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HP Omen 16 Slim: Two-minute review
In a rapidly changing market where PC memory prices fluctuate unpredictably, finding an affordable gaming laptop can seem elusive. The HP Omen 16 Slim emerges as an intriguing contender in the mainstream gaming portable arena.
The Omen 16 series includes two core variants: a standard-sized model and this “Slim” version. While it is indeed slimmer, it still retains a sturdy build, featuring a noticeable lower screen bezel and an extended chassis for durability. This robust design translates into a solid-feeling keyboard bed.
Central to any laptop review is its specifications, and the Omen 16 Slim hosts some modern specs. It features an Intel Core Ultra 7 255H, a 16-core chip from Intel’s latest Arrow Lake generation, paired with 24GB of DDR5 RAM in dual 12GB SoDIMMs (though options for 16GB or 24GB exist as well).
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The laptop is equipped with a 1TB Gen 4 SSD, but gaming enthusiasts will be most interested in the Nvidia GeForce RTX 5060 8GB GPU, which excels in rendering performance.
(Image credit: Future)
The RTX 5060 serves as an entry-level option within Nvidia’s RTX 50 Series, supporting advanced features like DLSS upscaling and showcasing its capabilities on the 165Hz 16-inch LCD display with a resolution of 1,920 by 1,200 pixels.
Battery life is commendable with a 70Wh capacity, alongside modern connectivity options like WiFi 6E and Bluetooth 5.4. However, physical connectivity could use improvement, as it offers just one USB-C port (limited to 10Gbps) and three USB-A ports, along with a single HDMI 2.1 port.
As for gaming performance, the Omen 16 Slim showcases solid results with a caveat. The Total Platform Power (TPP) is capped at 110W, with an 80W maximum for the GPU. This contrasts with premium gaming laptops where GPU power can reach upwards of 175W.
The efficiency of the RTX 5060, matched with the 165Hz display, means you’ll achieve reasonable frame rates, though demanding games may necessitate the use of DLSS upscaling. Overall, HP has curated a well-rounded laptop that is mostly well specified and that performs nicely in gaming scenarios.
HP Omen 16 Slim review: Price & availability
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- Available for £1,499 in the UK with 24GB of DDR5
- The closest US config rocks 16GB of DDR5 for $1,599
- Look out for deals on sites like Newegg
With 24GB of DDR5, the HP Omen 16 Slim retails at £1,399 in the UK, which is competitive given the current memory market. Skipping to 16GB can save you some budget, and the US market currently lists the 16GB option at $1,599, which is less attractive. However, noteworthy deals on similar configurations may arise, especially if you keep an eye on retail outlets like Newegg.
HP Omen 16 Slim review: Specs
| Row 0 – Cell 0 | Base spec | Review config |
Price | $1,189 / £1,100 (estimated UK price) | £1,399 / $1,799 (estimated US price) |
CPU | Intel Core Ultra 7 255H | Intel Core Ultra 7 255H |
Graphics | Nvidia GeForce RTX 5060 Laptop GPU | Nvidia GeForce RTX 5060 Laptop GPU |
RAM | 16GB DDR5 | 24GB DDR5 |
Display | 16-inch 1200p (1,920 x 1,200), 144Hz, IPS, 300 nits | 16-inch 1200p (1,920 x 1,200), 165Hz, IPS, 400 nits |
Storage | 1TB NVMe SSD PCIe Gen4 | 1TB NVMe SSD PCIe Gen4 |
Ports and Connectivity | 1x USB Type-C 10Gbps (USB Power Delivery, DisplayPort 1.4), 3x USB Type-A 5Gbps, 1x ethernet, 1x headphone/mic combo jack, 1x HDMI 2.1, Wi-Fi 6E Bluetooth 5.4 | 1x USB Type-C 10Gbps (USB Power Delivery, DisplayPort 1.4), 2x USB Type-A 5Gbps, 1x ethernet, 1x headphone/mic combo jack, 1x HDMI 2.1, Wi-Fi 6E Bluetooth 5.4 |
Battery | 70Whr | 70Whr |
Weight | 5.35lbs / 2.425kg | 5.35lbs / 2.425kg |
Dimensions | 14.1 x 10.6 x 0.9 inches / 35.75 x 26.9 x 2.27 cm | 14.1 x 10.6 x 0.9 inches / 35.75 x 26.9 x 2.27 cm |
HP Omen 16 Slim review: Design
(Image credit: Future)
- Not actually that “Slim”
- Solid, well-built chassis
- Connectivity is only OK
- Cooling is well executed
Despite the “Slim” branding, this model is still on the bulkier side for a 16-inch laptop, weighing in at 2.42kg. Its construction primarily consists of plastic, with only the bottom cover being metal. This gives the laptop a sturdy feel, backed by a stable, slightly flex-free keyboard.
The cooling system of the Omen 16 Slim deserves a commendation too. Its two fans effectively draw air from the bottom, expelling heat while maintaining a reasonable noise level. However, the limited connectivity options—including only one USB-C port—could have seen improvement.
(Image credit: Future)
The dimensions are relatively compact for a gaming laptop, but it still lacks the level of portability many users desire. The laptop features a larger footprint due to its design and rear chassis extending beyond the hinge, making it less user-friendly for frequent transportation.
HP Omen 16 Slim review: Performance
(Image credit: Future)
- Decent frame rates at 1200p with DLSS
- Seriously quick SSD
- Fan noise is reasonable
In performance benchmarks, the Omen 16 Slim competes well within its price range. It can achieve solid frame rates at 1,200p with the help of DLSS. Notably, the SSD speeds are impressive, achieving over 7GB/s read and nearly 6GB/s write rates.
The Intel Core Ultra 7 255H does its job efficiently, pairing well with the RTX 5060 GPU to deliver a respectable gaming experience. Although the TPP limitation at 110W can impact performance, the overall results remain satisfactory for most scenarios.
For more demanding titles like “Cyberpunk 2077,” you can expect usable frame rates of around 44fps on ultra settings with DLSS. With a lowering of graphical fidelity, games like “Shadow of the Tomb Raider” can exceed 130fps. Furthermore, the 16:10 display provides vibrant visuals, making it suitable for leisurely gaming sessions.
HP Omen 16 Slim review: Battery life
(Image credit: Future)
- Surprisingly good for a budget gaming laptop
- USB-C charging is supported
- Not actually all that portable
One of the standout features of the HP Omen 16 Slim is its battery performance. While persistent gaming may drain the battery relatively quickly, its video playback duration exceeds an impressive twelve hours at medium brightness settings.
This kind of battery life makes the Omen 16 Slim a compelling option for casual gaming and as an all-around portable computing device. However, be cautious, as its weight of 2.4kg and dimensions make it less than ideal for frequent travel.
Should I buy the HP Omen 16 Slim?
HP Omen 16 Slim: Scorecard
Attributes | Notes | Rating |
Value | Prices are variable and some configurations are appealing. Deals may be available. | 4 / 5 |
Design | The “Slim” moniker may be misleading, as this remains a substantial 16-inch laptop, but it’s solidly constructed with a respectable keyboard. | 4 / 5 |
Performance | This gaming laptop meets expectations, though the GPU’s potential is slightly curtailed by power limits, and it performs well with high detail settings on most titles. | 3.5 / 5 |
Battery life | Battery performance exceeds expectations, with over 12 hours of video playback, enhancing its utility as a portable device. | 5 / 5 |
Total Score | The HP Omen 16 Slim offers solid performance, construction, and gaming capabilities if the price aligns with a good deal. | 4 / 5 |
Buy the HP Omen 16 Slim if…
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HP Omen 16 Slim review: Also consider
How I tested the HP Omen 16 Slim HX
(Image credit: Future)
- Used as my daily rig for two weeks
- Tested with a variety of games
- Analyzed screen quality and build robustly
Through extensive testing over two weeks, I evaluated the HP Omen 16 Slim’s capabilities by using various games from my Steam library, assessing not only its gaming performance but also its overall build quality and user experience. The Omen 16 Slim shows potential as a solid gaming laptop, with some areas that can benefit from refinements.
For anyone interested in a gaming laptop that balances performance with fairly good battery life, the HP Omen 16 Slim is worth considering, especially if you find it on sale.
For further information and details, check out the full review Here.
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