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| The OmniBook 5 can be equipped with up to 16GB of RAM and Core 7 350. Pictured: an edited promo picture showing the back of the laptop. |
HP has officially unveiled its latest addition to the competitive ultrabook market – the OmniBook 5, powered by Intel's new Wildcat Lake processors. This sleek and lightweight laptop is positioning itself as a direct competitor to Apple's MacBook Neo, and with a starting price of just $699, it's making a compelling case for budget-conscious consumers who refuse to compromise on performance.
A Trio of Configuration Options
HP is offering the OmniBook 5 in three distinct configurations, ensuring there's an option for various user needs and budgets. The entry-level model features the Intel Core 5 315, which serves as the baseline processor within the Wildcat Lake series. For those seeking a bit more horsepower, the mid-range configuration steps up to the Core 5 320. Meanwhile, power users will appreciate the top-tier option, which packs the impressive Core 7 350 – a chip that early benchmarks suggest can hold its own against the Apple A18 Pro found in the MacBook Neo.
Memory and Display: Where Things Get Interesting
When it comes to memory, HP offers flexibility with configurations supporting up to 12GB of LPDDR5 RAM. The base model ships with 8GB, which should comfortably handle everyday computing tasks like web browsing, document editing, and media consumption.
However, the real standout feature of the OmniBook 5 is its display technology. HP has equipped this laptop with OLED panels across all configurations, giving it a significant advantage over the MacBook Neo's IPS screen. The 14-inch display comes in three variants: a base 1920x1200-pixel option, a mid-tier configuration, and a top-end 2560x1600-pixel touchscreen. All panels share a 300-nit brightness rating, which falls slightly short of the MacBook Neo's 500 nits but still offers excellent visibility for indoor use.
Check out the HP OmniBook 5 on the official store
Slim, Light, and Surprisingly Well-Connected
HP has managed to cram impressive connectivity into a chassis that weighs just 2.56 pounds and measures a mere 11.68mm at its thinnest point. Despite its ultraportable dimensions, the OmniBook 5 doesn't skimp on ports. Users will find a full-sized HDMI port, two USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C ports with Power Delivery support, and a standard 3.5mm audio jack – a refreshing change from the dongle-dependent designs that have become all too common in the ultrabook space.
Battery Life and Additional Features
The 60Wh battery promises an impressive rated video playback runtime of up to 42 hours, making this an excellent choice for frequent travelers and students who need all-day endurance. Audio duties are handled by a dual-speaker setup with DTS:X Ultra support, while connectivity options include WiFi 6E and Bluetooth 5.4.
Availability and Pricing
The HP OmniBook 5 powered by Intel's Wildcat Lake platform is now available through the official HP store. However, those eyeing the flagship Core Ultra 7 350 model will need to wait a bit longer – that configuration is scheduled to arrive in October 2026.
For those interested in how the OmniBook 5 stacks up against other budget-friendly options, you might want to check out our coverage of the Apple MacBook Neo, Lenovo's IdeaPad Vibe 15, and the recently discounted IdeaPad Slim 3i.
With its combination of OLED display technology, competitive pricing, and solid build quality, the HP OmniBook 5 represents a formidable entry in the increasingly crowded affordable laptop market. Whether it can truly dethrone the MacBook Neo remains to be seen, but at $699, it's certainly making Apple's offering look a lot less tempting.
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| All available color options |
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| Design highlights of the laptop |
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| Full spec sheet of the laptop |
