HP 15-fc0099nr Review: Best Touchscreen Laptop Under $400 in 2025?

Looking for a reliable touchscreen laptop that won’t drain your wallet? The HP 15-fc0099nr might be exactly what you need. Priced under $400, it’s one of the most talked-about budget laptops of 2025 — and for good reason.
With a 15.6-inch HD touchscreen, AMD Ryzen 3 processor, and 8GB RAM, this laptop is built for everyday tasks like browsing, streaming, studying, and working from home. It even packs in Wi-Fi 6, a sleek silver design, and a fast-charging battery — features you’d expect in more expensive models.
But is it just another budget laptop, or does it actually deliver where it counts?
In this review, we’ll take a closer look at the HP 15-fc0099nr’s real-world performance, display quality, battery life, and more — so you can decide if it’s worth your money.
JUMP LIST
- HP 15-fc0099nr Key Specs at a Glance
- Can This Ryzen 3 Laptop Handle Your Daily Tasks?
- How Good is the HP 15.6” Display & Touchscreen for Work & Play?
- Real Battery Performance & HP Fast Charge Test
- What Can You Connect? Exploring the Ports & Wireless Features
- Simple Design, Greener Build: A Look at the HP 15-fc0099nr
- Quick Verdict – What We Loved & What Could Be Better
- Who Should Buy This Laptop?
- Should You Buy the HP 15-fc0099nr in 2025?
- FAQ: People Also Ask
HP 15-fc0099nr Key Specs at a Glance
Before diving into performance and usability, let’s take a quick look at what the HP brings to the table. These core specs give you a solid overview of its capabilities — and show why it stands out in the sub-$400 category.
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Display | 15.6″ HD Touchscreen (1366 x 768), Anti-glare, 250 nits |
Processor | AMD Ryzen 3 7320U (4 cores, 8 threads, up to 4.1 GHz boost) |
RAM | 8 GB LPDDR5-5500 MHz (onboard, non-upgradable) |
Storage | 128 GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD |
Graphics | Integrated AMD Radeon Graphics |
Operating System | Windows 11 Home in S Mode |
Battery Life | Up to 12 hours (41 Wh, 3-cell Li-ion) with HP Fast Charge support |
Weight | 3.52 lbs (1.6 kg) |
Ports | 1x USB-C (data only), 2x USB-A, 1x HDMI 1.4b, headphone/mic combo, AC pin |
Wireless | Wi-Fi 6 (2×2), Bluetooth 5.3 |
Camera & Audio | HP True Vision 720p HD Camera, Dual Array Mics, AI noise reduction |
Build & Design | Matte silver finish, recycled materials, privacy camera shutter |
This mix of performance, portability, and essential features makes it a solid entry-level machine for everyday users.
Can This Ryzen 3 Laptop Handle Your Daily Tasks?

When it comes to day-to-day tasks, the HP 15-fc0099nr delivers more than you’d expect at this price point. Powered by the AMD Ryzen 3 7320U processor with 4 cores and 8 threads, it handles basic computing needs like web browsing, streaming, typing documents, and running Microsoft Office with ease. Paired with 8GB of LPDDR5 RAM, multitasking feels smooth — even with multiple browser tabs or apps open.
The 128GB PCIe NVMe SSD offers quick boot times and snappy file access, making everything from opening apps to saving projects noticeably faster than traditional hard drives.
While this isn’t a powerhouse for gaming or heavy video editing, it performs surprisingly well for students, remote workers, and casual users who just need a reliable machine to get things done. Even video calls on Zoom or Google Meet run without hiccups, thanks to the efficient CPU and solid Wi-Fi 6 connectivity.
In short, it’s a dependable daily driver — especially for the price.
Also read Lenovo ThinkPad E16 Gen 2 Review
How Good is the HP 15.6” Display & Touchscreen for Work & Play?

This laptop comes with a 15.6-inch HD (1366 x 768) touchscreen with an anti-glare finish, designed for comfortable use whether you’re indoors or in a well-lit room. While the resolution isn’t Full HD, it still provides clear and vibrant visuals for everyday tasks like browsing, streaming videos, and video chatting.
The touchscreen itself is responsive and supports smooth multi-touch gestures, making navigation intuitive. Whether you’re tapping through apps or scrolling web pages, the touch experience feels natural and accurate. This is a nice upgrade over standard non-touch displays in the budget laptop category.
The anti-glare coating reduces reflections, which helps when working near windows or bright lights, although the screen’s brightness maxes out at 250 nits — so outdoor use in direct sunlight might be challenging.
If you mostly work at home or in classrooms, the touchscreen adds a layer of convenience that enhances productivity without driving up the cost.
Real Battery Performance & HP Fast Charge Test
HP promises up to 12 hours of battery life on it, which makes it a strong contender for users who need a laptop that can last through a full day of classes, meetings, or casual use. In real-world tests, you can expect around 8 to 10 hours with typical activities like web browsing, video streaming, and document editing — which is still excellent for this price range.
One standout feature is HP Fast Charge, allowing the battery to charge from 0% to 50% in about 45 minutes. This means you can quickly top up your laptop during short breaks, helping you stay productive even on the go.
The laptop’s 3-cell, 41 Wh lithium polymer battery balances portability with solid endurance, making it a dependable choice for students and remote workers who value longer unplugged use.
What Can You Connect? Exploring the Ports & Wireless Features

This laptop offers a modest but functional port selection:
- 1 USB-C (5Gbps, data transfer only): No charging or monitor support.
- 2 USB-A (5Gbps): For peripherals like a mouse or external drive.
- 1 HDMI 1.4b: Connects to external displays (up to 1080p).
- 1 headphone/mic combo.
The absence of an RJ-45 Ethernet port and limited USB ports (only three total) may frustrate users needing multiple peripherals. Wi-Fi 6 ensures fast, reliable internet, but some reviews mention inconsistent Wi-Fi stability, potentially due to router compatibility. Bluetooth 5.3 provides seamless pairing with wireless devices like earbuds or speakers.
Simple Design, Greener Build: A Look at the HP 15-fc0099nr

The HP 15-fc0099nr sports a sleek and professional natural silver matte finish that resists fingerprints and gives the laptop a clean, modern look. Weighing just around 3.5 pounds, it’s portable enough for students or professionals on the move without feeling bulky.
One standout feature is HP’s commitment to sustainability — this laptop incorporates recycled ocean-bound plastics in its speaker enclosures and post-consumer recycled materials in the keyboard keycaps and scissors mechanism. It’s a small but meaningful step toward eco-friendly tech.
Privacy is also well thought out: a physical camera shutter lets you cover the webcam when not in use, and there’s a dedicated microphone mute button with an LED indicator, giving you peace of mind during meetings or study sessions.
The keyboard is full-sized with a numeric keypad, and the keys have a soft gray matte finish that complements the overall design. While the keyboard isn’t backlit, it offers comfortable typing for daily use.
Overall, the build feels sturdy enough for everyday handling, combining style, portability, and green initiatives.
Quick Verdict – What We Loved & What Could Be Better
Who Should Buy This Laptop?
The laptop is ideal for:
- Students: Perfect for note-taking, research, and virtual classes, thanks to its touchscreen and lightweight design.
- Remote Workers: Handles Zoom, Microsoft Office, and multitasking for daily productivity.
- Budget Shoppers: Offers solid performance and modern features for under $400.
- Eco-Conscious Users: Appeals to those prioritizing sustainable materials.
It’s not suited for gamers, video editors, or users needing extensive storage or high-resolution displays.
Should You Buy the HP 15-fc0099nr in 2025?
The HP 15.6 inch Laptop is a compelling choice for a budget laptop in 2025, blending affordability, modern connectivity, and a responsive HD Touchscreen. While the HD display and limited storage are compromises, its AMD Ryzen 3 7320U processor, Wi-Fi 6, and eco-friendly design make it a standout for students and casual users. If you’re seeking a reliable, sub-$400 touchscreen laptop, this HP model is hard to beat.
Ready to grab this budget gem?
Power up your productivity today!
FAQ: People Also Ask
Is the HP 15-fc0099nr good for students?
Yes, it’s an excellent choice for students. The touchscreen, lightweight design, and sufficient performance for schoolwork make it ideal for note-taking, research, and virtual classes. However, the 128 GB SSD may require cloud storage for larger files.
Can you upgrade the SSD?
The 128 GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD is theoretically upgradeable, but the process is complex due to the onboard RAM and compact design. Check HP’s official documentation or consult a professional technician before attempting upgrades.
How do I switch out of Windows 11 S Mode?
To exit S Mode: Go to Settings > System > Activation, click Go to the Store under “Switch to Windows 11 Home or Pro,” and follow the prompts. Note: This is a one-way switch; you can’t revert to S Mode. S Mode limits apps to Microsoft Store only, so switching may be necessary for third-party software.
Does the Laptop support external monitors?
Yes, it supports external monitors via the HDMI 1.4b port, which handles up to 1080p resolution. The USB-C port does not support external displays, so HDMI is your only option.