HP Laptop 15 (2025) vs HP Laptop 15-fc0045sa
Both laptops are very similar and suit the same kind of buyer: both have equally quick processors, 8 GB of memory and 15-inch screens, and both run Windows. The main difference: only the HP Laptop 15 has a backlit keyboard.
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Key differences
- Extras HP Laptop 15 wins
Only the HP Laptop 15 has a backlit keyboard.
- Upgrades HP Laptop 15 wins
The HP Laptop 15's memory can be upgraded later; the HP Laptop 15-fc0045sa's is fixed.
Which one should you choose?
Choose the HP Laptop 15 if…
- You want a backlit keyboard, handy for typing in dim rooms.
- You might want more memory later: you can add it yourself.
- You mostly browse, stream and write: its Intel Core i3-N305 copes well with everyday tasks.
Choose the HP Laptop 15-fc0045sa if…
- You mostly browse, stream and write: its AMD Ryzen 3 7320U copes well with everyday tasks.
- You want a big screen: it's 15.6 inches.
- You connect to a TV or monitor: it has HDMI built in.
Full spec comparison
Add more laptopsOn the specs both makers publish, these two are closely matched. Highlighted values mark the better spec in each row, and you can hide the rows where they match.
Performance
The HP Laptop 15 is ahead on performance.
It can be upgraded, and the HP Laptop 15-fc0045sa doesn't beat it on anything here.
| Spec | HP Laptop 15 (2025) | HP Laptop 15-fc0045sa |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core i3-N305 | AMD Ryzen 3 7320U |
| Graphics | Intel UHD Graphics | AMD Radeon Graphics |
| Memory (RAM) | 8 GB | 8 GB |
| Memory type | DDR4-3200 | DDR4-3200 |
| Maximum memory | 8 GB | — |
| Memory upgrades | Upgradeable (slots) | Soldered (not upgradeable) |
| Storage | 256 GB | 256 GB |
| Storage type | SSD | SSD |
| Storage interface | PCIe NVMe M.2 | PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD |
Screen
Both screens are closely matched.
Size, sharpness and smoothness are near enough the same, so neither has a real edge to look at.
| Spec | HP Laptop 15 (2025) | HP Laptop 15-fc0045sa |
|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 15.6" | 15.6" |
| Resolution | Full HD (1920 x 1080) | Full HD (1920 x 1080) |
| Aspect ratio | 16:9 | 16:9 |
| Panel | LCD | LCD |
| Refresh rate | — | 60 Hz |
| Variable refresh (VRR) | — | Yes |
| Brightness | 250 nits | 250 nits |
| Colour range | 62.5% sRGB | 45% NTSC |
| HDR | — | None |
| Finish | Matte | Matte |
| Touchscreen | No | No |
Battery and size
Both are much the same on battery and weight.
Neither will be noticeably easier to carry or last noticeably longer away from a plug.
| Spec | HP Laptop 15 (2025) | HP Laptop 15-fc0045sa |
|---|---|---|
| Battery life (maker claim) | Up to 10.75 hours | Up to 11.25 hours |
| Battery capacity | 41 Wh | 41 Wh |
| Charger | 45 W | 45 W |
| Charges via | barrel (HP smart pin) | AC smart pin (barrel) |
| Fast charging | approx. 50% in 45 min | 50% in 45 min |
| Weight | 1.59 kg | 1.59 kg |
| Dimensions | 359.8 x 236 x 18.6 mm | 359.8 x 236 x 18.6 mm |
| Materials | — | Roundstooth texture matte cover and keyboard frame finish, textured base |
| Colour | Jet black | Jet black |
Ports and wireless
Both have much the same ports and wireless.
You can plug in the same things on either.
| Spec | HP Laptop 15 (2025) | HP Laptop 15-fc0045sa |
|---|---|---|
| Ports | 1x USB-C 5Gbps (data only; no charging, no external monitors), 2x USB-A 5Gbps, 1x HDMI 1.4b, 1x 3.5 mm headphone/microphone combo | 2x USB-A 5Gbps (USB 3.2 Gen 1), 1x USB-C 5Gbps (USB 3.2 Gen 1; data only, no charging or external monitors), 1x HDMI 1.4b, 1x 3.5 mm headphone/mic combo, 1x AC smart pin (power) |
| Thunderbolt / USB4 | None | None |
| External displays (max) | — | 1 |
| Card reader | None | None |
| Ethernet | None | None |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 |
| Wi-Fi card | — | Realtek Wi-Fi 6 (2x2) |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.4 | Bluetooth 5.4 |
| Mobile data | None | None |
Features
The HP Laptop 15 is ahead on extras.
It has a backlit keyboard, and the HP Laptop 15-fc0045sa doesn't beat it on anything here.
| Spec | HP Laptop 15 (2025) | HP Laptop 15-fc0045sa |
|---|---|---|
| Webcam | 720p | 720p |
| Webcam privacy | physical shutter | physical shutter |
| Backlit keyboard | Yes | No |
| Keyboard | full-size, backlit, numeric keypad, mic mute key | Full-size jet black keyboard with numeric keypad; mic mute key |
| Number pad | Yes | Yes |
| Touchpad | HP Imagepad | HP Imagepad |
| Speakers | Dual speakers | Dual speakers |
| Microphones | dual microphones | dual-array digital microphones |
| Pen | No | No |
| Security | TPM (firmware), camera privacy shutter, mic mute key | Firmware TPM, Camera privacy shutter, Mic mute key |
Software and model
Both run Windows.
So the same apps work on both, and they get the same kind of updates.
| Spec | HP Laptop 15 (2025) | HP Laptop 15-fc0045sa |
|---|---|---|
| Operating system | Windows 11 Home | Windows 11 Home |
| Model number | BQ7V3EA#ABU | BM2U2EA |
| Released | 2025 | — |