The HP Spectre x360 14 is a highly anticipated addition to HP’s flagship line of premium laptops.
Designed for those who seek a balance between power and portability, this convertible laptop boasts an impressive array of features and a sleek design.
With its 11th generation Intel Core processors, stunning OLED display, and versatile 2-in-1 functionality, the Spectre x360 14 aims to deliver a superior computing experience.
In this review, we will delve into the performance, design, display, battery life, and overall user experience of the HP Spectre x360 14, providing a comprehensive analysis of its strengths and weaknesses.
But the Spectre x360 14 is more than just a lovely face: it’s also a joy to drive on a daily basis.
Intel’s latest 11th Generation processors with Iris Xe integrated graphics give fast performance with no noticeable slowdown or freezes.
And the device provided an average of 10 hours of battery life, which is one of the finest figures we’ve ever seen.
Performance and Hardware
The HP Spectre x360 14 is equipped with the latest 11th generation Intel Core processors, ensuring seamless multitasking and fast performance.
Users can choose between the Intel Core i5 or i7 variants, depending on their specific needs.
Coupled with up to 16GB of RAM and a speedy SSD storage option of up to 2TB, the laptop delivers impressive computing power for both productivity tasks and multimedia editing.
In terms of graphics, the Spectre x360 14 relies on Intel’s integrated Iris Xe graphics, which offers decent performance for casual gaming and graphic-intensive applications.
While it may not satisfy hardcore gamers, it can handle most modern titles at lower settings.
Design and Build Quality
The Spectre x360 14 features an elegant and premium design that sets it apart from other laptops in its class.
Crafted from precision-machined aluminum, the laptop exudes a sense of sophistication and durability.
The gem-cut edges and refined finishes give it a luxurious look that is bound to turn heads.
Weighing just under 3 pounds (1.36 kg) and measuring a mere 0.67 inches (1.7 cm) thin, the Spectre x360 14 is impressively portable.
Its convertible design allows users to switch seamlessly between laptop, tablet, tent, and stand modes, offering versatility for different usage scenarios.
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On the outside, the Spectre has a large 3:2 display, and if FHD resolution isn’t your thing, there are OLED and 1,000-nit variants.
There’s also a stylus included, which magnetically attaches to the side of the Spectre – useful if you’re using the gadget as a tablet.
Almost every other component of this laptop approaches or exceeds the greatest convertibles on the market, from its comfy keyboard and responsive touchpad to its bass-heavy audio and sensible port options.
Display and Audio
The standout feature of the HP Spectre x360 14 is its gorgeous 14-inch OLED display.
With a resolution of 3000 x 2000 pixels and support for HDR content, the screen produces vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast.
Whether you’re watching movies, editing photos, or working on creative projects, the display offers an immersive visual experience.
The laptop also features an anti-reflective coating that helps reduce glare, making it suitable for outdoor use or brightly lit environments.
The touch functionality is precise and responsive, enhancing the overall usability of the device.
The audio quality of the Spectre x360 14 is commendable, thanks to the quad-speaker setup tuned by Bang & Olufsen.
The speakers deliver clear and balanced sound, whether you’re listening to music, watching videos, or engaging in video conferences.
However, due to the laptop’s slim profile, the bass response may not be as robust as dedicated external speakers.
Here are the specs of the laptop
- Processor: Intel Core i7-1255U
- Graphics: Integrated
- RAM: 16GB
- Storage: 1TB SSD
- Display: 3000 x 2000p resolution, 400 nits brightness, 100% P3 gamut
- Ports: 2 x USB-C Thunderbolt 4, 1 x USB-A, 1 x Headphone jack
- Wireless connectivity: Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2
- Camera: 1080p webcam
- Accessories: HP Rechargeable MPP2.0 Tilt Pen, Carry case
- Battery: 66Whr lithium‑polymer battery
- Weight: 3.0 pounds
- Size: 11.73 x 8.68 x 0.67 inches
- Warranty: 1-year limited warranty
It retails for $1,549 and comes in one other configuration, which has an Intel Core i5-1235U processor, 8GB of memory, 512GB of SSD storage, and a 1920 x 1280p display.
Battery Life and Connectivity
The Spectre x360 14 features a 66Wh battery that provides impressive battery life.
With moderate usage, the laptop can easily last a full workday, offering up to 10 hours of battery life on a single charge.
This endurance is further enhanced by the laptop’s intelligent power management and efficient hardware.
In terms of connectivity, the laptop offers a solid range of options.
It includes two Thunderbolt 4 ports, one USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-A port, an HDMI 2.0b port, and a microSD card reader.
The Thunderbolt 4 ports allow for fast data transfer and support external displays, while the USB Type-A port ensures compatibility with legacy devices.
User Experience and Software (300 words) The Spectre x360 14 comes with Windows 10 pre-installed, offering a familiar and user-friendly operating system.
The laptop provides a smooth and responsive user experience, thanks to its powerful hardware configuration.
The keyboard on the Spectre x360 14 offers a comfortable typing experience, with well-spaced keys and decent key travel.
The touchpad is large and accurate, supporting multi-touch gestures for enhanced navigation.
The laptop also prioritizes security with features like a built-in fingerprint reader and an IR camera for Windows Hello facial recognition.
These biometric options provide convenient and secure ways to log in to the device.
Verdict
There’s no need to beat around the bush: the HP Spectre x360 14 ($1,219.99 to start; $1,699.99 as tested) is one of the best ultrabooks we’ve tested in the last several months. It’s exquisitely designed with a 13.5-inch, 3:2 display that showcases more of your work, whether it be words, numbers, or code.
You’ll pay a premium price for it, but it sure feels premium, with a sleek chassis, clicky keyboard and both USB Type-C and Type-A ports, as well as a microSD card reader.
The model we reviewed had an impressive OLED screen with a 3,000 x 2,000 resolution. It looks great, but if you want all-day battery life, you may consider alternative configurations.
HP makes a handsome laptop. The Spectre x360 doesn’t make a ton of changes to what has largely become a tried and true design. It’s an aluminum notebook with solid construction.
Ours came in “nightfall black” with copper accents, which I think is a bit showy for my tastes these days, but you can also get in “Poseidon blue” or my likely choice, “natural silver.”
Conclusion
The HP Spectre x360 14 is a premium convertible laptop that successfully combines power, versatility, and style.
Its impressive performance, stunning OLED display, and robust build quality make it an attractive option for professionals, content creators, and students alike.
The laptop’s 2-in-1 design and exceptional battery life further enhance its appeal, providing flexibility and convenience for users on the go.
While the Spectre x360 14 excels in many areas, it does have a few drawbacks.
The lack of dedicated graphics limits its gaming capabilities, and the slim profile results in relatively weak bass response from the speakers.
Additionally, the higher price point may deter budget-conscious buyers.
Overall, the HP Spectre x360 14 is a top-notch convertible laptop that delivers on its promises.
If you’re in the market for a versatile, high-performance device that combines elegance and functionality, the Spectre x360 14 is undoubtedly worth considering.
