I like what this HP 2-in-1 laptop offers, but the cost leaves me wanting more

Price When Reviewed

$1,509

Best Prices Today: HP OmniBook X Flip 14

The HP OmniBook X Flip 14 is right here to stretch the OmniBook household even additional. The branding was reintroduced alongside the introduction of Microsoft’s Copilot+ PCs, set to usher in a brand new period of AI-powered techniques. To that finish, the HP OmniBook X Flip 14 options both a latest AMD Ryzen AI chip or an Intel Core Ultra 200-series chip, each of which have NPUs on deck. That stated, loads of different techniques are doing the identical factor, and the utility stays questionable. 

Beyond this AI-everywhere bandwagoning, the HP OmniBook X Flip 14 is definitely a reasonably easy 2-in-1, and it has the seems of 1. It’s a better tier amongst OmniBooks, which implies it comes with worth tags starting from $1,000 and up. The competitors will get fierce when you break $1,000. And the HP OmniBook X Flip 14 has a tough time proving it deserves the value tag. It’s a superb laptop computer, nevertheless it has little past an incredible show to get enthusiastic about. 

HP OmniBook X Flip 14 : Specs and options

• CPU: AMD Ryzen AI 7 350
• Memory: 32GB LPDDR5x-7500
• Graphics/GPU: AMD Radeon 860M
• Display: 14-inch 2880×1800 OLED touchscreen, shiny
• Storage: 1TB PCIe Gen4 SSD
• Webcam: 5MP + IR
• Connectivity: 1x USB4 Type-C with Power Delivery and DisplayPort 2.1, 1x USB-C 10Gbps with Power Delivery and DisplayPort 2.1, 2x USB-A 10Gbps, 1x HDMI 2.1, 1x 3.5mm combo audio
• Networking: WiFi 7, Bluetooth 5.4
• Biometrics: Windows Hello facial recognition
• Battery capability: 59 watt-hours
• Dimensions: 12.32 x 8.60 x 0.7 inches
• Weight: 3.12 kilos
• MSRP: $1,509 as-tested ($1,099 base)

The HP OmniBook X Flip 14 launched with a said beginning worth of $1,099 at Best Buy. That configuration gives an AMD Ryzen AI 7 350 chip with 24GB of reminiscence, 1TB of storage, and a 1920×1200 IPS touchscreen. HP presents its own configurations, which really begin with lower-end specs than that for $1129. HP consists of improve choices to the reminiscence and show. Our check configuration represents the very best spec, coming with 32GB of reminiscence, 1TB of storage, and a 2880×1800 OLED show. As examined, the system prices $1,509. 

Separate from this, HP has an Intel-powered version which it apparently has at a decrease $999 beginning worth. While we are able to’t decide how comparable the 2 variations are with out testing, it’s a strong guess that the Intel model has higher graphics, worse CPU efficiency, and longer battery life primarily based on every part we’ve been seeing from the most recent techniques operating Intel and AMD cell chips. 

Even although the HP OmniBook X Flip 14 has simply launched, HP has already begun providing reductions. I’ve noticed it going for as a lot as $500 off. 

HP OmniBook X Flip 14 : Design and construct high quality

The HP OmniBook X Flip 14 is a refined however simplistic two-in-one laptop computer. It has properly rounded corners and clean edges for consolation, nevertheless it’s pretty plain to have a look at. Perhaps the one little little bit of actual visible intrigue is the lattice-less keyboard, however that comes with its personal downsides, which we’ll get into later.

Included in that good construct is an expansive use of aluminum, which is anodized and sandblasted, giving it a pleasingly clean texture. The HP OmniBook X Flip 14 nonetheless has refined flex right here and there, however feels lots inflexible. It ought to really feel sturdy, although, because it’s not precisely skinny or mild for a 14-inch laptop computer, measuring 0.7 inches thick and 3.12 kilos. 

Though laptops have come a great distance in trimming the excesses of their designs, the HP OmniBook X Flip 14 isn’t fairly there. It has comparatively thick high and backside bezels, round its show and an additional little strip of plastic under the show. As a end result, it doesn’t really feel fairly as futuristic as one thing just like the XPS 13. 

In between the bottom of the laptop computer and the show, you’ll discover the standard 360-degree hinges on both facet, which permit the laptop computer to flip over into tent mode and pill mode. To assist maintain the HP OmniBook X Flip 14 in its pill place, HP has built-in sturdy magnets that maintain it open so the show doesn’t flop round. These magnets additionally serve to maintain the lid closed when the laptop computer is saved away. The lid doesn’t have an excellent lip to get ahold of when attempting to open the laptop computer, and with the pretty agency hinge, the magnets, and light-weight base, it turns into tough to get the laptop computer open. If I had shorter fingernails, I believe I’d actually wrestle getting it open. 

The HP OmniBook X Flip 14 works with a stylus, too. HP’s included stylus latches onto the facet of the system utilizing the magnets as properly. This may be fairly safe, as lengthy it’s within the appropriate place. The factor is, the stylus is blissful to latch on loosely in a number of different positions. 

The laptop computer sits on very skinny, lengthy rubber toes that hardly elevate the bottom up in any respect. This creates a really small channel for airflow whereas concurrently not creating a lot floor space to get traction on tables or desks. While usually it could be a bit bit involved about this type of constraint, the actual fact is that the grille beneath solely gives a small gap for airflow, and is probably going the limiting issue. It’s curious that there’s such a large grille on the underside, as a lot of it appears to lack objective. Even the place the fan is positioned, HP has taped off a few of the grille, so solely a portion of the fan is ready to pull air in. Given all that, it’s not shocking that the HP OmniBook X Flip 14 can get a bit heat in on a regular basis use.

Above the show, HP suits a small webcam with a privateness shutter. But the shutter has black and white stripes on it that may be arduous to tell apart from glare, somewhat than an easy-to-see crimson dot like a few of its opponents.

HP packs the laptop computer’s audio system into slits that sit alongside the entrance fringe of the laptop computer. This considerably cleverly sees them face ahead within the laptop computer place, tent place, and pill place (in case you have them turned to face you). 

HP OmniBook X Flip 14 : Keyboard, trackpad

IDG / Mark Knapp

HP had an honest keyboard on its hand with the 2024 introduction of its OmniBook lineup. But this 12 months, HP has taken a web page — the worst web page — from Dell’s playbook and tried copying the close to gapless design of its latest XPS laptops whereas additionally ditching the enjoyable multi-color design it had began out with. The result’s a packed-in keyboard with very flat keys and little contouring to really feel out what you’re typing on. While it’s nonetheless potential to sort by really feel, in case you have a bent to float barely, as I do, chances are you’ll wrestle to repeatedly recalibrate since you received’t really feel the sides of the keys. The further width of the keycaps additionally makes them merely much less steady than they may in any other case have been. 

I did handle 107 words-per-minute at 98 p.c accuracy in Monkeytype, nevertheless it felt like I used to be speeding the entire time, and the keys merely didn’t have the best really feel. When typing shortly, the actuation and bottom-out level don’t find yourself feeling very distinct.

The trackpad is a greater expertise. It’s sizable for a 14-inch laptop computer, lets my fingers glide alongside easily, and has a delicate {hardware} click on with a shallow journey. It’s nothing fancy, nevertheless it will get the job finished. 

HP OmniBook X Flip 14 : Display, audio

IDG / Mark Knapp

The HP OmniBook X Flip 14 packs in an distinctive show. It packs in a decision of 2880×1800 onto its 14-inch panel. This is an OLED show that’s able to reaching 395 nits (for a full white display screen) alongside infinite distinction. And it’s very colourful, attaining 100 p.c protection of the DCI-P3 shade house. that shade is basically correct as properly with the typical Delta E of 0.94 and a max of two.4. To high it off, the panel is able to going as much as 120Hz and helps VRR right down to 48Hz.  All of this combines to make for a show that appears nice for absolutely anything you’re doing. Movies and TV will look good, video games are vibrant and clean, and on a regular basis workplace work simply pops a bit bit extra. It is shiny, although, which might make it arduous to see with shiny ambient lighting.

IDG / Mark Knapp

The show isn’t simply an output both. It has contact enter permitting for fast choice and straightforward scrolling. And it really works with HP’s included stylus. I discover the stylus fairly responsive, making for simple and exact enter. But I wrestle to keep away from touchscreen inputs whereas utilizing the stylus. Some type of higher palm rejection or a fast toggle to disable the touchscreen however maintain the stylus functioning could be a giant assist. 

The HP OmniBook X Flip 14 audio system produce good and clear sound, even at its max volumes. They do get a contact harsher at excessive volumes, however they’re not horrible. The audio system lack a lot bass, which leaves music and films feeling a bit flat. But they’re a strong alternative for listening to speech and shows.

HP OmniBook X Flip 14 : Webcam, microphone, biometrics

The webcam on the HP OmniBook X Flip 14 produces sharp video that appears fairly good for a laptop computer’s built-in digicam. Brightness ranges can shift round a bit because the digicam makes on-the-fly publicity changes, and it doesn’t all the time get it proper on the primary strive, nevertheless it hasn’t appeared outright unhealthy in my testing. The digicam additionally gives facial recognition for Windows Hello authentication. 

The mic array does a stellar job focusing in on my voice. Even with a fan blowing arduous only a foot away from the laptop computer, it solely picked up my voice. I might clap loudly in entrance of the laptop computer whereas I spoke as properly, and the mics would nonetheless solely choose up my voice. And even with their noise suppression, my voice sounded clear and never digitized in any significant manner. 

HP OmniBook X Flip 14 : Connectivity

IDG / Mark Knapp

Despite being a a lot smaller system than the Flip 16, the HP OmniBook X Flip 14 really options the identical quantity and sorts of ports. That provides you two USB-C ports, an HDMI 2.1 port, and a USB-A port on the left facet. And on the precise facet, you’ll discover one other USB-A port and a 3.5mm headphone jack. One of the Type-C ports presents USB4 speeds whereas the opposite is proscribed to 10Gbps, however each help energy supply and DisplayPort 2.1. Both USB-A ports can also attain 10Gbps. 

For wi-fi connections, the HP OmniBook X Flip 14 makes use of Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4. In my time testing, I’ve by no means struggled to get the laptop computer on-line, and have loved quick web speeds, with the laptop computer readily profiting from my fiber web connection. 

HP OmniBook X Flip 14 : Performance

The HP OmniBook X Flip 14 has the makings of a reasonably potent 2-in-1 with its AMD Ryzen AI 7 350 processor and 32GB of reminiscence. But its pricing leaves it huge open to competitors. The Dell 14 Plus 2-in-1 solely lags a bit behind by way of specs and should make sacrifices in its invoice of supplies, nevertheless it prices lower than half as a lot.

The MSI Summit 13 AI+ Evo brings the rival Intel Core Ultra 7 258V, as a lot RAM, double the storage, a much bigger battery, a barely smaller dimension, and a comparable aluminum construct all for $1,499, although it doesn’t get the sharp OLED panel. Lenovo presents a compelling various within the ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Gen 10 Aura Edition, which was $2,336 as examined and properly outfitted, albeit solely with a 1200p IPS show (although a low-power one with a wonderful anti-reflective end). And Lenovo has a knack for discounting its ThinkPad costs by virtually inconceivable quantities (in case you can wait a couple of months).

But maybe the HP OmniBook X Flip 14’s largest menace comes from the Asus ProArt PX13, one other little 2-in-1 that tucks in a extra highly effective AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370, an RTX 4050, 32GB of reminiscence, 1TB of storage, a 2880×1800 OLED show of its personal for $1,699, a worth that’s manner too near the HP OmniBook X Flip 14’s for consolation. 

The package contained in the HP OmniBook X Flip 14 provides it respectable efficiency. Its processor can cruise alongside in day by day operation and light-weight productiveness workloads fairly properly, and we see that confirmed by the holistic PCMark 10 benchmark. Here, the velocity of the CPU, storage, and built-in graphics all weigh into the rating, and the HP OmniBook X Flip 14 clearly has sufficient may to maintain up with normal workloads.

A rating of 5,000 is fairly good, however the HP OmniBook X Flip 14 goes properly past that. That stated, the HP OmniBook X Flip 14 actually solely leaves the Dell in its mud, as MSI’s laptop computer may be very shut in efficiency and largely held again by its slower storage. Lenovo and Asus each get away from the HP OmniBook X Flip 14, with Lenovo benefiting from even sooner storage and stronger built-in graphics and the Asus ProArt PX13 leveraging its RTX 4050 for a giant leg up in content material creation. 

When it involves uncooked CPU efficiency, the HP OmniBook X Flip 14 advantages enormously from the AMD Ryzen AI 7 350. This latest lineup of AMD CPUs presents glorious single-core efficiency that comes near matching Intel’s, nevertheless it additionally delivers a ton of cores to actually energy by means of multithreaded workloads. We see that clearly in our Handbrake check, which encodes a big video file. The eight cores (all with multithreading capabilities) zoom previous the Intel Core Ultra 7 258V.

Even Dell’s six core CPU will get out forward of the Intel Core Ultra 7 258V. But the HP OmniBook X Flip 14 continues to be outdone by the Asus ProArt PX13, which places its 12-core AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 to work. The outcomes are literally considerably shocking, as thermal throttling on this check could make some “more powerful” machines nonetheless fall by the wayside. So the actual fact the compact ProArt PX13 nonetheless manages to steer the pack right here is an effective indicator not solely of its CPU efficiency however of Asus’s cooling and energy administration. 

Cinebench can present us a bit extra in regards to the CPU efficiency of every machine, measuring burst velocity in earlier variations of the benchmark, serving to spotlight throttling in Cinebench R24, and offering each single- and multi-core efficiency measurements. The HP OmniBook X Flip 14 constantly leads the Dell, Lenovo, and MSI techniques for multi-core efficiency, although its lead narrows in Cinebench R24, possible on account of its meager cooling system. But once more, we see the HP OmniBook X Flip 14 fall manner behind the ProArt PX13, which retains its CPU cruising far forward of the pack, solely ever lagging behind in Cinebench R24’s single-core check, the place it simply narrowly trails the Intel-based techniques. 

As nice as they’re for CPU efficiency, the latest AMD chips simply aren’t providing built-in graphics as strong as Intel’s Arc iGPUs. This sees the tables flip for the HP OmniBook X Flip 14, which falls manner behind the Lenovo and MSI techniques in 3DMark’s Time Spy benchmark. That identical weak point hits the Dell even more durable, however not the Asus. Since the ProArt PX13 can flip to its RTX 4050 as an alternative of its built-in graphics, it not solely leaps forward of the HP OmniBook X Flip 14 but additionally soars previous the MSI and Lenovo techniques by a mile. 

Even although the HP OmniBook X Flip 14 is an honest performer, seeing it so constantly and totally proven up by the Asus ProArt PX13 — a machine that’s lower than $200 dearer — places it in a tricky spot. 

HP OmniBook X Flip 14 : Battery life

The hope is that for each shortcoming in efficiency will likely be made up for in effectivity. That’s a hope largely realized by the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Gen 10 Aura Edition and MSI Summit 13 AI+ Evo. While they struggled to get forward of the HP OmniBook X Flip 14 in efficiency, they benefited from glorious battery life. The MSI system managed over 21 hours in our battery check, and Lenovo’s dazzled us with over 24.5 hours, even with only a 57Wh battery — the smallest of the bunch. The HP OmniBook X Flip 14 virtually doesn’t even need to be in comparison with them, because it fell in need of 11 hours.

Even the Dell stepped up with over 15 hours, although that’s nonetheless a meager end result for latest laptops. What is maybe most astounding is that the Asus ProArt PX13 but once more bought forward of the HP OmniBook X Flip 14. Asus managed over 14 hours. Somehow, that little Asus system — which is smaller and lighter than HP’s — managed to pack in a stronger CPU, a discrete GPU, a much bigger battery to let it run sooner and longer than the HP OmniBook X Flip 14. 

Local video playback assessments are additionally somewhat favorable assessments, particularly when a show can decelerate its refresh fee and switch off pixels to show black letterboxing, as is the case for the HP OmniBook X Flip 14. In actual world use, with Wi-Fi on, loads of tabs moving into Chrome, and loads of white on the display screen, battery life can drop. I discovered the HP OmniBook X Flip 14 as much as the duty of getting by means of an eight hour workday, however solely with some hand-holding and a barely dimmed show. If I wasn’t cautious, it could fall a bit quick. 

HP OmniBook X Flip 14 : Conclusion

The HP OmniBook X Flip 14 is okay, nevertheless it simply doesn’t have the sauce. It gives respectable efficiency and a stunning show, however trades battery life to ship that. While Windows laptops have been seeing leaps and bounds ahead by way of battery life, the HP OmniBook X Flip 14 fails to take a lot various steps ahead. The AMD processor is a component guilty, however HP bears some accountability as properly. 

When you then consider that the system is a bit boring, has a contentious keyboard, and comes with a price ticket that places it in harmful waters, it simply turns into a laptop computer that’ll be simple to miss. When Asus can pack in a greater CPU, discrete graphics, and make its system run longer for near the identical worth, what shot does the HP OmniBook X Flip 14 actually have? The reply: not an excellent one, except HP needs to maintain the massive reductions it was providing towards the tail finish of my testing.