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| HP sells the new OmniBook 5 Flip 2-in-1 in Powder Pink and Sky Blue, as well as the Glacier Silver finish shown here. |
HP's popular convertible laptop receives a significant internal overhaul, trading older Raptor Lake chips for Intel's next-generation Panther Lake architecture.
When HP made waves at CES 2026 with its expanded OmniBook lineup, tech enthusiasts took notice. Now, almost seven months later, the company is following through with substantial updates to its convertible offerings. The latest OmniBook 5 Flip 2-in-1 has quietly arrived, bringing with it a significant processor upgrade that transforms this versatile laptop's performance capabilities.
From Raptor Lake to Panther Lake: What's Changed?
The previous generation OmniBook 5 Flip 2-in-1 relied on Intel's Raptor Lake platform, which, while capable, is now being superseded by the more powerful Panther Lake processors. This architectural leap represents more than just a generational bump – it's a fundamental reimagining of what this convertible can achieve.
US customers can now configure the OmniBook 5 Flip with three distinct Panther Lake options: the Core Ultra 5 322, Core Ultra 7 355, and the flagship Core Ultra 9 386H. Memory configurations are equally flexible, ranging from 16 GB to 32 GB, ensuring there's a model suited for various workloads and budgets.
Performance Benchmarks Reveal Clear Winner
According to our comprehensive benchmarking tests, the Core Ultra 9 386H variant stands head and shoulders above its siblings. The performance advantage stems from Intel's core allocation strategy – the flagship chip benefits from additional P-Cores (performance cores) and E-Cores (efficiency cores), delivering a massive boost in both single-threaded and multi-threaded applications.
For users considering the OmniBook 5 Flip for demanding tasks like video editing, 3D rendering, or data analysis, the Core Ultra 9 configuration is clearly the recommended choice. However, the Core Ultra 5 and Core Ultra 7 variants still offer respectable performance for everyday productivity and light creative work.
Display and Battery: Trade-offs to Consider
While the processor upgrade is undoubtedly welcome, HP has made some compromises elsewhere to maintain the OmniBook 5 Flip's competitive pricing. The 14-inch convertible comes equipped with a 68 Wh battery – a respectable capacity that should deliver all-day productivity. However, the display specifications may give some users pause.
The IPS panel offers 1200p resolution with 300 nits of brightness, but the color reproduction is limited to just 62.5% of the sRGB color space. This means creative professionals working with color-critical content may find the display lacking. For general productivity, web browsing, and media consumption, however, the screen should prove perfectly adequate.
Pricing and Availability: Where to Find the Best Deals
The OmniBook 5 Flip 2-in-1 is now available in both the UK and US markets, though pricing strategies differ significantly between regions.
In the UK, the entry-level configuration featuring the Core Ultra 5 322 processor, 16 GB of RAM, and 512 GB of storage carries a £1,199 price tag. UK shoppers can find the HP OmniBook 5 Flip 2-in-1 at major retailers including Currys. The model is available for purchase directly through Currys UK and other electronics partners.
US customers are seeing considerably more attractive pricing. The same Core Ultra 5 configuration has already dropped to just $729 from its $1,299 MSRP – a remarkable discount for a newly released product. If you're in the market for a versatile 2-in-1, Amazon currently offers competitive pricing on various configurations of the OmniBook 5 Flip. This significant price gap between regions is unusual for a new product launch and may be part of HP's strategy to gain market share in the competitive US convertible laptop segment.
For US customers looking to customize their system further, direct configurations are available through HP's official store, where you can select from the full range of Panther Lake processors and memory configurations.
Who Should Buy the OmniBook 5 Flip?
The updated OmniBook 5 Flip 2-in-1 presents a compelling option for different user segments depending on the configuration chosen. The entry-level models offer excellent value for students and professionals who need a flexible device for note-taking, presentations, and everyday productivity tasks.
Power users who opt for the Core Ultra 9 configuration with 32 GB of RAM will find a machine capable of handling heavier workloads while maintaining the portability and versatility that makes 2-in-1 devices so appealing.
Final Verdict
HP's decision to upgrade the OmniBook 5 Flip to Panther Lake processors represents a meaningful improvement to an already popular convertible laptop. While the display may not satisfy creative professionals, the combination of powerful new processors, flexible configuration options, and aggressive US pricing makes this an attractive option in the crowded 2-in-1 market.
The significant discount already applied to US models suggests HP is serious about competing in this segment, and early adopters will likely benefit from some of the best value-for-performance ratios available in the convertible laptop space. As always, we recommend checking all configuration options and regional pricing before making your purchase decision.
Source : Currys UK & HP US
