The HP OmniBook X Flip 16 emerges as a fascinating, albeit flawed, contender in the premium convertible laptop market, boasting a gorgeous display and elegant design that are unfortunately undermined by its inconsistent performance and some puzzling component decisions.
This 16-inch model truly shines with its expansive 3K OLED panel, offering vivid visuals and an immersive experience, complemented by remarkably slim bezels for a 91% screen-to-body ratio. The laptop’s menacing black anodized aluminum chassis, free from a numeric keypad, presents a minimalist aesthetic that many will appreciate, contributing to its overall sophisticated appeal.
As a versatile convertible laptop, the OmniBook X Flip 16 seamlessly transitions between traditional laptop, tent, and presentation modes, supporting both multitouch and smart pen input, making it adaptable for various use cases despite its substantial size.
Equipped with an Intel Lunar Lake Core Ultra 7 258V chip, featuring Intel Arc 140V graphics and a robust NPU for Copilot+ PC capabilities, the device’s actual performance was surprisingly erratic, often slowing to a crawl, especially when operating on battery power, a significant drawback for a premium machine.
Despite its size, the OmniBook X Flip 16 disappointingly places both USB-C ports on a single side, lacking a critical port on each flank, yet it excels in wireless connectivity with Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4. Audio quality, powered by DTS:X Ultra and Poly Studio, provides a robust and clear sound experience, cleverly designed to project well across all form factors.
Embracing modern security, the HP OmniBook X Flip 16 incorporates a 5 MP IR webcam and dual-array microphones for hybrid work, alongside Windows Hello facial recognition as a Copilot+ PC, though it notably omits a fingerprint reader. Furthermore, HP has integrated 20% post-consumer recycled plastics and recycled metals into its construction, highlighting a commitment to sustainability.
The larger display and convertible design contribute to its 4.15-pound weight, and despite average real-world battery life of around 6 hours, primarily due to the Intel Lunar Lake architecture, its pricing remains competitive, especially for the 16GB/512GB configuration, offering an entry point into premium features.
Ultimately, this laptop review reveals that the OmniBook X Flip 16, with its striking design and expansive display, is best suited for users who primarily operate while plugged in, as this mitigates its most significant performance issues. For those specific users, its attractive value proposition makes it a worthwhile acquisition.
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