HP OmniBook 5 Flip Review: Practicality Meets Affordability

HP OmniBook 5 Flip Review: Practicality Meets Affordability

Unboxing and Build Quality

The OmniBook 5 Flip's packaging is refreshingly minimalist recycled cardboard containing the laptop and a 65-Watt USB-C power supply (with Schuko socket). While lacking visual flair, this eco-conscious approach aligns with the laptop's overall ethos. The build quality, however, is impressive. The chassis cleverly incorporates recycled materials: recycled metal in the lid (percentage varies by configuration), post-consumer recycled plastic in keyboard components, and ocean-bound plastic in other parts. This commitment to sustainability doesn't compromise durability; the laptop feels robust and solid. The silver metal lid and chassis contrast nicely with the black plastic around the display. The hinges, while sturdy (preventing one-handed opening), are a testament to the laptop's structural integrity. Weighing in at 1625 grams, it's not featherlight, but this heft contributes to its solid feel a trade-off often associated with more affordable devices. Connectivity is comprehensive, featuring two USB-C ports (Power Delivery, DisplayPort), two USB-A ports (10Gbps and 5Gbps), HDMI 2.1, and an audio jack. The only notable omission is an SD card reader.

Keyboard, Touchpad, and Webcam

The keyboard presents a mixed bag. The customizable backlight (adjustable brightness and duration) is a welcome feature often absent in similarly priced laptops. Typing is generally pleasant, with quiet yet tactile feedback. However, the non-standard Italian layout (in our test model) presents a learning curve, with awkwardly placed keys (e.g., accented 'u', delete, arrow keys). The large touchpad, while lacking haptic feedback, functions reliably and supports Windows gestures. Minor flex in the chassis around the keyboard and touchpad is noticeable under pressure but doesn't affect usability. A physical webcam privacy switch, covered by a stylish striped pattern when activated, adds a thoughtful touch to security.

Technical Specifications and Performance

HP offers a wide range of OmniBook 5 Flip configurations, leading to some SKU confusion. Our review unit (14-fp0005nl) features a powerful Intel Core i7-1250U processor, 24GB LPDDR5 RAM, and a 1TB SSD. Other models offer more budget-friendly options, starting with a Core i3-100U processor, 8GB RAM, and a 256GB SSD. Regardless of configuration, all models share a 14-inch 1920x1200 (16:10) IPS touchscreen, a 5-megapixel 1584p webcam, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, and a generous 68Wh battery. The high-resolution webcam delivers detailed video, although dynamic range could be improved. Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 performance was excellent. The battery capacity is impressive for a 14-inch laptop.

Benchmark results show a good balance between performance and power efficiency. The OmniBook 5 Flip handles everyday tasks (browsing, office productivity, multimedia editing) effortlessly. Under prolonged workloads, thermal throttling kicks in, prioritizing user comfort over peak performance a sensible approach for a convertible laptop. Benchmark scores included: 3DMark (15,550 Night Raid / 1,210 Steel Nomad Light), PCMark 10 (5,236 overall), Cinebench R23 (107 single-core / 425 multi-core), Geekbench 6 (2,585 single-core / 9,000 multi-core / 15,000 GPU), and CrystalDiskMark (6,390 read / 5,660 write).

Display and Battery Life

The display, while a decent IPS panel with good viewing angles and a suitable resolution, suffers from relatively low brightness (around 300 nits) and slightly muted colors. Reflections are a concern in bright environments. However, the multi-touch functionality and support for HP Rechargeable Pen (MPP stylus, sold separately) are valuable features for note-taking and drawing. Battery life is exceptional. PCMark 10 tests showed: 21 hours idle, 17 hours 45 minutes video playback, 2 hours 30 minutes gaming, and 19 hours office use. Real-world usage easily covers a full workday, often extending to two days with careful power management.

User Experience and Final Verdict

The HP OmniBook 5 Flip provides a balanced and satisfying user experience. It avoids both the pitfalls of overly budget-constrained laptops and the overkill of high-end machines. Its strengths lie in its reliable performance, excellent battery life, and the versatility of its convertible design. The keyboard layout and display reflections are minor drawbacks, but not dealbreakers for most users. The pre-installed Omen Gaming Hub software feels somewhat out of place, but the system is otherwise relatively clean. Audio quality is adequate for basic use but lacks richness. Pricing is competitive, with models starting around €570 and our tested configuration available for around €738 (at the time of review).

In conclusion, the HP OmniBook 5 Flip is a solid, practical convertible laptop that delivers excellent value. While not exciting, it excels in providing a reliable and user-friendly experience without breaking the bank. The keyboard layout and display brightness are the only significant drawbacks.