The HP Omen 16, a formidable mid-range laptop, offers budget gamers an appealing option. Nevertheless, it comes with certain hardware and software idiosyncrasies that might not sit well with some users.
Pros:
- Exceptional performance.
- Comfortable keyboard.
- Efficient cooling system.
Cons:
- Noticeably thick display bezels.
- Limited storage capacity.
- Subpar battery life.
HP OMEN 16: Quick Assessment
Shopping for laptops often feels like a labyrinth of choices. The HP Omen 16, though, might provide a solution. It’s compact and lightweight, perfect for portability.
In my weeks of daily use, I found the keyboard comfortable with responsive keys and a satisfying depth. The spacious touchpad adds to its productivity value.
Under the hood, my unit packed an AMD Ryzen 7-7840HS processor and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 graphics card. Despite the GeForce 40 series, its performance remained impressive. The matte Shadow Black finish gives it a distinctive look and the Full HD display dazzles.
Yet, the screen’s 1.5-inch bottom bezel and somewhat muted colors baffle me. Perhaps it’s the anti-coating or color gamut limitations. The on-device Omen app can only partially remedy this.
Despite these gripes, the Omen 16 deserves a spot among the best gaming laptops. It seamlessly blends work and gaming, making it a strong all-rounder. However, it may not suit everyone due to certain design choices. In my experience, it’s a solid choice with a few quirks.
HP OMEN 16: Pricing and Availability
- Price: Commencing at $1,269.99
- Availability: Currently in stock
- Purchase Options: Dell’s website and Best Buy
The HP Omen 16 is attractively priced, beginning at $1,270, making it an excellent choice for gamers with diverse workloads. Its gaming hardware is versatile, aiding video editors and developers in handling intensive visual tasks. However, it falls short of color-sensitive work due to the screen’s muted colors.
Low-tier models house a GeForce RTX 4050, while the top-tier versions boast the more potent GeForce RTX 4070. Although the highest model doesn’t reach the peak of GPU performance, it’s a reasonable compromise, considering the price.
Price Evaluation: 4 out of 5 stars
HP OMEN 16: Specifications
Here’s an overview of the HP Omen 16 configurations:
| Component | Base model | Mid-range model | Review unit | Top configuration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,269.99 | $1,599.99 | $1,849.99 | $2,149.99 |
| CPU | AMD Ryzen 5-7640HS | AMD Ryzen 7-7840HS | AMD Ryzen 9-7940HS | AMD Ryzen 9-7940HS |
| GPU | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 |
| RAM | 16GB DDR5 Memory | 16GB DDR5 Memory | 16GB DDR5 Memory | 32GB DDR5 Memory |
| Storage | 512GB SSD | 512GB SSD | 512GB SSD | 2TB SSD |
| Screen | 16.1-inch 1920×1080 144Hz 250 nits | 16.1-inch 1920×1080 165Hz 300 nits | 16.1-inch 1920×1080 165Hz 300 nits | 16.1-inch 1920×1080 240Hz 300 nits |
| Ports | 2 Thunderbolt 4, 2 USB-A, 1 RJ-45, 1 headphone jack, 1 HDMI 2.1 | 2 Thunderbolt 4, 2 USB-A, 1 RJ-45, 1 headphone jack, 1 HDMI 2.1 | 2 Thunderbolt 4, 2 USB-A, 1 RJ-45, 1 headphone jack, 1 HDMI 2.1 | 2 Thunderbolt 4, 2 USB-A, 1 RJ-45, 1 headphone jack, 1 HDMI 2.1 |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 | Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 | Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 | Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Camera | 720p | 720p | 720p | 720p |
| Weight | 5.4 lbs | 5.4 lbs | 5.4 lbs | 5.4 lbs |
| Dimensions | 0.93 x 14.53 x 10.21 inches (about 24 x 370 x 260mm) | 0.93 x 14.53 x 10.21 inches (about 24 x 370 x 260mm) | 0.93 x 14.53 x 10.21 inches (about 24 x 370 x 260mm) | 0.93 x 14.53 x 10.21 inches (about 24 x 370 x 260mm) |
HP OMEN 16: Design
The HP Omen 16’s design is a mixed bag:
- It features a 75% keyboard, which is standard, with a comfortable, quiet feel.
- Its robust build can withstand some rough handling.
- The cooling system impresses, preventing overheating even under heavy loads.
- The array of ports, conveniently located, includes two USB-Cs, two USB-As, and more.
- However, the 512GB storage in most configurations feels limited, especially for large game files.
Design Evaluation: 3.5 out of 5 stars
HP OMEN 16: Impressive Performance
- Outstanding performance
- High 165Hz refresh rate
- Eyesafe Certified display
HP OMEN 16: Benchmark Results
See how the HP Omen 16 fared in our benchmark tests:
| Benchmark | Results |
|---|---|
| 3DMark: Night Raid | 58,705 |
| Fire Strike | 26,797 |
| Time Spy | 11,141 |
| Port Royal | 7,003 |
| GeekBench 5 (single-core) | 1,993 |
| GeekBench 5 (multi-core) | 11,377 |
| GeekBench 6 (multi-core) | 12,097 |
| Total War: Warhammer III (1080p, Ultra) | 91 fps |
| Total War: Warhammer III (1080p, Low) | 205 fps |
| Cyberpunk 2077 (1080p, Ultra) | 82 fps |
| Cyberpunk 2077 (1080p, Low) | 128 fps |
| Dirt 5 (1080p, Ultra) | 103 fps |
| Dirt 5 (1080p, Low) | 189 fps |
| PCMark 10 Battery Life | 2 hours |
When examining these benchmark results, you’ll notice the HP Omen 16 delivers impressive performance. Comparing it to the Alienware M16, the Omen 16 outshines in various aspects. It consistently achieves higher frame rates, thanks to its Ryzen 9 processor, GeForce RTX 4070, and 16 GB of RAM.
The 165Hz refresh rate is a gamer’s delight, ensuring smooth and responsive gameplay. This is especially valuable for competitive gaming, allowing precise reactions.
During my Mortal Kombat 1 sessions, the high frame rate and refresh rate enhanced the gaming experience. Clear visuals enabled precise moves and appreciation of the game’s details. However, the screen’s Full HD resolution, while good, doesn’t reach extraordinary heights.
Beyond gaming, the Omen 16 excels as an everyday computer. Its Eyesafe Certified display reduces eye strain, and the 1080p webcam is a boon for streamers and video conferences.
Performance Evaluation: 4.5 out of 5 stars
HP OMEN 16: Battery Performance
- Inadequate for gaming
- Short for regular use
Keeping the charger handy is a must, as the Omen 16’s battery disappoints. It’s the laptop’s major drawback. During a test, playing Final Fantasy 14 with maxed settings, barely lasted 1.5 hours.
This was surprising, considering the game’s age. Even with lighter workloads and power-saving modes, it lasts around two hours on average. The battery performance leaves much to be desired.
Battery Evaluation: 1 out of 5 stars
SHOULD YOU BUY THE HP OMEN 16?
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Starting at $1,260, the HP Omen 16 offers excellent performance for the cost. | 4/5 |
| Design | Solid build, but large bezels hinder usability. | 3.5/5 |
| Performance | Impressive performance, smooth gameplay, high refresh rate, though the resolution isn’t top-notch. | 4.5/5 |
| Battery | Falls short, lasting only 1.5 hours for gaming and a bit longer for lighter tasks. | 1/5 |
| Average rating | Impressive performance, smooth gameplay, and high refresh rate, though the resolution isn’t top-notch. | 3.5/5 |
Buy it if:
- You seek an affordable gaming laptop.
- You want solid performance at a mid-range price point.
Don’t buy it if:
- You prioritize long battery life.
- You need more storage capacity than the included 512GB.
HP OMEN 16: Alternatives to Consider
Here are some alternative options to weigh against the HP Omen 16:
| Acer Nitro 5 | Razer Blade 14 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $999 / £1,099 | $2,399.99 / £2,149 / AU$3,199 |
| CPU | Intel Core i5-12500H | AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS |
| GPU | Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 Ti | Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 |
| RAM | 16GB DDR4 | 16GB DDR5 |
| Display | 15.6-inch IPS, FHD, 144Hz | 14-inch, QHD+ (2560×1600), 240Hz, 3ms, 100% DCI-P3 color gamut |
| Storage | 512 PCIe SSD | 1TB SSD |
| Ports | Multiple USB options, HDMI 2.1 | USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, and more |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2 | Qualcomm Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2 |
| Camera | 720p | 1080p IR FHD webcam |
| Weight | 5.51 lbs (2.5kg) | 4.05 lbs (1.84kg) |
| Dimensions | 14.19 x 10.67 x 1.06 ins | 12.23 x 8.97 x 0.70 inches |