HP's new Omen 15 gaming laptop fails to meet expectations
The Omen 15 offers mid-tier gaming performance but can't match its predecessor's budget-friendly appeal
1Key specifications of the new model
HP's new HyperX Omen 15 replaces the budget-friendly Victus 15. The base model at $1,199 features an 8-core Intel Core 5 210H processor, RTX 5050 GPU, 16GB DDR5 RAM, and 512GB SSD. The 1920x1200 IPS display offers 165Hz refresh rate at 400 nits brightness. However, the price hike is notable: While the previous model started at $800, the Omen 15's entry price is 50% higher, reflecting current market conditions.
2Gaming performance analysis
The Omen 15 with RTX 5050 delivers mid-tier gaming performance at 1080p. It achieves 60-70 FPS in Cyberpunk 2077 on Ultra settings (without ray tracing) with DLSS Quality mode. Newer titles like Helldivers 2 run around 60 FPS on Medium settings. Older games like Control can reach 70-80 FPS on High settings. However, increased RAM prices ('RAMageddon') have significantly impacted system costs across the industry.
3Thermal performance and noise levels
The Omen 15 demonstrates commendable thermal performance for a compact gaming laptop. During intensive gaming, the hottest point reaches 45°C while areas contacting hands or laps remain comfortable. Fans are audible but not excessively loud. This thermal management supports extended gaming sessions. However, some flexing occurs in the plastic chassis, a common trade-off in this price segment.
4Storage and connectivity options
The base model's 512GB storage proves inadequate for modern games. While expandable via two NVMe SSD slots and two DDR5 RAM slots, upgrades incur additional costs. Connectivity includes HDMI 2.1, gigabit ethernet, and three USB ports (one USB-C), all limited to 10Gbps speeds without Thunderbolt support. The port selection falls short of expectations for gaming laptops in this price range.
5Input device performance
The Omen 15's keyboard provides adequate tactile feedback but feels cramped due to the inclusion of a numpad on the 15-inch chassis. The trackpad occasionally registers accidental clicks when lifting the laptop, caused by chassis flex. Speakers deliver mediocre audio quality, particularly for music. Notably absent are biometric security features (face/fingerprint recognition) that competitors offer at similar price points.
6Display quality and productivity
The 16:10 aspect ratio 1920x1200 IPS panel suffices for gaming and basic content creation. With 400 nits brightness and decent color accuracy, it handles office tasks well. Lightroom can process 50MP RAW files, though large projects quickly reveal storage limitations. The display controls glare effectively but can't match the visual quality of OLED alternatives available in higher-end models.
7Price-to-performance comparison
The Omen 15 struggles to match the value proposition of its predecessor, the Victus 15. Marketed as a 'working-class gaming laptop' at $1,200, its hardware compromises become apparent. Competing models in this price range offer OLED displays and Thunderbolt support, features only available in more expensive Omen 15 configurations. HP's $900 Victus 15 variant comes with just 8GB RAM, making it impractical for modern gaming.
8Verdict: Who should consider it?
The HP Omen 15 serves as a reasonable option for budget-conscious gamers seeking 1080p performance, though it fails to replicate its predecessor's price-to-performance ratio. Upgradeable RAM and SSD slots offer long-term value, but base model limitations warrant consideration. Higher-budget buyers can opt for configurations with RTX 5070 GPUs and OLED displays, though these significantly increase the price beyond entry-level expectations.
Original article: The Verge — HP'nin yeni Omen 15 oyuncu dizüstü beklentileri karşılayamadı