Does HP's new Omen 15 gaming laptop meet expectations?
The new Omen 15 moves away from its predecessor's budget-friendly price, offering mid-range gaming performance.
1Key features of the new model
HP's new HyperX Omen 15 replaces the previous budget-friendly Victus 15. The base configuration includes an 8-core Intel Core 5 210H processor, RTX 5050 GPU, 16GB DDR5 RAM, and 512GB SSD. It features a 1920x1200 resolution IPS display with 165Hz refresh rate and a 1080p webcam. However, the starting price of $1,199 is significantly higher than the previous model's $800 price point.
2Gaming performance analysis
The Omen 15 with RTX 5050 GPU delivers mid-range gaming performance at 1080p resolution. It can run Cyberpunk 2077 at Ultra settings with DLSS Quality mode at 60-70 FPS. For newer games, performance drops to Medium-Low settings. Helldivers 2 runs around 60 FPS on Medium settings, while Battlefield 6 drops to about 50 FPS. Thermal performance is better than expected, with the hottest point not exceeding 45°C.
3Comparison with previous model
The Omen 15 offers several improvements over the Victus 15: brighter 16:10 aspect ratio display, higher refresh rate, and better webcam. However, the price increase ($1,200 vs $800) and some hardware limitations (only one USB-C port, no Thunderbolt support) may disappoint users. The $900 Victus model with 8GB RAM proves insufficient for current games.
4Hardware and chassis design
The Omen 15's plastic chassis shows some ergonomic issues. Lifting it from the front corners can cause accidental trackpad clicks. The keyboard feels cramped with the numpad included, making typing uncomfortable. Speakers lack quality for music. Port selection is limited: just one 10Gbps USB-C and two USB-A ports.
5Storage and upgrade options
The base model's 512GB SSD storage proves inadequate, especially for content creators. However, it offers two NVMe SSD slots and DDR5 RAM upgradeability. While initial costs are high due to rising RAM prices ('RAMageddon'), users can upgrade components later. This future-proofing aspect adds value to the system.
6Display quality and user experience
The 1920x1200 IPS display with 400 nits brightness provides sufficient quality for gaming and basic productivity tasks. Color accuracy and contrast ratio are decent. It can handle light photo editing, but performance drops with 50+ megapixel RAW files. The anti-glare coating improves usability in various lighting conditions.
7Industry price trends
The Omen 15's price increase aligns with general market trends. New generation hardware costs are rising across all manufacturers. Among RTX 50 series laptops, the Omen 15 remains one of the most affordable options. Models with OLED displays and RTX 5070 GPUs enter luxury territory with compromised price/performance ratios.
8Who is it for?
The Omen 15 is a balanced choice for budget-conscious users wanting decent gaming experiences. It targets those seeking a portable system that can run current games at medium settings in 1080p/1200p. Professional content creators or competitive gamers demanding high FPS will find its performance lacking. Those missing the previous model's price advantage might feel disappointed.