The HP Spectre x360 14 was a highly regarded 2-in-1 laptop, known for its exceptional build quality, stunning OLED display, and overall performance. With HP’s recent rebranding and the introduction of the OmniBook line, the OmniBook Ultra Flip 14 emerges as the Spectre’s successor. This review explores the OmniBook Ultra Flip 14’s features, performance, and overall value, assessing its ability to live up to the Spectre’s legacy. Powered by Intel’s latest Lunar Lake chipset, the OmniBook Ultra Flip 14 retains many of the Spectre’s best qualities while incorporating new technologies.
Specifications and Configuration
| Feature | HP OmniBook Ultra Flip 14 |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 12.35 x 8.51 x 0.59 inches |
| Weight | 2.97 pounds |
| Display | 14.0-inch 16:10 2.8K (2880 x 1800) OLED, 120Hz |
| CPU | Intel Core Ultra 5 226V, Intel Core Ultra 7 256V, Intel Core Ultra 7 258V, Intel Core Ultra 9 288V |
| GPU | Intel Arc 130V, Intel Arc 140V |
| Memory | 16GB/32GB LPDDR5X RAM |
| Storage | 512GB/1TB/2TB M.2 NVMe SSD |
| Ports | 2 x USB-C with Thunderbolt 4, 1 x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2, 1 x 3.5mm headphone jack |
| Camera | 9MP with infrared camera for Windows 11 Hello |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 7 |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.4 |
| Battery | 64 watt-hour |
| Operating System | Windows 11 |
| Price | $1,050+ |
HP’s pricing strategy involves frequent sales, making it essential to check for current prices. The base model with a Core Ultra 5, 16GB RAM, and a 512GB SSD has a list price of $1,450 but is often discounted. Higher configurations with Core Ultra 7 or 9 processors, increased RAM, and larger SSDs are also available, with prices adjusting accordingly. Compared to competitors like the Asus Zenbook S 14, the OmniBook Ultra Flip 14’s list price is generally higher, but sales can make it more competitive. Budget-conscious consumers may also consider alternatives like the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x with a Qualcomm Snapdragon processor.
Design and Build Quality
The OmniBook Ultra Flip 14 inherits the Spectre’s robust build quality and premium feel. While slightly less flamboyant than the Spectre, the OmniBook boasts a sleek, all-black design with rounded edges, enhancing comfort in tablet mode. The strategically placed notches for cable management remain a practical feature. The laptop’s solid construction prevents any bending or flexing, and the sturdy hinge ensures stability in various modes. The OmniBook Ultra Flip 14’s thin profile (0.59 inches) and light weight (2.97 pounds) contribute to its portability.
Keyboard and Touchpad
The OmniBook Ultra Flip 14 features a comfortable keyboard with large, well-spaced keycaps and responsive switches. The typing experience is comparable to Apple’s Magic Keyboard, making it ideal for extended writing sessions. The large, haptic feedback touchpad is precise and supports clicking across its entire surface. The display supports pen and touch input, further enhancing its versatility as a 2-in-1 device.
Connectivity and Webcam
The OmniBook Ultra Flip 14 offers three USB-C ports, two with Thunderbolt 4 support. While the inclusion of two Thunderbolt 4 ports is beneficial, the lack of legacy ports or an SD card reader might be a drawback for some users. Wireless connectivity is excellent, thanks to Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4. The 9MP webcam with infrared capabilities provides clear video and supports Windows 11 Hello facial recognition. A fingerprint reader integrated into the power button adds another layer of security. The laptop’s NPU enables AI features like Microsoft Studio Effects and the upcoming HP AI Companion software.
Display and Audio
The OmniBook Ultra Flip 14’s 2.8K OLED display is a standout feature, delivering vibrant colors, deep blacks, and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. Color accuracy is excellent, making it suitable for creative work. While brightness is good, some competing OLED displays offer higher peak brightness levels. The downward-firing speakers provide loud audio with decent clarity, although bass response is limited.
Performance and Battery Life
The Intel Lunar Lake Core Ultra 7 processor in the reviewed configuration delivers solid performance for everyday tasks and demanding productivity workflows. While not as fast as some competing processors in certain benchmarks, it offers a balance of performance and efficiency. The Intel Arc 140V graphics provide modest improvements over previous generations but are not suitable for serious gaming or demanding creative applications.
Battery life is a crucial aspect of any laptop, and the OmniBook Ultra Flip 14 performs reasonably well in this area. While not leading the pack, it offers enough endurance to get through a typical workday with moderate usage. The 64-watt-hour battery, combined with the high-resolution OLED display, impacts battery life compared to some competitors with larger batteries or lower-resolution screens.
Conclusion
The HP OmniBook Ultra Flip 14 is a worthy successor to the Spectre x360 14, offering a compelling combination of premium design, a stunning OLED display, and good performance. While pricing can be a concern, sales often make it a more attractive option. The laptop’s strengths lie in its build quality, display, keyboard, and overall user experience. While battery life and connectivity could be improved, the OmniBook Ultra Flip 14 remains a strong contender in the premium 2-in-1 laptop market.
