With a 14-inch, 120Hz OLED display, an Intel Core Ultra 9 185H processor, 32GB of RAM, and Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 graphics, it promises strong performance, though it doesn’t fully deliver on that front. The high-resolution display offers vibrant colours and sharp visuals, though its glossy finish can be a bit reflective in darker scenes. The 500-nit brightness makes it great for multimedia use, but some bright content can appear blown out.
The laptop’s design is premium, featuring a black anodised aluminium chassis and a four-zone RGB keyboard, making it visually striking. The keyboard is comfortable for both gaming and typing, and the dual HyperX-tuned speakers offer solid audio quality. Above the screen, the Full HD webcam performs well, even in low light, making it ideal for web conferencing and streaming.
In terms of connectivity, the Omen Transcend 14 includes Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, Thunderbolt 4, and multiple USB ports. However, one USB-C port is occupied by the charger. At 1.64kg, it’s on the heavier side for a 14-inch laptop, but still considered ultraportable for a gaming device.
Performance was underwhelming given the specs. Benchmark scores were lower than expected, particularly in gaming and ray-tracing tests, with the Nvidia RTX 4070 struggling to reach smooth frame rates. The primary issue seems to be the 140W power supply, which limits the laptop’s performance potential. The lack of performance-boosting options in the Omen gaming app also hinders its ability to compete with more powerful gaming laptops. On the plus side, the laptop remains cool and quiet under load, thanks to HP’s Tempest Cooling Go technology.
Battery life is modest, lasting just over six hours in tests, which is short for a full day’s use. Priced at $6,199, it’s more expensive than competitors like the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 and the Razer Blade 14, both of which offer better performance for less money.
The HP Omen Transcend 14 is a premium laptop with a focus on portability, cooling, and design, but its high price and average performance may lead gamers to look elsewhere for more power at a lower cost.
