HP OmniPad 12 quick review: HP finally joins the Android tablet race
HP has recently introduced its first Android tablet in India, the HP OmniPad 12. Priced at Rs 48,999, the tablet features a 12-inch display and is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon chipset. We spent some time with the device, and here are our first impressions of the HP OmniPad 12.
I recently visited HP’s office in Gurgaon for a launch event. Whenever I hear the name HP, I automatically picture a laptop with the iconic logo on it. So, while walking into the office, I instinctively looked around for devices from other brands, perhaps a Dell or an Apple machine among the crowd. While I did not spot that, HP instead showcased something entirely new for the company: its first Android tablet that aims to combine the flexibility of smartphone software with the productivity of a PC.
During the event, HP unveiled over 20 products, including laptops, printers, and several other devices. But HP is already known for those categories. The real highlights of the event were the EliteBoard G1a AI PC (quick review) and the OmniPad 12. Since we have already spoken about the AI PC keyboard, let’s focus on the latter.
More from TechHP OmniPad 12 launched in India: Quick review
Design: The HP OmniPad 12 follows a familiar and fairly traditional tablet design language. The rear panel resembles HP’s laptop aesthetics, with the branding positioned neatly at the centre. However, two things immediately stand out: the camera module and the magnetic connector placed at the bottom.
The tablet also maintains a slim and sleek profile with a thickness of just 7.3mm. That technically makes it thinner than several smartphones. However, it is important to note that attaching the folio cover and keyboard naturally adds to the thickness.
The tablet itself weighs 600 grams, while the detachable keyboard weighs 650 grams.
During my brief hands-on experience with the OmniPad 12, I noticed that the rear panel is quite prone to fingerprints and smudges. That said, HP’s intention is clearly for users to treat the device as a compact laptop replacement, which is why the folio case and keyboard are bundled with the tablet itself. In practical use, the smudges may not become a major concern because the device will likely remain covered most of the time.
The HP OmniPad 12 is available in a single Denim Blue colour option.
Display: The HP OmniPad 12 features a 12-inch 2K multi-touch display with a 16:10 aspect ratio and support for refresh rates of up to 90Hz. HP claims the panel can deliver brightness levels of up to 400 nits.
The display is surrounded by bezels that are uniform, although noticeably thick. In terms of experience, the panel feels smooth and fluid while using the interface, and the brightness appeared sufficient for indoor productivity tasks. However, we did not get the opportunity to test its visibility under direct sunlight. For that, you will have to wait for our detailed review of the HP OmniPad 12, assuming the company sends us a review unit.
Processor and battery: Under the hood, the HP OmniPad 12 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon SM6475Q chipset. The processor features 6-core clocked at up to 2.40GHz and is paired with a Qualcomm Adreno GPU, 8GB LPDDR5 RAM, and 128GB of UFS internal storage. Storage expansion is also supported through a microSD card slot.
On the connectivity front, the tablet supports Bluetooth 5.2, Wi-Fi 6E, a USB 2.0 Type-C port, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. It also includes quad speakers, dual microphones, and DTS:X Ultra audio support.
The HP OmniPad 12 houses a 2-cell 31Wh lithium-ion polymer battery, which can be charged using the bundled 33W power adapter. HP claims the tablet can offer up to 18 hours of battery life on a single charge.
Camera: On the back, the HP OmniPad 12 includes a 13-megapixel rear camera. For selfies and video calls, there is an 8-megapixel front-facing camera.
While no one expects exceptional camera quality from a tablet, including the HP OmniPad 12, it will still be interesting to see how well the front camera handles video call clarity in real-world usage.
Keyboard: The tablet ships with a full-size detachable Mica Silver soft-cover keyboard that connects using POGO pins. HP has also included an HP Imagepad for navigation.
The keyboard should not be viewed as a mere accessory here. In fact, it feels very close to what you would expect from a proper laptop keyboard. Even during the few minutes I spent using it, the typing experience felt genuinely impressive. With well-spaced keys and reassuringly clicky feedback, the keyboard feels closer to a laptop than a typical tablet accessory. There is also a dedicated wrist-rest area, just like on a standard laptop keyboard.
Overall, the limited time spent with the HP OmniPad 12 left a strong first impression. While its real-world performance remains to be tested, the tablet already succeeds in delivering a compact, lightweight, and laptop-like experience.
HP OmniPad 12: Price and availability
The HP OmniPad 12 has been launched in India with a starting price of Rs 48,999, and sales will begin in June through HP’s online channels, Amazon, Reliance, and HP World stores.
Unnati is a tech journalist with almost half a decade of experience. She has a keen interest to cull out unique story angle. She reviews the latest consumer and lifestyle gadgets, along with covering pop culture and social media news. When away from the keyboard, you might find her reading a fiction, at the gym or drinking coffee.
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