The 7 Biggest Complaints About the HP Omen 16

If you’ve been searching for high-performing laptops for quite some time, you may have come across the HP Omen 16. It is undoubtedly a decent all-in-one laptop with a vibrant display, powerful Intel and AMD processors, graphics cards, and enough memory to run even the most demanding applications. But still, the online forums are filled with many complaints about the HP Omen 16, making us question this laptop’s reliability. 

This HP laptop has a sleek and stylish design with advanced gaming features, like high refresh rates and customizable RGB lighting. Yet don’t let these perks lose your focus from its potential issues. The most notable complaints about the HP Omen 16 are poor battery life, noisy fan, limited upgradability, dim display, average sound quality, etc.

So, is this model worth buying? Let’s look at the biggest complaints about the HP Omen 16 to find the answer.

Intel Configuration

HP Omen 16 Gaming Laptop

$1,399.99

• 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

Buy Now

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

08/29/2023 11:54 am GMT

Complaint 1: It’s Difficult to Carry Around (Less Portable)

A laptop’s performance is the top priority for most users, but some do go for aesthetics and practicality. The typical weight of a 16-inch laptop is between 4 to 5.5 pounds, with 4 to 4.5 being the ideal range for portability. The HP Omen 16 weighs around 5 pounds and is 0.9 inches thick, making it relatively bulkier and heavier than other laptops of the same size. That’s one of the most reported complaints about the HP Omen 16. 

This HP product isn’t ideal for people who are always on the go with their laptops daily. Not only the weight but the HP Omen 16’s thickness makes it more cumbersome to store in a backpack or travel bag. You may also not be able to use the laptop in specific cases. 

For example, you may find the Omen 16 too heavy on your lap when using it for extended periods. Moreover, if you need to use the laptop in tight spaces, such as on a small tray table, the large size of this laptop would prevent you from comfortably using it. However, carrying the device in a quality bag can resolve this complaint. 

Complaint 2: Limited Battery Life

Other complaints about the HP Omen 16 were related to its battery. Unfortunately, it has a shorter battery life compared to other laptops with similar specifications, primarily when used for extended periods. Of course, it’s not possible to have a power supply available all the time to plug in your laptop every few hours. Things can be even worse when you’re running demanding apps on the device. 

Users have reported that their HP Omen 16 typically lasts 4 hours on average when browsing via Wi-Fi at 150 nits of brightness. That’s lower than the average battery capacity in other laptops of the same category. That’s quite a bummer for those who travel frequently or use their laptop for work or school purposes. 

However, it’s worth noting that battery life varies with the screen brightness, workload, and power settings. So, your Omen 16’s battery may last for longer or shorter than 4 hours. On the bright side, you can extend your laptop’s battery life by minimizing its brightness, closing unused apps and programs, and disabling Wi-Fi and Bluetooth when not in use.

Complaint 3: Noisy Fans

Noisy fans are a pain and a huge distraction when working on something that requires sheer focus. Things can even be worse for those who use their laptops in quiet environments such as libraries or offices. This usually happens under heavy loads, such as running demanding apps or games. 

So, what makes the HP Omen 16’s fans loud? It’s due to the laptop’s powerful Intel Core i7 processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 30 series graphics card. Both of these generate a lot of heat when running intensive tasks. Although the laptop’s cooling system efficiently dissipates the heat, it causes the fans to make loud noises. Plus there is no escape! You can’t shut off the fans, as maintaining a laptop’s heat level is crucial for performance. 

You can alleviate fan-related complaints about the HP Omen 16 through some workarounds, such as using the laptop in a power-saving mode, lowering its screen brightness, and reducing the load. However, the most effective solution for this issue is using a cooling pad to assist the laptop’s fans in ventilation. 

Complaint 4: Screen Display Not Bright Enough

Users who prefer bright screens on their devices complain about the HP Omen 16’s dim display. Even at full brightness, the laptop doesn’t give a clear display in well-lit areas. It especially misses the picture details in darker scenes. 

According to the HP Omen 16’s specifications list on HP’s official website, the laptop’s brightness is around 300 nits. That’s below average compared to other gaming laptops in the same category. It is a huge concern for users who prefer a bright, vibrant display for gaming or work-related tasks. Things can become even more challenging for them if they use their laptop in bright environments, such as outdoors or near windows. 

Besides the brightness, many users also complain about the screen’s narrow viewing angles, which makes it difficult to view the laptop’s screen from certain angles. You can try adjusting the brightness and color settings of the device to see if it improves things.

Complaint 5: Difficult to Upgrade

Limited upgradeability is among the commonly reported complaints about the HP Omen 16. Many users say that the laptop’s internal components are difficult to upgrade and that users have limited access to critical components, such as the RAM and SSD. This can be a massive concern if you love to customize or upgrade your laptop.

Upgrading the laptop’s components can improve its performance and longevity. Meanwhile, customization options like RGB lighting or custom skins allow users to personalize their devices. Unfortunately, the HP Omen 16 is relatively difficult to open with most of its components fastened onto the motherboard or inaccessible without professional assistance. 

Luckily, it’s not a dead end. You can upgrade your HP Omen 16 by seeking a professional’s assistance or buying external peripherals (external hard drives or graphics cards) to improve the laptop’s performance or storage. Sometimes, however, the limited upgradability is a hardware limitation, and you can do nothing about it.

Complaint 6: Average Audio Quality

When finding a laptop with a powerful processor and long battery life, many overlook one crucial feature: the audio quality. Good sound quality is essential whether you use your device for gaming, video editing, or office work. Unfortunately, there are many complaints about the HP Omen 16’s speakers.

The laptop’s speakers are on its bottom, which is why they produce muffled or distorted sound when you place the device on a soft surface. Even worse, this laptop doesn’t have a dedicated headphone jack. So, you can’t use wired headphones with your Omen 16. That’s a significant downside for those who prefer immersive gaming or music experiences. 

However, this issue can be resolved by adjusting the laptop’s equalizer settings or placing it on a hard surface to give enough room for the sound to pass. However, many users still face this issue, mainly because in their case, the poor audio quality is a hardware limitation.

Complaint 7: Limited Ports

Limited ports are the last but equally important as other complaints about the HP Omen 16. Everybody loves to have numerous USB ports or SD card reader slots to connect multiple peripherals, VR headsets, or gaming controllers. It is also helpful to transfer data from external devices to the laptop or vice versa.

Unfortunately, with the HP Omen 16, you have a limited number of ports, including two USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports, one USB-C port, one HDMI 2.0 port, one Mini DisplayPort, and an SD card reader.

Moreover, its USB-C port doesn’t support Thunderbolt 4, resulting in limited speed and compatibility of the laptop. Many users have resolved this issue with a USB hub or docking station to increase the number of available ports. However, these efforts are sometimes in vain.

Are Complaints About the HP Omen 16 Worth Considering?

Complaints about the HP Omen 16 are definitely worth considering. It’s important to prioritize them to better understand your laptop’s strengths and weaknesses to make a more informed decision. However, these complaints are usually specific to individual experiences. So, you must do your research and consider the following key factors when buying a laptop:

Use Case

The first thing to consider when choosing a laptop is the reason or purpose of the purchase. Question yourself: “Why am I even buying a laptop in the first place? Is it for work, studies, gaming, or general use?” The HP Omen 16 is a decent laptop with smooth performance. It’s designed for high-performing tasks like gaming, video editing, etc. 

With its robust, latest-generation Intel or AMD processors, dedicated graphics cards, and high-speed memory, the HP Omen 16 can handle even the most demanding workloads. However, its battery may drain quicker, so plug it in when putting a heavy load on it. 

Performance

The performance of a laptop is determined by its processor, RAM, and storage capacity. Go for the one capable of catering to your computing needs and has enough RAM to run your applications smoothly. It should also have sufficient file storage space. The HP Omen 16 checks all these boxes. It also has advanced cooling features that ensure the device’s optimal performance for prolonged use. 

If you’re heavily into gaming, the Omen 16 also has a high refresh rate that offers smooth and lag-free visuals. The only concern you will have is the battery, so keep your laptop plugged in for immersive gaming. 

Portability

If you’re always on the go, you need a lightweight laptop with a long battery life. Unfortunately, as the above complaints about the HP Omen 16 show, it is not exactly portable. Its 16-inch display makes it larger and heavier than many ultrabooks or thin-and-light laptops. However, if you put it in a good laptop bag, you can carry it around easily.

Display

A laptop’s display size and resolution are essential factors to consider. Go for a display size that suits your needs and a resolution that provides crisp and clear images. The HP Omen 16 generally has a bright and vibrant display, but some users have found its screen dimmed or washed out in certain lighting conditions.

Generally, the laptop’s display brightness is sufficient for indoor use. The issue only appears in direct sunlight or bright outdoor environments. One reason could be the laptop’s anti-glare coating. Overall, the Omen 16’s display isn’t as vibrant as it could be. So, if you’ve decided to continue your search for the perfect laptop, consider some of the alternatives listed below.