HP OmniBook X Flip Review: A laptop that genuinely adapts to the user's needs

The Hindu

2 days ago

The current trend of light, ultra-portable laptops with powerful capabilities is gaining solid traction, and the HP OmniBook X Flip is HP's latest contender in this exciting space. Powered by Intel's Core Ultra 7 258V processor and tailored for AI-assisted workflows, this laptop is clearly built for modern users, be it creators, multitaskers, or digital nomads. With a starting price of ₹1,14,999, the OmniBook X Flip arrives as a flexible, premium device promising not just performance, but also intelligence. So, does it deliver?
Design & Build
The HP OmniBook X Flip impresses with its sleek and elegant 'Atmospheric Blue' colourway. The sandblasted anodized finish not only adds to its aesthetic appeal but gives it a distinctive, cool quotient that feels just right for both professionals and creatives. At 1.38 kg, this device is surprisingly light for a convertible. It easily slides into your backpack, and even the compact 65W USB Type-C power adapter won't weigh you down—ideal for those constantly on the move.
The build feels solid and durable thanks to premium materials and thoughtful engineering. With Corning Gorilla Glass 3 protecting the screen, accidental bumps or scratches are far less of a worry. HP hasn't skimped on utility either—the 360° hinge offers clamshell, tent, tablet, and reverse modes, giving you a seamless transition between work and entertainment. The laptop is also EPEAT Gold certified and incorporates recycled plastics and metals, which adds an eco-conscious layer to its already versatile design.
Port selection is impressive, too. You get 2 USB-A ports, 1 HDMI 2.1, a 3.5mm headphone/mic combo jack, and 2 USB-C ports—one of which is Thunderbolt 4-enabled. This ensures faster transfers, versatile charging options, and multi-display support, all in a chassis that remains compact and travel-friendly.
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Display
The 14-inch OLED display is one of the clear standouts here. With a 3K resolution (2880 x 1800), variable refresh rate from 48–120 Hz, and support for HDR 500, this screen offers stunning clarity, vivid colour reproduction, and smooth visuals. Whether you're colour grading videos or binge-watching your favourite show, it feels like a display designed to delight.
Touch functionality is integrated seamlessly. It's responsive, fluid, and intuitive, making it perfect for users who want direct interaction, whether sketching with an optional stylus or navigating quickly through presentations. The 100% DCI-P3 colour gamut, combined with Eyesafe certification, ensures that your eyes won't strain during extended sessions. All of this, covered with scratch-resistant Gorilla Glass, speaks to the laptop's creative and mobile-first DNA.
Keyboard & Touchpad
HP has made a notable design shift with its new lattice-less keyboard, and the result is both visually sleek and functionally effective. The backlit, full-size keyboard offers a refined typing experience with a recommended key pitch and distance for ergonomic comfort. 1:1 square keys and larger font sizes enhance legibility, especially useful during long typing sessions or dimly lit environments.
However, the touchpad, while responsive and smooth to use, has one peculiar shortcoming: the right and left click buttons are not perfectly aligned. It may not be a deal-breaker, but it's noticeable during day-to-day tasks, especially for users accustomed to precision. That said, the Imagepad still delivers solid accuracy for gestures and navigation.
Performance
The laptop is powered by the Intel Core Ultra 7 258V processor, which brings AI-accelerated power to the table, making the OmniBook X Flip more than just a pretty face. With 8 cores and 8 threads, this chip is tuned for modern workloads—be it media editing, data crunching, or managing multiple apps across virtual desktops. Paired with 1TB of PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSD storage and Intel Arc graphics, performance is smooth and stutter-free for most use cases.
The standout here is its AI responsiveness. With up to 47 TOPS of NPU (Neural Processing Unit) performance, the laptop smartly manages tasks while optimizing for power consumption. This is evident in real-world usage: whether switching between creative apps or jumping into an AI-assisted video call, everything feels quick and intelligent.
HP's Smart Sense further boosts performance adaptability. It automatically adjusts the laptop's power and thermal behaviour based on usage patterns. So, whether the device is on your lap or on a desk, the system smartly adjusts to maintain performance without overheating or draining the battery unnecessarily.
Windows and AI
Running on Windows 11, the experience feels refreshed and well-integrated with the hardware. HP also brings in its own layer of smarts with features like the AI Companion and Copilot+, which act like your personal productivity assistants. Need help scheduling your day, searching your local files, or customising system settings? These AI tools are baked right into the workflow, enhancing productivity without feeling intrusive.
The AI Companion is particularly useful. From performance monitoring to battery health tips, it's a thoughtful integration that supports rather than overwhelms. Coupled with myHP's Performance Mode Reminder, switching to a high-performance profile is just a click away—even when you're knee-deep in a project.
Speakers
Audio is perhaps where the OmniBook X Flip doesn't quite hit the mark. Despite front-firing speakers and DTS:X Ultra support, the sound output is average. It's clear but lacks the volume and depth, and is considerably lower than what we saw in the ASUS ExpertBook P3. It's fine for casual media consumption, but audiophiles might want to keep their headphones handy.
Camera
HP includes an IR camera powered by Poly Camera Pro, and it's easily one of the better webcams in this category. Features like auto-framing, noise calculation, and watermark options enhance your presence during video calls. It's well-suited for hybrid workers or students attending regular virtual meetings, offering crisp visuals and intelligent adjustments to lighting and background.
Battery
One of the strongest suits of the OmniBook X Flip is its battery life. The 59 Wh battery easily lasts around 8 hours on a single charge, making it dependable for a full workday without reaching for the charger. This aligns well with the laptop's mobile-first design philosophy.Fast charging is supported too—50% in just 30 minutes. Additionally, HP's Battery Health
Manager lets you optimise battery longevity by enabling auto-stop charging at 80%. It's a smart move for users who intend to keep their device running in prime shape for years.
Verdict
The HP OmniBook X Flip successfully straddles the line between style and substance. With AI-assisted performance, a vibrant 3K OLED touch display, and a lightweight, flexible design, it's an ideal choice for users who demand versatility. From creating content to taking calls and managing tasks with the help of AI, it's a laptop that genuinely adapts to you.
While the speakers and touchpad alignment could use some refinement, the overall experience still feels premium and thoughtful. For those exploring the next wave of intelligent, mobile computing, this is a machine that feels ready for the future.