Which is better for schoolwork and office apps?

The 15-FD2050WM. Its Core Ultra 5 and 512 GB SSD keep Word, spreadsheets and browser tabs responsive, and the 1080p screen is easier on the eyes for long reading sessions.

Is the 720p screen on the i3 model a problem?

Yes, for anything text-heavy. At 1366x768 on a 15.6-inch panel, letters look soft and you fit less on screen. The 1080p panel on the 15-FD2050WM is noticeably sharper.

The 15-FD2050WM. The newer Core Ultra 5 and double the storage mean it stays useful for more years, while the i3 model's 256 GB drive is the first thing to run out.

Do I need the fingerprint reader?

It is a convenience, not a must. It lets you sign in without typing a password. The i3 model has no biometric login, so you type your PIN or password each time.

Is the i3 model enough for video calls and streaming?

Yes. It handles Zoom, YouTube and Netflix fine. The 15-FD2050WM is better if you also edit photos, play games or keep many tabs open.

Which is easier to carry?

They are close. The i3 model weighs 3.52 lb and the 15-FD2050WM 3.6 lb, so neither is a burden in a backpack.

HP 15-FD2050WM Laptop vs HP 15.6" Touchscreen Laptop

The HP 15-FD2050WM is the better laptop of the two. It has a sharper 1080p panel, twice the storage, a newer Core Ultra 5 chip and a fingerprint reader, and its 4.4 rating from 353 owners backs that up. The Core i3 model is a basic machine with a low-resolution 720p screen and a small 256 GB drive, so pick it only if you want the lightest, simplest HP for web and email.

Choose the HP 15-FD2050WM if you want a sharp 1080p touchscreen, room for your files and a processor that stays quick for years.
Choose the HP 15.6" HD Touchscreen if your needs are basic browsing, email and video, and you want the lightest, simplest HP.

Prices

HP 15-FD2050WM Laptop: $539.90 at Walmart (checked today)
HP 15.6" Touchscreen Laptop: $329.00 at Newegg (checked today)
Difference: the HP 15.6" Touchscreen Laptop is $210.90 cheaper than the HP 15-FD2050WM Laptop today