After thoroughly examining the specifications and graphs provided by HP for their latest offerings – the OmniBook X and OmniBook Ultra – I must say that both laptops seem to be impressive contenders in their respective fields.
Together with Microsoft and Qualcomm’s ARM64 initiative, colloquially known as “The Great PC Reset” by Windows Central Editor-in-Chief Daniel Rubino, HP unveiled a significant transformation in its laptop and computer branding on May 20, 2024. In this overhaul, the company swapped out Spectre, Envy, and other names for the new brands OmniBook and EliteBook.
The world’s introduction to these laptops began with the OmniBook X, a computer powered by Copilot+ that relies on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite processor. Simultaneously, the EliteBook Ultra G1q was introduced as an alternative for professional users.
HP hasn’t stopped launching its freshly labeled laptops, and on July 15, 2024, they introduced the OmniBook Ultra powered by AMD. This laptop is among the first to hit the market with AMD’s latest Ryzen AI 300 processors. These chips are going head-to-head with Snapdragon X hardware for AI-focused PCs.
As someone who has been using laptops for decades, I have come to appreciate the subtle differences that can make a significant impact on one’s productivity and overall user experience. In my experience, the OmniBook X and OmniBook Ultra are two models from HP that stand out, each with their unique strengths. This guide is designed to help those seeking an AI-powered laptop, especially HP enthusiasts like myself, make a well-informed decision. While both machines share some similarities in terms of performance hardware, I’ve found that there are more differences between the two than one might initially assume – and it’s these differences that this guide aims to uncover.
HP OmniBook X vs. OmniBook Ultra: Specs
Let’s first examine the basic hardware specifications of these computers, followed by an in-depth analysis highlighting their commonalities and unique features.
HP OmniBook X vs. OmniBook Ultra: Price and availability
The HP OmniBook Ultra equipped with AMD Ryzen AI 300 processors is tentatively set for release in August 2024, priced from $1,450 onwards.
HP offers systems featuring up to AMD Ryzen AI 9-series CPUs, including the Ryzen AI 9 365 and the high-performance, premium Ryzen AI 9 HX 370. Although preorders are not yet available, you can explore this product on HP’s website for more information.
The current version of the OmniBook X, powered by Snapdragon X Systems-on-Chip (SoC), is now up for sale. Typically priced at approximately $1,200, you can currently find it on sale for $1,000. It comes equipped with the Snapdragon X Elite (X1E-78) chip, 1TB M.2 PCIe SSD, and 16GB of RAM. There’s an option to upgrade the RAM up to 32GB, and if there are no discounts, the 512GB SSD model is more affordable.
HP OmniBook X vs. OmniBook Ultra: Design and features
When I examined the OmniBook X and the EliteBook Ultra G1q side by side, I observed that their physical appearances are virtually identical, save for differences in color options. The EliteBook was designed with additional professional tools and enhanced security for business users, whereas the OmniBook X and OmniBook Ultra do not exhibit such distinctions.
As an analyst, I’d rephrase the comparison as follows: The HP Ryzen-equipped AI PC weighs approximately half a pound more than the Snapdragon X Elite-powered OmniBook X, and it occupies a larger space overall. The svelte OmniBook X, measuring just 0.56 inches (14.2mm) thick, is outshined slightly in terms of thickness by the OmniBook Ultra at 0.65 inches (16.5mm). The portable and stylish OmniBook X comes in Meteor Silver and Ceramic White finishes, while the OmniBook Ultra is exclusively available in Meteor Silver.
The OmniBook Ultra sports a slightly unique body design, similar to the Spectre x360 14 (2024). Its rear corners are angled, with HP incorporating this angle to accommodate a USB-C port on one side. In contrast, the OmniBook X sacrifices one of its USB4 ports for a standard USB-C 3.2 port. The OmniBook Ultra offers a total of two USB4, one USB-A 3.2, and a 3.5mm audio jack, whereas the OmniBook X has only three USB-related ports.
In addition to its larger size, the OmniBook Ultra incorporates speakers positioned above and to each side of the keyboard, while it also has two more speakers at its base for a total of four Poly Studio sound outputs (HP acquired Poly in 2022). Meanwhile, the OmniBook X features two Poly Studio speakers underneath its chassis. Regarding the keyboard, all devices share a similar design with large keys, decent key travel, and a dual-tone finish.
The OmniBook Ultra surpasses the OmniBook X in terms of webcam capabilities, yet both devices deliver a commendable user experience overall. Specifically, the Ultra’s camera boasts 9MP resolution with an integrated IR sensor for Windows Hello, while the X’s camera reaches 5MP with an IR camera. Both models feature a privacy shutter, and they come equipped with a Neural Processing Unit (NPU) that is part of the System-on-Chip (SoC), enabling sophisticated AI camera features through Windows Studio Effects.
A noteworthy aspect to consider when comparing these devices is their wireless capabilities. The OmniBook X powered by Snapdragon can support either Wi-Fi 6E or Wi-Fi 7, while the OmniBook Ultra only provides Wi-Fi 7. However, they both incorporate advanced Bluetooth technology in common.
HP OmniBook X vs. OmniBook Ultra: Display
In this case, there isn’t much variation to discuss, so I’ll make my explanation concise. Both models of OmniBook feature identical 14-inch touchscreens with a resolution of 2240×1400 (2.2K). According to HP, these displays can reach up to 300 nits brightness, cover the entire sRGB color spectrum, and are energy-efficient, which means they consume less battery power.
It’s pleasant to consider multiple display choices for these laptops, however, when selecting a new HP PC, you can rest assured that the display quality won’t be a deciding factor.
HP OmniBook X vs. OmniBook Ultra: Performance, battery, and Copilot+
Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X System-on-Chips have left us impressed with their power and efficiency. We’ve had the opportunity to review or get hands-on experience with various PCs such as Surface, ASUS, Lenovo, Dell, and HP (including HP EliteBook Ultra G1q impressions), and we anticipate testing them all in the future.
At Computex 2024, AMD unveiled its latest line of Ryzen AI 300 series chips, directly challenging Snapdragon X for dominance in top-tier AI PCs. Notably, AMD’s NPU offers a greater computing power of up to 50 TOPS for local AI acceleration, compared to Snapdragon X’s 45 TOPS. HP plans to offer both the Ryzen AI 9 365 and the more potent Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 in their upcoming OmniBook Ultra model.
In the meantime, while we eagerly await the arrival of an AMD Ryzen AI 300 laptop for a thorough performance test, we can peruse the raw specifications and graphs kindly supplied by HP. However, it’s important to remember that these initial figures should be taken with a grain of salt, as they may not entirely reflect real-world performance. Rest assured, we will keep this guide updated as more information becomes available.
The chart presented highlights a comparison between the Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 and the Snapdragon X Elite (presumably referring to HP’s OmniBook X’s baseline X1E-78 Snapdragon X Elite SoC). AMD is optimistic about its chip’s performance based on this comparison. However, it should be noted that ARM64 emulation is not yet available on AMD’s side, which might lead to slower performance or compatibility issues with certain applications due to this gap.
As a researcher examining the specifications of both the OmniBook Ultra and the OmniBook X models, I’ve noticed that the Ultra boasts a more substantial 68Wh battery compared to the 59Wh battery in the X model. This difference should contribute to an overall balance in efficiency between the two devices. Interestingly, HP forecasts up to 21 hours of local video playback on their AMD-powered system for the OmniBook Ultra. However, surprisingly, the Snapdragon X-equipped OmniBook X is predicted to offer up to 26 hours of local video playback time by HP, despite having a smaller battery.
It would be intriguing to observe how these Snapdragon X laptops perform while operating on battery power, as they seem to perform exceptionally well without any noticeable slowdown when not plugged in, a characteristic that is not commonly found in AMD hardware. While you might manage comparable battery life, it’s important to note that achieving this could potentially lead to a significant system slowdown. We’ll gather more insights once we delve deeper into our in-house testing of both laptops.
Among the OmniBook X and OmniBook Ultra, only one has been identified as a potential “Copilot+ PC”. This term, coined by Microsoft, refers to devices with advanced AI capabilities in Windows 11, specifically those that can run AI features effectively, with their Neural Processing Unit (NPU) delivering at least 40 TeraOps per second.
Despite having similarly potent NPUs for running Copilot+ features, the OmniBook Ultra with AMD won’t receive access until late 2024 or early 2025. Later on, you will be granted free access via an update; however, if you wish to experiment with Copilot+ functions immediately, the OmniBook X remains your best choice. If these options don’t suit you, check out our review of top-rated Copilot+ PCs for alternatives that might appeal to you.
HP OmniBook X vs. OmniBook Ultra: Which should you buy?
Before diving into performance and efficiency, let’s consider some crucial aspects first. The OmniBook Ultra is a bit bigger and heavier compared to the OmniBook X. However, its four-speaker configuration, with speakers on either side of the keyboard, could be more appealing for those who enjoy listening to music or watching movies on their laptop. Furthermore, having two USB4 ports instead of one USB4 and one USB-C 3.2 might be advantageous for users connecting to high-end Thunderbolt 4 or USB4 docking stations.
For travel enthusiasts who prefer a lightweight laptop, the OmniBook X could be an ideal pick. The optional Ceramic White color might even attract more users. Although it lacks the distinctive angled cuts on the rear corners found in some other models, this shouldn’t significantly affect your decision. Both laptops perform equally well when it comes to typing and display quality. However, the 9MP webcam on the OmniBook Ultra will likely provide a superior image compared to the 5MP camera in the OmniBook X.
What truly matters is superior performance and power efficiency. The OmniBook X, equipped with the Snapdragon X Elite SoC, comes with Copilot+ features, ensuring longer battery life due to its ARM64 system. You might need to emulate certain apps, but this usually won’t significantly impact your choice. Microsoft’s Prism emulation engine has been improved and, based on our tests of Snapdragon-powered laptops, performance differences are minimal.
Another aspect to consider is how these new AMD Ryzen AI 300 chips perform on DC power. Unfortunately, we haven’t been able to test them yet, so it remains to be seen if they might experience a decrease in speed when not connected to an AC outlet. For those who frequently work without being plugged into an AC outlet, systems powered by Snapdragon X offer minimal performance differences and could potentially provide better battery life.
Initially, the OmniBook X retails at approximately $1,200 (not on sale), but there are current discounts available that bring the cost down to around $1,000. On the other hand, the OmniBook Ultra is not due for release until August 2024, with an anticipated starting price of roughly $1,450.
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2024-08-07 19:10