My latest hands-on could be the best value AI laptop of the summer, but I still have questions

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2025’s Computex is here, which signifies a flurry of announcements and unveilings from numerous technology companies worldwide.

For those keeping track, many companies such as HP have unveiled their high-end devices this year. However, it seems there’s still a market to cater to – affordable offerings tailored towards consumers who prioritize value over premium features.

This summer, you might find a fantastic bargain on AI-equipped laptops such as the HP OmniBook 5 (G1q), available in both 14-inch and 16-inch versions. I’ve had the opportunity to try out an early model of the 14-inch version, courtesy of HP, which has left me confident in my assertion that these laptops could be among the top choices for AI laptops this season.

Here’s what you need to know, and how I feel about this mid-range heavy hitter.

What should I know about the HP OmniBook 5?

As a tech enthusiast, I’m thrilled to share that HP has given its entire consumer PC lineup a complete makeover under the new “Omni” brand. The high-end segment is now dominated by the X and Ultra models, while the budget, mid-range, and premium mid-range segments are catered to by the 3, 5, and 7 monikers respectively.

Essentially, the HP OmniBook 5 is positioned in the middle ground, striving for an optimal blend of features, quality, and affordability. It’s indeed a challenging market segment, as manufacturers must be meticulous in choosing where to economize – and there will inevitably be cost-cutting involved.

The model in question is the HP OmniBook 5 (G1q), which exists in both 14-inch and 16-inch versions. These devices are characterized by their lightweight construction, durability, and comprehensive AI capabilities. They run on Qualcomm Snapdragon X ARM64 chipsets, providing ample power for various tasks.

In a more casual tone:

We’re talking about the HP OmniBook 5 (G1q), which comes in two sizes – 14-inch and 16-inch. These babies are known for being lightweight, tough, and packed with AI features. They’re powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon X ARM64 chipsets, ensuring they can handle all sorts of tasks.

The 16-inch version boasts a thickness under 13.3 millimeters and weighs approximately 1.58 kilograms, while the 14-inch model is even slimmer and lighter at about 12.7 millimeters and 1.29 kilograms. Both versions are crafted entirely from aluminum, giving them a more luxurious feel compared to lower-tier models made of plastic.

The sleek, compact build of this device offers space for not one, but two USB Type-C ports and an additional USB Type-A port, using HP’s distinctive hinged design. Regrettably, it does not support USB4, a feature that would undeniably have added to its cost.

Both models of laptops feature an FHD+ (1200p), 60Hz OLED display, which can optionally support touch input. They also include Windows Hello facial recognition and a compact, 65W USB Type-C GaN charger, making it the first to provide a mini GaN charger within a consumer laptop package.

Indeed, I’ve previously noted that the unique characteristic of these laptops lies within their System-on-a-Chip (SoC). Specifically, the OmniBook 5 (G1q) operates with either an 8-core Qualcomm Snapdragon X or Snapdragon X Plus. Consequently, this makes them both Copilot+ PCs, enabling them to utilize all the advanced AI capabilities found in Windows 11.

Does this Snapdragon X PC perform well?

The OmniBook 5 14 that I own runs on the basic Snapdragon X processor, which I’ve previously encountered during my review of the ASUS Zenbook A14 (2025).

In simpler terms, it’s a top-notch device for most everyday laptop tasks. This includes web surfing, consuming media, using Microsoft Office, handling emails, light image and video editing, and even playing some simple games.

Despite not having much experience with this laptop yet, it has been incredibly swift and reliable in my brief usage. Moreover, it comes equipped with a minimum of 16GB RAM, which facilitates the functioning of its built-in Copilot+ PC AI technology.

I wasn’t allowed to benchmark this early sample, but I’m not expecting any surprises here.

How good is this laptop’s battery life?

One significant benefit of Snapdragon X is its exceptional efficiency, delivering impressive and reliable battery life that sets new standards among Windows laptops. HP estimates up to 34 hours of video playback on the OmniBook 5 (G1q), though real-world usage may vary, but this figure still suggests strong endurance performance.

With the OmniBook 5 14, I haven’t yet had enough usage time to accurately predict its battery life away from the charger. However, what I can say is that since I set it up, I haven’t given a thought to plugging it in again.

Without a doubt, HP’s latest compact 65W charger is authentic. Not only is it incredibly small, but the prongs can be folded up for easy portability. To top it off, HP provides a 2-meter USB Type-C to Type-C cable for charging convenience.

One possible alternative advantage could be that similar processors such as Intel Core Ultra may provide similar battery life today, yet the OmniBook 5 14 stands out by delivering consistent performance whether it’s plugged in or running on battery, without any indication of slowing down or throttling.

Is the OmniBook 5 missing anything?

In the following part, you’ll discover that HP set a competitive price for the OmniBook 5 (G1q), which made this pair among the world’s most budget-friendly Copilot+ PCs. Given its impressive performance, sleek aluminum frame, Windows Hello compatibility, and OLED screen, one might wonder what aspects HP had to scale back to achieve that price range?

In summary, the OmniBook 5 offers a pleasing experience overall, yet it has certain areas that could be improved. Notably, its aluminum construction seems to be a slight reduction in quality compared to top-tier laptops, as the keyboard deck and base exhibit more flexibility.

1. The quality of the dual speakers and FHD webcam is unremarkable, which isn’t surprising, but what left me stunned was finding out that this laptop doesn’t have keyboard backlighting. Additionally, it doesn’t come with Human Presence Detection (HPD) features, though I believe most users can manage without it.

2. The speakers and webcam on this laptop are nothing special, which is expected, but the lack of keyboard backlighting took me by surprise. Also, it doesn’t include Human Presence Detection (HPD) features, although I guess many people can cope without it.

3. The speakers and webcam in this laptop are underwhelming, as one might expect, but what caught me off guard was the absence of keyboard backlighting. Moreover, you won’t find Human Presence Detection (HPD) features here, but I imagine most folks can make do without it.

4. The speakers and webcam in this laptop are unexceptional, which is no big deal, but what left me astounded was the lack of keyboard backlighting. Furthermore, you won’t find Human Presence Detection (HPD) features here, but I suspect most people can manage without it.

5. This laptop’s speakers and webcam are nothing to write home about, which is fine, but what left me dumbfounded was the missing keyboard backlighting feature. Also, there’s no Human Presence Detection (HPD) here, but I reckon most users can get by without it.

6. The speakers and webcam on this laptop are nothing special, which is par for the course, but what left me gobsmacked was the absence of keyboard backlighting. Moreover, you won’t find Human Presence Detection (HPD) features here, but I daresay most people can do without it.

7. The speakers and webcam in this laptop are nothing extraordinary, which is acceptable, but what left me flabbergasted was the absence of keyboard backlighting. Additionally, you won’t find Human Presence Detection (HPD) features here, but I guess most folks can manage without it.

8. The quality of the dual speakers and FHD webcam in this laptop is nothing to brag about, which is no big deal, but what left me astonished was discovering that it doesn’t have keyboard backlighting. Furthermore, you won’t get Human Presence Detection (HPD) features here, but I believe most users can make do without it.

9. The speakers and webcam in this laptop are nothing to write home about, which is okay, but what left me flabbergasted was the lack of keyboard backlighting. Moreover, you won’t find Human Presence Detection (HPD) features here, but I reckon most people can manage without it.

Choose the one that resonates best with your writing style!

In a notable cost-cutting strategy, HP sets 256GB as the baseline storage for their laptops, whereas many competitors offer 512GB as standard. It’s likely that customers who require more storage can upgrade to a larger SSD, but for casual users, the 256GB should suffice, given that this laptop is primarily designed with them in mind.

How much will the OmniBook 5 cost me?

Now for the real kicker. How much will this AI laptop cost to take home?

When the HP OmniBook 5 14 (G1q) goes on sale, it will begin at a price of $699.99. On the other hand, the OmniBook 5 16 will be available for purchase at a price of $849.99.

The OmniBook 5 14 is a strong contender for the most cost-effective PC with Copilot+ capabilities we’ve encountered thus far. While some other AI laptops may have had lower prices during promotions, it’s likely that this laptop will also undergo sales to maintain its competitive pricing level.

Unfortunately, I can’t give you an exact date right now as HP hasn’t provided that information to me. However, let’s keep our fingers crossed that the waiting period will not be too prolonged.

Based on my initial, hands-on experience, I am confident that the OmniBook 5, powered by Snapdragon, could very well be my top pick for an affordable, AI-driven laptop this summer.

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2025-05-19 09:14