HP Spectre x360 16 (2024) Review

In the crowded market of premium laptops, creating a machine that truly stands out for both its power and its elegance is a monumental task. The 2024 HP Spectre x360 16 rises to this challenge, blending high-end components with a sophisticated design that caters directly to the modern creative professional. It’s a device that doesn’t just ask for your attention; it commands it.

HP’s latest flagship convertible arrives with a clear mission: to be the ultimate all-in-one for creators who refuse to be tethered to a desk. At its heart is Intel’s new Core Ultra processor, a significant leap forward that integrates a dedicated Neural Processing Unit (NPU) for accelerating AI-driven workflows. Paired with an optional NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 GPU, the Spectre is more than just a productivity machine. It chews through 4K video timelines in Adobe Premiere Pro and handles complex photo edits with impressive speed. While it’s not a purpose-built gaming rig, the RTX 4050 provides enough muscle for solid 1080p gaming sessions, making it a truly versatile performer.

The design language of the Spectre line has always been about sophisticated luxury, and this model is no exception. The chassis is crafted from a single block of CNC-machined aluminum, giving it a rigid, premium feel with no discernible flex. The signature gem-cut corners are still present, housing a Thunderbolt 4 port on one side and a 3.5mm headphone jack on the other—a clever design choice that keeps cables out of the way. However, this premium build comes with considerable heft. At around 4.75 pounds (2.15 kg), it’s a substantial machine, and while the 360-degree hinge is smooth and sturdy, using this device as a handheld tablet for extended periods is more of a theoretical capability than a practical one.

Undoubtedly, the star of the show is the 16-inch, 2.8K OLED display. With a fluid 120Hz variable refresh rate, colors are not only incredibly vibrant and blacks are truly absolute, but motion is buttery smooth. It’s an IMAX Enhanced certified panel, making it an absolute dream for media consumption. Below this stunning screen sits a comfortable, well-spaced keyboard with satisfying key travel. The large haptic touchpad is also excellent, providing precise tracking and customizable feedback that rivals the best in the business. Another standout feature is the new 9MP IR webcam. It delivers exceptionally sharp, clear video that puts the 1080p cameras found in most rivals to shame, and its AI-powered features like auto-framing and low-light correction work seamlessly.

Ultimately, the Spectre x360 16 (2024) carves out a niche for itself as a premium, do-it-all convertible. Its price tag puts it in direct competition with heavyweights like the Dell XPS 16 and Apple’s MacBook Pro. It may not be the absolute most powerful device for its price, nor is it the most portable. Instead, its value lies in its incredible versatility. It’s a powerful workstation, a gorgeous media device, and a capable digital canvas (with an included stylus) wrapped in one of the most elegant chassis on the market.

The HP Spectre x360 16 (2024) is a masterclass in compromise, but in the best way possible. It’s for the creative professional, the demanding prosumer, or the well-heeled student who needs a single, do-it-all machine that excels in display quality, input methods, and raw versatility, without demanding the specialized power—or the trade-offs—of a dedicated gaming laptop or mobile workstation.

Where to Buy:

Check it out on Amazon