Gaming laptops have come a long way, evolving from bulky machines to sleek, versatile devices that can handle everything from marathon gaming sessions to work presentations. The HP Victus 16 series is HP’s answer to gamers who want solid performance without stepping into the premium Omen lineup. Positioned as a practical option for both gamers and everyday users, the Victus 16 keeps things simple while packing enough power to stay competitive.
HP has designed the Victus lineup for users who value a no-nonsense approach. This isn’t about RGB overload or over-the-top designs; instead, it’s a laptop that aims to be both functional and stylish, fitting seamlessly into your gaming setup or office desk. But can it strike that tricky balance between affordability and performance? Let’s take a closer look.
Specifications
- Processor: 13th Generation Intel® Core™ i7-13700HX
- Graphics: NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 4060 8GB GDDR6
- Memory: 32GB DDR5-4800 RAM
- Storage: 1TB SSD
- Display: 16.1″ FHD (1920 x 1080), 144 Hz refresh rate
- Keyboard: Full-size, 1-zone RGB backlit keyboard with numeric keypad
- Audio: B&O Speakers
- Operating System: Windows 11 Home
- Camera: 1080p FHD webcam
- Ports: Multiple USB Type-A and Type-C ports, HDMI, headphone/microphone combo
- Weight: Starting at 2.34 kg
- Price: Available from Harvey Norman for $3199. You can also get a refurbished model from HP directly for $2399
Design and Build Quality

The HP Victus 16-r0153TX takes a minimalist approach to gaming laptop design. Its silver finish and understated logo steer clear of the aggressive aesthetics seen in many gaming rigs, making it versatile enough for both work and play. While the plastic build keeps the laptop lightweight at around 2.34 kg, it does mean the chassis lacks the premium feel of higher-end models like HP’s Omen series.
During hands-on testing, the full-size keyboard stood out for its comfortable layout and 1-zone RGB backlighting, which adds just the right amount of flair without going overboard. The hinge feels solid, holding the screen steady even during intense gaming sessions or on-the-go use. Overall, it’s a practical design that prioritizes functionality over flashiness.
Performance

Performance is where the Victus 16-r0153TX shines, and it’s clear HP has optimized this model for gaming. With the powerful 13th Gen Intel Core i7-13700HX processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 GPU (8GB GDDR6 dedicated), this laptop handled modern AAA titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Call of Duty: Warzone at high settings without breaking a sweat.
During testing, frame rates averaged between 60-90 FPS at 1080p with settings cranked up, providing smooth and immersive gameplay. Multitasking is equally impressive. Switching between a gaming session, Discord, and a couple of Chrome tabs didn’t cause any noticeable slowdown, thanks to the 32 GB DDR5 RAM. The 1 TB SSD also ensured that load times were quick, with games launching in seconds.
Thermal performance is solid; while the fans do get loud under heavy load, the laptop stays cool enough to maintain performance during extended gaming marathons. For gamers who also need a laptop for everyday productivity, the Victus 16 delivers a well-rounded experience.
Display

The 16.1-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) display on the HP Victus 16-r0153TX is tailored for gamers and multimedia enthusiasts. Its 144 Hz refresh rate ensures buttery-smooth visuals, especially in fast-paced games where every frame counts. Titles like Valorant and Apex Legends felt fluid and responsive, with minimal motion blur or screen tearing. For casual media consumption, the screen delivers sharp images and vibrant colours that make movies and videos enjoyable.
However, during testing, the display’s brightness was slightly underwhelming for outdoor use or brightly lit environments. It’s adequate for indoor settings, but creatives might find the colour accuracy lacking for tasks like photo editing. Despite this, the high refresh rate and wide viewing angles make it a solid pick for gamers and general users alike.
Battery Life
On gaming laptops, battery life is often a compromise, and sadly, the Victus 16 is no exception. Under light use—browsing the web, working on documents, and watching videos—it managed about 5 to 6 hours on a single charge. During gaming, however, that number dropped significantly, with just over an hour of playtime before needing to be plugged in.
Fast charging helps offset this limitation, taking the battery from nearly empty to 50% in roughly 30 minutes. Realistically, this laptop is best suited for users who plan to keep it tethered to a charger during intense gaming sessions. While it’s capable of handling light tasks on the go, portability is clearly a secondary focus here.
Keyboard and Trackpad

The full-sized keyboard on the HP Victus 16-r0153TX strikes a balance between functionality and gaming flair. The 1-zone RGB backlighting provides subtle customization, perfect for late-night gaming or typing sessions. During hands-on use, the keys offered a satisfying tactile response with enough travel to avoid feeling shallow, making both gaming and productivity tasks comfortable.
The trackpad is spacious and responsive, handling multi-finger gestures and precision movements with ease. While gamers will likely stick to a mouse for better control, the trackpad is reliable enough for casual browsing or quick edits on the go. Overall, the keyboard and trackpad are thoughtfully designed, catering to both gamers and everyday users.
Audio
The Victus 16’s audio performance is powered by Bang & Olufsen speakers, which deliver crisp and clear sound. During gameplay, effects like explosions and gunfire in Call of Duty felt immersive, though the bass was less pronounced than expected. For watching movies or listening to music, the speakers held up well in smaller rooms but struggled slightly to fill larger spaces.
Headphone users will appreciate the clarity and depth provided through the 3.5mm jack or Bluetooth connections. Audio positioning in games was accurate, which can be a critical edge in competitive titles. While the speakers aren’t groundbreaking, they’re more than capable of enhancing the overall experience for casual gaming and media consumption.
Pros:
- Strong gaming performance with NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060
- High refresh rate display (144 Hz) for smooth visuals
- 32 GB DDR5 RAM ensures excellent multitasking capabilities
- Sleek, minimalist design suitable for gaming and professional use
- Fast charging mitigates battery limitations
Cons:
- Battery life falls short during intensive gaming sessions
- Plastic build lacks the premium feel of high-end models
- Display brightness and colour accuracy could be better
Best For:
Gamers and multitaskers looking for a laptop that combines strong gaming performance with everyday functionality at a upper mid-range price.
Final Verdict
The HP Victus 16-r0153TX delivers a solid gaming experience at a reasonable price point for its specs. Its combination of a 13th Gen Intel Core i7 processor, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 GPU, and 144 Hz display make it a strong contender for gamers looking for smooth performance without breaking the bank. Whether you’re diving into AAA titles or tackling multitasking-heavy workloads, this laptop handles it with ease.
However, the plastic build and limited battery life remind you of its mid-range positioning. While the screen performs admirably for gaming, its brightness and colour accuracy may leave some users wanting more, especially in brightly lit environments. That said, for gamers and professionals needing a capable machine for both play and productivity, the Victus 16 strikes a commendable balance.