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| HP OmniBook Ultra 14 Core Ultra X9 review: Fully redesigned and so much better than before |
When HP retired the iconic Spectre brand to make way for the OmniBook Ultra in 2024, the reaction was... mixed. Sure, the performance was there, but the original model felt like a first draft—a great engine in a chassis that missed the mark with a dated 60Hz IPS display and a footprint that was larger than it needed to be.
Fast forward to 2026, and HP has gone back to the drawing board. The result? A fully redesigned HP OmniBook Ultra 14 that doesn't just tweak the formula—it completely overhauls it.
I’ve just finished putting the new Core Ultra X9 version through its paces, and I have to hand it to HP: this is the laptop the Spectre series always deserved to become. It’s sleeker, faster where it counts (graphics), and features a jaw-dropping screen. But is it perfect? Let’s dig into the details.
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First Impressions: A Smaller, More Refined Slab of Metal
The moment you lift the lid, the difference is obvious. The 2024 model felt a bit chunky. This 2026 version is noticeably lighter and smaller, making it a true 14-inch ultraportable competitor. HP has sharpened the edges with a chrome-cut profile that gives it a premium, almost jewelry-like feel.
The chassis is built like a tank. It’s made from up to 80% recycled metal, which is great for the planet, but more importantly, it feels as rigid and durable as a flagship EliteBook. The anti-fingerprint coating on the metal surfaces is a lifesaver for anyone who hates a smudged lid.
Display: The Upgrade You've Been Waiting For
If you read the 2024 review, you know the biggest complaint was the 60Hz screen. That is ancient history now.
HP has done a full 180 here. The new OmniBook Ultra ships with a 14-inch 3K (2880 x 1800) OLED touchscreen running at a buttery smooth 120Hz across all configurations. Yes, even the cheaper models get the good screen this time.
The numbers from the lab back up the hype: 100% sRGB, nearly 100% DCI-P3 for creators, and a brightness that holds its own. The response times are ridiculously fast (0.87ms black-to-white), which means no ghosting when scrolling or casual gaming. If you do any color-critical work, the pre-calibration is solid out of the box (dE 1.76), though you might want to tweak it for absolute perfection.
Compared to the Dell XPS 14, which we recently reviewed as a "remarkable comeback," the HP holds its own. The Dell has a gorgeous OLED too, but the HP’s glossy panel feels slightly more vibrant to my eye.
The Keyboard Controversy: Why "Different" Isn't Always Better
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: the redesigned keyboard. HP had one of the best typing experiences in the industry. It was deep, clicky, and precise.
For 2026, they changed it. Why? I’m not sure.
The new keys are spongier. The feedback is muted, and there is a bit more clatter than before. Is it terrible? No. You'll adjust. But is it an upgrade? Absolutely not. The older OmniBook and EliteBook keyboards were superior. It’s not a dealbreaker, but if you type 10,000 words a week, you might be frustrated. Thankfully, the massive glass touchpad is excellent, and the physical shutter for the 5MP webcam is a nice privacy touch.
Performance: Panther Lake Power (With a Catch)
Inside my test unit is the new Intel Core Ultra X9 388H (Panther Lake) with the Arc B390 iGPU. This is where things get interesting.
For everyday tasks (Chrome, Slack, Netflix), this laptop flies. Zero complaints. The 32GB of LPDDR5x RAM is plenty for heavy multitasking.
The CPU Situation
The Core Ultra X9 is a 16-core chip designed for efficiency and power. However, in the HP OmniBook, it seems HP has tuned it for battery life over raw multi-threaded grunt. In Cinebench R23, the X9 here scored 17,663 points. That is actually slower than the Asus ExpertBook Ultra running the lesser Core Ultra X7.
Why? Thermal limits. The HP runs a conservative Turbo Boost. When you run a long render, the performance drops about 9% compared to its initial burst.
The GPU Surprise (iGPU King?)
Here is the redemption story: the Intel Arc B390 integrated graphics are a beast. This is where the HP OmniBook Ultra redeems itself. Gaming and video editing on the iGPU are shockingly good. You don't need a bulky discrete GPU for light 4K video work or games like CS2 or GTA V. The 120Hz OLED makes gaming feel incredibly responsive.
If you need raw CPU horsepower above all else, look at the Asus ExpertBook or the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7. But for a balance of graphics power and portability? The HP is a winner.
Battery Life & Fan Noise: The Trade-Offs
With a 70Wh battery and that efficient OLED screen, battery life is outstanding. You’ll easily get through a full workday (8+ hours) of mixed use.
However, the fans are aggressive. HP uses a "Performance Mode" in the software, and when you flick that switch, the fans ramp up quickly. They aren't jet-engine loud, but they are noticeable, even during moderate multitasking. You’ll likely keep it on "Balanced" most of the time.
Final Verdict: Who Should Buy The 2026 OmniBook Ultra?
HP knocked it out of the park with the redesign. The 2026 HP OmniBook Ultra 14 fixes every major hardware flaw of the previous generation. It is thinner, lighter, and the 120Hz OLED screen is a dream come true for this price tier.
The Good:
- Stunning 120Hz OLED screen (standard across all models).
- Incredible graphics performance from the Arc B390 iGPU.
- Premium, rigid, and sustainable chassis.
- Excellent battery life.
The Bad:
- The new keyboard is spongy (bring back the old keys, HP!).
- CPU performance is artificially held back compared to competitors.
- High starting price for the X9 model ($2,800).
Where to Buy & Pricing
If you want the high-end Core Ultra X9 model with 32GB of RAM and that gorgeous display, you are looking at around $2,800. HP is currently shipping them with the new AI features enabled.
However, here is a pro tip: HP sells a version with the Core Ultra 7 for roughly half the price ($1,300 - $1,800). You lose a tiny bit of GPU grunt, but you keep the same 120Hz OLED screen and chassis. That is the value sweet spot.
- Check the latest price on Amazon: Buy HP OmniBook Ultra 14 on Amazon
- Buy direct from HP: HP OmniBook Ultra Laptop (Official Store)
How It Stacks Up Against The Competition
Looking for alternatives? Here is how the new OmniBook compares to the other big 2026 releases:
- Vs. Dell XPS 14 (2026): The Dell is a fantastic "comeback" story with a great 8MP webcam and a sturdier chassis, but the HP has a slightly better HDR OLED panel and better speakers. Read the full Dell XPS 14 (2026) review here.
- Vs. Asus ExpertBook Ultra: The Asus is actually faster in CPU tasks despite having a "lower tier" chip. If you are a programmer, check out the Asus ExpertBook Ultra review for a 1kg powerhouse.
The Bottom Line: The 2026 HP OmniBook Ultra 14 is one of the best 14-inch laptops of the year. Ignore the weird keyboard change; the screen and GPU upgrades make this an easy recommendation for creative professionals and power users on the go.
