HP Omen 15 (2021) Review: Balanced Power and Style for Gaming and Work

The HP Omen 15 (2021) carries forward the company's tradition of understated design combined with robust performance, making it a strong contender for gamers who also need a laptop for work or study. The 15-inch model, while heavier at 2.46 kilograms, offers a balance of portability and power that is hard to ignore.

Design and Build The laptop features a polycarbonate-aluminum hybrid construction that, while not overly premium, provides a durable feel. Its single black color scheme and subtle gradient lid give it a versatile look suitable for both gaming and professional environments. However, the sharp edges and flexible lid may cause some discomfort during prolonged use.

Display The 15.6-inch anti-glare IPS panel boasts a 144Hz refresh rate, FHD resolution, and 100% sRGB coverage, delivering vibrant colors and smooth motion handling ideal for gaming. Brightness reaches up to 351 nits, ensuring good visibility in various lighting conditions. Unfortunately, the display suffers from noticeable backlight bleeding, particularly on the right edge, which can be distracting during media consumption in dim settings.

Keyboard and Trackpad The full-size backlit keyboard with 1.5mm key travel provides a comfortable typing experience and quiet operation, though the lack of a dedicated numpad may inconvenience some users. The glass trackpad, supported by Windows Precision Drivers, handles multi-touch gestures and palm rejection effectively, though its off-center placement might take some getting used to.

Performance Equipped with an AMD Ryzen 7 5800H processor and NVIDIA RTX 3070 graphics, the Omen 15 handles demanding games and multitasking with ease. The 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD ensure swift application launches and efficient operation. Benchmarks show strong performance in titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and GTA V, maintaining stable frame rates even during extended sessions. The dual-fan cooling system keeps temperatures manageable, with heat primarily concentrated around the middle of the keyboard deck.

Audio The Bang & Olufsen-tuned speakers deliver clear mids and highs but lack deep bass response. While the audio can fill a moderate-sized room, the bottom-mounted placement results in some muffling. The Omen Audio Control center offers presets and an equalizer for customization, though bass enhancement remains limited.

Webcam and Connectivity The 720p webcam provides decent video quality for virtual meetings, though its noise and slight color undersaturation are noticeable. Dual-array microphones with noise cancellation perform well in reducing ambient sound. Connectivity includes Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, and a mix of USB, HDMI, and SD card reader ports, though the absence of USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports is a drawback.

Battery With a 70.9Wh battery, the Omen 15 manages approximately 3 to 3.5 hours of typical use at 50% brightness. While adequate for short sessions, power users may find themselves reaching for the charger frequently. The included 200W power adapter charges the laptop in around two hours, though the lack of USB-C power delivery means the brick must be carried separately.

Verdict The HP Omen 15 (2021) succeeds in delivering a balanced package for gamers and professionals alike. Its strong performance, versatile design, and effective cooling make it a solid choice, despite minor issues like backlight bleed and limited battery life. For those seeking a capable gaming laptop that also fits into a work setting, the Omen 15 is a worthwhile option.