HP Spectre x360 Review and Performance Analysis

The HP Spectre x360 series has consistently been among the most popular and highly praised laptops in the ultrabook category, and the latest iteration brings a host of updates that make it an even more compelling choice. Known for its sleek design, powerful specs, and 2-in-1 versatility, the Spectre x360 appeals to users looking for a premium laptop that can handle a variety of tasks, from productivity to creative work. In this review and performance analysis, we’ll look at everything you need to know about the latest HP Spectre x360, including its design, display, hardware, battery life, and performance.

Design and Build Quality

The HP Spectre x360 is a visual stunner, crafted with a premium aluminum chassis that feels robust and luxurious. HP has paid close attention to the aesthetics, giving it a diamond-cut design and chamfered edges. Available in a variety of colors, including the classic Nightfall Black and the more modern Poseidon Blue, the Spectre x360 stands out for its elegance and sophistication.

At 13.5 inches and with a 360-degree hinge, this laptop can be used in multiple modes, such as tablet, tent, stand, or traditional laptop. The flexibility offered by the hinge allows it to easily adapt to different use cases. Weighing around 1.3 kilograms, it’s portable enough for daily commutes and travel. HP has also managed to make the Spectre x360 relatively slim, with the latest model coming in at only 0.67 inches thick. This balance of form and function makes it perfect for users who want a beautiful, durable, and versatile machine.

Display and Audio Quality

The HP Spectre x360 offers an impressive display with options for either a Full HD or 4K OLED panel. The OLED model is a standout, offering deep blacks, vibrant colors, and a brightness that makes the screen readable even in bright environments. The display on the Spectre x360 covers 100% of the DCI-P3 color gamut, making it ideal for creators who need color accuracy for photo and video editing. The 3:2 aspect ratio, available on the latest models, also provides more vertical space, which enhances productivity by allowing more content to fit on the screen without excessive scrolling.

With thin bezels surrounding the display, the Spectre x360 offers an immersive experience that enhances video streaming and content creation. Furthermore, the screen is equipped with Gorilla Glass NBT, making it durable and resistant to scratches.

The Bang & Olufsen-tuned speakers are another highlight. Located on the top of the keyboard deck, these speakers provide clear audio with decent bass. While they may not replace a dedicated audio system, they’re certainly above average for a laptop, making it enjoyable to listen to music or watch movies without needing external speakers.

Keyboard and Touchpad Experience

Typing on the HP Spectre x360 is a pleasant experience thanks to its well-spaced keys and good key travel, especially considering its thin profile. The keyboard is backlit, making it easy to use in low-light conditions. The only minor downside might be the slightly smaller size of the arrow keys, but it’s not a dealbreaker.

The touchpad is responsive and uses Microsoft Precision drivers, ensuring smooth and accurate tracking. It’s slightly larger than previous models, providing more room for multi-touch gestures. For additional input, the Spectre x360 supports pen input, and HP includes an HP Tilt Pen with certain models, which is perfect for artists or those who prefer handwriting notes.

Performance and Specifications

Powered by Intel’s latest processors (up to Intel Core i7) and Iris Xe graphics, the HP Spectre x360 is built to handle a variety of tasks with ease. Let’s dive into a breakdown of the performance aspects:

1. Processor and RAM:
   • The Spectre x360 comes with options up to the Intel Core i7-1255U or even Intel Core i7-1355U, depending on the model. This means you get the power of Intel’s 12th and 13th-generation processors, with improved efficiency and multi-core performance.
   • With up to 16GB of LPDDR4x RAM, the Spectre x360 can handle multitasking without breaking a sweat. Most users, from casual to professional, will find this amount of memory sufficient for most tasks.
2. Graphics:
   • While it doesn’t come with a dedicated GPU, the Iris Xe integrated graphics still provide impressive performance for an ultrabook. This allows users to enjoy light gaming, photo editing, and even some video editing, although high-end gaming or 3D rendering may push it to its limits.
3. Storage:
   • The laptop is available with SSD storage options of up to 1TB. The SSDs used are NVMe, offering fast boot times and quick access to files, which enhances overall productivity.

In terms of real-world usage, the Spectre x360 handles productivity applications like Microsoft Office, Google Chrome (with multiple tabs open), and other everyday software smoothly. It also fares well with Adobe Creative Cloud applications such as Photoshop and Lightroom, though users who require heavy rendering capabilities might want to consider a laptop with a dedicated GPU.

Battery Life

Battery life is a critical factor for any ultrabook, and the HP Spectre x360 performs admirably in this department. With a 66Wh battery, the laptop offers up to 10 hours of mixed usage on the Full HD model and around 7-8 hours on the 4K OLED version. This means that for most users, the Spectre x360 can last an entire workday on a single charge.

The laptop also supports fast charging, with HP claiming that it can go from 0% to 50% in around 30 minutes. This is ideal for users who are frequently on the move and need quick power-ups throughout the day.

Security and Connectivity

The Spectre x360 comes with several security features, including a fingerprint reader and an IR camera for Windows Hello facial recognition. This makes logging in quick, secure, and convenient. HP also includes a physical camera shutter to protect user privacy, a welcome feature for those who prioritize security.

In terms of connectivity, the Spectre x360 is well-equipped. It includes:

• Two Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports for fast data transfer and charging,
• A USB-A 3.2 port for legacy devices,
• A microSD card slot, and
• A 3.5mm audio jack.

Wireless connectivity is supported with Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2, ensuring fast and stable connections. These features make the Spectre x360 highly versatile and future-proof.

Software and Bloatware

The HP Spectre x360 comes with Windows 11 pre-installed, which brings a host of productivity and usability improvements over its predecessor. HP also includes a range of proprietary software, such as HP Command Center, which allows users to control performance modes and optimize the laptop for different scenarios. However, as with many other manufacturers, there is some pre-installed bloatware that might be worth removing to free up storage and improve performance slightly.

Thermal Management

Heat management is another crucial aspect of laptop performance, especially for thin ultrabooks that often struggle with heat dissipation. HP has done a good job with the thermal design of the Spectre x360, incorporating a dual-fan cooling system that keeps the laptop relatively cool during regular tasks.

During light use, the Spectre x360 remains quiet and cool to the touch. Under heavy loads, such as extended photo or video editing sessions, it does warm up a bit, particularly around the hinge area, but it remains within acceptable limits for comfort. The fans can get audible during heavy use, but it’s not overly distracting, and the noise levels are comparable to other ultrabooks in this category.

Pricing and Value for Money

The HP Spectre x360 sits in the premium segment, with prices typically starting around $1,200 and going up to $1,700 or more, depending on the configuration. Given its premium build, vibrant display options, and robust performance, the Spectre x360 offers good value for money for users who want a high-end device that combines style with functionality.

While it may be pricier than some mid-range alternatives, the Spectre x360’s quality and features make it a worthwhile investment, especially for professionals, creatives, and students looking for a dependable, powerful ultrabook.

HP Spectre x360: Pros and Cons

Let’s break down the main pros and cons of the HP Spectre x360.

Pros:

• Premium design with excellent build quality
• High-resolution OLED display option with vibrant colors
• Good performance for multitasking and creative work
• Long battery life with fast charging capabilities
• Multiple security features, including facial recognition and a fingerprint sensor
• Versatile 2-in-1 functionality

Cons:

• Integrated graphics may limit performance for heavy-duty gaming or 3D tasks
• Some bloatware out of the box
• Fans can be audible under heavy workloads
• Higher price range

Conclusion: Is the HP Spectre x360 Worth It?

The HP Spectre x360 is a top-tier ultrabook that offers a blend of style, power, and flexibility, making it a solid choice for users who prioritize aesthetics and performance. Its impressive OLED display, versatile 2-in-1 design, and premium build quality make it a great option for both productivity and creative tasks. While it may lack the power of a dedicated GPU, its Intel Iris Xe graphics are suitable for most everyday and creative tasks.

With a long battery life, fast charging, and a suite of security features, the Spectre x360 caters to modern needs, whether you’re a professional, a student, or someone who frequently works on the go.

Also read:HP Envy vs. HP Spectre: Pros and Cons