The HP Stream 11 (2021) is a compact and affordable Windows laptop designed for basic tasks like web browsing video playback and document editing.
It’s a tempting option for students or anyone seeking a budget-friendly device for light productivity.
However its performance limitations and compromises in design and display quality may leave you wanting more.
Let’s dive into a detailed exploration of its strengths and weaknesses to see if it aligns with your needs.
Performance: A Trade-off for Affordability
The HP Stream 11 (2021) is powered by an Intel Celeron N4000 or N4020 processor which while capable of handling everyday tasks falls short when faced with demanding workloads.
It’s a trade-off for its budget-friendly price point.
CPU: Intel Celeron N4000 or N4020 – A Budget Choice
The heart of the HP Stream 11 (2021) is its dual-core Intel Celeron N4000 or N4020 processor.
While these CPUs offer modest performance for basic tasks like web browsing and document editing they lack the power to tackle resource-intensive applications such as video editing or 3D modeling.
Integrated Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 600 – Not for Gaming
The integrated Intel UHD Graphics 600 is designed to handle light graphics tasks and media consumption but it’s not suitable for demanding games or 3D rendering.
While it might handle some casual games from the Windows Store don’t expect to play graphically intensive titles.
Memory: 4GB of RAM – A Limitation for Multitasking
The HP Stream 11 (2021) comes with 4GB of RAM which is barely enough for basic multitasking.
With only a few browser tabs open you might encounter slowdowns and stutters as the system struggles to manage its resources.
Storage: 32GB or 64GB eMMC – A Slow and Limited Drive
You can choose between 32GB or 64GB of eMMC storage but both options offer slow read and write speeds compared to SSDs leading to sluggish performance during boot-up and application launches.
Design and Build Quality: Budget-Friendly but Uninspired
The HP Stream 11 (2021) boasts a simple and compact design with thick bezels surrounding the screen.
While its all-plastic construction is budget-friendly it lacks the premium feel of more expensive laptops.
A Basic Design: Thin Bezels but Limited Versatility
The design is a straightforward clamshell form factor with thick bezels around the screen.
The device is available in four color options: Diamond White Royal Blue Pink and Black.
Build Quality: Affordable but Feels Cheap
The HP Stream 11 (2021) feels lightweight and portable but the all-plastic chassis can feel a bit cheap and flimsy.
While it’s reasonably sturdy it lacks the solid feel of a laptop with a metal build.
Serviceability: Difficult Access and Limited Upgrades
Accessing the internals of the HP Stream 11 (2021) requires removing the feet and unscrewing the bottom cover.
While the wireless adapter and battery are user-replaceable other components are soldered onto the motherboard limiting upgrade options.
Display: Disappointing Quality for a Laptop
The HP Stream 11 (2021) features a 11.6-inch TN panel with a 1366 x 768 resolution.
While the screen is reasonably sharp it lacks the vibrant colors wide viewing angles and brightness of IPS displays.
Resolution: 1366 x 768 – Adequate for Basic Tasks Not for Detail
The 1366 x 768 resolution is sufficient for basic tasks but it’s not ideal for detailed work or media consumption.
You’ll notice pixelation when viewing high-resolution images or videos.
This HP Stream 11 (2021) review is giving me flashbacks to my old laptop. 😨 I’m seriously considering upgrading, but I’m on a budget. Any other laptops you recommend for someone like me? Maybe something that can actually handle a few browser tabs without melting down? 😂 Check out some other budget-friendly laptops here!
TN Panel: Limited Viewing Angles and Color Accuracy
TN panels are known for their limited viewing angles and color accuracy.
The HP Stream 11 (2021) suffers from these limitations making the display appear washed out and inaccurate when viewed from off-axis.
Brightness: Mediocre for Indoor Use Struggles Outdoors
The display brightness is mediocre for indoor use but it struggles in well-lit environments.
The glare can be distracting especially in direct sunlight.
Contrast: Poor for a Laptop Makes Blacks Appear Grayish
The contrast ratio is poor making blacks appear grayish particularly in dark environments.
This affects the overall visual experience especially for media consumption.
Response Time: Slow and Causes Ghosting and Smearing
The slow response time results in visible ghosting and smearing behind fast-moving objects making the display less suitable for gaming or content with fast-paced motion.
Keyboard and Touchpad: Compact and Uncomfortable
The HP Stream 11 (2021) has a compact keyboard with good key spacing but it lacks the comfortable typing experience found on laptops with larger keyboards.
Keyboard: Compact and Uncomfortable for Extended Typing
The keyboard layout is compact and feels cramped especially for extended typing sessions.
While the key travel is decent and the keys are responsive the small size can make it tiring to type on.
Touchpad: Tiny and Makes Precision Tasks Difficult
The touchpad is small making precise movements and gestures challenging.
It’s responsive and supports multi-touch gestures but its size limits the usability for tasks that require precision.
Audio: Loud but Distorted at High Volumes
The speakers on the HP Stream 11 (2021) are relatively loud but they lack bass and distort at high volumes.
While they’re suitable for basic media playback they’re not ideal for immersive audio experiences.
Webcam and Microphone: Subpar for Video Calls
The webcam on the HP Stream 11 (2021) produces grainy and overexposed images with a narrow field of view.
This HP Stream 11 (2021) review is giving me flashbacks to my old laptop. 😨 I’m seriously considering upgrading, but I’m on a budget. Any other laptops you recommend for someone like me? Maybe something that can actually handle a few browser tabs without melting down? 😂 Check out some other budget-friendly laptops here!
The microphone is decent for basic audio recording but it’s not suitable for professional video calls.
Ports: Adequate Selection but Limited Functionality
The HP Stream 11 (2021) offers a decent selection of ports including two USB-A ports a USB-C port a microSD card reader and a headphone jack.
However the USB-C port doesn’t support video output or charging requiring you to use the full-size HDMI for external display connectivity.
Battery Life: Decent for Casual Use Short for Demanding Tasks
The HP Stream 11 (2021) features a 38Wh battery that delivers decent battery life for casual use but it falls short for heavy workloads or demanding tasks.
Overall: A Budget Laptop with Trade-offs
The HP Stream 11 (2021) is a budget-friendly laptop that offers basic performance and features.
While it’s portable and affordable it sacrifices display quality build quality and overall user experience for its price point.
If you’re looking for a device for light productivity tasks and casual use the HP Stream 11 (2021) might be an option.
However if you need a laptop for more demanding workloads or prioritize a premium user experience it’s best to consider other options in a higher price range.
This HP Stream 11 (2021) review is giving me flashbacks to my old laptop. 😨 I’m seriously considering upgrading, but I’m on a budget. Any other laptops you recommend for someone like me? Maybe something that can actually handle a few browser tabs without melting down? 😂 Check out some other budget-friendly laptops here!