HP OmniBook Ultra Flip 14: A First Look
The tech [[market]] is abuzz with the latest [[innovation]] from HP. The HP OmniBook Ultra Flip 14 is making waves as one of the first laptops to feature the new Intel Core Ultra 7 series 2 processors. This new chipset promises a significant improvement in efficiency compared to its predecessor, a key factor for many buyers seeking a slim and powerful ultrabook. But there’s more to this device than just powerful internals.
Design and Build
At first glance, the OmniBook Ultra Flip 14 appears sleek and sophisticated. Its slim aluminum body and matte finish give it a premium feel. However, the matte finish is a fingerprint magnet. The unique design features angled rear edges that house the USB Type-C ports – yes, you read that right, there are no traditional USB Type-A ports. There is also a USB Type-C port and a 3.5mm audio jack on the right side. The bottom features a large intake vent and bottom-firing speakers. Charging is exclusively via the Type-C ports. The 360-degree hinge feels incredibly durable and smooth, making it perfect for use in multiple modes. The laptop is lightweight, weighing just 1.34kg, and incredibly thin at 14.9 mm.
Display and Touch
The 14-inch 2.8K resolution OLED panel is the star of the show. It boasts a 120Hz refresh rate, Corning Gorilla Glass 5 protection, HDR support, and a claimed 0.2ms response time with up to 500 nits of brightness in HDR mode. The display delivers deep blacks and incredibly vivid colors, ideal for watching movies and HDR content. While it’s quite bright indoors, the glossy panel makes outdoor use difficult. The touch response is excellent, facilitating comfortable tablet use. However, the laptop’s weight makes extended tablet use slightly uncomfortable. A stylus is included in the box for added functionality.
Keyboard, Trackpad, Speakers, and Webcam
The keyboard is a joy to type on, with well-spaced keys, a good backlight, and ample travel. However, some might find the arrow keys slightly small. The large touchpad is responsive, supporting multitouch gestures, and the haptic feedback is impressive, although it could be a bit less strong for some. The dual bottom-firing speakers produce clear audio and are surprisingly loud, but lack a deep bass response. The 9-megapixel IR webcam features a physical shutter and delivers good quality images in well-lit conditions, exceeding many other laptop webcams. Low-light performance needs improvement.
Software and AI Features
The OmniBook Ultra Flip 14 runs Windows 11 Home and includes several HP-specific apps like Poly Camera Pro, AI Companion, HP Smart, and McAfee LiveSafe. It also features several AI tools, but some advertised AI features were unavailable. The AI Companion app is particularly useful for those who work extensively with PDFs. The Intel NPU is powerful, but more AI-centric software would maximize its potential. Poly Camera Pro enhances video calls and streaming with features such as auto-framing, background blur, and more.
Performance and Battery
Our review unit housed an Intel Core Ultra 7 258V chipset, 32GB of RAM, 1TB of storage, and the Intel Arc 140V integrated GPU. Day-to-day performance is impressive, handling multiple Chrome tabs, streaming, and various applications without any noticeable lag. Benchmarks showcase significant performance improvements over the previous Intel Core Ultra series 1 chips, particularly in GPU performance. Gaming performance is also good, with titles like Forza Horizon 4 running at a smooth 40-50fps. The cooling system manages heat effectively during intensive tasks. The battery life is outstanding, consistently providing 9-10 hours of use on a single charge.
Verdict
The HP OmniBook Ultra Flip 14 is a premium device with a high price tag, which may be a barrier for some. However, if budget is not a major concern, this 2-in-1 offers exceptional value. Its standout features include an excellent OLED display, strong performance and gaming capabilities, impressive battery life, and a portable design. While the lack of USB Type-A ports is a minor drawback, it’s outweighed by the device’s overall excellence. It’s a strong contender for creators seeking a versatile 2-in-1 with exceptional screen quality and battery endurance.