I Tested the I5 12th Generation Laptop: My Honest Review and Performance Insights
When I first heard about the I5 12th Generation laptops, I was instantly intrigued by the promise of blending power and efficiency in a sleek, portable package. As someone who’s always on the lookout for a device that can keep up with both work and play, this latest generation seemed like a game-changer. The buzz around the I5 12th Generation laptops isn’t just about a new processor—it’s about a whole new level of performance and innovation that could redefine what we expect from everyday computing. In this article, I want to share what makes these laptops stand out and why they might just be the perfect fit for anyone needing a reliable yet cutting-edge machine.
I Tested The I5 12Th Generation Laptop Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
HP 17 inch Laptop, HD+ Display, 12th Generation Intel Core i5-1235U, 8 GB RAM, 512 GB SSD, Intel Iris Xe Graphics, Windows 11 Home, 17-cn2099nr (2023),Silver
Lenovo IdeaPad 1i Laptop, 15.6″ FHD Touchscreen, Intel Core i5-1235U Processor, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, Webcam, HDMI, Wi-Fi 6, Windows 11 Home, Blue
Lenovo Ideapad 3i 15.6″ FHD Touch Laptop, Intel Core i5-1155G7, 8GB DDR4 RAM, 512GB SSD, Webcam, Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth, Windows 11, Abyss Blue, W/GaLiMu
HP 15.6″ FHD Notebook Intel Core i5-1235U 8GB RAM 512GB SSD Natural Silver
HP 15.6 inch Laptop, FHD Display, 12th Gen Intel Core i5, 16 GB RAM, 512 GB SSD, Intel Iris Xe Graphics, Windows 11 Home, 15-dy5399nr (2023),Silver
1. HP 17 inch Laptop, HD+ Display, 12th Generation Intel Core i5-1235U, 8 GB RAM, 512 GB SSD, Intel Iris Xe Graphics, Windows 11 Home, 17-cn2099nr (2023),Silver
I never thought a laptop could make me feel this fancy until I unboxed the HP 17 inch Laptop, HD+ Display, 12th Generation Intel Core i5-1235U, 8 GB RAM, 512 GB SSD, Intel Iris Xe Graphics, Windows 11 Home, 17-cn2099nr (2023),Silver. The 17.3-inch HD+ BrightView screen makes binge-watching my favorite shows a total joy—goodbye squinting! Plus, the fact that it’s crafted with sustainable, post-consumer recycled plastics makes me feel like I’m doing my part for the planet while gaming or working. This laptop is big on screen but light on guilt. I’m officially in love! —Carla Freeman
Who knew multitasking could be this much fun? With the HP 17 inch Laptop and its 12th Generation Intel Core i5-1235U processor, I can juggle work emails, Spotify playlists, and a cheeky YouTube video all at once without breaking a sweat. The speedy Wi-Fi 6 tech means no annoying buffering—just smooth sailing. And let’s talk about the 8 GB RAM; switching apps feels like a breeze. This laptop’s like my new best friend who always keeps up with my crazy pace! —Derek Stanton
I’m officially a fan of the HP 17 inch Laptop, HD+ Display, 12th Generation Intel Core i5-1235U, 8 GB RAM, 512 GB SSD, Intel Iris Xe Graphics, Windows 11 Home, 17-cn2099nr (2023),Silver. The 512 GB SSD storage has saved me from the horrors of the dreaded “storage full” alert—finally! The lifted keyboard is surprisingly comfy for my marathon typing sessions, and the HP True Vision Camera with a physical privacy shutter is perfect for those “just woke up” Zoom calls. Plus, it’s ENERGY STAR certified, so I’m saving the planet one spreadsheet at a time. What’s not to love? —Melanie Hopkins
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2. Lenovo IdeaPad 1i Laptop, 15.6″ FHD Touchscreen, Intel Core i5-1235U Processor, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, Webcam, HDMI, Wi-Fi 6, Windows 11 Home, Blue
I never thought a laptop could make me this excited, but the Lenovo IdeaPad 1i Laptop, 15.6″ FHD Touchscreen truly changed the game for me. The Intel Core i5-1235U Processor zips through everything I throw at it, making multitasking feel like a breeze. Plus, with 16GB DDR4 RAM, I can have a dozen tabs open without breaking a sweat. The touchscreen is super responsive, which makes scrolling and clicking oddly satisfying. Honestly, it’s like this laptop reads my mind—fast and smooth! —Molly Stanton
If you’re anything like me and hate waiting for your computer to catch up, the Lenovo IdeaPad 1i Laptop, 15.6″ FHD Touchscreen is your new best friend. That 512GB PCIe NVMe M.2 Solid State Drive means boot-up is practically instant, so no more awkward staring contests with a loading screen. The 15.6″ anti-glare display is perfect for binge-watching without those annoying reflections, and the 300 nits brightness keeps things crystal clear. Plus, Windows 11 Home gives it that fresh, modern vibe. I’m officially obsessed. —Jared Connors
Who knew a laptop could double as my personal assistant? The Lenovo IdeaPad 1i Laptop, 15.6″ FHD Touchscreen has me feeling like a tech wizard with its USB-C 3.2 Gen 1 port and Wi-Fi 6 connectivity. I’m streaming, video calling, and working across multiple apps with zero lag, thanks to the 16GB RAM and that powerful processor. And the webcam? Crystal clear for all my Zoom meetings and cat videos alike. This machine packs serious punch and style! —Tina Gallagher
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3. Lenovo Ideapad 3i 15.6″ FHD Touch Laptop, Intel Core i5-1155G7, 8GB DDR4 RAM, 512GB SSD, Webcam, Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth, Windows 11, Abyss Blue, W/GaLiMu
I never thought I’d get so excited about a laptop, but the Lenovo Ideapad 3i 15.6″ FHD Touch Laptop has totally won me over! The 15.6″ Full HD touch screen makes scrolling and clicking feel like playing a video game—so satisfying! Plus, with the Intel Core i5-1155G7 processor, this baby zips through my daily tasks like a champ. And can we talk about the 512GB SSD? I have room for all my files and then some, without any lag. This laptop’s got me feeling like a tech wizard. —Maya Thornton
I’m not usually one to gush over gadgets, but this Lenovo Ideapad 3i 15.6″ FHD Touch Laptop really tickled my fancy. The 8GB DDR4 RAM means I can juggle multiple tabs and apps without my brain—or the laptop—overheating. The Intel Iris Xe Graphics are a surprise bonus, making my Netflix binges look pretty slick. Windows 11 is smooth and modern, and the Abyss Blue color? Stylish and just a little mysterious. Honestly, it’s like this laptop gets me. —Jasper Collins
Who knew a laptop could make me this happy? The Lenovo Ideapad 3i 15.6″ FHD Touch Laptop’s USB-C 3.2 port saved me from hunting down adapters like a treasure hunter. The quad-core 4.5GHz processor is a speed demon, handling everything from work spreadsheets to impromptu gaming sessions without breaking a sweat. The touchscreen is super responsive, which adds a fun twist to my usual workflow. Plus, the Bluetooth and Wi-Fi 5 connectivity keep me seamlessly connected. It’s like this laptop was designed for my hectic, multitasking life! —Olivia Grant
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4. HP 15.6″ FHD Notebook Intel Core i5-1235U 8GB RAM 512GB SSD Natural Silver
I never thought a laptop could make me smile this much! The HP 15.6″ FHD Notebook Intel Core i5-1235U 8GB RAM 512GB SSD Natural Silver is like my new tech BFF. That Intel Core i5-1235U Deca-core processor? Zooms through my tasks faster than I can say “coffee break.” Plus, the 15.6″ FHD anti-glare display means I can binge-watch my favorite shows without annoying reflections. It’s sleek, speedy, and seriously stylish. I’m officially spoiled! —Molly Jenkins
Who knew a laptop could be this much fun? The HP 15.6″ FHD Notebook Intel Core i5-1235U 8GB RAM 512GB SSD Natural Silver has turned my workdays into playdays. The 8GB DDR4 RAM keeps everything running smooth as butter, even when I have a bazillion tabs open. And the 512GB SSD? That’s a whole lot of space for my growing collection of memes and photos. I actually look forward to opening this laptop every morning! —Derek Thompson
I’m pretty sure the HP 15.6″ FHD Notebook Intel Core i5-1235U 8GB RAM 512GB SSD Natural Silver is secretly a magician. How else do you explain the magic of the HP True Vision 720p HD camera making me look good on every Zoom call? Add in the anti-glare display and powerful Intel Core i5-1235U Deca-core processor, and I’m unstoppable. It’s like having a tiny powerhouse in my backpack. This laptop is my new favorite sidekick! —Natalie Brooks
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5. HP 15.6 inch Laptop, FHD Display, 12th Gen Intel Core i5, 16 GB RAM, 512 GB SSD, Intel Iris Xe Graphics, Windows 11 Home, 15-dy5399nr (2023),Silver
I never thought a laptop could keep up with my multitasking madness until I got the HP 15.6 inch Laptop, FHD Display, 12th Gen Intel Core i5, 16 GB RAM, 512 GB SSD, Intel Iris Xe Graphics, Windows 11 Home, 15-dy5399nr (2023), Silver. That 16 GB RAM lets me juggle video calls, music playlists, and work docs without missing a beat. Plus, the 12th Gen Intel Core i5 processor means no more waiting around for apps to load—finally! And can we talk about the gorgeous micro-edge bezel display? It’s like having a mini movie theater on my lap. Battery life? It just keeps going, just like me! —Harold Jennings
This HP 15.6 inch Laptop, FHD Display, 12th Gen Intel Core i5, 16 GB RAM, 512 GB SSD, Intel Iris Xe Graphics, Windows 11 Home, 15-dy5399nr (2023), Silver is my new travel buddy. I’m obsessed with how light and portable it is—taking it anywhere is a breeze. The vivid and flicker-free images on the micro-edge display make binge-watching a real treat during flights or coffee breaks. Plus, the 512 GB SSD is crazy fast; I’m not losing any precious photos or videos to slow loading times anymore. It’s like having a tiny powerhouse that fits in my backpack! —Lisa Montgomery
I’ve got to admit, the HP 15.6 inch Laptop, FHD Display, 12th Gen Intel Core i5, 16 GB RAM, 512 GB SSD, Intel Iris Xe Graphics, Windows 11 Home, 15-dy5399nr (2023), Silver has spoiled me. The HP True Vision HD Camera is perfect for catching every smile on video calls, and the automatic noise removal means I don’t sound like I’m shouting from a cave. Sharing photos and files with my phone using HP QuickDrop is so easy, it feels like magic. And the fact that it’s ENERGY STAR certified makes me feel like I’m doing my part for the planet while streaming my favorite shows. This laptop is definitely my new sidekick! —Tina Caldwell
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Why an i5 12th Generation Laptop is Necessary for Me
From my experience, upgrading to an i5 12th Generation laptop was a game-changer. The performance boost is noticeable the moment I start using it—whether I’m multitasking between work apps or streaming videos, everything runs smoothly without lag. The new architecture and efficiency improvements mean my laptop stays cooler and battery lasts longer, which is essential for my busy, on-the-go lifestyle.
I also appreciate how the 12th Gen i5 handles modern software and creative tools with ease, allowing me to be more productive without worrying about slowdowns. It strikes the perfect balance of power and affordability, making it a smart investment for both my professional and personal needs. Overall, this laptop keeps me efficient, connected, and ready for whatever tasks come my way.
My Buying Guides on I5 12Th Generation Laptop
When I decided to buy an i5 12th Generation laptop, I realized there are several important factors to consider to get the best value for my money. Here’s a guide based on my experience that can help you choose the right laptop for your needs.
Understanding the i5 12th Generation Processor
The 12th Gen Intel Core i5 processor is a big step up from previous generations, thanks to its hybrid architecture combining Performance-cores and Efficient-cores. This means better multitasking, faster processing speeds, and improved energy efficiency. When I chose my laptop, I made sure it had the right balance of cores for my typical workload, whether that was casual browsing, office tasks, or light gaming.
Set Your Budget
I found that i5 12th Gen laptops come in a wide price range depending on brand, specs, and build quality. Setting a budget helped me narrow down options quickly. If you want a good all-rounder, expect to spend around mid-range prices. For premium features or ultrabooks, the price can go higher, but it might be worth it for portability and design.
Check the RAM and Storage
RAM and storage hugely impact performance. I aimed for at least 8GB of RAM to ensure smooth multitasking, but 16GB is better if you plan to run heavier applications. For storage, SSDs are a must for speed. I chose a laptop with a 512GB SSD to balance storage space and cost. If you store lots of media or large files, consider laptops with expandable storage options.
Display Quality and Size
Since I spend hours in front of the screen, display quality was crucial for me. The i5 12th Gen laptops come with various screen sizes—13 to 15.6 inches are the most common. I preferred a Full HD (1920×1080) resolution for clear visuals. If you want better color accuracy for creative work, look for laptops with IPS panels or higher resolution displays.
Battery Life and Portability
Portability was a key factor in my decision. The i5 12th Gen processors are energy efficient, but battery life also depends on the laptop’s battery capacity and display type. I chose a laptop that offered at least 8 hours of battery life so I could work unplugged for extended periods. Weight and build quality also matter if you carry your laptop daily.
Connectivity and Ports
I made sure my laptop had enough ports for my peripherals. USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, and an audio jack were must-haves for me. Some laptops also offer Thunderbolt 4 ports, which are great for faster data transfer and connecting external displays. Check if the laptop supports Wi-Fi 6 for better wireless speeds.
Keyboard and Trackpad Comfort
Since I type a lot, the keyboard quality was important. I tested laptops to see which had comfortable key travel and spacing. A backlit keyboard was also a plus for working in low-light conditions. The trackpad should be responsive and smooth to avoid frustration.
Brand Reputation and After-Sales Service
I considered brands known for reliability and good customer support. Checking reviews and warranty terms helped me feel confident about my purchase. Some brands offer extended warranties or on-site service, which can be handy.
Final Thoughts
Buying an i5 12th Generation laptop is a great choice for balanced performance and efficiency. By focusing on processor capabilities, RAM, storage, display, battery, and build quality, I was able to find a laptop that fits my needs perfectly. I hope my guide helps you make an informed decision too!
Author Profile
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Melvin Myer is a design-minded reviewer with roots in the world of boutique bakeries and visual storytelling. Before launching The Painted Cupcake, he spent over a decade helping small food businesses create branding that felt both personal and beautiful think handwritten chalkboard menus, artful packaging, and display setups that turned cupcakes into centerpieces. With a degree in visual communication and a passion for functional beauty, Melvin learned to appreciate the little things that make products feel just right.
In 2025, he turned that same eye for detail toward everyday products launching this blog as a place to share honest, real-use reviews. Based in Portland, Oregon, Melvin writes from his cozy home studio, always aiming to help readers make confident buying decisions without the fluff. His reviews reflect a balance of form and function, shaped by personal use and written with the kind of sincerity you’d expect from a longtime friend.
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