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Updated January 12, 2024·
If you're looking for a more wallet-friendly option, the HP Pavilion 15 stands out with its lower price point compared to the Lenovo ThinkPad Z16. However, the ThinkPad Z16 typically offers stronger performance and a higher-quality screen with its OLED display. The ThinkPad also tends to have a more robust build often associated with Lenovo's ThinkPad line. It's heavier though, which may impact portability. Additionally, the ThinkPad might be more suitable for demanding applications like engineering, 3D rendering or machine learning, while the HP Pavilion 15 is more aligned with general use due to its modest performance capabilities. If long-lasting battery life is a priority, these aspects will also differ, with the ThinkPad generally providing longer usage on a single charge. 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 HP Pavilion 15
- The HP Pavilion 15 has no clear advantages over the Lenovo ThinkPad Z16.
Advantages of the Lenovo ThinkPad Z16
- Very good for general use
- Very good for engineering and design
- Very good for software development
- Very good for content creation
- Very good overall display quality
- Very good overall build quality
- Good battery life
- Best in class speakers
- Excellent keyboard
Key differences
General Use
7.0
8.6
1366 x 768
RESOLUTION
3840 x 2400
TN
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
OLED
220.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
393.0 nits
3.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
7.0 Hours
6.2/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
9.0/10
7.7/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
7.8/10
The Lenovo ThinkPad Z16 is very good for general use, while the HP Pavilion 15 is good.
The HP Pavilion 15 offers decent performance with adequate CPU and RAM for routine tasks, but its screen quality and battery life may not impress users seeking more vibrant visuals and longer unplugged usage. The Lenovo ThinkPad Z16 stands out with a superior processor, more memory, a high-resolution OLED touch screen, and a more robust battery, making it well-suited for those who prioritize screen quality and multitasking capabilities in their general use laptops.
Gaming and AI
6.0
6.7
3.6/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
4.6/10
1366 x 768
RESOLUTION
3840 x 2400
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
8.7/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
8.0/10
The Lenovo ThinkPad Z16 and HP Pavilion 15 are both only fair for gaming and AI, though the Lenovo ThinkPad Z16 is somewhat better.
The HP Pavilion 15 is fair for gaming and 3D tasks primarily because it has an integrated Intel UHD GPU, which is less powerful than dedicated gaming GPUs, and its standard 60Hz screen refresh rate isn't the ideal for fast-paced gaming that benefits from higher refresh rates. Conversely, the Lenovo ThinkPad Z16 is better for these activities, offering a more robust AMD RX 6500M dedicated GPU and an OLED screen with higher resolution and screen quality, although it also has a standard 60Hz refresh rate.
Engineering and Design
6.2
8.4
4.2/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
7.4/10
3.6/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
4.6/10
16.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
The Lenovo ThinkPad Z16 is very good for engineering and design, while the HP Pavilion 15 is only fair.
The Lenovo ThinkPad Z16 is superior for engineering and design due to its stronger CPU and GPU, double the RAM, and an OLED screen with higher resolution and color accuracy compared to the HP Pavilion 15's average-performing CPU, integrated graphics, and a basic TN panel with lower resolution. Although the ThinkPad Z16 has better performance, its slightly heavier weight and larger screen size may impact portability compared to the lighter and more compact HP Pavilion 15.
Content Creation
7.1
8.5
4.2/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
7.4/10
1366 x 768
RESOLUTION
3840 x 2400
16.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
TN
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
OLED
The Lenovo ThinkPad Z16 is very good for content creation, while the HP Pavilion 15 is good.
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.
Software Development
6.6
8.2
4.2/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
7.4/10
16.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
1366 x 768
RESOLUTION
3840 x 2400
6.2/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
9.0/10
The Lenovo ThinkPad Z16 is very 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
5.3
8.5
15.6in
SIZE
16.0in
1366 x 768
RESOLUTION
3840 x 2400
TN
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
OLED
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
220.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
393.0 nits
The Lenovo ThinkPad Z16 has a better screen than the HP Pavilion 15 for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, content creation, and software development.
The HP Pavilion 15 may have a screen that lacks the high resolution, brightness, and quality panel type that users look for in everyday activities, leading to a less vibrant and sharp viewing experience. In comparison, the Lenovo ThinkPad Z16 offers a superior screen with the high resolution, brightness, and wide color gamuts essential for professionals in engineering and design, ensuring accurate color representation and detailed images. However, for gaming and 3D applications where fast on-screen action is common, both laptops fall short due to their screens' lower refresh rates, which can result in less fluid motion and slower response times.
Battery
3.0 Hours
7.0 Hours
The HP Pavilion 15 has 3 hours of battery life. The Lenovo ThinkPad Z16 has 7 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.
Build Quality
6.2
8.0
The Lenovo ThinkPad Z16 has very 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
$600
$1,120
$0
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
The HP Pavilion 15 has a price of $600 and the Lenovo ThinkPad Z16 costs $1,120.
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Key similarities
Portability
Good
Good
15.6in
SIZE
16.0in
3.7 lbs
WEIGHT
4.2 lbs
0.7in
THICKNESS
0.6in
The Lenovo ThinkPad Z16 and HP Pavilion 15 both have good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
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How the HP Pavilion 15 and the Lenovo ThinkPad Z16 compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| HP Pavilion 15 | Lenovo ThinkPad Z16 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$600 | $1,120 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | August 1, 2020 | May 1, 2023 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 14.1'' x 9.5'' x 0.71'' | 14'' x 9.4'' x 0.62'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 3.75 lbs | 4.27 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 14.1" | 13.95" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 9.53" | 9.35" | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | Intel i3-1115G4 | AMD Ryzen 7 6850H | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 16 GB | 32 GB | |
DDR Memory Version | |||
DDR Memory Version | 4 | 5 | |
RAM Slots | |||
RAM Slots | 2 | 0 | |
Storage | |||
Storage | 1024 GB | 2048 GB | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 3 Hours | 7 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 51 Wh | 72 Wh | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Diagonal Size | |||
Diagonal Size | 15.6" | 16" | |
Display Technology | |||
Display Technology | TN | OLED | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 1366 x 768 | 3840 x 2400 | |
Refresh Rate | |||
Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | |
Display Brightness | |||
Display Brightness | 220 nits | 393 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 6.3/10 | 8/10 | |
Portability Score | |||
Portability Score | 7.8/10 | 7.9/10 | |
Gaming Laptop Appearance | |||
Gaming Laptop Appearance | No | No | |
Premium Business Laptop | |||
Premium Business Laptop | No | Yes | |
Fan Noise Score | |||
Fan Noise Score | 8.8/10 | 8/10 | |
HARDWARE FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Keyboard Quality Score | |||
Keyboard Quality Score | 6.3/10 | 9/10 | |
Speaker Quality Score | |||
Speaker Quality Score | 6.5/10 | 9.6/10 | |
Webcam | |||
Webcam | 720p | 1080p | |
Fingerprint Reader | |||
Fingerprint Reader | No | Yes | |
Backlit Keyboard | |||
Backlit Keyboard | No | Yes | |
Number Pad | |||
Number Pad | Yes | No | |
CONNECTIVITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
USB Type-A | |||
USB Type-A | 2 | 0 | |
USB-C ports | |||
USB-C ports | 1 | 3 | |
USB-C Charging | |||
USB-C Charging | No | Yes | |
Display Outputs | |||
Display Outputs | 1 | 3 | |
Thunderbolt Ports | |||
Thunderbolt Ports | 0 | 0 | |
Shopping
HP Pavilion 15
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Dig into reviews and images
TechRadar
Alex Cox | August 2022
"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."
Lenovo ThinkPad Z16
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PCWorld
Matthew S. Smith | September 2022
"Lenovo’s ThinkPad Z16 tries has some success in its effort to tweak the ThinkPad formula. The laptop is attractive, yet still tame, and material quality is on par with the best Windows competition. I also like the smooth, responsive haptic touchpad and the wide range of modern connectivity. Yet the Z16 doesn’t fix ThinkPad’s typical weakness: value. Starting around $1,550, and more typically near $1,700, the Z16 finds itself facing alternatives that have better performance or an improved display for the same price, or less."
Get a great deal on the HP Pavilion 15 or the Lenovo ThinkPad Z16
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.
About Lenovo
Lenovo is a Chinese technology company, and one of the largest personal computer vendor. They are well known for a variety of technology products, including laptops. Their consumer series include their entry level IdeaPad and LOQ series and mid-to-high-end Yoga and Legion series. On the business-oriented side, their series include their entry-level ThinkBook series and mid-to-high-end ThinkPad series. Lenovo laptops offer strong performance for reasonable prices, and are often on sale.
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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.
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