In July, HP launched its first Snapdragon X Elite laptops in India, including the HP OmniBook X and the EliteBook Ultra. Marketed as consumer-friendly, the OmniBook X aims to combine power with practicality. Boasting a Snapdragon X Elite processor, it promises up to 26 hours of battery life and a host of AI features powered by the dedicated NPU in the Snapdragon chipset. It competes with other laptops in its category, such as the Dell XPS 13 (9345) and the Asus VivoBook S15 OLED. With a starting price of ₹1,39,999, you might wonder if the design justifies the cost. After testing the laptop for two weeks, I’m ready to share my insights.
Design: Simple Yet Sturdy
- Dimensions: 312.9mm (W) x 223.5mm (D) x 14.4mm (H)
- Weight: 1.34kg
- Color: metallic silver.
At first glance, the HP OmniBook X’s design might come off as basic. It features a simple, metallic silver finish reminiscent of premium brands like BMW and Audi. While it lacks flair, its slim profile of just 14.4mm and lightweight of 1.34kg make it portable. The laptop includes a solid hinge that, while durable, can be tricky to open with one hand. HP claims it has passed 19 MIL-STD tests, indicating robust build quality. Plus, 50% of the aluminum in the covers and 50% of the plastic in the keycaps are recycled materials.
The port selection is minimal but functional. You’ll find two USB Type-C ports on the left for power delivery and DisplayPort 1.4, alongside a 3.5mm audio jack and a USB Type-A port on the right.
Display: Decent Performance
- Size: 14-inch LCD touch
- Brightness: 300 nits
- Resolution: 2240 x 1400 pixels (16:10 aspect ratio)
- Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass NBT
The 16:10 LCD touchscreen display offers decent quality. While it isn’t exceptionally bright for outdoor use, it performs well indoors, making it suitable for streaming and casual use. The display features slim bezels but lacks HDR and high refresh rates, which would have enhanced the experience. However, the IPS display does contribute to the laptop’s impressive battery life.
Keyboard, Touchpad, and Audio Quality
- Keyboard: Full-size, backlit chiclet
- Speakers: Dual downward-facing
- Web Camera: 5-megapixel with privacy shutter
Typing on the HP OmniBook X is a pleasure thanks to its well-spaced, responsive Chiclet keyboard with adjustable backlighting. The large trackpad supports multitouch but could improve click sensitivity. The downward-firing speakers provide average sound quality, lacking in bass and volume.
The web camera performs admirably, with a 5-megapixel sensor that offers good clarity in various lighting conditions. It features a privacy shutter and supports Windows Hello, ensuring security during video calls.
Software: AI-Driven Experience
- OS: Windows 11
- AI Tools: Copilot+, HP AI Companion, Poly Studio
The software experience on the HP OmniBook X is enhanced by several HP-specific tools, including the Copilot+ chatbot and the HP AI Companion, which requires an HP account. These AI tools assist in various tasks, from optimizing laptop performance to providing summaries of PDF documents. The Poly Camera app includes features like AI auto framing and noise reduction for improved video conferencing.
Performance: smooth and efficient
- CPU: Snapdragon X Elite X1E-78-100
- RAM: 16GB LPDDR5x 8448 MHz
- Storage: 1TB M.2 SSD
- GPU: Adreno GPU
Equipped with a 12-core Snapdragon X Elite processor, the HP OmniBook X delivers impressive performance. It handles multitasking effortlessly, running multiple applications without lag. While benchmark tests showed it performed well compared to other Snapdragon X Elite laptops, the Dell XPS 13 (9345) still holds a slight edge in terms of power.
The laptop features WiFi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 for excellent connectivity. I did notice a bit of lag when waking it from sleep, and more RAM would have improved overall performance. However, the laptop remains cool under regular use, even during demanding tasks.
Battery life: unmatched longevity
- Capacity: 59 Wh
- Charging: 65W USB Type-C
The battery life of the HP OmniBook X is one of its standout features, comfortably lasting through an entire workday. With minimal battery drain during sleep and a fast 65W charger included, the laptop offers a worry-free experience. Full charging takes about 90 minutes.
Conclusion: An Excellent Choice for Professionals
If you’re in the market for a straightforward work laptop that delivers impressive battery life, a lightweight design, and a comfortable typing experience, the HP OmniBook X is a strong contender. While it may not boast the best display or design, it compensates with solid performance and practical features.
In comparison to the Dell XPS 13 (9345) and Asus VivoBook S15 OLED, the OmniBook X shines in battery life and keyboard quality, making it an excellent choice for productivity-focused users.
