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| HP OmniBook X Flip 14 review: Flexible performance with AMD Zen 5 |
A deep dive into HP's most impressive 14-inch convertible yet
The Evolution of the Spectre Legacy
HP has been quietly refining its premium laptop lineup, and the OmniBook X Flip 14 represents a significant milestone in that journey. Taking over from the beloved Spectre series, this convertible aims to deliver exceptional performance in a flexible, travel-friendly package. After spending considerable time with a Ryzen AI 9 465 configuration, I'm ready to share my comprehensive thoughts on whether this machine deserves a spot in your bag.
The timing couldn't be more interesting for the convertible laptop market. While Asus has been making waves with the Asus ExpertBook Ultra, a 1 kg powerhouse leveraging Intel's Panther Lake architecture, HP has chosen a different path with AMD's Zen 5. The OmniBook X Flip 14 faces stiff competition, but it brings its own unique advantages to the table.
Design and Build Quality: Premium Without the Premium Price
A Familiar Yet Refined Aesthetic
HP has clearly learned from the Spectre series, and the OmniBook X Flip 14 benefits from that evolution. The chassis uses a consistent alloy material throughout, giving it a premium feel that rivals machines costing significantly more. At 1.392 kg (3.07 pounds), it's not the lightest 14-inch convertible on the market—the aforementioned Asus ExpertBook Ultra weighs in at just 1.1 kg—but it's still remarkably portable for a device with this much performance potential.
What stands out immediately:
- Premium alloy construction that feels like an EliteBook without the enterprise pricing
- Thoughtful design language that carries across the OmniBook family
- A 14.5 mm thickness that's competitive for the category
- 50% recycled aluminum in the outer and bottom covers
Sustainability That Matters
Environmental considerations aren't an afterthought here. HP has incorporated 45% recycled plastic into the keycaps and screen bezel, and the packaging is entirely recyclable paper and cardboard with no plastics. In an era where sustainability increasingly matters to consumers, these touches demonstrate genuine commitment rather than token gestures.
Ports and Connectivity: Finally, A Convertible With Real Ports
One of the most frustrating aspects of modern ultra-portables has been the relentless pursuit of thinness at the expense of usability. The OmniBook X Flip 14 strikes a better balance with:
- 2 USB 3.1 Gen2 ports
- 2 USB4 ports with 40 Gbps speeds (supporting Power Delivery)
- 1 HDMI port
- 2 DisplayPort connections (via USB-C)
- 3.5 mm audio combo jack
This port selection is genuinely impressive for a convertible. You can connect external displays, charge devices, and use legacy peripherals without dongles—something that can't be said for many competitors. The inclusion of HDMI and a full-size USB-A port is particularly welcome for business users who frequently present in conference rooms.
Networking Performance
Wi-Fi 7 is the new standard here, with the Realtek 8922AE module delivering impressive speeds. In testing, the OmniBook X Flip 14 achieved:
- Receive: 1665 MBit/s (6GHz band)
- Transmit: 1825 MBit/s (6GHz band)
These numbers significantly outperform the Dell 14 Plus 2-in-1 and the HP OmniBook Ultra Flip 14, making this one of the better-connected convertibles in its class. Bluetooth 6.0 ensures you're ready for the latest wireless peripherals.
Display Analysis: The Achilles Heel
Here's where things get complicated. HP offers three touchscreen options for the OmniBook X Flip 14:
1920 x 1200 IPS: 100% sRGB, 400 nits, 60Hz
1920 x 1200 OLED: 100% DCI-P3, 300 nits, 60Hz
2880 x 1800 OLED: 100% DCI-P3, 500 nits SDR / 1100 nits HDR, 120Hz
The 1200p OLED Panel: A Mixed Bag
Our review unit came with the middle-tier 1200p OLED panel, and it's... fine. Not great, not terrible—just fine. The Samsung SDC4213 display delivers:
- Perfect blacks (0.25 cd/m² black level)
- Excellent color coverage: 99.9% DCI-P3, 100% sRGB
- Very fast response times: 1.75 ms both black-to-white and grey-to-grey
- Color accuracy: DeltaE of 3.47 out of the box, 0.55 after calibration
However, the brightness is disappointing at just 278.9 cd/m². That's dim for an OLED panel, especially considering the reflective screen. In bright environments, you'll struggle to see the display clearly. The 475.1 Hz PWM frequency is relatively high, so most users shouldn't experience eye strain, but it's worth noting for sensitive individuals.
The Display Conundrum
Here's the real issue: to get a genuinely excellent display, you need to spring for the most expensive 1800p OLED option. That's the only panel that supports HDR playback, offers 500 nits SDR brightness, and delivers the smooth 120Hz experience that competitors offer at lower price points.
This feels like a missed opportunity. If you're spending $1,500+ on a premium convertible, you shouldn't have to choose between a dim OLED and a more expensive proper HDR panel.
Display Response Times
To the panel's credit, response times are exceptional:
- Black-to-white: 1.75 ms (0.85 ms rise, 0.9 ms fall)
- 50% grey-to-80% grey: 1.75 ms (0.99 ms rise, 0.76 ms fall)
These figures place the OmniBook X Flip 14 in the top 10% of tested devices for response time. If you're doing any gaming, the display won't introduce significant ghosting or motion blur—provided you've chosen the 120Hz panel.
Performance: AMD Zen 5 Shines
Processor Overview
The star of the show is AMD's Zen 5 architecture, and the Ryzen AI 9 465 delivers impressive results. This 10-core, 20-thread processor features:
- 4 Zen 5 cores: up to 5.0 GHz
- 6 Zen 5c cores: up to 3.3 GHz
- 43W PL2 (short burst)
- 37W PL1 (sustained)
CPU Performance Benchmarks
The OmniBook X Flip 14 absolutely crushes the competition in CPU performance:
Cinebench R23:
- Multi-core: 17,345 points
- Single-core: 1,996 points
Cinebench R20:
- Multi-core: 6,801 points
- Single-core: 780 points
Cinebench R15:
- Multi-core: 2,650 points
- Single-core: 306 points
These scores significantly outperform the OmniBook Ultra Flip 14 (Intel Core Ultra 7 258V) and the Lenovo Yoga 7a (Ryzen AI 5 435). The only machines that beat the OmniBook X Flip 14 in multi-core performance are those with the higher-end Core X9 388H, like the Asus ZenBook Duo.
Real-World Performance
In practical terms, the OmniBook X Flip 14 handles everything you throw at it:
- Web browsing: Effortless, with WebXPRT 4 scores of 271
- Office work: PCMark 10 scores of 8,411 points
- Content creation: CrossMark creativity scores of 2,042
- Productivity tasks: PCMark 10 Productivity scores of 15,479
The system feels responsive and snappy in day-to-day use, with excellent application launch times and multitasking capabilities.
Graphics Performance
The AMD Radeon 880M integrated GPU features:
- 2,900 MHz core clock
- 1,066 MHz memory clock
- LPDDR5 memory
While the Radeon 880M is capable, it's not the top-tier option. The lack of a Radeon 890M option is noticeable, as is the absence of the Intel Arc B390 found in Panther Lake-based competitors. If graphics performance is your priority, you may want to look at the Asus ExpertBook Ultra instead.
Geekbench AI Scores:
- Single Precision GPU: 6,649 points
- Half Precision GPU: 10,071 points
- Quantized GPU: 5,487 points
Keyboard and Input Devices
Keyboard: Familiar But Different
The OmniBook X Flip 14 features a beveled keyboard with backlighting. The key feel is generally good, with decent travel and tactile feedback. However, HP has changed the layout compared to previous models, and it takes some getting used to. The placement of certain keys differs from what long-time HP users might expect.
Touchscreen Experience
The 10-point capacitive touchscreen supports native pen input, though HP doesn't include a stylus by default—a significant omission for a convertible at this price point. If you plan to use the tablet functionality extensively, factor in the cost of a compatible pen.
Audio Quality
The stereo speakers on the OmniBook X Flip 14 are surprisingly capable. While they won't replace dedicated external speakers, they deliver clear audio with decent bass response for such a thin device. Video calls and media consumption are pleasant experiences, with voices coming through clearly.
Battery Life
The 59 Wh lithium-polymer battery provides solid endurance:
- Web browsing: Approximately 8-9 hours
- Video playback: Around 10-11 hours
- Idle: Excellent power management
Charging is handled via USB-C Power Delivery, and the included AC adapter is travel-friendly at just 162g. You can also use other USB-C chargers, making it convenient for travel.
Webcam and Security
The 5 MP webcam with IR support offers decent image quality for video conferencing, and the physical shutter provides peace of mind for privacy concerns. Windows Hello facial recognition works reliably and quickly.
The Competition: How Does It Compare?
The OmniBook X Flip 14 faces strong competition in the premium convertible space:
Asus ExpertBook Ultra
- Pros: Incredible 1.1 kg weight, Intel Panther Lake performance, Tandem OLED display
- Cons: Grainy matte OLED, weak haptic touchpad, lower base configuration performance
- Read the full review: The Asus ExpertBook Ultra Review
Lenovo Yoga 7 2-in-1
- Pros: Competitive pricing, good build quality
- Cons: Weaker CPU performance (Ryzen AI 5 435)
- Performance: ~1,686 Cinebench R15 multi-core points
Dell 14 Plus 2-in-1
- Pros: Solid performance, good connectivity
- Cons: Mediocre display options, weaker CPU
- Performance: ~1,932 Cinebench R15 multi-core points
HP OmniBook Ultra Flip 14
- Pros: Higher resolution display options, Intel Core Ultra options
- Cons: Slower CPU performance, fewer ports
- Performance: ~1,656 Cinebench R15 multi-core points
Pros and Cons
Pros
✅ Exceptional CPU performance with AMD Zen 5 architecture
✅ Solid build quality with premium materials
✅ Good port selection including HDMI and USB-A
✅ Fast Wi-Fi 7 performance
✅ Easily serviceable with official HP servicing videos
✅ Sustainability focus with recycled materials and packaging
✅ Excellent response times on OLED panels
✅ Good battery life
Cons
❌ No Radeon 890M option limiting iGPU performance
❌ Display brightness is disappointing on lower-tier OLED panels
❌ HDR only available on the highest-end SKU
❌ 60Hz refresh rate on most configurations
❌ Keyboard layout takes getting used to
❌ No included stylus despite touchscreen and convertible design
❌ Limited high-end options compared to clamshell version
Pricing and Availability
The HP OmniBook X Flip 14 starts at $1,050 for base configurations. Our review unit, with the Ryzen AI 9 465 and 1200p OLED touchscreen, retails for approximately $1,700.
Current availability:
- HP Direct: HP OmniBook X Flip 14 on HP.com
- Amazon: Check current pricing on Amazon
Who Should Buy the HP OmniBook X Flip 14?
You'll Love It If:
- You need strong CPU performance in a convertible form factor
- You want good port selection without dongles
- You appreciate sustainability-focused design
- You're looking for a premium alternative to enterprise laptops
- You value fast response times for occasional gaming
You Might Want to Look Elsewhere If:
- Graphics performance is your priority (consider the Asus ExpertBook Ultra)
- You need the absolute best display quality on a budget
- You require a stylus included with your purchase
- You're upgrading from a recent HP convertible and dislike keyboard layout changes
Final Verdict: A Convertible That Almost Gets Everything Right
The HP OmniBook X Flip 14 is a testament to what's possible when you combine AMD's excellent Zen 5 architecture with HP's strong design heritage. It delivers exceptional CPU performance, solid build quality, and good connectivity in a package that's both portable and professional.
However, it's not without its frustrations. The display situation is the most significant compromise—to get the screen this device deserves, you need to spring for the most expensive configuration. The absence of a stylus and the changed keyboard layout may also irritate some users.
For business users and professionals who prioritize CPU performance over integrated graphics, the OmniBook X Flip 14 is a compelling choice. It outperforms the Intel-based OmniBook Ultra Flip 14 in almost every CPU benchmark while offering better port selection.
Yet if you're looking for the absolute pinnacle of graphics performance in a lightweight chassis, the Panther Lake-based Asus ExpertBook Ultra represents the bleeding edge, albeit with its own compromises.
The OmniBook X Flip 14 earns its place as one of the better 14-inch convertibles on the market. With a brighter display option and slightly more aggressive pricing on the OLED SKUs, it could have been truly exceptional. As it stands, it's a very good machine with one glaring compromise—and whether that trade-off works for you depends entirely on your display expectations.
Overall Rating: 8.2/10
Technical Specifications at a Glance
| Component | Specification |
|---|---|
| Processor | AMD Ryzen AI 9 465 (10c/20t, Zen 5 + Zen 5c) |
| Graphics | AMD Radeon 880M (2,900 MHz core) |
| Memory | 32GB LPDDR5 (soldered, dual-channel) |
| Storage | 2TB Samsung PM9C1b MZVL82T0HBL1 |
| Display | 14" 1920x1200 OLED, 60Hz, 300 nits |
| Operating System | Windows 11 Pro |
| Weight | 1.392 kg |
| Battery | 59 Wh |
| Warranty | 12 months |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.0 |
Disclosure: Some links in this review may be affiliate links. We may earn a commission from purchases made through these links, at no additional cost to you.
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| HP OmniBook X Flip 14 |