The HP Omnibook X Flip 14 is a versatile and competitive 2-in-1 laptop that is well-designed, but overall lacks refinement. The device features an optional 2.8k OLED touchscreen with stylus, multiple processor options (Intel Ultra or AMD Ryzen AI), integrated HP Poly Camera Pro and an on-device NPU. While on the surface much of these specifications might sound impressive, our testing paints a slightly more lack-luster picture.
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Performance
This device is available with several processor options, including Intel’s Core Ultra 7 series and AMD’s Ryzen AI series CPUs. Our review unit was equipped with the Intel Core Ultra 7 258V processor and configured with 32 GB of RAM. For everyday tasks such as video playback, light word processing, and web browsing, most users will find the performance more than sufficient.
In our demanding benchmark tests, however, the device consistently underperformed against similarly configured competitors, even those with the exact same CPU. In contrast, its storage performance and AI-task results were on par with comparable systems.
Design and Connectivity
HP has constructed this device with a sturdy aluminum chassis, positioning it as a more sustainable and durable option than its predecessors. The laptop feels premium and solid, with a build quality comparable to Microsoft’s Surface Laptop Studio. Commendably, HP achieves this excellent tactile feel while incorporating recycled metals and plastics into the construction. The overall aesthetic is thoughtful, though a notable oversight is the lack of a dedicated spot to store the stylus.
Where this device truly shines is its connectivity. It boasts a generous selection of wired ports, including two USB-C (with Thunderbolt 4 support), two USB-A, a full-size HDMI 2.1, and a combination headphone/microphone jack. On the wireless front, it supports the latest standards with Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) and Bluetooth 5.4 (the lower end models support Wifi 6E/Bluetooth 5.3). While it lacks 4G/5G cellular connectivity, this omission is unlikely to be a concern for most users given the comprehensive array of other options.
Display and Camera
A key advantage this device holds over its competitors is its display, which offers premium features rarely seen for under $2,000 CAD. It sports a stunning 14-inch, 3K (2880 x 1800) OLED touchscreen that delivers an exceptionally smooth and vibrant viewing experience, thanks to a 48-120Hz variable refresh rate (VRR) and HDR 500 certification. While it doesn’t cover the full Adobe RGB spectrum, it boasts 100% DCI-P3 coverage, making it ideal for media consumption and content creation. The screen is protected by durable Corning® Gorilla® Glass 3; however, the multi-touch and stylus performance is merely functional, lacking the precision required for detailed work.
The integrated webcam is another strong point. The 5MP IR camera provides a sharp image, and its temporal noise reduction effectively cleans up visual noise in low light. The infrared capability allows for quick and secure logins via Windows Hello. Audio is captured clearly by an integrated dual-array digital microphone system. This setup is further enhanced by the included Poly Studio software, which offers a suite of tools to adjust your video and audio for conference calls. While this camera isn’t going to win any awards, its a very practical and decent quality setup.
Keyboard
The laptop’s most significant drawback is its keyboard. Featuring a lattice-less design, the keys are positioned closely together with little separation, making them difficult to distinguish by touch. While this may suffice for a casual user who isn’t writing extensively, it’s a serious concern for others. Students, writers, and programmers, in particular, should be cautious. The keys offer minimal travel, and the cramped layout leads to frequent mistyping. Even a welcome feature like backlighting does little to compensate for these fundamental usability issues. Ultimately, if a high-quality typing experience is essential for your work or school, this is not the right device.
Battery Life
HP advertises a staggering 23 hours of battery life for the Omnibook X Flip 14, a claim that would be class-leading if true. Our real-world testing, however, tells a more modest story. In our standardized video playback test, the device lasted for approximately 12 hours. While this is a respectable result, it’s roughly half of the advertised figure.
We have not yet run a mixed-usage benchmark, but we anticipate that a typical workload of browsing, video calls, and document editing would yield a result considerably below our 12-hour video test—and significantly short of HP’s claim.
Conclusion
The HP Omnibook X Flip 14 is a versatile 2-in-1 laptop with a premium aluminum chassis, a stunning 14-inch 3K OLED touchscreen, and a generous selection of ports. However, it has some notable drawbacks. The device’s performance, while sufficient for everyday tasks, underperforms against competitors in demanding benchmark tests. The keyboard is a significant weakness, with a cramped, lattice-less design that makes typing difficult. Finally, the advertised 23-hour battery life is misleading; real-world testing shows a more modest but still respectable 12 hours of video playback. The HP Omnibook X Flip 14 is available for $1,699 CAD from HP Directly or from a variety of national retailers.
