HP Spectre x360 14 Review: 8.6/10 - Gorgeous 2-in-1 Convertible
Overview
The HP Spectre x360 14 (2024) is a stunning 2-in-1 convertible powered by Intel’s Meteor Lake Core Ultra processors. Starting at $1,449, it combines a gem-cut premium design with versatile tablet and tent modes, making it one of the most attractive and functional convertibles on the market.
Design & Build
HP’s gem-cut design language - with precisely diamond-cut faceted edges finished in a choice of Nightfall Black, Nocturne Blue, or Slate Blue - remains one of the most distinctive in the laptop world. The all-aluminum chassis is sturdy, with minimal flex despite the convertible hinge mechanism. At 3.19 pounds (1.44 kg) and 0.67 inches thick, it’s heavier than traditional clamshell ultrabooks, but that’s the trade-off for 360-degree hinge functionality. The hinge action is smooth and well-damped at all angles.
Performance
Intel’s Core Ultra 7 155H (16 cores, 22 threads, up to 4.8 GHz) with integrated Arc graphics represents a genuine leap in iGPU performance - roughly 2x faster than previous Iris Xe graphics. The NPU (Neural Processing Unit) enables on-device AI features in Windows Studio Effects and compatible apps. In Geekbench 6, expect ~2,400 single-core and ~12,500 multi-core. The Arc graphics handle 1080p gaming at Medium-High settings and accelerate video encoding in Handbrake and Premiere Pro.
Display
The 14-inch 2.8K (2880x1800) OLED touchscreen with 120Hz refresh is absolutely gorgeous. 100% DCI-P3, 500 nits peak brightness, and DisplayHDR True Black 500 certification deliver rich, vibrant content with perfect blacks. The touch response is excellent with full active pen support (HP MPP2.0 tilt pen included). Corning Gorilla Glass NBT protects the surface. The 3:2 aspect ratio is ideal for productivity, offering more vertical screen real estate than 16:10 or 16:9 panels.
Battery Life
The 68Wh battery delivers 11-14 hours of real-world productivity use, helped by Intel Meteor Lake’s improved efficiency. Video playback can stretch to 15+ hours. The 65W USB-C charger provides fast charging - 50% in 30 minutes. OLED and high refresh rate take their toll if you push brightness, but overall battery life is competitive for a convertible.
Keyboard & Trackpad
The Spectre keyboard features 1.5mm key travel that’s comfortable for extended typing sessions, with well-spaced keys and a responsive, quiet mechanism. The glass trackpad is large, smooth, and supports multi-touch gestures flawlessly. The trackpad also houses a discrete fingerprint reader - convenient and secure.
Ports & Connectivity
2x Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C), 1x USB-A 3.2 Gen 2, 3.5mm audio jack, and a microSD card reader. Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 are standard. The inclusion of both Thunderbolt 4 and a legacy USB-A port strikes a good balance for modern and older peripherals.
Pros
- Stunning 2.8K OLED touch display with 120Hz and 3:2 aspect ratio
- Eye-catching gem-cut design with premium materials
- Intel Core Ultra with Arc graphics and integrated NPU
- Smooth and versatile 360-degree hinge
- Good keyboard with 1.5mm travel
- Active pen included
Cons
- Heavier than traditional clamshell ultrabooks
- No full-size HDMI port
- MicroSD instead of full SD card slot
- Premium price over comparable clamshells
- Active pen lacks built-in storage slot
Verdict
The HP Spectre x360 14 is arguably the most beautiful Windows convertible you can buy in 2024. Intel’s Meteor Lake processors, the gorgeous OLED touch display, and the versatile 360-degree design make it an excellent choice for professionals and creatives who want a single device that can serve as both a laptop and a tablet. The premium price is justified by the design, display quality, and build materials. If you’re looking for a premium Windows convertible that turns heads, this is it.
Technical Specifications
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