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| The new HP Omen 16 in its two launch colour options. |
While all eyes at CES 2026 are on the flashy new Omen 16 Max, HP has quietly unveiled a compelling update to its mainstream gaming workhorse: the new Omen 16. Positioned as a near-perfect blend of the portability of the Slim model and the raw power expected from the Omen line, this laptop might just be the sweet spot for gamers who refuse to compromise.
For those wondering about the Omen 16 Slim, note that HP has not announced a direct update for that specific model at this year's show. The new standard Omen 16, however, seems to have absorbed some of its DNA. How? By adding only a whisper of extra bulk. The outgoing Slim model weighs about 2.42 kg and measures 22.6 mm thick. The new Omen 16 comes in at 2.47 kg and 25.4 mm—a nearly imperceptible difference for the average user, but one that HP claims unlocks significant performance gains.
So, what does that minor added heft get you? According to HP, it houses a redesigned Omen Tempest Cooling system. The engineers have refined the heat pipe design to allow for higher total platform power, with the goal of pushing components harder without triggering thermal throttling. For a deep dive into HP's gaming tech philosophy, you can always visit the official HP Omen hub.
Under the Hood: Next-Gen Power and Configurable Mysteries
This thermal headroom is put to good use with some serious hardware options. The new Omen 16 will be configurable with up to an Intel Core Ultra 7 365H or the top-tier Core Ultra 9 275HX. Intriguingly, HP also mentions "next-gen" AMD and Intel processors without specifying models, leaving some welcome mystery and anticipation for later in the year.
On the graphics front, you can spec it with up to an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 laptop GPU, or the RTX 5060 for a more budget-conscious build. Paired with that GPU, you can equip the system with up to a whopping 64 GB of DDR5-5600 MT/s RAM.
Here’s a crucial differentiator for tinkerers: Only the AMD-based configurations will have user-upgradeable RAM. Furthermore, HP is reserving the faster PCIe Gen 5 SSD slots for the AMD SKUs, while Intel configurations will make do with PCIe 4.0 storage. This is a significant consideration for future-proofing your purchase.
The Complete Package: Display, Battery, and unknowns
The experience is rounded out by a choice between a 70 Wh or 83 Wh battery, both supporting rapid up to 330W charging. Gamers can also choose from three keyboard backlighting options to match their setup.
The display menu is particularly generous. HP plans to offer four panel choices, headlined by two premium options: a stunning 2.5K (2560 x 1600) 165 Hz OLED panel for deep contrasts and vibrant colors, and a blistering 2.5K 240 Hz IPS screen for ultra-smooth competitive gameplay.
The two main questions remaining are pricing and availability, which HP has not yet confirmed. Given its positioning and features, it's expected to be a fiercely competitive contender in the mid-to-high-end gaming laptop segment. If the cooling system delivers as promised, the Omen 16 could be a masterclass in balanced design.
Keep an eye on major retailers like Amazon for the first listings and potential launch deals when HP announces availability.
