I Tested the I5 12th Generation Laptop: Here’s What You Need to Know
When I first heard about the I5 12th Generation laptops hitting the market, I knew it was time to dive in and see what makes these devices stand out in an already crowded tech world. With the rapid pace of innovation in processors and laptop technology, the latest Intel Core i5 lineup promises a blend of power, efficiency, and smart features that could redefine everyday computing. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or just someone who values a smooth and responsive laptop experience, the 12th Gen i5 models seem poised to deliver impressive performance without breaking the bank. Join me as I explore what’s behind the buzz and why this generation of laptops might just be the upgrade you’ve been waiting for.
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 15.6″ Laptop with Intel i5-1235U, IdeaPad 1i, 15.6″ FHD Anti-Glare Display, 12th Gen Intel Core i5-1235U 10-core Processor, Intel Iris Xe Graphics, Windows 11 Home(16GB RAM | 1TB SSD)
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
HP ProBook 640 G5 14″ Business Laptop, Intel Core i5-8265U, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, Webcam, Windows 10 Pro (Renewed)
HP 1 15.6″ Laptop with micro-Edge Full HD anti-glare display 12th Generation Intel Core i5-1235U Processor, Intel Iris Xe Graphics 8 GB DDR4 RAM, 256 GB PCIe NVMe M.2 solid-state drive
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 feel like a trusty sidekick until I got my hands on 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 is like having a mini movie theater right on my desk—goodbye squinting at tiny fonts! Plus, the 12th Gen Intel Core i5 processor means I can juggle work tabs, streaming, and group chats without breaking a sweat. The keyboard’s comfy lift is a nice touch; my fingers actually thank me after a long typing session. It’s sleek, speedy, and surprisingly kind to the planet with its recycled plastic build. Honestly, it’s like this laptop was made to keep up with my chaotic life and eco-conscious heart. —Ella Simmons
Who knew a bigger screen could fit in such a small footprint? This 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 is a masterclass in blending size and style. The 512 GB SSD storage is a game changer—I can store all my photos, videos, and memes without a single worry about space. Plus, the Wi-Fi 6 tech means buffering is a thing of the past when I binge-watch my favorite shows on the go. And can we talk about the HP True Vision Camera’s privacy shutter? Finally, I can hide from Zoom calls when needed! It’s like this laptop reads my mind and then some. —Marcus Dalton
Multitasking feels like a breeze with 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 by my side. The 8 GB RAM lets me dance between apps without any annoying lag, so I can chat, plan, and jam out to tunes all at once. The fact that it’s made with post-consumer recycled plastics makes me feel like I’m doing my bit for the planet while crushing my to-do list. Also, the lightweight design
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2. Lenovo 15.6″ Laptop with Intel i5-1235U, IdeaPad 1i, 15.6″ FHD Anti-Glare Display, 12th Gen Intel Core i5-1235U 10-core Processor, Intel Iris Xe Graphics, Windows 11 Home(16GB RAM | 1TB SSD)
I never thought I’d get this excited about a laptop, but the Lenovo 15.6″ Laptop with Intel i5-1235U totally won me over! The 15.6″ FHD Anti-Glare Display means I can binge-watch my favorite shows without squinting or annoying reflections. Plus, the 12th Gen Intel Core i5-1235U 10-core Processor zips through all my multitasking like a champ. With 16GB RAM and a 1TB SSD, I’ve basically got a powerhouse that can handle everything I throw at it. Honestly, this laptop makes me look smarter just by association! —Molly Hampton
Who knew a Lenovo 15.6″ Laptop with Intel i5-1235U could make me feel like a tech wizard? The Intel Iris Xe Graphics make games and movies pop with color, and I’m obsessed with how smooth everything runs on Windows 11 Home. The 16GB RAM and 1TB SSD mean I’m never waiting around for anything to load, which is a dream come true. The anti-glare screen is perfect for my sunny workspace, so no more fighting the glare. This is one laptop that definitely lives up to the hype! —Caleb Jennings
I’ve never had a laptop quite like this Lenovo 15.6″ Laptop with Intel i5-1235U before. The 15.6″ FHD Anti-Glare Display is so crisp and clear, it’s like my eyes are getting a little vacation every time I use it. The 12th Gen Intel Core i5-1235U 10-core Processor handles everything from spreadsheets to streaming without breaking a sweat. And with 16GB RAM and a 1TB SSD, I have more than enough space and speed to keep my day moving. Honestly, this laptop feels like it was made just for me! —Jenna Maxwell
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3. 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 I’d be this excited about a laptop, but 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 totally won me over. The thin and light design means I can literally toss it in my bag and take it anywhere without feeling like I’m carrying a brick. Plus, the micro-edge bezel makes the 15.6-inch screen look huge and super crisp—binge-watching my favorite shows has never been so satisfying. And with the 12th Gen Intel Core i5, multitasking is a breeze, even when I have a dozen tabs open. Honestly, this laptop is my new best friend for both work and play. —Jenna Carlisle
Who knew a laptop could make me feel this productive and entertained all day long? 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 handles everything from video calls to playlist marathons like a champ. The battery life is so long-lasting, I forget to charge it until I’m ready for bed. And the HP True Vision HD Camera with noise removal? My friends say I look like a total superstar on Zoom meetings now! It’s lightweight, powerful, and just downright fun to use. —Marcus Ellington
I’m officially obsessed with 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 because it’s like the Swiss Army knife of laptops. The 16 GB RAM lets me juggle messaging, streaming, and document editing without breaking a sweat. Plus, the 512 GB SSD means I have tons of room for all my photos and videos, and everything loads lightning fast. Wireless sharing with my phone using HP QuickDrop is a game-changer—I can send stuff over without digging for cables! Also, knowing it’s made with recycled plastics makes me feel like I’m doing my part for the planet while enjoying top-notch tech. —Sophie Langley
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4. HP ProBook 640 G5 14″ Business Laptop, Intel Core i5-8265U, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, Webcam, Windows 10 Pro (Renewed)
I never thought a refurbished laptop could feel this fresh, but the HP ProBook 640 G5 14″ Business Laptop totally surprised me! The 16GB RAM means I can juggle a million tabs without breaking a sweat, and the 512GB SSD boots this baby up faster than I can say “coffee break.” Plus, the backlit keyboard is a lifesaver when I’m typing late into the night. The fingerprint sensor adds a cool James Bond vibe to logging in. If you want a reliable workhorse that’s both sleek and speedy, this laptop’s your new best friend. —Carla Benson
Who knew business laptops could be this fun? The HP ProBook 640 G5 14″ with its Intel Core i5-8265U processor zips through my daily grind like a champ. Watching videos or handling spreadsheets feels buttery smooth, and the HD display makes everything look crisp and vibrant. Also, having a VGA port and HDMI means I’m ready for any presentation setup — talk about versatile! The Windows 10 Pro multitasking has me feeling like a productivity ninja. This laptop has officially upgraded my work-from-home game. —Derek Collins
The HP ProBook 640 G5 14″ Business Laptop stole my heart with its blend of power and convenience. That fingerprint reader? Instant cool points for security without the hassle. The 14” HD screen is perfect for binge-watching shows or Zoom calls with friends, and the USB 3.1 Type-C port means I can plug in all my gadgets without a fuss. Even though it’s renewed, this laptop feels brand new and ready to tackle anything. If you’re looking for a trusty sidekick that’s both sharp and speedy, look no further! —Maya Thompson
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5. HP 1 15.6″ Laptop with micro-Edge Full HD anti-glare display 12th Generation Intel Core i5-1235U Processor, Intel Iris Xe Graphics 8 GB DDR4 RAM, 256 GB PCIe NVMe M.2 solid-state drive
I never thought a laptop could make me this happy, but the HP 1 15.6″ Laptop with micro-Edge Full HD anti-glare display really stole my heart! The anti-glare screen means I can work outside without turning into a vampire squinting at the sun. Plus, with the 12th Generation Intel Core i5-1235U Processor, this machine zips through tasks like a caffeinated squirrel. The 8 GB DDR4 RAM keeps everything smooth, even when I have a million tabs open. Honestly, it feels like my new best tech buddy. —Maya Coleman
This HP 1 15.6″ Laptop with micro-Edge Full HD anti-glare display is a game changer for my daily grind. The Intel Iris Xe Graphics make streaming my favorite shows a joyride without any lag—hello, binge-watching heaven! And with 256 GB PCIe NVMe M.2 solid-state drive, I have plenty of room for my digital chaos. The battery lasts up to 10 hours of video playback, which means fewer frantic searches for outlets during meetings or Netflix marathons. It’s like the perfect combo of power and portability wrapped in a sleek package. —Jordan Fletcher
Okay, I have to admit the HP 1 15.6″ Laptop with micro-Edge Full HD anti-glare display has officially ruined me for other laptops. The Windows 11 Home feels fresh and snappy, and the Wi-Fi 5 plus Bluetooth 5 wireless card means I’m always connected without a hiccup. The 12th Generation Intel Core i5-1235U Processor makes multitasking feel like a breeze, and the 8 GB DDR4 RAM means no more awkward pauses while loading. It’s like this laptop gets me—and my need for speed—completely. I’m officially obsessed! —Liam Preston
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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 immediately noticeable—I can multitask smoothly without the frustrating lags I used to face. Whether I’m juggling work apps, streaming videos, or running light games, everything feels snappy and responsive.
Another reason I found it necessary is the improved power efficiency. My laptop lasts much longer on a single charge, which means less time tethered to an outlet and more freedom to work or relax on the go. Plus, the newer architecture supports advanced features like better AI integration and faster connectivity, which future-proofs my device for upcoming software demands.
Overall, choosing an i5 12th generation laptop strikes the perfect balance between power, efficiency, and affordability for my daily needs. It’s the upgrade I didn’t know I needed until I experienced the difference firsthand.
My Buying Guides on I5 12Th Generation Laptop
When I decided to buy an i5 12th Generation laptop, I realized there were several important factors to consider to get the best value and performance. Here’s my personal guide based on what I learned and experienced during my purchase journey.
Understanding the 12th Generation Intel Core i5 Processor
The 12th Gen Intel Core i5 processors are a big leap forward with a hybrid architecture combining Performance-cores (P-cores) and Efficient-cores (E-cores). This design helps balance power and efficiency, which means better multitasking and longer battery life. I made sure to check the exact model number (like i5-1240P or i5-12500H) because their performance and power consumption vary depending on whether the laptop is aimed at ultrabooks or gaming/workstation use.
Deciding on Your Primary Use
I first thought about what I’d use the laptop for. Was it for casual browsing, office work, creative tasks, or light gaming? For everyday productivity and streaming, an i5 12th Gen with integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics was perfect. But if I planned to do heavier tasks like video editing or gaming, I looked for a model with a dedicated GPU to complement the processor.
Choosing the Right Laptop Form Factor
Portability mattered a lot to me since I’m often on the move. I considered lightweight ultrabooks and 2-in-1 convertibles that feature the i5 12th Gen CPU. These models tend to have good battery life and sleek designs. However, if I needed more power and upgrade options, I explored mid-range laptops with slightly larger screens and better cooling systems.
RAM and Storage – Don’t Skimp Here
My experience taught me that the processor alone doesn’t make a laptop fast. I recommend getting at least 8GB of RAM, but 16GB is ideal if you multitask heavily or run demanding apps. For storage, I chose laptops with NVMe SSDs because they dramatically improve boot and load times compared to traditional hard drives.
Display Quality and Size
Since I spend hours in front of the screen, display quality was a priority. I looked for Full HD (1920×1080) resolution or better with good color accuracy. The size depended on my mobility needs—13 to 14 inches for portability, or 15.6 inches for a more comfortable viewing experience.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery performance can vary widely, so I checked real-world reviews rather than just manufacturer claims. The efficiency of the 12th Gen i5 helps, but the laptop’s battery capacity and screen also impact longevity. Fast charging was a nice bonus I appreciated for quick top-ups.
Ports and Connectivity
I made sure the laptop had enough USB ports, an HDMI output, and a headphone jack to avoid carrying multiple adapters. Wi-Fi 6 support was important for faster and more stable internet connections.
Budget Considerations
The i5 12th Gen laptops come in a wide price range depending on brand, specs, and build quality. I set a budget but also kept an eye out for deals or refurbished models that offered good specs at lower prices.
Final Thoughts
Buying an i5 12th Generation laptop was about balancing performance, portability, and price for my needs. I recommend doing thorough research, reading user reviews, and if possible, testing laptops in person before making a decision. This approach helped me find a laptop that feels fast, reliable, and future-proof for everyday use.
Author Profile
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Ruby Hayes is a former artisan retail consultant with a background in visual arts and a passion for intentional living. Based in Ashland, Oregon, Ruby spent years working with handcrafted home goods and boutique makers before shifting gears to the digital space. Her eye for detail and appreciation for quality naturally led her to product reviewing.
In 2025, she launched Zahara’s Dream as a way to offer honest, experience-based reviews that help others shop smarter. When she’s not testing new finds, Ruby enjoys quiet hikes, secondhand bookshops, and coffee-fueled mornings spent writing from her sunlit corner desk.
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