HP Spectre x360 13 review: The best value convertible Ultrabook money can buy
Source: Daniel Rubino/Windows Fundamental
When it comes to convertible PCs, in that location are ii major players correct at present fighting it out in the 13-inch Ultrabook space: HP and Dell (Lenovo's 14-inch Yoga C940 is no slouch, either).
Dell's XPS xiii 2-in-1 is in a few ways ameliorate than the HP Spectre x360, but HP certainly delivers more for your dollar, making it an splendid alternative to the all-time 13-inch laptop. It's too one looker of a laptop. Seeing equally HP has fixed near of the significant complaints of this popular convertible, let's see where it shines and why you should consider it.
I've spent the final few months with the Spectre x360, and it'south easy to recommend. Only similar all laptops, it could be better too. Here'south how.
It is worth noting since this review HP has appear a refresh to this laptop with newer 11th Gen Intel processors. That makes the slightly older 10th Gen models tempting for Amazon Prime Day specials with prices likely to dip below the $1,100 starting point. HP also has a split model chosen Spectre x360 fourteen, which has a taller display attribute. That laptop goes on sale in October.
Best accommodating
HP Spectre x360 13 (late-2019)
$i,150 at Amazon
$1,150 at HP
Bottom line: HP has finally stock-still all the major frustrations with its revamped Spectre x360 13. Betwixt the overall affordability and characteristic set it'southward piece of cake to recommend this laptop over the competition. Information technology's only held back by a dated sixteen:9 display and OK battery life.
Pros:
- Thin bezels, small footprint
- Pen and leather case sleeve included
- First-class keyboard and audio
- Very expert display
- Outstanding value
Cons:
- 16:9 attribute is getting old
- Driblet-jaw Type-A port is frustrating
New for early 2022
HP Spectre x360 13 What's new
Source: Daniel Rubino/Windows Key
Coming out in tardily 2022, HP completely overhauled the Spectre x360 xiii in all the right areas. Hither are the most significant changes:
- Bezel reduction with a 90 percent screen-to-body ratio
- Microsoft Precision Touchpad
- Micro forepart-facing photographic camera with Windows Hi
- 4K AMOLED choice
- New anti-reflective drinking glass technology
- Manufacturing plant calibrated display
- New 10th Gen CPUs with Iris Plus graphics
- Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5, optional 4G LTE
- New drop-jaw Type-A port
- Dedicated mic-mute push
The most pregnant change is the new bezel size, which cut those from 17mm to just 6mm. It's such a massive reduction that the unabridged laptop's footprint is now smaller. HP had to cut the speakers from four to merely two because of the lack of space, just luckily the audio quality is still outstanding.
Source: Daniel Rubino/Windows Central
The other big gripe I had was HP'due south old touchpads, which were awful. That'due south stock-still at present as the new trackpad uses Microsoft Precision drivers, and information technology'southward quite satisfying.
Everything else is minor only also meaning to the overall excellent feel of using the Spectre x360.
So many options
HP Spectre x360 13 specs and features
Source: Daniel Rubino/Windows Central
The Spectre x360 13 is a typical xiii.3-inch Ultrabook laptop meant to be portable, versatile, and high quality. The Spectre line of notebooks from HP is its premium consumer tier, merely that doesn't hateful a high starting price.
The Spectre x360 13 starts at a modest $one,100 for the entry-level model. That ane features a full Hd touch on brandish, 10th Gen Core i5 processor, Iris Plus graphics, 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. Quite frankly, virtually consumers would be quite satisfied with that configuration.
It's worth noting that HP includes its HP Pen (not-tilt) at that price, which offers exceptional value. Those wanting the pen with tilt must pay an extra $30, which is still small.
| Category | HP Spectre x360 13 |
|---|---|
| OS | Windows 10 Abode |
| Display | 13.3 in, xvi:ix aspect ratio Full Hard disk 300 Nits 4K UHD AMOLED 400 Nits |
| Processor | tenth Gen Intel Core i5-1035G4 10th Gen Intel Cadre i7-1065G7 |
| Graphics | Intel Iris Plus |
| Memory | 8 or 16GB LPDDR4-3200 |
| Storage | 512GB or 1TB SSD and 32GB Intel Optane 256GB to 2TB SSD |
| Pen | Yes, active (included) |
| Expandable storage | Micro SD reader |
| Forepart camera | HP TrueVision Hard disk IR camera |
| Security | Windows Hello IR, fingerprint |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi half dozen, Bluetooth 5, 4G LTE (optional) |
| Ports | Two USB 3.i Type-C with Thunderbolt 3 One USB 3.1 Type-A MicroSD reader |
| Audio | Blindside & Olufsen with dual speakers |
| Battery | 60WHr 65W AC adapter |
| Dimensions | 12.08 in (Due west) 10 vii.66 in (D) x 0.67 in (H) |
| Weight | ii.88lbs (ane.3kg) |
| Colors | Dark Ash, Poseidon Blue, or Argent |
HP also lets you customize-to-purchase, and there are a ton of options including bumping to a tenth Gen Intel Cadre i7-1065G7, 16GB of RAM, 4K AMOLED display, Windows 10 Pro, 4G LTE, and 2TB SSD for storage. There are likewise 3 colour choices, including natural argent (used for this review), nightfall blackness, and Poseidon blue.
Though we did not sample the LTE model, it is merely available with the i7-1065G7 and full HD display, instead of the 4K OLED choice.
If you have $1,100 and you want a convertible Ultrabook, this is the ane to go.
Fifty-fifty wholly maxed out, the Spectre x360 xiii is even so "only" effectually $1,900, which is much lower than Dell, Lenovo, or Microsoft for like premium designs.
Considering how thin the Spectre is, HP did not skip out on ports for connectivity. In that location is a Type-A with a "lock-jaw" to allow for a slim profile. That'due south impressive every bit many companies ditch Type-A to go with the thinner Type-C-only solution. There are 2 Type-C ports with Thunderbolt three, a MicroSD reader every bit well, and a headphone jack.
HP is also sticking with a physical camera impale-switch that lets users disable the forepart-facing 720P web photographic camera. The toggle kills the photographic camera at the drive level so that users can be bodacious of privacy. Matching that concern is a physical primal on the keyboard for muting the microphone. It has an LED to let yous know it's engaged.
The Spectre'southward hinges are the double-hinged variety. They wait and feel great by not beingness too stiff, simply besides like shooting fish in a barrel to operate. Flipping the display around and property the Spectre similar a tablet is similar any other convertible experience, which is not fantastic, but the sheer variety of options for viewing content is certainly welcomed.
Full Hard disk is just right
HP Spectre x360 xiii display and inking
Source: Daniel Rubino/Windows Central
HP is even so committed to the 16:9 aspect ratio in this 13.iii-inch Ultrabook. That'southward a fleck of a shame. Dell has moved to 16:ten, and judging by our audition (and my personal preference), information technology is the clear pick amongst many.
That said, HP's panel is very good for a few reasons. I tested the full HD (1080 ten 1920) touch display and the results are impressive, with 100 percentage sRGB, 78 per centum AdobeRGB, and 81 percentage DCI-P3. Those numbers are in line with other meridian-tier Ultrabooks, but it's nice to see here too.
Brightness is decent, with a peak reading of 442 nits and a depression (zero percent effulgence) of just 14 nits. There is no automobile-adapt sensor, simply users tin toggle brightness with two defended keys.
Putting aside metrics, it's an outstanding LCD. Reflectivity is much lower than the previous model without losing vividness from like matte screens. Colors are bright, punchy, and sharp.
HP'due south micro camera is very pocket-size and flanked by dual LEDs for Windows Hello. Source: Daniel Rubino/Windows Central
While the dazzling 4K AMOLED option may tempt some, keep in mind that likewise the actress $200, you will likely take a 20 to thirty percent striking on battery life. The total HD brandish, notwithstanding, is then skilful y'all must really justify needing 4K.
HP's new micro web camera is quite small, merely it still managed to squeeze in a Windows Hello infrared (IR) photographic camera for logging into the Os. The camera is OK and passes for video, merely the quality is nix outstanding. Still, considering the size of that top bezel, its inclusion is an engineering marvel.
HP's pen is very good. An included leather sleeve (another overnice touch on) has a pen holder born non to lose information technology.
Awesome keyboard, stock-still trackapd
HP Spectre x360 thirteen keyboard, trackpad, and audio
Source: Daniel Rubino/Windows Primal
HP's keyboards are some of the best in the business organisation. With the new tighter space, the Spectre'southward keyboard stretches edge to edge. It'due south an excellent look. Central travel is aplenty, much more than so than Dell, and the keys are some of the largest square chiclet-style effectually.
Even the font HP uses is quite lovely, which is just amplified by the backlighting. Sure, the contrast with the low-cal is less with silver keys, merely it is generally readable.
On the keyboard deck is a fingerprint reader. That may seem redundant with the Windows Hello IR camera, but if you use the webcam kill switch, this reader gives you lot a proficient fallback option for instantly logging into Windows ten. It worked well, and I have no complaints.
For years, the HP's trackpads were its Achilles heel. They were only bad compared to everyone else's considering HP refused to adopt Microsoft'southward Precision Drive model. That'south all inverse, and I'chiliad happy to report that the Spectre now has a wonderful trackpad. It's a fleck narrow due to the deck's footprint, simply it's a decent size, and the clicking is consistent and just well done.
I was concerned with the Spectre losing ii speakers from the top deck audio would be compromised. Simply I was pleasantly surprised to find the lesser (just to the side) speakers are loud with tremendous sound separation and audio-visual allegiance. The Bang & Olufsen-tuned and amplified speakers are some of the best in this course. Information technology'due south loud, crisp, and excellent for movies and music.
Just average, but that'due south OK
HP Spectre x360 13 power, benchmarks and bombardment
Source: Daniel Rubino/Windows Central
The Spectre falls in line with other Intel tenth Gen Ultrabooks with similar specifications. In raw benchmarks, Dell still wins out for operation as its thermal solution is only better at letting the CPU stretch its legs. Does it matter for day-to-solar day work? Not actually, merely if you are looking for the most ability out of your Ultrabook, Dell wins out.
Geekbench five
Geekbench v.0 (CPU) (Higher is ameliorate)
| Device | CPU | Unmarried core | Multi core |
|---|---|---|---|
| HP Spectre x360 13 | i7-1065G7 | i,006 | 3,402 |
| Dell XPS 13 2-in-i 7390 | i7-1065G7 | i,209 | 3,571 |
| HP Elite Dragonfly | i7-8665U | 1,125 | 2,942 |
| Dell XPS 13 (9300) | i7-1065G7 | 1,284 | iv,848 |
| Lenovo Yoga C740 | i5-10210U | i,094 | 3,767 |
| Galaxy Book Due south | SD 8cx | 685 | two,681 |
| Surface Pro Ten | SQ1 | 725 | 2,819 |
| Acer Swift 7 | i7-8500Y | 732 | 1,106 |
| Surface Laptop 3 13.five | i5-1035G7 | one,177 | iv,413 |
| Surface Pro 7 | i5-1035G4 | 1,191 | iv,441 |
PCMark
PCMark 10 Express
| Device | Score |
|---|---|
| HP Spectre x360 13 | 4261 |
| Dell XPS 13 ii-in-1 | four,554 |
| HP Aristocracy Dragonfly | 3,716 |
| Lenovo Yoga C740 | 4,941 |
| LG gram 17 | 4,157 |
| Acer Swift 5 (SF514-54T) | four,415 |
| Surface Pro 7 (i5) | three,992 |
| Surface Laptop 3 15 (AMD) | 4,006 |
| Dell XPS xiii ii-in-1 (7390) | 4,427 |
| Dell Inspiron thirteen 7390 2-in-one | three,764 |
| Dell XPS fifteen 7590 | 5,521 |
SSD
CrystalDiskMark (Higher is amend)
| Device | Read | Write |
|---|---|---|
| HP Spectre x360 (Optane) | two,092 MB/s | 515 MB/south |
| Dell XPS 13 2-in-i | 2,400 MB/s | 1,228 MB/south |
| HP Elite Dragonfly (Optane) | 2,124 MB/due south | 548 MB/south |
| Lenovo Yoga C740 | 3,408 MB/s | ii,982 MB/s |
| LG gram 17 (2020) | 3,477 MB/s | 2,900 MB/s |
| Surface Laptop iii 15 | two,028 MB/south | 806 MB/southward |
| Surface Laptop iii 13.5 | two,338 MB/s | i,583 MB/southward |
| Acer Swift 5 (SF514-54T) | i,641 MB/s | ane,025 MB/s |
| Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme (Gen ii) | iii,416 MB/s | 3,016 MB/s |
| Lenovo ThinkPad P53 | 3,567.23 MB/s | ii,813.25 MB/southward |
| Lenovo ThinkPad P52 | 3,120 MB/s | 1,551.5 MB/southward |
| Dell XPS 15 7590 | 3,000 MB/s | 2,796 MB/s |
| MSI PS63 Modern | 3,300 MB/s | one,875 MB/southward |
.
Storage is a bit tricky. HP is big on using Intel'south Optane (32GB) system combined with a PCIe NVMe SSD. Optane is supposed to human action as a cache for your most frequently used apps, helping them launch faster. Because of that, raw speeds, especially for writing to disk, are seemingly slower in benchmarks but don't reflect the reality.
Source: Daniel Rubino/Windows Central
The battery is quite adept, though not record-breaking. The 60WHr gets near 8 to 9 hours in real-world usage give or take based on the display's effulgence. That's both co-ordinate to my experience and using Microsoft's battery study feature in Windows 10. That'south all-day power, only Dell's XPS 13 ii-in-i tends to go about an extra hour despite it having a smaller battery.
HP does give you lot a 65-watt charger in the box, however, versus Dell'south smaller 45 watts alternative.
For heat, HP did fans and noise well. For regular utilise like web browsing and productivity, the dual-fans will not be much of an issue. Running more than enervating apps and those fans volition come up one, and due to the metallic chassis, the laptop tin get warm, simply never hot. But because of the design here, and what I think is a less than an innovative thermal solution (compared to Dell), the Spectre's performance is held back moderately.
Best overall value
HP Spectre x360 thirteen is easy to recommend
Source: Daniel Rubino/Windows Central
HP has done a remarkable task with the late-2019 Spectre x360 xiii. The brandish now matches most of the competition, and information technology looks outstanding. The display panel, keyboard, sound, and the sheer number of features like including a pen, dual Windows Hello options, and that Type-A port makes it simply the best valued 2-in-1 Ultrabook on the market.
And that is what it comes down to for this review. If yous have $1,100 and you want a convertible Ultrabook, this is the one to get.
That is non to say all is perfect, though. HP should consider moving to 16:10 for the brandish aspect ratio. Microsoft set the tendency with the taller three:2, merely now Dell is embracing 16:10, and others volition soon too. It is non but about getting more screen space, either. Using sixteen:ten would make the area where your palms balance on the keyboard deck roomier and more comfortable. It too ways a taller trackpad. There is a cascading effect hither that could benefit HP's engineering science chops.
The Spectre x360 thirteen clearly stands out from the competition.
The USB Blazon-A port with drop jaw is undoubtedly artistic, but if you lot thought getting the orientation correct with a Type-A plug was already challenging, expect until you add together a clamp to the mix. It'due south overnice to take, but the frustration makes you understand why Type-A needs to die a quick death.
There's also the look of the Spectre, which is admittedly, entirely subjective. While I capeesh the "gem cutting" design and the creativeness to make information technology happen, information technology just feels a flake as well fancy for a modernistic laptop. Many companies are embracing symmetrical, square designs with fewer angles, not more. That is why even though the Dell XPS 13 two-in-1 is significantly more expensive (+$300, and no pen) I prefer the look and feel of it over the Spectre. Indeed, I overall like the XPS xiii 2-in-1 better, but it's hard to ignore that substantial increment in price over HP.
Overall, HP continues to do clever piece of work on the Spectre line. They conspicuously stand out from the contest, and the total corporeality of stuff you get in this PC is unmatched for the price. Luckily, it's not all just most value equally the ability, performance, and overall feel besides matches that high praise putting this the top of our list of the best Windows laptops.
4K OH-LED!
HP Spectre x360 13 (late 2022)
They stock-still almost everything
The HP Spectre x360 only had a few things keeping it from greatness, and now those things are here. Microsoft Precision touchpad drivers, 4K AMOLED display with anti-glare, 4G LTE, new 10th Gen Intel processor, and a massive threescore percent reduction in bezel size makes this all-new Spectre x360 13 the best convertible e'er.
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Source: https://www.windowscentral.com/hp-spectre-x360-13-late-2019-review
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