HP’s latest OmniBook finally sold me on the 2-in-1 form factor (and it’s on sale)

One of the best things about reviewing the latest tech is seeing how companies influence each other. Brands get inspired by each other, and then implement those features into their own products. That’s how I feel about the new HP OmniBook X Flip 16–>, a laptop with design elements found in competitors, but still unique in its own right. In fact, nothing about this computer feels stale.

Also: The best HP laptops you can buy: Expert tested

Déjà vu hit me when I took the OmniBook out of the box and looked at it for the first time. It has a lattice-style keyboard surrounded by heat vents, reminiscent of the Dell XPS 16 from 2024. Certain aspects are similar, although there are notable differences, namely its slim form factor, measuring just 0.61 inches thick and weighing 4.15 pounds.

Media powerhouse 

Because of this laptop’s thin form, heat can be an issue. Much of the hot air is expelled through the bottom vents, so your legs may feel uncomfortable, but your hands will be okay. The keyboard warmed up a little after running nine different benchmark tests back to back, but that’s as bad as it got.

Also: How to clear the cache on your Windows 11 PC (and why you shouldn’t wait to do it)

Its speakers are located below the wrist rest, pointing towards the user. You won’t have to fret over muffled audio, because these drivers are decently powerful. Multiple pieces of software (DTS: X, HP Audio Boost, and Poly Studio) work together to output impressive sound. The speakers don’t get super loud, but the clarity lets you hear the finer details in songs. The OmniBook’s woofers are quite nice, too, providing punchy bass.

<!–>

Design trade-offs

Although it lacks a 4K display, the OmniBook X Flip 16 manages to impress with its 120Hz, 3K OLED touchscreen, which is similar to what the Asus Vivobook S 15 has. And like that other model, the HP laptop takes full advantage of everything its display has to offer.

Visual output is vibrant, as colors practically leap out at you. The touchscreen’s high refresh rate, coupled with the 16:10 aspect ratio make it perfect for content creation. Not only will it display video projects accurately, but the large space allows you to have multiple apps on screen for a smooth workflow. You won’t have to hop between windows just to double-check something.

–>

What makes the experience even better is the HP Active Rechargeable Tilt Pen. It delivers near-pixel-perfect precision with almost no lag, and I deeply enjoyed its responsiveness while sketching. Near the front are a couple of customizable buttons, and it comes with interchangeable pen tips so you can choose what best fits your tasks. I recommend opting for the OmniBook configurations that come with the pen because the base model doesn’t offer it.

<!–>

Setting up the pen is very easy. All you have to do is charge its battery. Once fully charged, it’ll automatically begin working with the touchscreen – there’s no need to connect via Bluetooth. The only complain I have about the display is the glossy screen. It’s so reflective that it makes viewing content difficult unless you crank up the brightness. On the other hand, this kind of screen works best with the stylus. 

Cost-effective performance

Under the hood is an Intel Core Ultra 7 258V processor, an integrated Intel Arc graphics card, and 32GB of RAM. The memory may be above average, but the rest of the hardware is definitively midrange, as evidenced by its benchmark results below. You’ll notice that the OmniBook performs slightly above the HP OmniBook Ultra Flip 14, which was last year’s model, and around the same level as the Dell 14 Plus.

What I want you to take away from these results is that the Omnibook X Flip 16 is a well-performing device that serves as a more affordable alternative to the EliteBook X. Not only is it priced lower, but it also has a significantly better display since this model is meant for creative professionals. 

Also: The top 10 laptops our readers bought this year so far (no. 1 surprised us)

Outside of the benchmarks, HP’s device did pretty well. I ran my usual test of 50 different Google Chrome tabs, consisting of Amazon listings, other ZDNET reviews, and a series of GIFs. The computer handled everything decently enough, but once I began playing high-resolution livestreams, it slowed down considerably.

When it comes to longevity, my review unit lasted about 10 hours on a single charge when I performed ZDNET’s usual battery tests. It is reportedly possible to double that length, as HP claims its machine can last up to 22 hours with the right adjustments. Recharging is thankfully fast. An hour’s charge gave me about 70% battery.

ZDNET’s buying advice

HP is currently on a hot streak with its releases, and I hope it continues into the foreseeable future. Normally, prices for this laptop are regularly priced around $1,200. My particular build is currently on sale for $999<!–> at HP’s website. A variant of the HP OmniBook X Flip 16–> housing a 2TB SSD is available at Best Buy for $1,350.

If you want a computer with a great display that doesn’t turn into a tablet, I strongly suggest the Asus Vivobook S 15. It boasts similar performance and hardware with a gorgeous 3K OLED screen. 

–>