These laptops promise extended battery life, fast performance, and serious portability. We’ve taken a close look at both devices, and here’s what’s unique about them.

Both models run on Windows 11 and bring a unique balance of power and battery efficiency. HP is investing heavily in Qualcomm’s architecture to bolster mobile computing. 

Based on internal testing, these laptops can reportedly last up to 34 hours on a single charge, a figure tied to local video playback under optimal conditions. HP is confident about the claim but has attached a footnote: “Up to 34 hours local video playback requires unit configured with Qualcomm Snapdragon X1-26-100, 16GB RAM, 2K OLED non-touch display, 512 GB PCle SSD storage.”

Design and Build

Weighing in at 1.35 kg (2.98 lb) for the 14-inch and 3.48 lb for the 16-inch, both models are surprisingly slim and lightweight. The 14-inch version is just 0.5 inches thick, while the 16-inch stretches to 0.52 inches at the back. 

The brushed aluminium finish, ocean-bound plastics, and recycled metals tell us HP is taking sustainability more seriously with every new release.

Performance and AI Integration

At the core is the Snapdragon platform, complete with a Neural Processing Unit capable of 45 trillion operations per second. For users, this means faster execution across tasks and better support for AI-enabled features. 

You can access tools like document analysis, performance optimisation, and intelligent file search via the built-in HP AI Companion.

Checking out the HP OmniBook 5 Series, both variants for multitasking and found no lag switching between heavy-duty tasks like video playback, large spreadsheet editing, and multiple browser windows. More impressively, this performance stayed consistent even when unplugged.

Display and Multimedia

Visuals are sharp and rich, thanks to a 2K OLED panel with a 95% DCI-P3 colour gamut. Whether you’re streaming or designing, the image quality holds up with rich contrast and deep blacks. The 14-inch model boasts a screen-to-body ratio of 90.46%, while the 16-inch pushes that slightly higher to 91.40%.

HP has also enhanced the audiovisual experience with dual speakers, two amplifiers, and HP Audio Boost 2.0. AI-powered noise reduction makes a notable difference during calls or recordings. The 1080p IR camera includes temporal noise reduction and a physical privacy shutter.

Charging and Connectivity

Charging won’t keep you tethered. A redesigned 65W mini adapter, about 50% smaller than previous versions, delivers fast charge capabilities. You can expect to recover 50% battery in 30 minutes, and the use of GaN technology helps keep the adapter cooler and more efficient.

Port options include two USB-C ports, one USB-A, and a headphone/microphone combo jack. The machines also support a single 5K or dual 4K external monitor setup.

Pricing and Availability

The 14-inch OmniBook 5 is priced from $799 and will be available on HP’s website from July. You’ll find it earlier at Amazon and Micro Centre. The 16-inch version will start at $849, with availability also expected in July.

For students, remote professionals, creatives always on the move, these OmniBook 5 series offer commendable battery life and hardware performance in a compact package. 

The new Surface Laptop (13-inch) and Surface Pro (12-inch) will go on sale from May 20, priced at $899 and $799 respectively.

Both devices are built with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Plus processor and are part of Microsoft’s move to expand access to its AI-powered tools without the high cost that typically comes with performance-grade laptops. Until now, most machines capable of running Microsoft’s Copilot+ features were priced over $1,000.

The Copilot+ tag means Microsoft built these PCs to handle tasks like drafting documents using natural prompts or changing system settings by asking a simple question. 

These features run directly on the device and don’t require an internet connection, which reduces dependence on cloud services and boosts privacy and speed.

Compared to last year’s models, Microsoft has cut prices and reduced screen sizes. The Surface Laptop now has a 13-inch display instead of 13.8 inches, and the Surface Pro has dropped from 13 to 12 inches. 

Despite the smaller form factor, battery life has improved. The Surface Laptop can now manage up to 16 hours of web browsing. That’s a three-hour increase over the 2024 version.

These changes, however, haven’t guaranteed demand. According to Raymond James analyst Andrew Marok, “Checks suggest limited appetite for investing in AI PCs given the lack of clarity on the value-added proposition and as new business cases and tools develop.”

Still, Microsoft is betting on utility and timing. With support for Windows 10 ending in October and a wave of users expected to upgrade, the company is positioning these new devices as the right alternative.

Surface devices are not dominant in the PC market, but they serve as showcases for Microsoft’s software and hardware initiatives. The new models maintain the familiar Surface designs—minimal bezels, sleek bodies, and detachable keyboards—while pushing AI capability further into everyday computing.

Each machine features a dedicated Copilot key on the keyboard for quick access to AI tools. Wi-Fi 7 support, upgraded cameras, improved microphones, and the ability to connect two 4K displays make them versatile for both remote work and entertainment.

Pavan Davuluri, Microsoft’s Corporate vice president for Windows and Devices, summed up the aim during a press briefing: “We think these new Surface Pro and laptops are for a set of customers for whom affordability is going to be important.”

Microsoft is also using this launch to promote its “Recall” feature, which remembers what has been displayed on screen and helps users search by simply describing past activities. Another update, “Click to Do,” gives actionable suggestions when users select screen content.

Both models are available for preorder now and will come in three colours: platinum, ocean, and violet.