The HP Omen 15 (2020) made waves with its significant design overhaul and a strategic shift towards AMD Ryzen processors, promising enhanced gaming performance. While newer models have since been released, the 2020 Omen 15 remains a compelling option in the mid-tier gaming laptop market. Let’s delve into its key features and specifications to understand why it might still be your right choice.
Key Takeaways About the HP Omen 15 (2020):
- Redesigned Aesthetics: Sporting a premium, minimalist design with a new logo.
- AMD Ryzen Power: Offered configurations with high-performance AMD Ryzen processors alongside Intel options.
- Improved Performance: The switch to Ryzen aimed to deliver better gaming and multitasking capabilities.
- Vibrant Display Options: Available with high refresh rate and color-accurate panels.
- Comfortable Keyboard: Features good spacing, separated keys, and customizable RGB lighting.
- Comprehensive Port Selection: Includes a variety of USB ports, display outputs, and connectivity options.
- Effective Cooling: Equipped with enhanced vents and dual fans for better thermal management.
Immersive Visuals: HP Omen 15 (2020) Display
The HP Omen 15 (2020) boasts a vibrant 15.6-inch display with a standard 1920 x 1080 pixel (FHD) resolution and a smooth 144 Hz refresh rate for fluid gaming visuals. The anti-glare screen minimizes distractions, and with a brightness of around 311 nits, it offers good visibility. Gamers and content consumers alike will appreciate the colorful panel, delivering incredibly vibrant and detailed image precision.
Sleek and Modern: The Design Evolution of the HP Omen 15 (2020)
A standout feature of the 2020 HP Omen 15 is its redesigned aesthetic. The new Omen logo, now in a distinctive blue diamond shape, signifies a shift towards a more premium look. Beyond the logo, the laptop embraces a minimalistic square shape with a slick “mica” gray finish that can appear almost black depending on the lighting. The engraved Omen logo subtly sits beneath this refined color.
The inclusion of aluminum on the palm rest of the keyboard deck adds to the premium feel. The keyboard itself is a testament to HP’s engineering. While the thin display bezels on the sides contribute to a modern look, the lid’s flexibility and potential wobble on its hinge are worth noting. Overall, the HP Omen 15 2020 represents a significant step forward in the design of a gaming laptop in its class.
Control and Connectivity: Keyboard and Ports
The HP Omen 15 (2020) keyboard is designed for comfortable gaming and typing. It features good key spacing, separated feature keys, and full-size arrow keys that are also separated, mimicking a desktop layout. The aluminum palm rest houses a reasonably sized 2.9 x 4.5-inch touchpad beneath the spacebar, offering comfortable navigation and responsive multi-finger gestures. Furthermore, users can personalize their gaming setup with configurable RGB keyboard lighting.
In terms of ports, the Omen 15 2020 model offers a comprehensive selection:
- Right Side: Two USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports, a mini DisplayPort, and a USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C port.
- Left Side: HDMI 2.0a port, SD card reader, Gigabit Ethernet port, and jacks for power and headsets.
The laptop features Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5 for wireless connectivity, powered by the Intel AX200 wireless card.
Configurations and Pricing
The HP Omen 15 (2020) offered various configurations to cater to different budgets and performance needs:
- Entry-Level: AMD Ryzen 5 4600H, GTX 1650Ti, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD, 60Hz FHD display (starting at $849.99).
- Mid-Range: AMD Ryzen 7 4800H, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, 144 Hz FHD display (around $1,299.99).
- High-End: Intel Core i7-10750H, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Super Max-Q, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD, 4K OLED display (around $1,799.99).
Thermals: Keeping Cool Under Pressure
Effective cooling is crucial for gaming laptops, and the HP Omen 15 (2020) addressed this with vents on the sides and rear to optimize airflow. HP also incorporated two larger fans to enhance internal airflow further. Notably, HP claimed this model was the first laptop to feature an IR thermopile sensor for more precise heat management.
Final Verdict: Is the 2020 HP Omen 15 Still Worth It?
The 2020 HP Omen 15 stands out as a powerful mid-tier gaming laptop, particularly with the AMD Ryzen processor configurations. It delivers solid performance while maintaining reasonable temperatures during intense gaming sessions. The improved sleek design was a significant upgrade for the Omen lineup. While the highest configurations with Intel processors and RTX graphics came at a premium, the AMD-powered models offered a compelling balance of performance and price.
Lastly, if you’re considering upgrading or looking for a capable gaming laptop in the used market, the HP Omen 15 2020 release remains a strong contender. You might even consider a laptop trade-in of your old devices to offset the cost. Websites like Gadget Salvation can provide fast online valuations for your pre-owned tech.