HP Omen 14 (2024) - Thin and Light, But at What Cost?

Summary

In this video, the reviewer compares the Omen 14 and ASUS Zephyrus G14, focusing on performance, design, and features. The Omen 14's RTX 4070 struggles with GPU power due to a 140-watt charger, limiting gaming performance, while the G14 benefits from a higher power limit and better frame rates. The Omen lacks a MUX switch and suffers from screen wobble and glossy reflections, though its OLED screen is praised. Despite some issues with the G14, the reviewer recommends it as a better choice for gaming, highlighting its overall superior value for a 14-inch laptop.

Takeaways

• 😀 The HP Omen Transcend 14 is a lightweight, portable gaming laptop with a premium all-aluminum build and a compact design.
• 😀 The Omen 14 features a vibrant 14-inch 120Hz OLED display, offering deep blacks and excellent color reproduction, though the glossy finish may cause reflections.
• 😀 Despite being equipped with an NVIDIA RTX 4070 GPU, the Omen 14's gaming performance is limited by its 140W power supply, resulting in lower GPU power (60W) compared to larger laptops.
• 😀 The ASUS Zephyrus G14 outperforms the Omen 14 in gaming, as it runs the same RTX 4070 GPU at 90W, offering better FPS and overall performance.
• 😀 The Omen 14 is impressively quiet and cool under load, with a well-designed cooling system that keeps noise levels low even during heavy gaming sessions.
• 😀 Battery life is one of the Omen 14's standout features, lasting up to 9 hours in a YouTube playback test, though it is outperformed by the G14 in this area.
• 😀 The Omen 14 lacks a MUX switch, which hinders dynamic switching between integrated and dedicated graphics, although this is less of an issue due to Microsoft’s CASO update.
• 😀 The lack of a 240W USB Type-C charging option limits the Omen 14's ability to boost GPU power, which could have improved gaming performance if available.
• 😀 The Omen 14 offers solid port selection, including Thunderbolt 4 and HDMI 2.1, but the lack of labeling on rear ports and Wi-Fi 7 speeds limited to Wi-Fi 6 are drawbacks.
• 😀 While the Omen 14 offers a great mix of portability, display quality, and battery life, users prioritizing gaming performance may find better value in the ASUS G14 or other high-performance alternatives.

Q & A

What is the main difference between the Omen 14 and the ASUS Zephyrus G14 regarding GPU power?

The Omen 14 has a lower power limit for its RTX 4070 GPU (60 watts), which impacts gaming performance compared to the ASUS Zephyrus G14, which can run the same GPU at a higher 90-watt power limit for better FPS.

How does the charging power of the Omen 14 affect its GPU performance?

The Omen 14 uses a 140-watt charger, which limits the RTX 4070 GPU to 60 watts of power, resulting in lower performance compared to larger laptops with more powerful chargers, which can push the GPU to 100-140 watts.

Why might HP have been better off waiting for 240-watt USB Type-C charging?

If HP had waited for 240-watt USB Type-C charging, it could have provided more power for the GPU, allowing the RTX 4070 to run at a higher power limit and therefore boosting gaming performance.

What is the potential benefit of using a 180-watt charger as seen in the ASUS Zephyrus G14?

The 180-watt charger in the ASUS Zephyrus G14 allows for a higher power limit of 90 watts for the RTX 4070 GPU, resulting in better gaming performance with higher FPS.

Does the Omen 14 have a MUX switch, and how does that impact gaming performance?

The Omen 14 does not have a MUX switch. However, this may be less of an issue following the CASO update from Microsoft, which may improve gaming performance by optimizing GPU performance in certain scenarios.

What is the issue with Wi-Fi 7 on the Omen 14?

Despite having Wi-Fi 7, the Omen 14 runs at speeds typical of Wi-Fi 6, which could be disappointing for users expecting the full potential of Wi-Fi 7.

What are the disadvantages of the Omen 14's OLED display?

While the OLED display offers vibrant visuals, the Omen 14's screen suffers from glossy reflections, which some users may find distracting or less ideal for certain environments.

Is the lack of GPU power on the Omen 14 a significant issue for gaming?

Yes, the lower GPU power on the Omen 14 can be a limitation for gaming, particularly if you are expecting high FPS and smooth performance on demanding titles.

Why might someone choose the ASUS Zephyrus G14 over the Omen 14?

The ASUS Zephyrus G14 offers better GPU power (90 watts for the RTX 4070), superior gaming performance, and a more balanced design, making it a better choice for those prioritizing gaming over other features.

What is the recommendation for users deciding between the Omen 14 and the G14 when considering the RTX 4070?

It is recommended to spend an extra $50 on the ASUS Zephyrus G14 if you're choosing between the Omen 14 and the G14 with the RTX 4070, as the G14 offers better GPU performance and overall gaming experience.