Introducing the HP OmniBook Ultra Flip 14

HP has unveiled its new laptop line with the OmniBook Ultra Flip 14, maintaining a familiar design reminiscent of last year’s Spectre x360 14. The sleek all-metal chassis and a stunning 14-inch 3K OLED display echo previous models, making it clear that HP is proud of its aesthetic and display features. However, the introduction of this new line raises questions about its intent—does it signify a change in the laptop hierarchy?

Power Under the Hood

Powered by Intel's next-gen Core Ultra processors, the OmniBook Ultra Flip 14 promises premium performance. Our test model houses the Core Ultra 7 258V, but disappointing performance metrics tell a different story. While the design impresses, the processing power falls behind competitors, particularly in battery longevity compared to the impressive life offered by Qualcomm Snapdragon-based devices.

Average Performance, Strong Style

The visual allure of the OmniBook Ultra Flip 14 might captivate many, but its computational prowess may leave power users wanting. Despite an increase in battery life — around 12.5 hours during our streaming tests — it still lags behind rivals such as HP's own OmniBook X 14, which boasts double the endurance. This model, starting at $1,450, presents a mixed bag of features and performance.

Design and Build Quality: Striking Yet Familiar

The OmniBook Ultra Flip 14 rivals prestigious designs like the MacBook with its rigid aluminum structure and chic matte finish. Available in Eclipse Gray and Atmospheric Blue, the design tweaks are subtle yet distinctive. The placement of the speakers has moved to a downward position, diminishing audio quality. Instead, the laptop features quad speakers that, while still better than typical laptop sound, produce a thuddier experience.

Display Excellence: A Visual Treat

Where the OmniBook excels is with its dazzling 14-inch HDR OLED display, offering stunning visuals with vibrant colors and excellent contrast. Capable of supporting touch input, the display is complemented by an ergonomic stylus that magnetically attaches to the device. With a resolution of 2,880x1,800 pixels and a 120Hz refresh rate, this display truly stands out in its class.

User Experience: Comfort Meets Convenience

The keyboard and large haptic touchpad mirror the best in premium laptops, offering responsive feedback that enhances typing speed. The 9-megapixel webcam, while capable of good quality, suffers from color saturation issues but does come equipped with AI features for video calls.

Connectivity and Port Options

On the connectivity front, the OmniBook Ultra Flip 14 features a solid selection of ports including two Thunderbolt 4 connections. However, the limited selection might deter some users looking for more versatile connectivity options.

Conclusion: Is It Worth the Investment?

While the HP OmniBook Ultra Flip 14 dazzles with its design and OLED display, it's critical to weigh these strengths against its performance and price. For those prioritizing aesthetics and usability over cutting-edge performance, this 2-in-1 device could be a worthy addition. However, heavy users or those seeking maximum value may want to explore other options.