At a current price of around $1,200, the review model Victus 15-fa2160ng doesn’t have it all its own way in a competitive market. Compared to other RTX 5050 laptops, the price is commendable and finds itself on the lower end of the scale. However, for a similar price, there’s also the Lenovo LOQ Essential 15, which, according to the spec sheet, aims to turn customer’s heads with a better display (100% sRGB). Unlike its Lenovo competitors, the Full HD IPS panel installed in the Victus 15 has to put up with a poor color gamut, which makes content appear rather washed out. To make matters worse, the first RTX 5060 laptops are already being sold at a relatively small premium, with some of them (depending on the application) offering a decent, if not earth-shattering performance boost.
Basically, buyers will know what to expect in the $1,000 segment. The plastic case and speakers are of average quality, as are the battery capacity and connectivity (no USB 4). However, the upgrade options have turned out to be quite positive. In addition to two M.2 slots, the 15-inch model also includes two SO-DIMM banks. Noise and temperature production under load are also better than a number of competing devices.
Pros
+ consistent performance
+ two RAM as well as two SSD slots
+ moderate emissions
Cons
– CPU somewhat outdated
– limited color space
– no card reader
The HP Victus 15-fa2160ng can be purchased on various online stores starting at around $1,200.
Processor
Intel Core i5-13420H 8 x 1.5 – 4.6 GHz, 90 W PL2 / Short Burst, 45 W PL1 / Sustained, Raptor Lake-H
Memory
24 GB
, SO-DIMM DDR5-5600, two slots (one empty)
Display
15.60 inch 16:9, 1920 x 1080 pixel 141 PPI, CMN1560, IPS, Full-HD, glossy: no, 144 Hz
Mainboard
Intel Alder Lake-P PCH
Storage
Samsung PM9C1 MZVL8512HELU, 512 GB
, NVMe-SSD, two M.2 2280 slots (one empty)
Soundcard
Intel Alder Point-M/P PCH – HD Audio
Connections
3 USB 3.0 / 3.1 Gen1, USB-C Power Delivery (PD), 1 HDMI, 1 DisplayPort, Audio Connections: Line-In/Out
Networking
Realtek Gaming GBE Family Controller (10/100/1000MBit/s), Realtek RTL8852BE (b/g/n = Wi-Fi 4/ac = Wi-Fi 5/ax = Wi-Fi 6/), Bluetooth 5.4
Size
height x width x depth (in mm): 23.5 x 358 x 255 ( = 0.93 x 14.09 x 10.04 in)
Battery
70 Wh Lithium-Polymer, 4 Cells
Operating System
Microsoft Windows 11 Home
Camera
Webcam: HD 720p
Primary Camera: 0.9 MPix
Additional features
Speakers: 2.0, Keyboard: Chiclet, Keyboard Light: yes, 200 W Power Supply, Omen Gaming Hub, 24 Months Warranty
Weight
2.356 kg ( = 83.11 oz / 5.19 pounds), Power Supply: 660 g ( = 23.28 oz / 1.46 pounds)
Note: The manufacturer may use components from different suppliers including display panels, drives or memory sticks with similar specifications.
One area you shouldn’t expect particularly high quality is the case. The 15-inch devices’ surfaces are entirely made of plastic and tend to rattle here and there. The build quality, however, is beyond reproach, with all elements of the review device blending seamlessly together. The display’s maximum opening angle of around 135° is neither small nor especially large.
At 2.4 kg, the Victus 15 is more or less in line with its 15- and 16-inch counterparts, although the 17-inch Erazer Scout is just under 0.3 kg heavier. The HP laptop’s height of almost 2.4 cm (without its feet) is also not out of the ordinary.
Interfaces
The connectivity proves to be somewhat lacking. Buyers will not only have to do without modern USB protocols, but also without a card reader. However, the port distribution is quite well-designed, since they are located at the rear of the sides, and therefore hardly interfere during mouse use.
The installed Realtek Wi-Fi module (RTL8852BE) is somewhat faster than the MediaTek chip found in its predecessor, but it still can’t reach truly high speeds. Only the Erazer Scout’s performance managed to impress us in our test comparison field.
As with most laptops, the webcam quality is best left unsaid. Both the color accuracy and the image sharpness also leave a lot to be desired.
12.7 ∆E
15 ∆E
16.1 ∆E
16 ∆E
14.8 ∆E
13.8 ∆E
15.2 ∆E
20.7 ∆E
16.7 ∆E
12 ∆E
13.1 ∆E
10.3 ∆E
12.1 ∆E
16.1 ∆E
20.9 ∆E
8.9 ∆E
17.5 ∆E
18.2 ∆E
0.6 ∆E
8.9 ∆E
13.1 ∆E
12.7 ∆E
7.1 ∆E
2 ∆E
The laptop comes with a few information booklets and a 200-watt power supply.
The base plate is secured by seven small Phillips screws and several hooks, some of which are very tight. Under the hood, you have access to every component (see photos).
Unfortunately, HP still uses various plastic films for its packaging material.
The warranty in Germany covers 12 months.
The input devices are relatively good, without inspiring enthusiasm. The keyboard uses the entire width of the case and features a full-size numeric keypad and white, single-level backlighting. We’d describe the layout as a touch confusing – especially when it comes to the upper right corner and the position of the power button, as well as the “Insert,” “Print Screen,” and “Delete” keys. Some users may also long for larger arrows.
The touchpad delivers discreet performance. Its 12.5 x 8 cm surface offers solid gliding characteristics and is mostly responsive. However, the click surfaces tend to rattle – as is the case with numerous other laptops.
Unfortunately, the Victus 15 doesn’t boast a vivid display. Unlike some competitors, the 144 Hz panel is weak, particularly in terms of color coverage. While 64% sRGB is slightly better than its predecessor, it’s still pretty underwhelming.
| 296 cd/m² |
295 cd/m² |
283 cd/m² |
||
| 296 cd/m² |
324 cd/m² |
292 cd/m² |
||
| 314 cd/m² |
315 cd/m² |
313 cd/m² |
||
Distribution of brightness
CMN1560 tested with X-Rite i1Pro 3
Maximum: 324 cd/m² (Nits) Average: 303.1 cd/m² Minimum: 23 cd/m²
Brightness Distribution: 87 %
Center on Battery: 324 cd/m²
Contrast: 1246:1 (Black: 0.26 cd/m²)
ΔE ColorChecker Calman: 4.7 | ∀{0.5-29.43 Ø4.79}
calibrated: 2.93
ΔE Greyscale Calman: 3.9 | ∀{0.09-98 Ø5}
34.7% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 3D)
64.3% sRGB (Argyll 3D)
43% Display P3 (Argyll 3D)
Gamma: 2.21
CCT: 7541 K
, med: 
, max: 
Total Sustainability Score: 
