HP Chromebook x2 12-f015nr Review: Detachable Mobility Meets Style and Long-Lasting Power

If there’s a device that genuinely gets the mobile spirit of the contemporary world, it would have to be the Chromebook, with its incredibly potent Chrome OS and convenient access to mobile apps. The HP Chromebook x2 12-f015nr is the newest Chromebook to join the league and the first ever detachable device of its kind. Priced at $599.99, this 12.3″ laptop from the HP family promises to be an able partner for your personal and professional needs. Let us understand how adeptly it manages to live up to these promises.

Detachable Goodness: Portability and Ease of Use

The HP Chromebook x2 12-f015nr has a unique detachable design that lets you use a magnetic hinge to detach the base easily and bingo, you have a tablet. Put it back on and voila, there’s a full-purpose laptop for you. So, your options of flexibility are no longer limited to flipping the keyboard behind the screen; you can leave it entirely behind and enjoy the unbearable lightness of being. Importantly, the magnetic hinge is thoroughly tested and self-supporting. This means you can detach as much and as often as you need, without fearing you will outlast the goodness. Ultimately, it proves to be hassle-free to use the Chromebook in both modes, neither design halfhearted or flimsy.

As for using the tablet, you have an active pen and a highly sensitive touchscreen that make it a breeze to interact as you please with the device. The screen, in fact, supports multi-touch gestures, so your interactions get recorded accurately even when you’re working on the go. Doodling, taking down notes, flipping through photographs—all such tasks are doable with ease, the device flipping between modes (laptop and tablet) as needed. The stylus is included, so you don’t have to incur an additional cost.

Powerful, Versatile Processing

The new Chromebook comes with an Intel Core M3-7Y30 processor (two cores), 4GB RAM, and 32GB of storage space (eMMC). The processor runs at a base frequency of 1GHz but can be Turbo Boosted up to 2.6GHz. Chrome OS, the standard operating system on a Chromebook, is nifty and smart, and it is comfortable access Google Play Store.

So, how is the overall processing prowess? Well, it turns out to be suitable for multiple needs, from browsing the internet to performing quick day-to-day computing tasks. Notably, though, the 32GB storage could be a potential concern. While it may be adequate for many users, it is a limiting factor if you’re looking to store high-resolution images or say, downloaded videos.

Read: HP Chromebook 14 G4 T4M32UT Review

Coming to perhaps the greatest triumph of the HP Chromebook x2 12-f015nr—the battery life. At (up to) 12.5 hours, the battery backup of the lithium-ion battery (48Wh) is incredible, realizing immense portability and convenience. The Chromebook is highly energy efficient too, and comes with an Energy Star certification.

Display, Graphics & Sound

The new HP Chromebook, available in a ceramic white with an oxford blue keyboard, supports Intel HD Graphics 615 (integrated). Its display is as appealing as its sleek and classy design, with a screen resolution of 2400 x 1600. The 12.3″ laptop has a backlit screen (WLED) and is protected by a Corning Gorilla Glass. For most purposes, the display (2K) appears attractively bright, and the interpretation of colors is accurate. It is pleasant to watch videos or browse through photographs on this Chromebook, not to forget super-handy.

With this laptop, you get an audio system by B&O PLAY—high in quality, accurate in rendition. There are two speakers, apart from a headphone and microphone combo-set. (The microphone is dual-array.) For a laptop in this sweet price range, the audio system is terrific, whether you’re tuned in to multimedia content or video-calling through the cameras. Notably, both the front- and rear-facing cameras are competent: the front camera complies with HP Wide Vision and supports 5MP, while the rear-facing one supports 13MP.

Connectivity & Device Support

The HP Chromebook x2 12-f015nr supports 802.11b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.2, making wireless connectivity straightforward to get on to. It is equipped with two USB 3.0 Type-C ports (Gen 1) as well as an SD card reader. This lets you connect to any peripherals or devices that you need.

True to the soul of a Chromebook, this one too is splendidly lightweight and easy to carry with you. It weighs only 1.62lbs if you use it in the tablet mode and 3.07lbs if you add the base. While the laptop mode isn’t the lightest out there, it still is fairly light. The tablet-weight, though, is a winner; you can smoothly hold the Chromebook and watch Netflix, without ending up with aching arms. HP has designed this Chromebook with a thickness of 0.33” (complete dimensions of 11.5 x 8.32 x 0.33”), which means it hardly takes up any space in your bag.

• Keep reading: HP ZBook x2 G4 Detachable Workstation Review

While the design of this Chromebook is already durable and suitable for travel, you can draw further reassurance from the one-year HP warranty that protects your device. It is also possible to extend this protection by buying an HP Care Pack—for instance, a one-year post-warranty plan is available for as little as $59.99.

The Verdict – HP Chromebook x2 12-f015nr

Ever since their introduction, Chromebooks have managed to capture the pulse of the present-day audience, adapting beautifully to a high-speed, mobile lifestyle. The new HP Chromebook x2 12-f015nr continues the tradition but elevates it several notches through an innovative detachable design and modern features.

Available on HP Official Website

The HP Chromebook x2 boasts of a mighty processor, an extra-long battery life, and good-quality graphics to deliver a superior experience. Included in its affordable price point is competent connectivity (both wireless and device-led) which makes it simple to collaborate with friends or colleagues, especially when there’s little time.