The slim Snapdragon-powered laptop delivers premium build quality, a sharp touchscreen and exceptional endurance at a competitive price, though limited ports and a few ergonomic compromises hold it back.
HP’s OmniBook X 14 is one of those laptops that makes its case through balance rather than a single standout feature. In TechRadar’s review, the machine is described as unusually thin and light, yet still solid enough to feel like a proper premium device rather than a fragile ultraportable. The Snapdragon X Elite configuration handled everyday work, web browsing, video streaming and even some light gaming with ease, while staying quiet and running comfortably cool for most tasks.
The design is deliberately restrained. TechRadar notes the muted grey finish, the lack of visual flourishes and a general minimalism that will not appeal to everyone, but the build quality is repeatedly praised. Where the chassis falls short is practicality: the port mix is limited, the two USB-C sockets sit on one side, and the USB-A port uses an awkward flap mechanism that adds friction rather than convenience. The audio jack is also placed far back, which may be inconvenient with shorter cables. Notebookcheck’s assessment broadly matches that view, describing the laptop as compact and well-endowed with battery life, while warning that HP has cut some corners in key areas.
The 14-inch 2.2K touchscreen is another strong point. According to TechRadar, the 2240 x 1400 IPS panel is sharp, colourful and generally bright enough for normal use, although reflective surfaces can be a nuisance. The touch layer is also unusually smooth and responsive for this class of laptop. Typing is similarly well judged, with light, quick keys and good spacing, but the layout is not perfect: the navigation keys are partly folded into function-layer shortcuts, there is no number pad, and the touchpad is smaller than it could be given the amount of room available.
Battery life is what lifts the OmniBook X 14 into top-tier territory. TechRadar recorded more than 28 hours in its movie test, putting it among the longest-lasting 14-inch laptops it has reviewed and on a par with the Asus Zenbook A14, one of its closest rivals. The review also says the machine recharges in about two hours. At a starting price of £764, the OmniBook X 14 lands in a strong value bracket for buyers who want a portable Windows laptop with dependable performance, a good screen and exceptional endurance, even if they can live with a few ergonomic compromises.
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