The HP Omen 16 is a capable midrange gaming laptop that delivers competitive 1080p performance thanks to its AMD Ryzen 7 processor and Nvidia RTX 5060 graphics card. While it doesn’t excel in any one area, its combination of features and potential for deep discounts make it a worthwhile consideration, especially if you can find it on sale.
Performance and Value Proposition
The Omen 16 offers solid frame rates for its price bracket. The RTX 5060 GPU runs at full power (115 watts), ensuring consistent performance in modern games. However, direct comparisons show it falls slightly behind competitors like the Lenovo Legion 5i Gen 10, which boasts a superior OLED display and more refined design for a similar price point.
The key takeaway is this: the Omen 16 shines when heavily discounted. Its original price of $1,800 is too high considering alternatives; however, when found for around $1,150 or lower, it becomes a much more attractive option against budget-focused models.
Design and Build Quality
The laptop’s all-plastic construction is disappointing compared to aluminum-bodied competitors. Despite this, the chassis feels reasonably rigid with a soft-touch finish that improves the overall impression. It’s heavier than some rivals (5.3 pounds), but still within the typical range for a 16-inch gaming laptop.
The RGB keyboard features a unique four-zone setup, allocating one zone specifically to the WASD gaming keys – a thoughtful touch for gamers. The keyboard itself is decent, though the plastic deck exhibits some flex under pressure.
Display and Audio
The 16-inch, 1,920×1,200-pixel IPS LCD display is adequate for 1080p gaming but lacks the sharpness and color accuracy found in higher-end models. Text appears slightly pixelated, making it less ideal for productivity tasks. The display reaches a peak brightness of 400 nits, sufficient for indoor use, but falls short in color gamut coverage (100% sRGB, 75% AdobeRGB, 77% P3).
Audio quality is average, with weak and muddy sound output from the stereo speakers. Headphones are recommended for a better gaming experience. The webcam offers a standard 1080p image quality.
Portability and Battery Life
Despite its size and weight, the Omen 16 offers surprisingly good battery life for a gaming laptop. It lasted nearly 16 hours in a YouTube streaming test, making it suitable for extended use without immediate access to a power outlet.
Upgradability
The Omen 16 includes a second M.2 slot for additional storage and removable RAM sticks, allowing for future upgrades. This is a significant advantage over laptops with soldered components, extending the device’s usable lifespan.
Conclusion
The HP Omen 16 is a solid midrange gaming laptop that excels when discounted. While its plastic build and average display prevent it from competing with premium models, its performance, upgradability, and impressive battery life make it a viable option for budget-conscious gamers willing to wait for a sale. At the right price, it’s a compelling alternative to more expensive competitors.
