HP's OMEN 15 makes a comeback at CES 2026; is it worth the wait?

      HP's OMEN 15 2026 may debut at CES 2026, according to information from sources cited by Windows Latest. If this is correct, it marks a revival for a line that was initially introduced in 2020, refreshed in 2021, and then discontinued in 2022 when HP shifted its focus to the OMEN 16. The upcoming HP OMEN 15 2026 is expected to feature newer processors, an OLED display, and some latency-focused enhancements, while still maintaining its core identity.

      For those currently in the market, the crucial question isn't just whether the specifications appear appealing. It's whether they're worth the wait given that details on pricing, power limitations, and regional availability remain undisclosed.

      The return is based on specifications

      The leaks indicate that the laptop may come with an Intel Core Ultra 9 386H Panther Lake option or an AMD Ryzen AI 7 450, both of which have not yet launched. For graphics, it may offer up to an Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070, placing it in a robust performance category without opting for the highest-end GPU models.

      The remainder of the details suggest that HP aims to enhance the perceived speed of the machine, rather than merely increasing benchmark scores. The leak mentions up to 32GB of DDR5 5600 memory and a maximum of a 1TB PCIe Gen5 NVMe M.2 SSD, along with a HyperAction keyboard boasting an 8000Hz polling rate.

      OLED features are appealing, but the specifics matter

      The key display specification highlights an up to 3K 120Hz OLED panel with a reported 0.2ms response time. This combination emphasizes contrast and response time over extreme refresh rates, making it potentially more suitable for users who juggle single-player gaming, work or school tasks, and media consumption.

      However, OLED requires attention to detail. Aspects like brightness, burn-in protection, and whether the OLED option is widely available or restricted to higher-end models will significantly affect the overall value of the purchase. Until HP confirms these details, it's wise to view the display claims as optimistic rather than assured.

      To wait or to buy now

      Waiting is a reasonable option if you're seeking an OLED screen in a 15-inch gaming laptop and aiming for the next CPU generation. With CES approaching, this leak suggests that the HP OMEN 15 2026 is geared for that timeframe.

      Conversely, purchasing now is sensible if you need a laptop immediately, as the pending information will influence costs and usability. Factors such as pricing, thermal performance, and the actual capabilities of the RTX 5070 laptop GPU will determine whether the device can sustain performance during extended sessions. Sources also mention self-cleaning fans, which will only be beneficial if they contribute to maintaining consistent clock speeds, rather than just serving as a maintenance feature.

      Additionally, there’s OMEN AI. The leak claims HP promises up to a 42 percent FPS increase in specific games like Fortnite, while cautioning that results may vary based on game, hardware setup, and settings, and not all games may support it.

      If you can hold out until CES, it's advisable to wait and compare the confirmed configurations. If you can't wait, consider selecting from the best gaming laptops available now, while keeping the HP OMEN 15 2026 in mind for future purchase.