In selecting between the ASUS Zenbook 14 and the HP Pavilion 15, consider how much you value portability versus performance in specific tasks. The ASUS Zenbook 14 is generally lighter and more compact, making it easier to carry around, and it may also have a more premium build quality. On the other hand, the HP Pavilion 15 typically offers a larger screen and possibly better performance for demanding applications, which can be a significant advantage for tasks like video editing, engineering software, or gaming. If you prefer a laptop that's easier to travel with and fits a tighter budget, the ASUS might be the way to go. However, if your work requires a bigger display and more powerful hardware, and you don't mind spending a bit more, the HP Pavilion 15 would likely serve you better. Keep in mind that a larger screen and more powerful components can also mean a heavier device with potentially shorter battery life, so you’ll need to balance these aspects with your mobility needs and the nature of your typical tasks. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the ASUS Zenbook 14
Good for engineering and design
Good for software development
Very good overall display quality
Good overall build quality
Very good portability
Good battery life
Good speakers
Very good keyboard
Advantages of the HP Pavilion 15
The HP Pavilion 15 has no clear advantages over the ASUS Zenbook 14.
Key differences
Engineering and Design
7.2/10
6.2/10
7.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
4.2/10
3.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.6/10
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The ASUS Zenbook 14 is good for engineering and design, while the HP Pavilion 15 is only fair.
The ASUS Zenbook 14 is well-suited for engineering and design due to a more capable CPU and GPU, an OLED screen with a higher resolution and color accuracy, making it better for tasks requiring graphic precision. In contrast, the HP Pavilion 15, while offering more RAM and storage, has a lower-tier CPU and GPU and a TN screen with less favorable color accuracy and resolution, which could limit performance and visual fidelity in engineering and design applications.
Software Development
7.2/10
6.6/10
7.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
4.2/10
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
2880 x 1800
RESOLUTION
1366 x 768
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
6.2/10
The ASUS Zenbook 14 is good for software development, while the HP Pavilion 15 is only fair.
PerfectRec’s Software Development Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for software developers.
Screen Quality
8.3/10
5.3/10
14.0in
SIZE
15.6in
2880 x 1800
RESOLUTION
1366 x 768
OLED
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
TN
90Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
339.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
220.0 nits
The ASUS Zenbook 14 has a better screen than the HP Pavilion 15 for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, and software development.
If you prioritize a sharp, vibrant display for everyday tasks like browsing and watching videos, the ASUS Zenbook 14 offers a high resolution and brightness, making it an excellent choice. For engineering and design work that demands color precision, this laptop's coverage of color gamuts ensures that designs will look accurate and vivid. However, if you're into fast-paced gaming or 3D modeling, the Zenbook's lower refresh rate may lead to less smooth visuals compared to laptops designed with higher refresh rates specifically for these purposes.
Battery
8.0 Hours
3.0 Hours
The ASUS Zenbook 14 has 8 hours of battery life. The HP Pavilion 15 has 3 hours of battery life.
Battery life estimate is based on a mix of common use patterns. More portable and higher performing laptops tend to have less battery life.
Portability
Very Good
Good
14.0in
SIZE
15.6in
3.0 lbs
WEIGHT
3.7 lbs
0.6in
THICKNESS
0.7in
The ASUS Zenbook 14 has very good portability, while the HP Pavilion 15 has good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
7.8/10
6.2/10
The ASUS Zenbook 14 has good build quality, while the HP Pavilion 15 has only fair build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$300
$570
$0
$200
$400
$600
$800
$1,000
The ASUS Zenbook 14 has a price of $300 and the HP Pavilion 15 costs $570.
The ASUS Zenbook 14 and HP Pavilion 15 are both good for general use.
The ASUS Zenbook 14 offers a superior screen quality with high resolution and an OLED display, combined with a decent processor and lightweight design, making it fairly suited for general use; the HP Pavilion 15, despite having more storage and RAM, suffers from a lower-quality TN panel and a less powerful CPU, but excels in heat management and has a longer-lasting battery, earning its good general use standing.
Gaming and AI
6.1/10
6.0/10
3.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.6/10
2880 x 1800
RESOLUTION
1366 x 768
90Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
6.5/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
8.7/10
The ASUS Zenbook 14 and HP Pavilion 15 are both only fair for gaming and AI.
The ASUS Zenbook 14 is equipped with a higher screen refresh rate, which makes gaming and 3D applications smoother, and its OLED screen delivers better quality with higher brightness and color coverage. In contrast, the HP Pavilion 15, despite having a larger screen, offers lower refresh rates and screen quality due to its TN panel with diminished brightness and color accuracy, which can affect the gaming and 3D experience.
Content Creation
7.3/10
7.1/10
7.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
4.2/10
2880 x 1800
RESOLUTION
1366 x 768
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
OLED
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
TN
The ASUS Zenbook 14 and HP Pavilion 15 are both good for content creation.
PerfectRec’s Content Creation Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for photo editing, video editing and other content creation tasks.
Give feedback
We’re constantly working to improve.
How the ASUS Zenbook 14 and the HP Pavilion 15 compare to other laptops
"Users who travel frequently and are looking for a portable laptop are in the right place with the Asus ZenBook 14. The sleek case is extremely light (1.2 kg) and surprisingly thin (1.5 cm). Outdoor use is also enjoyable thanks to the bright Full HD display, which is something that can rarely be said about laptops with TN or IPS panels. The excellent battery life complements this as well. Longer trips are no problem with the ZenBook 14. Another plus point is the high-performance Ryzen 7 5700U, which often leaves the Intel competition in the dust thanks to its large number of cores."
"The HP Pavilion 15 carries a fair amount of power and a sharp display in its handsome slimline shell. It's not perfect, but it's a hard worker. This is wonderfully designed and totes a heck of a lot of desktop power, with the added benefit of a decent webcam and a full-sized keyboard. If you're getting down to business on a budget, it's a great fit."
Get a great deal on the ASUS Zenbook 14 or the HP Pavilion 15
About ASUS
ASUS, a Taiwanese electronics brand, is one of the largest personal computer vendor by market share. The majority of their laptops are targeted towards personal use or gaming. Their most popular product lines include the budget-friendly VivoBook, more premium ZenBook, and their TUF and ROG gaming laptops, the latter of which has a reputation for excellent gaming performance.
About HP
HP, also known as Hewlett-Packard, is an American technology company that develops personal computers and computer peripherals. In the laptop industry, HP is known for its entry level Essential series laptops, its mid-range Pavilion, Envy, and Victus series, and high-end Omen and Spectre series, in addition to its business-oriented EliteBook, ProBook, and Dragonfly series laptops. HP laptops generally undercut other mainstream competitors in terms of price, placing itself as the value-oriented mainstream brand.
This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec laptops team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest laptop information and makes it digestible for you.
By the numbers
380
Laptops evaluated
48,640
Laptops stats compiled
13
Proprietary Laptops ratings developed
116,295
Recommendations made
25,198
Consumer hours saved
About the laptop team
Joe Golden, Ph.D
CEO and Laptops Editor
Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
Jason Lew
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Jason is a staff expert and software engineer that has been making laptop recommendations for 7 years and moderates one of the largest laptop subreddits.
Chandradeep Chowdhury
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
Craig Russell
Laptops Expert
Craig is a UK-based laptops expert. Craig works in IT, where he recommends and supports laptops and PCs for clients and has been recommending laptops on Reddit for five years.