Don’t Buy A Hp Omen 16 Until You Read This

The HP Omen 16 is a marvel of a gaming laptop. The reviews till now are all praises for the performance, but true gamers appreciate that a gaming laptop is much more than performance only. 

The processor sure is powerful, and the NVIDIA GeForce RTX graphics card is a nice touch. But is the cooling system, build quality, and design optimized enough to support long hours of gaming on this beast, or should you look elsewhere? Let’s dive deep into the HP Omen 16 and see what it has to offer, and if it’s worth your money.

HP Omen 16: Overview

Intel Configuration

HP Omen 16 Gaming Laptop

$1,599.00

• 64GB DDR4 SDRAM and 1TB SSD
• 11th Gen Intel 8-Core i7-11800H I processor
• Base clock 2.3GHz, max boost up to 4.6GHz
• Dedicated NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 6GB and integrated Intel UHD graphics
• 16.1-inch Full HD IPS 144Hz 7ms display
• RGB backlit keyboard
• Bang & Olufsen audio

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10/03/2023 06:09 am GMT

Release date and price

HP Omen 16 for the year 2022 entered the markets in May with a base price of $1319.99, but the price can creep over $2,000 if you get the maxed-out model. Now that this laptop has been on the market a little while, you should be able to find a highly-specced version for well under $1,800.

Different Models

The HP OMEN 16 series has a range of models to cater to your gaming needs:

• OMEN Gaming Laptop 16-wf0097nr
• OMEN Transcend Laptop 16-u0097nr
• OMEN Transcend Gaming Laptop 16t-u000
• OMEN Gaming Laptop 16t-wf000
• OMEN Laptop 16t-k000
• OMEN Laptop 16-k0797nr

Note that there may be additional models with different specifications and features available in different regions. 

Features

HP Omen 16 is the top-of-the-line device that represents the company’s face of gaming laptops. Gamers can get up to Intel Core i9 with 14 cores and Intel Turbo Boost technology if they want to chase the best gaming performance. The graphic section is handled pretty well by Nvidia, where you can get up to GeForce RTX 4070 Ti with up to 8GB GDDR6 dedicated RAM with DLSS and Max-Q technologies.

Up to 32GB DDR5 RAM (or 64GB if you get the DDR4 version) ensures that all your background apps remain active, and up to 2TB of storage ensures that you can boast your exclusive game collection to your fellow gamers. The laptop runs on Windows 11 and supports WIFI 6E to address all the ping issues while playing online games. The buttery smooth display offers a QHD resolution with up to 165Hz refresh rate.

The bottom line is that this laptop is a beast on paper, and HP has thrown in all the high-end specs that it could find. But do all these specs come together in harmony to create a masterpiece, or is it just another laptop with exaggerated specs that fails to deliver in the real world? Let’s find out.

Specifications

HP Omen 16: Review

Are you tired of gaming laptops that look like they belong in a neon-lit arcade? Meet the HP Omen 16, the latest gaming laptop that keeps it low-key. With its sleek and minimalist design, it’s a powerful machine that doesn’t sacrifice style for substance. And with plenty of ports for all your peripherals, it’s a versatile machine that’s perfect for both work and play.

But the Omen 16 isn’t just about raw power. It’s also a well-designed machine that’s easy on the eyes. Its 16-inch display strikes an ideal balance between productivity and gaming, while its slim build and middleweight heft make it a great option for those who need to take their gaming on the go.

Of course, no machine is perfect, and the Omen 16 has its quirks. The touchpad could have been better, and the webcam is the old, classic 720p. But these are minor quibbles in the face of such a powerful and stylish machine.

Design

The Omen 16 is a gaming laptop but with a tuxedo, meaning it has all the flashy glamor, but it still has the classic HP look. The frame is plastic and might not seem the most luxurious to touch and feel. Nonetheless, the soft-to-touch brushed plastic lid still gives it an up-to-date look. It is easy to carry, weighing only 5.16 pounds, ensuring that you have your gaming setup at an arm’s width every time. 

The ports are strategically placed at the rear and on the side as well, which not only keeps the workspace neat and tidy but also prevents your attention from being accidentally drawn to a bunch of wires. The wide array of ports allows seamless integration with other gaming or workspace components. There are a couple of USB-c ports, an HDMI port, a power connector, and a USB-A port with an audio jack as well.

If we move to the front, one aspect immediately strikes the eye, and it is the huge lower bezel. However, HP has done its best to ensure that it is no issue. The rubber stoppers add an extra element of security, and the plastic screen itself is quite durable. Moreover, the closed laptop front provides better airflow, which allows for good results while using an external display. 

The bottom line is that the HP Omen 16’s design may not be perfect, but it’s still impressive and functional. Whether you’re a gamer or a professional, this laptop has the power and reliability you need to get the job done. 

Display

Let’s explore the Omen 16’s display, which is going to have the most attention of any gamer, and HP doesn’t disappoint with it. The QHD resolution of 2560 by 1440 on this 16.1-inch IPS display has 182 pixels per inch, providing a crisp and clear image. With a glossy finish, a 144 Hertz refresh rate, and a three-millisecond response time, this display tones your reflexes and brings out your inner gamer.

The aspect ratio is a bit of a downside, especially with the price tag. HP is still offering the classic 16:9 aspect ratio, while the competitors like Acer Predator Triton 500 SE and the Lenovo Legion 5i lineup are already offering 16:10 aspect ratio displays that are superb for gaming and productivity alike.   

To make matters worse, the laptop’s gigantic bezel below the screen takes up precious space that could’ve been used for a taller display. The display reaches a peak brightness of 321 nits in real-life testing, which might not be good for the outdoors, but it still is pretty solid for indoor use. However, the glossy finish may cause glare and reflections in direct sunlight. 

Moreover, the IPS panel also has a decent contrast ratio of 1250:1, which remains consistent even at different brightness levels. For those in the creative field, the Omen 16’s display provides decent color accuracy, covering 100% sRGB, 75% Adobe RGB, 75% of the DCI P3 wide color gamut, and 70% NTSC. This makes it an excellent choice for tasks such as photo and video editing.  

All in all, while the display may not be the brightest or have the most modern aspect ratio, it still offers solid performance for both gaming and productivity tasks.

Webcam

One of the biggest complaints about the HP Omen 16 is the camera. Unfortunately, the 720p webcam on the Omen 16 is a bit of a letdown, especially in a world where hybrid work is becoming the norm. But again, we have to consider that this is a gaming laptop in the true sense. There are no IR sensors or facial recognition. The color detection is quite accurate, but the image is grainier.  

However, given that this is a gaming laptop, it’s not a significant issue. Nevertheless, it’s worth noting that the audio and video quality are acceptable for casual video conferencing.

Performance

Performance is not an issue, at least on paper, when you can get up to 13th gen core i7 with RTX 4070, but for this section, we will consider the variant with 12th gen core i7 and RTX 3070 because this is what most people will be eyeing to buy. These components allow the Omen 16 to deliver top-of-the-line performance in gaming and other demanding tasks. But how does it stack up against the competition? Let’s dive straight in.

According to benchmark results, the Omen 16 scored 1,746 for single-core performance and 12,712 for multi-core performance on the Geekbench 5 system, which measures the CPU’s processing power. Although these results are amazing, how do they stack up against other laptops? In both single-core (1,751) and multi-core (13,749) tests, the Omen 16 was surpassed by the Alienware x15 R2, with a similar CPU but double the RAM. 

The Pro variant of Legion 5i, another laptop with the same CPU, could not outperform the Omen in single-core but did better at multi-core (13,008). 

In the file transfer test, the Omen again did well, copying more than 20 GBs of file at more than 1,100MBps. Rest assured, you can easily transfer heavy games from your buddy’s gaming setup.

Thermal Management

One of the notable improvements HP made to the Omen 16 is the cooling system. The laptop has more blades on its fans and an increased exhaust vent, resulting in more airflow and quieter operation overall. During intensive use, the laptop blows out a lot of hot air, and while it can get a bit loud during those times, it’s not unbearable. It’s very quiet during normal use. The fans do have a slight whine to them at max speeds, but it’s not a major issue.

Despite these impressive specs, it’s worth noting that the Omen 16 has a significant drawback when it comes to gaming: it only works when plugged in. Before you start thinking, “wait a minute, does it not have a battery?” Hold up. It still works on battery power, but the CPU clocks down to save energy.

When using a laptop on battery power, some games may cause a significant decrease in performance. In some cases, the CPU speeds may drop to low levels, making the laptop nearly unusable. 

This issue has been observed with certain games, including Halo Infinite. The manufacturer may advise against playing these games on battery power, as it can cause the laptop to slow down significantly. Even closing out of the games may take a while, further impacting the overall performance of the laptop.

Software

The HP Omen Gaming Hub, a one-stop shop for all your gaming needs, is one of the Omen’s notable features. In addition to acting as a game launcher, the hub also lets you check the temperature and component usage and modify power modes as necessary. You can access a number of different programs from this hub, such as Oasis, an HP-only streaming app, and Light Studio, which lets you manage the RGB lighting on the keyboard.

But HP has also equipped the Omen with a variety of additional functions and apps that are sure to impress even the most passionate gamers who pay close attention to the small things. For instance, you can easily transfer files between your PC and phone using the HP Quickdrop app. Another noteworthy tool that provides system information and troubleshooting is the HP PC Hardware Diagnostics Windows.

And if all that wasn’t enough, the Omen 16 comes with a 1-year warranty, giving you peace of mind knowing that you’re covered in case of any issues.

Battery

The battery life of laptops is a critical aspect, particularly for people who are always on the move. To test the battery life of the HP Omen 16, experts played a 720p video with half brightness and full volume until the system shut down. Before starting the test, the battery was fully charged, and the keyboard backlighting as well as the Wi-Fi were turned off to obtain accurate results, which were not impressive.

Despite having room to accommodate a larger battery pack, the Omen falls short of expectations. The unplugged runtime of the laptop is mediocre, especially when compared to other gaming laptops available in the market. 

In the test that involved browsing, some graphic work, and slight video streaming with the brightness at 150 nits, the Omen lasted 19 minutes short of 6 hours. Although this may not be an impressive figure, it is still sufficient to get you through a short trip or work session away from your workspace. If you’re looking for a gaming laptop with exceptional battery life, it might be worth considering some of the other options in this price spectrum, as they tend to perform better in this area.

HP Omen 16: Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Excellent sharp display
• Per-key RGB backlighting option
• Great gaming performance
• Plenty of ports

Cons:

• 720p webcam
• Subpar battery

HP Omen 16: Is It a Buy?

Buy it if…

You give great importance to the keyboard in a gaming setup.

HP has removed the number pad to provide ample breathing space for the keys. HP’s layout offers a desktop-like feel with a natural ease of use, which is substantial for a great gaming experience. 

You want a sleek and modern yet quieter setup.

The HP Omen 16 offers an up-to-date design with powerful specs, and the fans do not get loud during intense usage sessions. If you like gaming both in the comfort of your house as well as outdoors, this laptop is a must-buy.

Don’t buy it if…

You want a combination of gaming and professional use.

If you are an adult with a job who has a passion for gaming, you might want to look for other options. While this laptop can easily fulfill your desire for gaming, it still lacks performance in the professional domain. The 720p webcam with a 16:9 aspect ratio will only put barriers to this device’s professional usage. 

You want an amazing battery life.

The performance starts going down once you cut the power supply to the laptop. So if you want a device that you can carry along without worrying about the battery, we recommend you look for another laptop.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©N.Z.Photography/Shutterstock.com.