HP 17 i7-1355U Review — Powerful Processor, But the Display Is a Letdown
This HP 17 i7-1355U review covers a 17.3-inch Windows machine built around the 13th Gen Intel Core i7-1355U — a capable 10-core processor that sits firmly in the mid-range performance tier for 2026. With 32GB of RAM, a 1TB SSD, Wi-Fi 6, fast charge, and Windows 11 Pro, the HP 17 presents a strong specification on paper for home, study, and business use. There is, however, one spec that requires honest attention before purchase: the 17.3-inch display runs at HD+ resolution (1600×900), not Full HD. On a screen this large, that is a meaningful compromise, and it shapes who this machine is and is not suited to. This review covers everything in full.
Specifications
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| CPU | Intel Core i7-1355U (Raptor Lake-U, 10 cores/12 threads, 1.7GHz base / 5.0GHz boost, 15W TDP) |
| RAM | 32GB DDR4 |
| Storage | 1TB SSD |
| Display | 17.3″ HD+ 1600×900 BrightView, 250 nits |
| GPU | Intel Iris Xe Graphics (96 EUs, up to 1.3GHz) |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.4 |
| Ports | USB Type-C (data), USB Type-A ×2, HDMI 1.4b, headphone/mic combo, AC smart pin |
| Webcam | HP True Vision 720p HD with privacy shutter |
| Keyboard | Full-size with numeric keypad |
| Battery | 41Wh with HP Fast Charge (0–50% in ~45 minutes) |
| OS | Windows 11 Pro |
Check the current price of the HP 17 i7-1355U on Amazon UK.
Performance — Understanding the i7-1355U
The Intel Core i7-1355U is a 13th Gen Raptor Lake-U processor introduced in early 2023. It uses a hybrid architecture with 2 high-performance P-cores running up to 5.0GHz and 8 efficiency E-cores running up to 3.7GHz, giving a total of 10 cores and 12 threads. The 15W TDP base keeps thermals manageable in a slim chassis, with burst performance headroom when the task demands it.
According to NanoReview’s benchmark database (653 samples), the i7-1355U scores 2,466 in Geekbench 6 single-core and 7,553 in multi-core. Those are strong numbers for a U-series chip — well ahead of the Celeron and Pentium N-series processors found in budget machines, and competitive with many mid-range alternatives. For everyday productivity, the i7-1355U handles demanding multitasking, large spreadsheets, video calls, photo editing, and sustained workloads without breaking a sweat. The 32GB of RAM is a particularly generous allocation that ensures headroom for heavy multitasking, multiple browser sessions, and professional applications well into the machine’s ownership life.
NotebookCheck notes that compared to higher-wattage H-series chips, the 15W TDP can limit sustained peak performance under prolonged heavy loads — but for the use cases this machine targets, that distinction rarely matters in practice. For the home user, student, or business professional running everyday productivity software, the i7-1355U at 15W delivers everything required.
The integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics with 96 execution units is capable of handling photo editing, light video work, and casual gaming at modest settings. It is not a gaming GPU by any serious measure, but it performs markedly better than the Celeron-class integrated graphics found in budget laptops.
For a detailed breakdown of how Intel’s U-series and H-series processor families compare, our Laptop CPU Guide covers the relevant architecture differences in plain English.
The Display — The Most Important Caveat
The HP 17 features a 17.3-inch BrightView display at HD+ resolution — 1600×900. This is the machine’s most significant weakness and deserves direct discussion.
At 17.3 inches, HD+ resolution results in a noticeably lower pixel density than Full HD. Text, images, and UI elements appear softer than on a 1920×1080 panel at the same size. For users who spend extended time reading, working in documents, or viewing detailed content, the difference is visible and for some buyers will be frustrating. Most competing 17-inch laptops in a similar price range ship with Full HD panels, which makes this a genuine differentiator to weigh carefully before purchasing.
Where the display holds up well is brightness: at 250 nits it is adequately clear in typical indoor lighting. The BrightView finish, however, produces glare under direct lighting, which is worth considering for brightly lit desk setups. The webcam privacy shutter is a welcome practical detail — a small thing that matters when the laptop is used regularly for video calls.
If display sharpness is a priority for you, it is worth comparing this machine against HP’s own FHD variants or alternatives from other brands before committing.
Build Quality and Design
The HP 17 is a large-format laptop with a professional, understated appearance. The lift-hinge design elevates the rear of the chassis slightly when open, improving airflow and creating a more comfortable typing angle — a thoughtful ergonomic touch that HP applies across its 17-inch range.
The full-size keyboard with numeric keypad is well-suited to the 17.3-inch footprint. For users who regularly work with numbers, spreadsheets, or data entry, the numpad is a practical asset. Key travel and layout on HP’s 17-inch keyboards are generally well-regarded by everyday users.
Port provision is functional without being comprehensive: two USB Type-A ports, a USB Type-C for data transfer, HDMI 1.4b for external display output, and a headphone/microphone combo jack cover most everyday needs. The absence of a USB-C port with display output or Power Delivery is a limitation — HDMI 1.4b caps external monitor output at 4K@30Hz, and charging is via the proprietary AC smart pin rather than USB-C. Neither is a dealbreaker, but both are worth knowing relative to more versatile mid-range alternatives.
Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.4 are current-generation wireless standards — a genuine plus for future-proofing and network performance.
Real-World Performance — What Customers Say
Amazon UK customer feedback on the HP 17 i7-1355U is broadly positive, with buyers consistently highlighting the responsive performance, generous RAM, and large screen size as strengths. The machine earns particular appreciation from home office users and students who want a capable, spacious machine without paying premium ultrabook prices.
The display resolution is the most commonly mentioned limitation in more critical reviews, with buyers noting it feels soft by modern standards on a screen this large. This aligns with the objective spec: HD+ on 17.3 inches is a compromise that HP has made to keep the price accessible, and buyers who read the listing carefully will not be surprised.
Battery Life and Portability
The 41Wh battery is modest for a 17.3-inch machine — the large chassis does not necessarily mean a large battery in this case. Real-world runtime for moderate use (documents, browsing, video calls) sits in the 5–7 hour range, which is adequate for a desk-based working day with occasional mobility. HP Fast Charge recovering 0–50% in approximately 45 minutes is a practical convenience that partially offsets the modest capacity.
At 17.3 inches, this is not a machine designed for daily commuting — it is a home and desk machine first. The large display and numpad make most sense in a fixed working environment, and battery life should be evaluated in that context.
See the current price of the HP 17 i7-1355U laptop on Amazon UK.
Who Should Buy the HP 17 i7-1355U?
This machine suits buyers who want a large-screen, genuinely capable everyday laptop for home or desk-based work, and who are not primarily concerned with display sharpness. The i7-1355U processor, 32GB RAM, and 1TB SSD represent real mid-range performance delivered at an accessible price. For home office workers, students who work at a desk, and users who simply want more screen space without paying ultrabook prices, the HP 17 makes a coherent case.
It is not the right choice for buyers who prioritise display quality — the HD+ panel is a real limitation on a screen this size, and most alternatives at this price point offer Full HD. It is also not well-suited to buyers who need to carry their laptop daily; 17.3-inch machines are heavy and bulky by design. And buyers who want USB-C charging or comprehensive port provision should look carefully at the spec before committing.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- i7-1355U delivers strong mid-range performance for everyday and professional workloads
- 32GB RAM is generous and future-proofs multitasking well
- 1TB SSD provides ample storage
- Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.4 are current-generation wireless standards
- HP Fast Charge recovers 50% in ~45 minutes
- Full-size keyboard with numeric keypad
- Webcam privacy shutter included
- Windows 11 Pro pre-installed
- Reputable HP brand with established UK support
Cons
- 17.3″ display is HD+ (1600×900), not Full HD — noticeably soft at this screen size
- 41Wh battery is modest
- No USB-C charging or Power Delivery
- HDMI 1.4b limits external display output to 4K@30Hz
- Large and heavy — not suited to daily portable carry
Final Verdict
The HP 17 i7-1355U scores 7.6 out of 10.
The processor, RAM, and storage combination is genuinely impressive for the price — buyers who want a capable, well-specified home laptop from a trusted brand will find the HP 17 delivers where it matters most for everyday productivity. The 32GB RAM allocation in particular is unusual at this price point and adds real longevity to the machine.
The HD+ display is the reason this machine does not score higher. On a 17.3-inch screen, 1600×900 is a visible compromise in 2026, and buyers who spend time reading, editing documents, or viewing detailed content will notice it. That is not a fatal flaw — it depends entirely on how much display sharpness matters to you — but it deserves honest weighting before purchase.
View the HP 17 i7-1355U on Amazon UK and check today’s price.
I have spent years working in IT infrastructure and reviewing technology for British buyers. Affiliate relationships with Amazon do not influence scores or editorial assessments on this site.