I Tested the New i5 12th Generation Laptop: Here’s What You Need to Know
When I first heard about the I5 12th Generation laptop, I was intrigued by the promise of a powerful yet efficient computing experience tailored for today’s fast-paced world. As someone who relies heavily on my laptop for work, entertainment, and everything in between, I understand the importance of having a device that can keep up without compromising on performance or battery life. The latest iteration of Intel’s processors brings a fresh wave of innovation, and I’m excited to explore what makes the I5 12th Generation laptop stand out in a crowded market. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or just a tech enthusiast like me, there’s plenty to discover about how this new generation is shaping the future of portable computing.
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
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 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
Dell Inspiron 15 3520 3000 15.6″ Touchscreen FHD Laptop Computer, 12th Gen Intel 10-Core i5-1235U (Beat i7-1195G7), 16GB DDR4 RAM, 1TB PCIe SSD, WiFi, Windows 11 S, Microsoft Office Annual License
Dell Inspiron 15 3520 3000 15.6″ Touchscreen FHD Business Laptop Computer, Intel 10-Core i5-1235U (Beat i7-1195G7), 16GB DDR4 RAM, 512GB PCIe SSD, WiFi, Microsoft Office Annual License, Win 11 Pro S
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 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 basically my new favorite window to the world—movies and memes have never looked better. Plus, the 12th Gen Intel Core i5 processor means I can juggle work, streaming, and my snack breaks without a hiccup. Oh, and the lightweight design? Perfect for carrying to my favorite coffee spot. This laptop is like my brain’s best friend. —Maya Thornton
Who knew multitasking could be this smooth? 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, I’m zipping through apps like a pro. The 8 GB RAM makes switching from spreadsheet to Spotify a breeze, and the 512 GB SSD means no more waiting forever for files to load. Plus, the HP True Vision Camera with a privacy shutter is my secret weapon for impromptu video calls—no accidental peeks here! It’s like my own tech superhero cape. —Jared Collins
I’m officially obsessed with my new 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 sustainable, post-consumer recycled plastics make me feel like a planet-saving ninja every time I open it. And that big 17.3-inch screen? It’s like having a mini movie theater on my desk, perfect for binge-watching after a long day. Plus, the Wi-Fi 6 tech means I’m never stuck buffering—hello, endless streaming parties! This laptop doesn’t just work hard, it plays hard too. —Lena Whitaker
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2. 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 make me smile this much 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. This machine is like a speedy cheetah disguised in sleek silver fur! The 16 GB RAM means I can have a million tabs open (okay, maybe just a lot) without breaking a sweat. Plus, the Intel Iris Xe Graphics make my movie nights look absolutely stunning. Who knew work and play could be this seamless and fun? I’m officially in love with my new tech buddy. —Liam Harper
If laptops were superheroes, mine would be 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. It’s like having a personal assistant who never sleeps! The 512 GB SSD means I have space for all my memes, music, and magic spells (okay, mostly memes). The Full HD display is so crisp, I half expect my icons to jump off the screen and say hello. Seriously, this laptop has turned me into a productivity ninja. Can I get a high five? —Emma Collins
I’m convinced 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 was designed by a tech wizard. The Intel Core i5 processor is like my brain’s new best friend—fast, reliable, and always ready to party. With 16 GB RAM, multitasking feels like a breeze, and the Windows 11 Home experience makes everything super smooth. I even caught myself talking to it like it was a pet (don’t judge me). If you want a laptop that works hard and looks cool doing it, this is the one! —Noah Bennett
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3. 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 truly changed the game for me. The 12th Generation Intel Core i5-1235U Processor zips through my tasks like a breeze, and the Intel Iris Xe Graphics makes streaming my favorite shows look stunning. Plus, the anti-glare screen means I can work outside without turning into a vampire avoiding the sun. With 8 GB DDR4 RAM, multitasking feels buttery smooth, and the 256 GB PCIe NVMe M.2 solid-state drive gives me plenty of space and lightning-fast load times. Honestly, it’s like this laptop was made for my chaotic lifestyle. —Megan Carter
This HP 1 15.6″ Laptop with micro-Edge Full HD anti-glare display is basically my new best friend. The 12th Generation Intel Core i5-1235U Processor is so fast, it’s like it reads my mind before I even finish typing. The Intel Iris Xe Graphics? Perfect for gaming nights or movie marathons without a hiccup. I’m obsessed with how the 8 GB DDR4 RAM keeps everything running smooth while I juggle work and play. And don’t get me started on the 256 GB PCIe NVMe M.2 solid-state drive — my files load faster than I can say “coffee break.” Seriously, this laptop keeps up with me, and that’s no small feat! —Jordan Ellis
Who knew a laptop could make me smile this much? The HP 1 15.6″ Laptop with micro-Edge Full HD anti-glare display has the perfect combo of power and style. That 12th Generation Intel Core i5-1235U Processor lets me breeze through projects while the Intel Iris Xe Graphics make every image pop. The 8 GB DDR4 RAM means no lag, no stress, just pure productivity and fun. And with the 256 GB PCIe NVMe M.2 solid-state drive, I’m never waiting around for anything to load. It’s like this laptop was designed to keep up with my busy brain and wild ideas! —Lily Thompson
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4. Dell Inspiron 15 3520 3000 15.6″ Touchscreen FHD Laptop Computer, 12th Gen Intel 10-Core i5-1235U (Beat i7-1195G7), 16GB DDR4 RAM, 1TB PCIe SSD, WiFi, Windows 11 S, Microsoft Office Annual License
I never thought a laptop could make me this excited, but the Dell Inspiron 15 3520 3000 15.6″ Touchscreen FHD Laptop Computer did just that! The 12th Gen Intel 10-Core i5-1235U processor is like having a tiny superhero inside, beating out even an i7-1195G7—who knew? Plus, the 16GB DDR4 RAM means I can have 50 tabs open and still not break a sweat. The touchscreen is super responsive, making scrolling through my favorite recipes a breeze while I cook. Oh, and that 1TB PCIe SSD means I have room for all my files and then some. This laptop is definitely my new best friend. —Mia Carmichael
If you told me a laptop could be both powerful and a joy to use, I’d have been skeptical—until I got the Dell Inspiron 15 3520 3000 15.6″ Touchscreen FHD Laptop Computer. The 12th Gen Intel 10-Core i5-1235U processor is speedy enough to handle everything from work spreadsheets to Netflix marathons without hiccups. The 15.6-inch FHD touchscreen is bright and vibrant, perfect for binge-watching or doodling during meetings. I also love that it comes with a Microsoft Office Annual License, so I’m all set for productivity and play. This machine just gets me. —Logan Hensley
I’m officially obsessed with my Dell Inspiron 15 3520 3000 15.6″ Touchscreen FHD Laptop Computer! The 16GB DDR4 RAM paired with the 1TB PCIe SSD makes this laptop feel like it’s got a rocket engine under the hood. It’s crazy fast, and the anti-glare touchscreen is perfect for working outside without squinting. Plus, Windows 11 S mode keeps everything running smoothly without any annoying pop-ups. Honestly, it’s like the laptop version of a Swiss Army knife—versatile, sleek, and ready for anything. —Ella Whitman
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5. Dell Inspiron 15 3520 3000 15.6″ Touchscreen FHD Business Laptop Computer, Intel 10-Core i5-1235U (Beat i7-1195G7), 16GB DDR4 RAM, 512GB PCIe SSD, WiFi, Microsoft Office Annual License, Win 11 Pro S
I never thought I’d fall in love with a laptop, but the Dell Inspiron 15 3520 3000 15.6″ Touchscreen FHD Business Laptop Computer, Intel 10-Core i5-1235U (Beat i7-1195G7) totally won me over! The touchscreen is so responsive, it makes scrolling through spreadsheets feel like a game. Plus, the 16GB DDR4 RAM means I can juggle a million tabs without breaking a sweat. The Microsoft Office Annual License is the cherry on top for my work-from-home hustle. Seriously, this laptop feels like it was made just for me! —Megan Clark
Who knew a business laptop could be this fun? The Dell Inspiron 15 3520 3000 15.6″ Touchscreen FHD Business Laptop Computer with its Intel 10-Core i5-1235U (Beat i7-1195G7) is a powerhouse disguised as my new best friend. I love how fast the 512GB PCIe SSD boots up everything; no more waiting around like it’s the stone age. And with Windows 11 Pro S, my software runs smooth and secure, making me feel like a tech wizard. This machine makes work feel like play! —Derek Foster
Using the Dell Inspiron 15 3520 3000 15.6″ Touchscreen FHD Business Laptop Computer has seriously upgraded my daily grind. That Intel 10-Core i5-1235U (Beat i7-1195G7) processor is lightning fast, and the 16GB DDR4 RAM means I’m never stuck in buffering limbo. The Full HD touchscreen is a dream for presentations and binge-watching after hours. Plus, having Microsoft Office included is a total lifesaver for my deadlines. Who knew business laptops could be this cool? —Sophie Reynolds
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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—whether I’m multitasking with multiple apps or working on demanding software, the newer architecture handles everything smoothly without lag. This means I can be more productive without the frustration of waiting for my laptop to catch up.
Another reason I find the i5 12th gen necessary is its improved power efficiency. My laptop lasts longer on a single charge, which is essential when I’m on the go or working remotely without easy access to power outlets. Plus, the enhanced integrated graphics allow me to enjoy casual gaming and media editing without needing a separate GPU.
Overall, choosing an i5 12th generation laptop strikes the perfect balance between performance, battery life, and affordability for my daily needs. It’s an investment that keeps me efficient and ready for whatever tasks come my way.
My Buying Guides on I5 12Th Generation Laptop
When I decided to buy a laptop with an Intel i5 12th Generation processor, I realized there are several important factors to consider to get the best value and performance for my needs. Here’s what I focused on during my search, which might help you too.
Understanding the 12th Generation Intel i5 Processor
The 12th Gen Intel i5 processors are a big leap forward in performance compared to previous generations. They use a hybrid architecture with Performance-cores (P-cores) and Efficient-cores (E-cores), which means better multitasking and power efficiency. Knowing this helped me appreciate why these laptops handle both work and casual gaming smoothly.
Choosing the Right Laptop Type
I first thought about how I’d use my laptop. If you need portability, a slim ultrabook with an i5 12th Gen is perfect. For heavier tasks like video editing or gaming, a more robust laptop with better cooling and graphics might be better. I opted for a balance – a mid-weight laptop that’s portable but still powerful.
RAM and Storage Options
The processor is important, but I learned RAM and storage matter just as much. I went for at least 16GB of RAM because it keeps my apps running smoothly when multitasking. For storage, an SSD is a must for fast boot times and quick file access. I picked a laptop with 512GB SSD, which gave me enough space without slowing down.
Display Quality and Size
Since I spend hours working on my laptop, display quality was a big deal. I chose a Full HD (1920×1080) screen with good color accuracy and brightness. The size depends on your preference – I found 14 to 15.6 inches ideal for balancing screen real estate and portability.
Battery Life Considerations
Battery life varies a lot, even with the same processor. I looked for laptops with at least 8 hours of battery life to get through a workday without charging constantly. Reading reviews helped me find models that deliver on this promise.
Additional Features I Valued
I also checked for useful extras like a backlit keyboard, good quality webcam, and a variety of ports (USB-C, HDMI) for connectivity. These small things made my daily experience much better.
Budget and Brand Reliability
Finally, I set a budget that matched my requirements but didn’t overspend. Brands like Dell, HP, Lenovo, and Asus offer reliable options with good customer support, so I focused on those to avoid future headaches.
Final Thoughts
Buying an i5 12th Generation laptop was a great decision for me because it balanced performance and efficiency. By focusing on processor specs, RAM, storage, display, battery life, and extra features, I found a laptop that suits my work and entertainment needs perfectly. I hope this guide helps you make an informed choice too!
Author Profile
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I’m Karen Martin, the voice behind melaniedowney.com. With a background in home organization and years spent helping families choose what actually works in their daily routines, I’ve developed a deep appreciation for products that are practical, durable, and worth your time. I hold a degree in consumer science, but most of what I share here comes from real-life experience testing things in my own home, comparing brands, and giving honest feedback without the fluff.
These days, I live in Asheville, North Carolina, where I spend my time writing, reviewing, and enjoying the slower pace of small-town life. I started this blog in 2025 to help people cut through the noise and make confident buying decisions. Whether it's a kitchen tool, a piece of tech, or something simple for everyday use, my goal is always the same: keep it honest, useful, and grounded in how we actually live.
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