HP 15 fd1255TU Review: The AI-Powered Everyday Laptop
In the ever-evolving world of laptops, HP’s 15 fd1255TU stands out as a compelling option for users seeking a balance between performance, AI capabilities, and everyday usability. Powered by Intel’s innovative Core Ultra 5 125H processor with integrated Neural Processing Unit (NPU), this laptop promises to deliver “productivity at the speed of life.” But does it live up to the hype? Our in-depth review covers everything from specifications and performance to pricing and value proposition.
Detailed Specifications
| Processor & Performance | |
|---|---|
| Processor Model | Intel Core Ultra 5 125H (Meteor Lake) |
| Total Cores/Threads | 14 Cores (4P + 8E + 2LP) / 18 Threads |
| Max Turbo Frequency | Up to 4.5 GHz (Performance cores) |
| Cache | 18MB Intel Smart Cache |
| NPU (AI Boost) | 11 TOPS AI performance |
| TDP | 28W (Base), up to 115W (Turbo) |
| RAM | 16GB DDR5-5600MHz (Soldered) |
| Storage | 1TB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD (Expandable) |
| Display & Graphics | |
|---|---|
| Display Size | 15.6″ Full HD (1920×1080) |
| Display Type | IPS, Anti-glare, Micro-edge |
| Brightness | 300 nits |
| Color Gamut | 45% NTSC |
| Graphics | Intel Arc Graphics (7 Xe-cores, up to 2.2 GHz) |
| Graphics Features | DirectX 12.2, OpenGL 4.6, OpenCL 3.0 |
| Video Codec Support | H.264, H.265 (HEVC), AV1, VP9 |
| Design & Connectivity | |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 35.98 x 23.6 x 1.86 cm (14.17 x 9.29 x 0.73 in) |
| Weight | 1.65 kg (3.63 lbs) |
| Build Materials | Recycled plastic, Ocean-bound plastic |
| Color | Natural Silver |
| Ports | 2x USB-A 5Gbps, 1x USB-C 10Gbps (PD/DP), HDMI 1.4b, Headphone/mic combo |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi 6 (2×2), Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Webcam | HP True Vision 1080p FHD with privacy shutter |
| Audio | Dual speakers, Dual array digital mics, AI Noise Removal |
| Battery & Software | |
|---|---|
| Battery Capacity | 3-cell, 41 Wh Li-ion polymer |
| Battery Life | Up to 6-7 hours (mixed usage) |
| Charging | 65W Smart AC adapter, HP Fast Charge (50% in 45 mins) |
| Operating System | Windows 11 Home Single Language |
| Included Software | Microsoft Office Home 2024 (perpetual license), M365 Basic (1yr) |
| Security | Fingerprint reader, Camera shutter, McAfee LiveSafe (30-day trial) |
| Certifications | ENERGY STAR®, EPEAT® Gold |
Price Comparison Sheet
| Region | Configuration | Price (New) | Price (Refurbished) | Best Deal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India (INR) | Ultra 5 125H, 16GB, 1TB | ₹60,990 – ₹71,999 | ₹52,000 – ₹58,000 | Amazon India (₹60,990) |
| UAE (AED) | Ultra 5 125H, 16GB, 512GB | AED 2,799 | AED 2,299 | Sharaf DG (AED 2,799) |
| USA (USD) | Ultra 5 125H, 16GB, 512GB | $967.79 | $479.99 | eBay Refurbished ($479.99) |
| UK (£) | Ultra 5 125H, 16GB, 512GB | £849.99 | £599.99 | HP Official Store (£849.99) |
| Europe (€) | Ultra 5 125H, 16GB, 1TB | €999 | €749 | Amazon DE (€999) |
Price Alert:
Prices fluctuate frequently, especially during seasonal sales. The 1TB SSD model typically costs 15-20% more than the 512GB variant. Certified refurbished units offer the best value with savings of 30-50% off retail prices, often with warranty included.
Performance: Intel Core Ultra 5 125H with AI Boost
The star of the show is undoubtedly the Intel Core Ultra 5 125H processor, part of Intel’s Meteor Lake lineup. This 14-core, 18-thread CPU features a hybrid architecture with:
- 4 Performance-cores (P-cores) for demanding tasks
- 8 Efficient-cores (E-cores) for scalable performance
- 2 Low Power Efficient-cores (LP E-cores) for background processes
The processor can boost up to 4.5 GHz on its P-cores and includes 18MB of Intel Smart Cache. With a base TDP of 28W (scalable up to 115W), it offers a balance between performance and power efficiency.
AI Capabilities with Intel AI Boost
The dedicated Neural Processing Unit (NPU) is what makes this laptop truly “AI-powered.” Capable of 11 TOPS (Tera Operations Per Second), the NPU accelerates AI workloads like:
- Real-time language processing and translation
- Image and video recognition
- AI Noise Removal for clearer video calls
- Background blur and video effects
By offloading these tasks from the main CPU and GPU, the NPU improves efficiency and battery life while enabling smoother performance in AI-enhanced applications.
Pros
- Powerful Intel Core Ultra 5 125H with dedicated NPU for AI tasks
- 16GB DDR5 RAM and 1TB PCIe NVMe SSD offer great performance
- Vibrant 15.6″ Full HD IPS display with anti-glare coating
- Sustainable design with recycled materials
- Good port selection including USB-C with Power Delivery
- Includes full Office 2024 license (not just a trial)
Cons
- Battery life could be better for an ultrabook-class device
- No Thunderbolt support on USB-C port
- HDMI 1.4b limits external display capabilities
- Configuration variations can be confusing (verify specs before buying)
Verdict: Who Should Buy the HP 15 fd1255TU?
The HP 15 fd1255TU is an excellent choice for students, professionals, and home users who need a well-rounded laptop with modern AI capabilities. Its Intel Core Ultra 5 125H processor delivers strong performance for everyday tasks and light content creation, while the NPU future-proofs it for AI-enhanced applications.
The combination of 16GB RAM and 1TB SSD provides ample power and storage for most users, and the sustainable design is a bonus for environmentally conscious buyers. While battery life could be better and the display is limited to 1080p, these are reasonable compromises at this price point.
Best for: Users who want a future-ready laptop with AI capabilities, good performance, and sustainable design without breaking the bank.
Not ideal for: Gamers or professionals needing discrete graphics, or those who prioritize all-day battery life over performance.
If you’re looking for a capable everyday laptop that’s ready for the AI future, the HP 15 fd1255TU deserves strong consideration, especially when found at a good discount or as a certified refurbished unit.
