion Plus 14 2023 support?

It typically comes with 8GB, 16GB, or 32GB of LPDDR5 RAM.

Most configurations have soldered RAM, meaning it is not user-upgradable after purchase.

Is the RAM upgradable on the HP Pavilion Plus 14 2023?

No, in most slim and light laptops like the Pavilion Plus 14, the RAM is soldered onto the motherboard and cannot be upgraded by the user.

What storage options are available?

The HP Pavilion Plus 14 2023 uses fast NVMe PCIe Gen 4 SSDs, with common capacities of 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB.

Does the Pavilion Plus 14 2023 have a good keyboard?

Yes, it generally features a comfortable keyboard with decent key travel and tactile feedback, often with backlighting, making it suitable for long typing sessions.

What type of ports does the HP Pavilion Plus 14 2023 have?

It usually includes multiple USB-C ports often supporting Power Delivery and DisplayPort Alt Mode, sometimes Thunderbolt 4/USB4, at least one USB-A port, an HDMI port, and a headphone/microphone combo jack. Some models may also have an SD card reader. Acer Chromebook 315 (2020)

Does it support Thunderbolt 4 or USB4?

Yes, depending on the processor configuration, Intel models often support Thunderbolt 4, while AMD models may support USB4, offering high-speed data transfer and versatile connectivity.

What kind of webcam does it have?

The HP Pavilion Plus 14 2023 typically features a 5MP or Full HD 1080p webcam, which is a significant improvement over standard 720p webcams, providing clearer video for calls.

Does the webcam have a privacy shutter?

Some configurations of the HP Pavilion Plus 14 2023 may include a physical privacy shutter for the webcam for added security.

What wireless connectivity options are available?

It supports modern wireless standards such as Wi-Fi 6E for faster and more stable internet connections, and Bluetooth 5.2 or 5.3 for connecting peripherals.

Is the HP Pavilion Plus 14 2023 good for video editing?

For light to moderate video editing, especially with the higher-end processors and 16GB+ RAM, it can perform well.

For professional-grade or heavy video editing, a laptop with a dedicated GPU would be more suitable.

Is the HP Pavilion Plus 14 2023 portable?

Yes, with a typical weight of 3.0 to 3.2 pounds 1.36-1.45 kg and a slim profile, it is highly portable and easy to carry around.

What operating system does it run?

The HP Pavilion Plus 14 2023 comes pre-installed with Windows 11 Home.

Does it come with bloatware?

Like many new laptops, it may come with some pre-installed HP utilities and third-party trial software e.g., McAfee. Most of these can be uninstalled if not desired.

Does it have a fingerprint reader?

Yes, many configurations of the Pavilion Plus 14 2023 include a fingerprint reader, often integrated into the power button, for secure and convenient login via Windows Hello. ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 (2022)

What is the audio quality like?

The audio quality from the built-in speakers is generally acceptable for casual listening and video calls, with HP Audio Boost enhancing the sound.

For premium audio, external headphones or speakers are recommended.

Can I charge the HP Pavilion Plus 14 2023 with a standard USB-C charger?

Yes, it charges via USB-C Power Delivery PD, so you can use compatible third-party USB-C PD chargers of sufficient wattage 65W or higher recommended.

What kind of cooling system does it have?

The Pavilion Plus 14 typically employs a single or dual-fan cooling system designed to keep temperatures in check during normal use.

For intensive tasks, some thermal throttling might occur, common for slim laptops.

Is the HP Pavilion Plus 14 2023 good for students?

Yes, its portability, strong performance for academic tasks, comfortable keyboard, and excellent display make it an ideal choice for students.

Is the HP Pavilion Plus 14 2023 good for professionals?

Yes, for professionals who primarily use office applications, attend virtual meetings, and need a portable device, the Pavilion Plus 14 offers a compelling package, especially with the 1080p webcam and strong processors.

What accessories are recommended for the HP Pavilion Plus 14 2023?

Recommended accessories include an ergonomic wireless mouse like the Logitech MX Master 3S Wireless Mouse, a Anker 7-in-1 USB-C Hub for expanded connectivity, and a Samsung T7 Portable SSD 1TB for external storage.

What external monitor is compatible with the HP Pavilion Plus 14 2023?

Any external monitor with HDMI or USB-C DisplayPort Alt Mode input is compatible, such as the Dell UltraSharp U2723QE Monitor, which offers high resolution and professional features. ASUS ROG Zephyrus G16 (2024) GU605

Does HP offer any sustainability initiatives for the Pavilion Plus 14?

Yes, HP often incorporates post-consumer recycled plastics and recycled aluminum in its construction, uses sustainable packaging, and offers product take-back and recycling programs.

It is also typically ENERGY STAR® and EPEAT® certified.

What is the aspect ratio of the display?

The HP Pavilion Plus 14 2023 typically features a 16:10 aspect ratio display, which provides more vertical screen real estate compared to the traditional 16:9, beneficial for productivity.