The HP Envy 16″ 120Hz WQXGA IPS Touchscreen Gaming Laptop redefines versatility, blending premium gaming performance with creative prowess, making it a top contender for the best touchscreen gaming laptop for creators and gamers in 2025. Powered by an Intel Core i7-13700H 14-core processor, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 8GB GDDR6 GPU, 64GB DDR5 RAM, 4TB SSD, Thunderbolt 4, Wi-Fi 6E, backlit keyboard, and Windows 11 Pro, this laptop excels in gaming, content creation, and productivity. Its stunning touchscreen display and robust build cater to both gamers seeking high FPS and creators needing precision for design work.
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Overview of the HP Envy 16 (2025)
The HP Envy 16 is a premium 2-in-1 gaming laptop designed for gamers and creators who demand power and interactivity. Its 16″ WQXGA (2560 x 1600) 120Hz IPS touchscreen delivers vibrant visuals, ideal for gaming and creative tasks like video editing or digital art. The Intel i7-13700H and RTX 4060 ensure smooth 1440p gaming with DLSS 3 and ray tracing, while the 64GB DDR5 RAM and 4TB SSD provide unmatched multitasking and storage. With Thunderbolt 4, Wi-Fi 6E, and a sleek aluminum chassis, it’s perfect for professionals, students, and gamers seeking a versatile, high-performance machine.
Key Specifications
- Display: 16″ WQXGA (2560 x 1600) IPS touchscreen, 120Hz, 400 nits, 100% sRGB, anti-glare, low blue light
- Processor: Intel Core i7-13700H (14 cores, 20 threads, up to 5.0 GHz, 24MB L3 cache)
- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 (8GB GDDR6, 120W TGP, DLSS 3, Advanced Optimus)
- Memory: 64GB DDR5-5200 (dual-channel, non-upgradable)
- Storage: 4TB PCIe Gen 4 NVMe SSD (up to 6,800 MB/s read, single M.2 slot)
- Connectivity: 2x Thunderbolt 4 (40Gbps, Power Delivery, DisplayPort), 2x USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gbps), 1x HDMI 2.1, 1x 3.5mm audio jack, 1x microSD card reader
- Wireless: Wi-Fi 6E (2×2), Bluetooth 5.3
- Operating System: Windows 11 Pro
- Weight: 4.34 lbs (1.97 kg)
- Battery: 83Wh, up to 8 hours (varies with usage)
- Additional Features: Backlit keyboard with numpad, 5MP IR webcam with Windows Hello, B&O quad speakers, HP QuickDrop, MIL-STD-810H durability
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Performance: Powerhouse for Gaming and Creative Work
Processor and Graphics
The Intel Core i7-13700H, a 13th Gen processor with 14 cores (6 performance, 8 efficiency) and a boost clock up to 5.0 GHz, delivers exceptional performance for gaming, video editing, and 3D rendering. Paired with the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 (8GB GDDR6, 120W TGP), it supports DLSS 3 and ray tracing, achieving 60–80 FPS in Cyberpunk 2077 at 1440p high settings with DLSS Quality mode. Esports titles like Valorant and Fortnite hit 100–120 FPS at 1440p, fully utilizing the 120Hz touchscreen.
Benchmark highlights include:
- Geekbench 6: ~2,500 single-core and ~11,800 multi-core, rivaling high-end laptops like the ASUS ROG Zephyrus G16.
- 3DMark Time Spy: ~9,200, outperforming RTX 4050 laptops by 20% and ensuring smooth 1440p gaming.
- Cinebench R23: Strong multi-core scores for rendering and multitasking, ideal for Adobe Premiere or Blender.
The RTX 4060’s Advanced Optimus optimizes battery life by switching between integrated Intel Iris Xe and discrete GPU, while the MUX Switch boosts gaming performance by ~10%. For Baldur’s Gate 3, expect 50–70 FPS at 1440p high settings, making it one of the best touchscreen gaming laptops for 2025.
Gaming Performance
The 120Hz WQXGA IPS touchscreen with G-SYNC delivers fluid, tear-free visuals, perfect for fast-paced games like Apex Legends (80–100 FPS at 1440p high) and CS2 (100–120 FPS). The touchscreen enhances interactivity, allowing intuitive menu navigation or pinch-to-zoom in strategy games like Civilization VI. For AAA titles, Starfield runs at 50–60 FPS at 1440p medium with DLSS, and ray-traced games like Control achieve 45–55 FPS with DLSS Balanced. The HP Omen Gaming Hub offers performance tuning, with Turbo mode boosting FPS by ~5–8%.
The HDMI 2.1 and Thunderbolt 4 ports support 4K external displays, delivering 40–50 FPS in optimized titles, though 1440p is the sweet spot for the RTX 4060. The touchscreen’s responsiveness is a boon for creators using stylus-based apps like Photoshop, making it a dual-purpose powerhouse.
Multitasking and Productivity
The 64GB DDR5 RAM at 5200MHz ensures seamless multitasking, handling gaming, streaming, and heavy creative workloads like 4K video editing or 3D modeling in Maya. The 4TB PCIe Gen 4 SSD offers lightning-fast load times (~6 seconds for GTA V) and massive storage for game libraries, 4K footage, or datasets. While the single M.2 slot limits storage upgrades, 4TB is ample for most users. The Windows 11 Pro OS enhances productivity with features like Snap Layouts and virtual desktops, ideal for creators juggling multiple projects.
Display: Stunning and Interactive
The 16″ WQXGA IPS touchscreen with 120Hz refresh rate and 100% sRGB coverage delivers vibrant, accurate colors, ideal for gaming and creative work. With 400 nits brightness and low blue light certification, it’s comfortable for long sessions, though it’s not as bright as OLED panels (e.g., ASUS Vivobook Pro). The anti-glare coating minimizes reflections, and the 10-point multitouch supports precise input for sketching in Adobe Fresco or navigating Windows. The 2560 x 1600 resolution offers sharp visuals, balancing performance and clarity for the RTX 4060.
While not a 4K panel, the display excels for 1440p gaming and creative tasks, with G-SYNC ensuring smooth motion. The Thunderbolt 4 and HDMI 2.1 ports support external 4K or 8K monitors, enhancing versatility for multi-monitor setups. For gamers and creators, this touchscreen is a game-changer, setting the Envy 16 apart as the best touchscreen gaming laptop in 2025.
Cooling: Efficient for Demanding Tasks
The HP Envy 16’s dual-fan cooling system with vapor chamber technology keeps the i7-13700H below 85°C and the RTX 4060 around 70°C during intense gaming, as seen in Metro Exodus benchmarks. Fan noise peaks at ~46 dB in Performance mode, quieter than competitors like the Lenovo LOQ 15. The HP Omen Gaming Hub allows fan curve adjustments, with Balanced mode reducing noise to ~40 dB for lighter tasks. The aluminum chassis dissipates heat effectively, keeping the palm rest cool, making it ideal for long gaming or editing sessions.
Design and Build Quality
At 4.34 lbs and 0.78″ thick, the HP Envy 16 is remarkably portable for a 16-inch gaming laptop. Its CNC aluminum chassis in Natural Silver exudes premium quality, with MIL-STD-810H durability for resilience. The backlit keyboard with numpad offers tactile feedback, ideal for gaming and typing, though it’s limited to white lighting. The precision touchpad is smooth and responsive, enhancing productivity for creators. The 5MP IR webcam with Windows Hello and B&O quad speakers deliver crisp video and immersive audio, outperforming budget models like the Acer Nitro V.
The touchscreen’s edge-to-edge design and sturdy hinge enhance usability, while the microSD card reader is a bonus for photographers and videographers. The sleek aesthetic suits both gaming setups and professional environments, making it a versatile choice for creators and gamers.
Connectivity and Ports
The HP Envy 16 offers future-proof connectivity:
- 2x Thunderbolt 4 (40Gbps, Power Delivery, DisplayPort)
- 2x USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gbps)
- 1x HDMI 2.1
- 1x 3.5mm audio jack
- 1x microSD card reader
- Wi-Fi 6E (2×2) and Bluetooth 5.3
Wi-Fi 6E ensures ultra-low latency for online gaming, with speeds up to 2.4 Gbps, while Bluetooth 5.3 supports reliable peripheral connections. The Thunderbolt 4 ports enable high-speed docks, external GPUs, or 8K displays, making it ideal for creative workstations. The port selection is robust, though a third USB-A port would enhance connectivity for heavy peripheral users.
Battery Life
The 83Wh battery provides up to 8 hours of light use (web browsing, streaming at 200 nits), but gaming reduces this to 1–2 hours due to the power-hungry RTX 4060. Thunderbolt 4 Power Delivery (up to 100W) and HP Fast Charge (50% in 30 minutes with the 150W adapter) ensure quick top-ups. While battery life is typical for gaming laptops, the efficient Advanced Optimus and Intel i7-13700H’s power management extend light-use longevity, ideal for creators working unplugged.
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Pros and Cons
Pros
- Versatile Performance: RTX 4060 and i7-13700H deliver 60–120 FPS at 1440p for gaming and creative tasks.
- Stunning Touchscreen: 16″ WQXGA 120Hz IPS with 100% sRGB, ideal for gaming and design.
- Massive Memory and Storage: 64GB DDR5 and 4TB SSD for seamless multitasking and storage.
- Premium Build: Lightweight aluminum chassis with MIL-STD-810H durability.
- Future-Proof Connectivity: Thunderbolt 4, Wi-Fi 6E, and HDMI 2.1 for advanced setups.
- Immersive Audio/Visuals: 5MP webcam and B&O quad speakers enhance creative workflows.
Cons
- Limited Battery Life: 1–2 hours during gaming, typical for high-performance laptops.
- Non-Upgradable RAM: 64GB is fixed, though sufficient for most users.
- No RGB Keyboard: White backlighting lacks customization.
- Moderate Fan Noise: ~46 dB in Performance mode during heavy loads.
- No 4K Native Display: Requires external monitors for 4K gaming.
Who Should Buy the HP Envy 16?
The HP Envy 16 is ideal for:
- Gamers and Creators: Seeking a touchscreen laptop for 1440p gaming and design work.
- Esports and AAA Players: Perfect for Valorant, Cyberpunk 2077, and Starfield at 60–120 FPS.
- Professionals/Students: Needing a portable, powerful device for editing, coding, or multitasking.
- Touchscreen Enthusiasts: Wanting interactive controls for gaming and creative apps.
It may not suit:
- Gamers needing native 4K displays or ultra settings for ray tracing.
- Users prioritizing long battery life for unplugged gaming.
- Budget buyers seeking sub-$1,000 options.
Verdict: The Best Touchscreen Gaming Laptop for Creators & Gamers in 2025
The HP Envy 16″ 120Hz WQXGA IPS Touchscreen Gaming Laptop is the best touchscreen gaming laptop for creators and gamers in 2025, offering a perfect blend of performance, interactivity, and premium design. Its Intel Core i7-13700H, RTX 4060 GPU, 64GB DDR5 RAM, and 4TB SSD deliver 60–120 FPS in 1440p gaming and seamless creative workflows, from video editing to digital art. The touchscreen display, Thunderbolt 4, and Wi-Fi 6E ensure versatility, while the aluminum chassis and efficient cooling support long sessions. Despite modest battery life and non-upgradable RAM, its power and interactivity outshine competitors like the ASUS Vivobook Pro 16X or Lenovo Yoga 9i.