The relentless evolution of the 2-in-1 laptop form factor often sees manufacturers borrowing and refining the best ideas. HP's latest offering, the OmniBook X Flip 16, exemplifies this trend, merging inspiration from competitors like Dell's XPS design language and Asus's display prowess into a cohesive and highly attractive package. Now available at a significant $400 discount, it presents a compelling case for professionals seeking a large-screen convertible without breaking the bank.

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Design: Borrowing Wisely, Executing Flawlessly

Immediately striking, the OmniBook X Flip 16 sports a lattice-style keyboard flanked by heat vents, reminiscent of recent Dell XPS models. However, HP differentiates with a remarkably slim profile (0.61 inches) and lightweight build (4.15 pounds) for a 16-inch device. This focus on portability is a major win, though it necessitates careful thermal management. Heat is primarily expelled downwards during intensive tasks, which can warm the lap but generally keeps the keyboard and palm rests comfortable.

The bottom-firing speakers, enhanced by DTS:X, HP Audio Boost, and Poly Studio software, deliver surprisingly rich and detailed audio with punchy bass, a rarity in such thin chassis. While maximum volume isn't earth-shattering, clarity for music and calls is impressive.

Display & Input: Where Creativity Shines

The centerpiece is undoubtedly the 16-inch, 120Hz, 3K OLED touchscreen. Though not 4K, its vibrant colors, deep blacks, and high refresh rate, coupled with the 16:10 aspect ratio, create an exceptional canvas for content creators and multitaskers. Visuals are immersive, and the screen real estate is ideal for complex workflows.

HP elevates the experience further with the optional HP Active Rechargeable Tilt Pen. Offering near-pixel-perfect precision with minimal lag and customizable buttons, it transforms the device into a capable digital sketchpad. Setup is seamless – charge it, and it just works without Bluetooth pairing hassles.

"The touchscreen's high refresh rate, coupled with the 16:10 aspect ratio make it perfect for content creation... the large space allows you to have multiple apps on screen for a smooth workflow." - Cesar Cadenas, ZDNET

The main display drawback is its highly reflective glossy coating, which can hinder visibility in bright environments unless brightness is cranked up. This is a trade-off for the optimal stylus experience.

Performance & Battery: Midrange Muscle, Solid Stamina

Powered by an Intel Core Ultra 7 258V processor and integrated Intel Arc graphics, paired with a generous 32GB of RAM in the reviewed configuration, the OmniBook X Flip 16 lands firmly in the midrange performance bracket. Benchmark results place it slightly above HP's previous OmniBook Ultra Flip 14 and on par with competitors like the Dell Inspiron 14 Plus:

Device Cinebench 24 MC Geekbench 6.2.2 SC Geekbench 6.2.2 MC
HP EliteBook X G1 954 2,818 14,585
HP OmniBook X Flip 16 512 2,709 10,820
HP OmniBook Ultra Flip 14 N/A 2,546 10,729
Dell Inspiron 14 Plus 554 2,702 10,812

In real-world use, it handles everyday productivity and moderate multitasking (dozens of Chrome tabs) competently. Pushing it with multiple high-resolution video streams, however, reveals its limitations. It's clearly positioned as a more affordable alternative to HP's premium EliteBook X series, sacrificing some raw CPU power for a superior display and convertible flexibility.

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Battery life is respectable, lasting around 10 hours in ZDNET's standard testing (though HP claims up to 22 hours under optimal conditions). A significant 70% charge can be achieved in approximately one hour.

Value Proposition: Discounts Define the Appeal

The HP OmniBook X Flip 16 shines brightest when its price is considered. Regularly priced around $1,200, the 32GB RAM / Intel Core Ultra 7 configuration is currently discounted to $899 directly from HP. A 2TB SSD variant is also available at Best Buy for $1,350. At these reduced prices, the compromises – the glossy screen, the midrange performance ceiling, and the downward heat exhaust – become far more palatable.

For users prioritizing raw performance over the 2-in-1 form and OLED brilliance, alternatives exist. However, for creators, designers, and professionals who value a large, vibrant touchscreen, seamless stylus input, and portability in a versatile package, the discounted OmniBook X Flip 16 presents an unusually compelling argument. It successfully synthesizes desirable features from across the market into a coherent and attractive device that punches above its weight class when the price is right.

Source: Based on original reporting and review by Cesar Cadenas for ZDNET.