HP OmniBook Ultra Flip 14 vs. OmniBook X Flip 14 — One AI laptop is clearly superior, but can you stomach the price?

In 2024, HP underwent a significant transformation in their lineup of laptops, introducing the OmniBook Ultra Flip 14 and the OmniBook X Flip 14 – these are two flexible computers that belong to their newly developed consumer series.

Although both laptops possess comparable high-performance hardware, the Ultra Flip 14 stands out as the premium choice among them, while the X Flip 14 follows closely behind in terms of quality and performance.

In other words, you should anticipate enhancements in camera quality, sound from the speakers, and overall aesthetics with the Ultra Flip 14. However, while it boasts superior features, it might not be the ideal choice for everyone due to its higher price tag compared to the X Flip 14.

As a helpful bystander, I’ve taken it upon myself to highlight the shared traits and distinctive features of both the HP OmniBook Ultra Flip 14 and the X Flip 14, so you can make an informed decision when purchasing your next PC. Let’s dive in!

HP OmniBook Ultra Flip 14 vs. X Flip 14: Specs and availability

As an analyst, I find myself often evaluating the various offerings from HP, and in this case, I’m considering the OmniBook Ultra Flip 14 – their premium laptop model. It’s no surprise that this higher-end option comes with a higher price tag, typically starting at $1,1449.99. This particular configuration includes an Intel Core Ultra 5 226V CPU, 16GB of RAM, a 512GB SSD, and boasts a stunning 2.8K OLED touch display.

Currently when this text is being written, HP is providing a discount of $450, bringing the price down to $999.99. As with many HP products, you have multiple customization options at your disposal. These include upgrading to an Intel Core Ultra 9 288V CPU, increasing RAM capacity to 32GB, and opting for a 2TB SSD.

Alternatively, you might discover the OmniBook Ultra Flip models at Best Buy. In case HP isn’t offering any active discounts during your shopping time, it’s likely that Best Buy has an attractive offer available for you instead.

HP OmniBook Ultra Flip 14 HP OmniBook X Flip 14
CPU Intel Core Ultra 5 226V, Core Ultra 7 256V, Core Ultra 7 258V, Core Ultra 9 288V Intel Core Ultra 5 226V, Core Ultra 7 256V, Core Ultra 7 258V OR AMD Ryzen AI 5 340, Ryzen AI 7 350
RAM 16GB, 32GB LPDDR5x (soldered) 16GB, 32GB LPDDR5x (soldered)
GPU Intel Arc 130V/140V (integrated) Intel Arc 130V/140V (integrated)
NPU 47 TOPS 47 TOPS (Intel) OR 50 TOPS (AMD)
Storage 512GB, 1TB, 2TB M.2 PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD 512GB, 1TB, 2TB M.2 PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD
Speakers Quad speakers, HP Poly Studio, DTS:X Ultra Dual speakers, HP Poly Studio, DTS:X Ultra
Camera 9MP with IR 5MP with IR
Display 14-inch OLED, 16:10 aspect ratio, 2.8K (2,880 x 1,800) resolution, 48-120Hz refresh rate, 0.2ms response time, 400nits max brightness, VESA DisplayHDR True Black 600 support, multi-touch & active stylus support, variable refresh rate (VRR) support, flicker-free 14-inch IPS, 1920×1200, touch, 400 nits OR 14-inch OLED, 2880×1800, touch, Low Blue Light, 400 nits (up to 500 nits with HDR), 120Hz
Ports 2x Thunderbolt 4, 1x USB-C (10Gbps), 3.5mm audio 1x Thunderbolt 4/USB4, 2x USB-A (10Gbps), 1x USB-C (10Gbps), HDMI 2.1, 3.5mm audio
Wireless Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4 Wi-Fi 6E, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3/5.4
Battery 64Wh 59Wh
Dimensions 12.35 x 8.51 x 0.59 inches 12.32 x 8.6 x 0.58 inches
Weight 2.97 pounds 3.05 pounds
Price From $1,449 at HP From $999 at HP

As a researcher exploring the market for affordable yet powerful laptops, I’ve come across the HP OmniBook X Flip 14, which offers an enticing price point starting at just $999.99 from HP itself. This model boasts an Intel Core Ultra 5 226V CPU, a robust 16GB of RAM, a speedy 512GB SSD, and a vibrant FHD+ IPS touch display, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a balance between cost and performance.

Currently, the starting price of this initial model is discounted by $300, making it available for purchase at $699.99 through HP. Similarly, Best Buy also offers the OmniBook X Flip as an alternative shopping destination, similar to the OmniBook Ultra Flip 14.

At this moment, the lowest price offered by Best Buy for one of their models is $699.99. This specific model features an Intel processor and comes with a 1TB SSD. In contrast, the regular price for an AMD model at Best Buy is $849.99. Therefore, when there are no ongoing sales, this Intel model offers the best value for money.

It’s notable that HP provides a 16-inch variant of the OmniBook X Flip, which comes equipped with either an AMD Ryzen AI 300 or Intel Core Ultra (Series 2) CPU. Additionally, it offers the choice for a bigger OLED touchscreen display.

HP’s OmniBook X Flip is available in a 16-inch model, sporting either an AMD Ryzen AI 300 or Intel Core Ultra (Series 2) processor. Plus, you can opt for a larger OLED touchscreen display with this version.

Although I’m not discussing the 16-inch model in this context, feel free to explore the entire collection of OmniBook X PCs on HP’s official website.

The OmniBook Ultra Flip is the Spectre x360’s successor

Just because HP rebranded its laptops doesn’t mean its new PCs are completely original.

The OmniBook Ultra Flip 14 follows in the footsteps of high-end Spectre x360 notebooks, and this is clearly apparent upon careful examination of its design.

The angular rear corners with built-in ports, as well as its streamlined edges, suggest the impact of the x360 design. HP has subtly improved their new laptop by reducing its thickness by a few millimeters and shedding approximately 0.2 pounds (or 0.09 kilograms) in weight.

As Windows Central’s Zachary Boddy states in their OmniBook Ultra 14 review:

In terms of overall construction, this laptop maintains its top-notch quality, emanating a luxurious feel commensurate with its price. HP continues to employ a judicious combination of recycled and reused materials, such as aluminum and plastic, without compromising the performance or dependability of the device. Despite its modest design, the HP OmniBook Ultra Flip 14 holds its own in the competitive premium Windows laptop market.

As a devoted admirer, I must say that upon unboxing the OmniBook X Flip 14, I noticed it sports a more straightforward design compared to its predecessor, the Ultra Flip 14. Notably, it doesn’t sport the distinctive cut rear corners, and it tips the scales slightly heavier than its sleek counterpart.

Our own Zachary Boddy also reviewed the OmniBook X Flip 14, remarking:

The majority of companies incorporate unisex designs throughout their budget and mid-priced product ranges, and HP follows suit. The OmniBook X Flip 14 is a typical Windows laptop, encased in aluminum, featuring dual hinges allowing for 360-degree movement to accommodate its versatile 2-in-1 functionality.

Could I say instead: Isn’t it always a negative point? On the contrary, many users find this advantageous, particularly when considering the price disparity. The OmniBook X Flip 14 is an excellent laptop; it just lacks the high-end features of the Ultra Flip 14.

The OmniBook Ultra Flip costs more, but its features outshine the X Flip

You’ll find the biggest differences between these two PCs once you start digging into the features.

The OmniBook Ultra Flip 14 compensates for part of its price gap by featuring a more advanced 9-megapixel camera, quad speakers, and an enhanced keyboard/touchpad system compared to the X Flip 14, which only has a 5MP camera and two speakers.

HP opted to retain the sleek chiclet-style keyboard, along with an expansive glass haptic touchpad, similar to the Spectre x360. Personally, I’ve been using the previous generation of the Spectre x360 on a daily basis and can vouch for the outstanding quality of both typing and pointing hardware. This same high-quality experience is what you can expect from the Ultra Flip 14.

HP made a change with the X Flip 14 by switching to a keyboard without key gaps, which some may find appealing, yet for numerous users, this layout could lead to typing mistakes due to unintended key presses on neighboring buttons.

The X Flip 14 model does not include a tactile touchpad. While the conventional pointer operates smoothly, it’s only users familiar with haptic touchpads that might perceive a difference.

According to Zachary Boddy’s X Flip 14 review, the camera, microphones, and speakers perform well relative to other laptops within the same price bracket. However, they don’t match up to the quality offered by the Ultra Flip 14.

Regarding the OmniBook Ultra Flip 14, its screen remained similar to its Spectre x360 forerunner, yet this consistency isn’t necessarily something to criticize.

Each model features an integrated 14-inch OLED screen boasting a 2880×1800 (2.8K) resolution, adjustable refresh rate ranging from 48Hz to 120Hz, swift 0.2ms response time, and compatibility with VESA DisplayHDR True Black 600. It also offers approximately 400 nits of brightness when displaying Standard Dynamic Range (SDR) content.

The screen successfully reached a full spectrum of both sRGB and DCI-P3 colors, while slightly dropping to 93% coverage for the AdobeRGB palette.

For the OmniBook X Flip 14, there is an equivalent 14-inch OLED display configuration that can be customized, much like the one on the Ultra Flip 14. However, this upgrade costs an additional $130.

As an avid enthusiast, I often find that many models compromise on the display quality, opting for In-Plane Switching (IPS) panels with Full High Definition Plus (FHD+) resolution of 1920×1200, touch screen functionality, and a brightness level of around 400 nits. However, these panels are universally equipped to support inking, which is a key feature that I always appreciate.

As Zachary Boddy points out in their OmniBook X Flip 14 review:

This laptop performs exceptionally well in its lower-priced versions, boasting a 1200p IPS LCD screen. While it may not be as high-end, you’ll enjoy significant savings and improved battery life. This is the same display featured across all Best Buy configurations and models that are frequently discounted.

Just one more point: connectivity. The Ultra Flip 14 device comes equipped with two Thunderbolt 4 slots, a conventional 3.5mm audio input, and a USB-C 3.2 (10Gbps) interface. It further offers Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 technology for swift and dependable connections.

The OmniBook X Flip 14 offers various connectivity options, including dual USB-A (at 10Gbps), HDMI 2.1, a 3.5mm audio jack, USB-C 3.2 (also at 10Gbps), and either Thunderbolt 4 (for Intel models) or USB4 (for AMD models). Unlike the Ultra Flip, which might require a Thunderbolt dock due to its two Thunderbolt ports, you may find that the X Flip 14’s connectivity options cater well to your needs without needing an additional Thunderbolt dock, although some users might prefer the dual Thunderbolt ports on the Ultra Flip based on their specific workflow.

How to choose between power and battery life

The OmniBook Ultra Flip 14 comes equipped with various Intel Core Ultra (Series 2) mobile processors, boasting Intel’s Arc 140V integrated graphics and a Neural Processing Unit (NPU) capable of 48 TeraOps per second.

Granted access is sufficient for using Copilot+ AI tools within Windows 11, and HP has further enriched the experience by adding a few of their own AI improvements.

Various features such as motion-controlled functions, intelligent energy saving modes, advanced human detection technology, enhanced camera and audio adjustments, and also the Wolf Security suite – you’ll find them all included.

The Intel Core Ultra 7 258V in our review model impressed, with Zachary Boddy stating:

In my experience, this laptop operates flawlessly, almost like a dream. It may not be equipped to handle intense creative work or high-performance gaming, but given its compact size and versatile design, it’s surprisingly efficient. The Intel Evo certification ensures quick boot times, swift wake-up from sleep mode, snappy login processes, and exceptional standby battery life.

Besides its other features, the battery life is another advantage this device offers. As shown by the Windows Battery Report, our test model typically lasted around 9 hours during regular use. This means you can comfortably complete your workday without needing to recharge it.

The OmniBook X Flip 14 shares many similarities, offering access to Copilot+ tools and HP’s AI advancements regardless of whether you opt for an Intel Core Ultra or an AMD Ryzen AI 300 processor. However, it’s important to note that the performance and battery life may vary between these two options.

Choosing AMD gives you a slight edge in terms of raw processing power, ideal if your activities frequently require heavy CPU usage. However, it may not offer the same level of battery life compared to Intel options. While AMD can still provide “all-day” performance, Intel models will generally last longer before requiring recharging.

While Intel chips offer less raw power compared to AMD chips, they are still more than sufficient for everyday tasks like web browsing, sending emails, and using Microsoft Office applications. Keep in mind that both CPUs provide ample power for these common productivity needs.

HP OmniBook Ultra Flip 14 vs. OmniBook X Flip 14: Which should you buy?

Choosing the ideal among these two highly-regarded AI laptops boils down to your budget, as prices can significantly differ between them.

Given that the X Flip 14 often costs significantly less than the OmniBook Ultra Flip 14, it’s likely that a good number of users would be willing to accept some of its drawbacks.

Without a doubt, give the OmniBook Ultra Flip 14 a look before anything else. It earned a more favorable rating and was awarded the Windows Central Editor’s Choice accolade. This device truly stands out as a top-tier PC choice.

If the OmniBook X Flip 14 isn’t available at a fair cost or if you prefer not to spend more on additional features that won’t significantly boost its performance or battery life, consider taking a look at it.

As a tech enthusiast, I find it incredibly appealing that this device is perfect for everyday use and often comes at a price point under a grand, making it an even more attractive choice.

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2025-07-25 15:11