The HP Smart choice Victus is designed for gamers who want a reliable, mid-range laptop that can handle modern titles and multitasking without breaking the bank. With a sleek Performance Blue design, a 144Hz FHD IPS display, and Windows 11 pre-installed with Microsoft Office 2024, this laptop is ready to tackle gaming, productivity, and creative tasks. At just 2.29kg, it’s portable enough for on-the-go gaming while packing enough power for immersive experiences.
- 1 Key Specifications
- 2 Performance: Smooth Gaming and Multitasking
- 3 Display: Vibrant and Smooth Visuals
- 4 Design and Build: Sleek Yet Sturdy
- 5 Battery Life and Thermals: Decent but Not Exceptional
- 6 Connectivity and Extras
- 7 Comparison with Similar Products
- 8 Value for Money: A Budget Gamer’s Dream
- 9 Pros and Cons
- 10 Final Conclusion
Key Specifications
- Processor: 13th Gen Intel Core i5-13420H (up to 4.6 GHz, 8 cores, 12 threads)
- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 (4GB GDDR6)
- Memory: 16GB DDR4 (upgradable to 32GB)
- Storage: 512GB PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSD
- Display: 15.6″ FHD (1920×1080), 144Hz, IPS, 300 nits, anti-glare
- Operating System: Windows 11 Home with Microsoft Office 2024
- Weight: 2.29kg
- Additional Features: Backlite keyboard, B&O dual speakers, HP Wide Vision 720p HD camera
- Color: Performance Blue
Performance: Smooth Gaming and Multitasking
The 13th Gen Intel Core i5-13420H processor is a standout, offering 8 cores and 12 threads for robust multitasking. Whether you’re gaming, streaming, or editing videos, this CPU handles demanding tasks with ease. The NVIDIA RTX 3050 (4GB) GPU, while not the top-tier option, delivers solid 1080p gaming performance, especially with NVIDIA’s DLSS technology for improved frame rates in supported titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Call of Duty.
In real-world tests, the Victus runs popular games smoothly:
- Valorant: 100-150 FPS on high settings
- Fortnite: 80-120 FPS on medium settings (Performance Mode)
- GTA V: 60-90 FPS on high settings
- Minecraft: 150-300 FPS with shaders
The 16GB DDR4 RAM ensures seamless multitasking, letting you run games, Discord, and a browser without slowdowns. The 512GB SSD offers fast boot times and quick game loading, though heavy gamers might want to upgrade to a larger SSD. The ability to upgrade RAM to 32GB is a bonus for future-proofing.
Performance Rating: 8.5/10
Why? The i5-13420H and RTX 3050 combo delivers excellent performance for the price, but the 4GB VRAM on the GPU may limit performance in some newer AAA titles at ultra settings.
Display: Vibrant and Smooth Visuals
The 15.6″ FHD IPS display with a 144Hz refresh rate is a highlight. It offers smooth visuals for fast-paced games, with no noticeable motion blur thanks to the 9ms response time. The 300-nit brightness and anti-glare coating make it suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, though it’s not the brightest for direct sunlight. Color accuracy is decent for gaming and content consumption, covering around 45% NTSC, which is typical for this price range.
Display Rating: 8/10
Why? The 144Hz refresh rate and IPS panel provide a great gaming experience, but a higher color gamut would enhance creative tasks like photo editing.
Design and Build: Sleek Yet Sturdy
The HP Victus stands out with its Performance Blue finish, which strikes a balance between gaming flair and professional appeal. Unlike some gaming laptops with aggressive RGB designs, this one is subtle enough for use in classrooms or offices. The plastic chassis feels sturdy, though it lacks the premium feel of aluminium builds found in higher-end models like the HP Omen. At 2.29kg, it’s portable but not ultralight, making it better suited as a desktop replacement than a daily carry.
The full-size backlit keyboard is responsive, with a numeric keypad that’s handy for productivity tasks. The B&O dual speakers deliver clear audio with decent bass, enhancing gaming and media experiences. The 720p HD camera is adequate for video calls, with noise reduction for clearer communication.
Design Rating: 8/10
Why? The design is practical and stylish, but the plastic build and slightly heavier weight are minor drawbacks compared to pricier competitors.
Battery Life and Thermals: Decent but Not Exceptional
As a gaming laptop, the Victus prioritizes performance over battery life. The 3-cell, 52.5Wh battery lasts about 4-5 hours for light tasks like browsing or video playback, but expect 1-2 hours during gaming. Fast charging (50% in 30 minutes) is a nice touch for quick top-ups.
HP’s enhanced cooling system keeps temperatures in check, with the GPU rarely exceeding 80°C under heavy loads. The fans can get loud during intense gaming sessions, but they’re not disruptive with headphones on.
Battery and Thermals Rating: 7/10
Why? Cooling is effective, but battery life is average for a gaming laptop, and fan noise can be noticeable.
Connectivity and Extras
The Victus offers solid connectivity: 1 USB Type-C, 2 USB Type-A, HDMI 2.1, RJ-45, and a headphone/microphone combo. Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3 ensure fast and reliable wireless connections. The inclusion of Microsoft Office 2024 and a 3-month Xbox Game Pass subscription adds value for productivity and gaming.
Connectivity Rating : 9/10
Why? Versatile ports and modern wireless standards make it easy to connect peripherals, though an additional USB-C port would be welcome.
Comparison with Similar Products
To see how the HP Victus stacks up, let’s compare it to two competitors in the same price range:
- Lenovo LOQ 2024 (Intel Core i5-13450HX, RTX 4050 6GB, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, 2.4kg)
- Pros: The RTX 4050 with 6GB VRAM offers better performance for newer AAA titles, and the 100% sRGB display is superior for creative work.
- Cons: Slightly heavier and pricier than the Victus. RAM is DDR5, but the speed difference is minimal for gaming.
- Verdict: The Lenovo LOQ is a strong alternative if you prioritize GPU performance and display quality, but the Victus offers better value for budget buyers.
- Dell Inspiron 16 5645 (AMD Ryzen 7-8840U, AMD Radeon Graphics, 16GB DDR5, 1TB SSD, 1.62kg)
- Pros: Lighter and thinner with a larger SSD and DDR5 RAM. Better suited for productivity and casual gaming.
- Cons: Integrated AMD Radeon Graphics can’t match the RTX 3050 for gaming performance. No 144Hz display.
- Verdict: The Dell is ideal for non-gamers or those prioritizing portability, but the Victus is the better choice for gaming.
Comparison Rating: 8.5/10
Why? The Victus holds its own against competitors, offering a balanced mix of gaming performance and affordability, though it’s outclassed by higher-end GPUs in some cases.
Value for Money: A Budget Gamer’s Dream
Priced competitively (often around ₹60,000-₹70,000 in India), the HP Victus delivers excellent value. The combination of a 13th Gen Intel CPU, RTX 3050, and a 144Hz display is hard to beat in this segment. While the 4GB VRAM on the RTX 3050 may struggle with ultra settings in future titles, DLSS support helps extend its relevance. The inclusion of Office 2024 and Xbox Game Pass adds extra appeal for students and casual gamers.
Value Rating: 9/10
Why? It’s a fantastic deal for mid-range gaming and productivity, though heavy gamers may want a more powerful GPU.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Strong performance for 1080p gaming and multitasking
- Smooth 144Hz FHD IPS display
- Sleek, versatile design in Performance Blue
- Upgradable RAM and SSD
- Includes Microsoft Office 2024 and Xbox Game Pass
- Effective cooling for extended gaming sessions
Cons
- Average battery life (4-5 hours for light use)
- 4GB VRAM on RTX 3050 limits ultra settings in some AAA games
- Plastic build feels less premium than aluminium competitors
- Fans can be loud under heavy loads
Final Conclusion
The HP Smartchoice Victus (fa2190TX) is a stellar choice for gamers and creators on a budget. Its 13th Gen Intel Core i5-13420H, RTX 3050, and 144Hz display deliver smooth gaming and multitasking at an affordable price. While it’s not perfect—battery life and VRAM are limitations—it offers unbeatable value for its segment. Compared to the Lenovo LOQ and Dell Inspiron 16, the Victus strikes a sweet spot for gamers who want performance without splurging on premium models.
Overall Rating: 8.5/10
If you’re a casual or mid-level gamer looking for a reliable, stylish laptop that can double as a productivity machine, the HP Victus is a smart choice. Ready to level up your gaming? This laptop is worth a serious look.
