What’s actually slowing this PC down?
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Short answer: The MacBook Neo beat the HP OmniBook 5 Flip in Tom’s Guide’s direct comparison, but that result does not establish that it beats HP’s newer 14-inch OmniBook 5. These are different HP laptops: the Flip is the convertible that was tested, while HP announced a separate 14-inch model on October 1, 2026. If you’re shopping, identify the exact HP model first, then compare current prices and configurations.
Which laptops are actually being compared?
“OmniBook 5” is a family name, not enough information to identify one configuration. Tom’s Guide tested an HP OmniBook 5 Flip, a convertible Windows laptop, against the MacBook Neo. HP’s newer 14-inch OmniBook 5, announced October 1, 2026, is a separate product; the cited sources do not provide an independent head-to-head test of that model against the Neo.
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HP OmniBook 5 16” Touchscreen AI Laptop – Intel Core Ultra 7 Processor, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD,... | $978.00 | Buy on Amazon |
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That distinction matters throughout this comparison. The Flip’s measured performance, screen results, battery life and port selection cannot be assigned to the newer 14-inch model. HP’s figures for the new laptop are manufacturer specifications or claims, not results from the Flip review.
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There is no reliable single current price comparison in the available reporting. Prices change, and the cited MacBook Neo price references differ. Check the live retailer listing for the exact memory, storage and configuration before deciding.
#1 Best Overall
- 🚀 Powerful Intel Core Ultra 7 AI Performance Powered by the latest Intel Core Ultra 7 processor with built-in AI acceleration, delivering fast, intelligent performance for multitasking, productivity, and creative workloads.
- 🖥️ Large 16” Touchscreen Display Enjoy an immersive 16-inch touchscreen with crisp visuals and responsive touch control—perfect for work, presentations, streaming, and creative tasks.
- ⚡ Fast & Reliable Memory and Storage Equipped with 16GB high-speed RAM and a massive 1TB SSD, ensuring smooth multitasking, ultra-fast boot times, and plenty of storage for files, photos, and applications.
- 🤖 AI-Enhanced Windows 11 Experience Runs Windows 11 with Copilot AI support, helping you work smarter with intelligent suggestions, faster workflows, and enhanced security features
- ✨ Premium Design for Work & Everyday Use Sleek silver aluminum design, backlit keyboard, Wi-Fi 6E connectivity, and long battery life—ideal for business professionals, students, and home users.
| Model and evidence | Reported price and configuration | What to keep in mind |
|---|---|---|
| New 14-inch HP OmniBook 5 | Tom’s Hardware reported a U.S. starting price of $699.99. Its report listed Core 5 320 or Core 7 350 processors, soldered 8GB, 12GB or 16GB memory, and 256GB, 512GB or 1TB storage. | This is a reported launch starting price, not a guaranteed current price or the price of every configuration. The report said 12GB memory and 1TB storage were planned for November 2026; verify actual availability. |
| HP OmniBook 5 Flip tested by Tom’s Guide | The reviewer bought a Core 7 150U configuration with 16GB memory and 512GB storage at $599; the page showed $778 when accessed. | Those are historical prices from the review context, not a current quote. |
| MacBook Neo in Tom’s Guide’s direct test | The comparison described an A18 Pro model with 8GB memory and 256GB SSD at $599; higher configurations offered 512GB storage and Touch ID. | Tom’s Guide’s 2026 budget-laptop guide also refers to a $699 standard price and a $599 education/older-price context. Check the current price and configuration at the retailer. |
For the new HP model, Tom’s Hardware reported 1920×1200 OLED options rated at 300 nits at launch. It described a 2560×1600, 620-nit OLED touchscreen as planned for March 2027. Treat those configurations and dates as reported plans, and confirm what is actually on sale in your region.
Screen, size and everyday feel
MacBook Neo versus the tested OmniBook 5 Flip
In Tom’s Guide’s measurements of its test units, the Neo reached 452 nits in SDR and 480 nits in HDR; the Flip reached 266 nits in SDR. The Neo also recorded 110.9% sRGB and 78.6% DCI-P3 coverage, compared with 65% sRGB and 46.1% DCI-P3 for the Flip. These are that review’s measurements, not guarantees for every unit or configuration.
The Neo weighed 2.7 lb in that comparison, while the Flip weighed 3.58 lb. The Flip’s counterpoint is its convertible touchscreen form: it can fold into different positions for touch-based use, whereas the Neo comparison is with a conventional laptop.
The newly announced 14-inch OmniBook 5
HP says the new model weighs 1.16 kg and has a 180-degree hinge. Tom’s Hardware reported a 2.56 lb weight. HP also describes OLED display options, but neither source establishes how its screen performs against the Neo in an independent test. Do not use the Flip’s brightness or color measurements as a proxy for this model.
Battery life: compare like with like
Tom’s Guide measured battery life by continuous Wi-Fi web browsing with each screen set to 150 nits. In that test, its MacBook Neo lasted 13 hours 28 minutes; its OmniBook 5 Flip lasted 9 hours 57 minutes. Those results apply to those test units and that method.
HP claims up to 42 hours of local video playback for the new 14-inch OmniBook 5 under HP’s stated VPB conditions. That is a manufacturer claim using a different workload and method, so it is not directly comparable to the review’s Wi-Fi browsing times. The cited sources do not establish the new model’s independent battery life against the Neo.
Ports, operating system and compatibility
The tested Flip had two USB-A ports, two USB-C ports, HDMI and a headphone jack. The Neo in Tom’s Guide’s comparison had two USB-C ports and a headphone jack. The newer HP announcement identifies two full-function USB-C ports; it does not establish that the Flip’s USB-A or HDMI ports are present on the new 14-inch model.
The Tool Desk
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Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Which one should you buy?
Choose the MacBook Neo if…
- You want macOS and the Apple laptop configuration that fits your software and workflow.
- You value the lower weight and brighter screen measured on the Neo in Tom’s Guide’s comparison with the Flip.
- You want the longer battery result in that specific Wi-Fi browsing test, while recognizing it does not predict performance against the new 14-inch HP.
Choose the OmniBook 5 Flip if…
- You want a convertible touchscreen design and expect to use the hinge for touch-first or flexible viewing.
- You need the Flip’s tested port set, including USB-A and HDMI, and are comparing it with the Neo configuration described above.
- You prefer Windows or require Windows-specific software.
Consider the new 14-inch OmniBook 5 if…
- You want a 14-inch Windows laptop and its available configuration, display and ports meet your needs.
- You are comfortable deciding from manufacturer specifications and reported launch configurations rather than a direct independent comparison with the Neo.
- You verify the live price, availability and exact screen, memory, storage, weight and port details for your region before ordering.
Tom’s Guide characterized both products in its tested comparison as suitable for light or average work such as browsing, word processing and video streaming, and reported similar responsiveness with about ten Chrome tabs open. That is reviewer experience with its test units, not a promise for heavier workloads or the untested new 14-inch HP.
Quick Recap
Sources
- HP Inc., “HP Brings Premium PC Experiences to More Consumers”, October 1, 2026.
- Tom’s Hardware, “HP boards the MacBook Neo competitor train — OmniBook 5 comes in four colors with Wildcat Lake and starts at $699.99”, October 1, 2026.
- Tom’s Guide, “I just tested the $599 MacBook Neo vs. a $799 Windows laptop — and Apple still blows it away”, April 16, 2026.
- Tom’s Guide, “The best budget laptops in 2026: Top value picks, fully tested”.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
