HP Spectre x360 14 Review

HP Spectre x360 14 (2024): The Art of the Convertible, Perfected

In the crowded arena of premium ultrabooks, it takes more than just powerful specs to stand out. It requires a statement—a blend of artistry, engineering, and user-centric design. For years, HP’s Spectre line has made that statement, and the 2024 Spectre x360 14 elevates it to a new level. This isn’t just an iterative update; it’s a refined masterpiece that challenges the dominance of Dell’s XPS and Apple’s MacBook, offering a compelling argument for the convertible as the ultimate productivity tool.

A Masterclass in Industrial Design

Picking up the Spectre x360 14 is an experience in itself. The CNC-machined aluminum chassis is impeccably rigid, with no discernible flex in the keyboard deck or lid. HP has softened its signature “gem-cut” edges from previous generations, striking a more mature balance between sharp, modern aesthetics and practical comfort. The beveled corners, which house a Thunderbolt 4 port and a 3.5mm headphone jack, remain a clever and distinctive design choice. At just under 3.2 pounds, it feels substantial and premium without being burdensome, a perfect companion for the mobile professional.

The 360-degree hinge is smooth yet firm, allowing the device to transition effortlessly between laptop, tent, stand, and tablet modes. While many 2-in-1s feel like a compromise, the Spectre feels intentional in every orientation, a testament to its refined engineering.

Performance That Keeps Pace

Under the hood, our review unit features an Intel Core Ultra 7 155H processor, 16GB of LPDDR5x RAM, and a 1TB NVMe SSD. This is the new standard for flagship ultrabooks, and the Spectre handles it with grace. Everyday productivity tasks, from juggling dozens of browser tabs to editing high-resolution photos, are dispatched without a whisper from the fans. The inclusion of Intel’s new Neural Processing Unit (NPU) is a forward-looking touch, promising to accelerate future AI-powered applications directly on the device.

However, let’s be realistic. The integrated Intel Arc graphics are a significant step up from previous Iris Xe solutions, capable of handling light video editing and casual gaming. But this is not a gaming rig. Attempting to run demanding AAA titles will result in a slideshow. The thermal management is competent, keeping the chassis from getting uncomfortably hot under sustained load, though you will hear the fans spin up during more intensive tasks. Battery life is solid for an OLED-equipped machine, reliably providing 8-10 hours of mixed productivity use, which should get most users through a standard workday.

A Display That Dazzles

The star of the show is unequivocally the 14-inch, 2.8K OLED display. With its tall 3:2 aspect ratio, it’s a productivity powerhouse, showing more vertical content than traditional 16:9 screens. Colors are breathtakingly vibrant, contrast is infinite thanks to perfect blacks, and the 120Hz variable refresh rate makes every scroll and animation feel buttery smooth. It’s an absolute joy for everything from editing spreadsheets to watching HDR content.

The primary drawback is its glossy finish. While this helps colors pop, it’s also highly reflective, making it challenging to use in direct sunlight or brightly lit rooms. While the panel gets bright enough to partially compensate, you’ll find yourself contending with reflections.

A Symphony of User Experience

HP has nailed the input methods. The keyboard is spacious and comfortable, offering satisfying tactile feedback and ample key travel. Below it sits a massive, seamless haptic trackpad. It’s a phenomenal implementation, providing precise tracking and customizable click feedback that feels every bit as premium as Apple’s Force Touch trackpad.

The included MPP 2.0 Pen is a welcome addition, attaching magnetically (if a bit weakly) to the side of the device. It’s responsive and excellent for note-taking or quick sketches. To top it off, the 9MP IR webcam is a revelation in a world of mediocre laptop cameras, delivering a crisp, clear image for video calls. The audio, tuned by Poly Studio, is surprisingly robust for a thin-and-light, producing clear and loud sound that’s more than adequate for conferencing and media consumption.

The Final Verdict

The HP Spectre x360 14 is a triumph of design and functionality. It’s an unapologetically premium device that delivers on almost every promise. While its integrated graphics limit its gaming potential and the glossy screen won’t be for everyone, its strengths are overwhelming. The gorgeous OLED display, exceptional build quality, top-tier keyboard and trackpad, and versatile 2-in-1 form factor create a package that is nearly flawless.

This laptop is for the creative professional, the discerning student, or the executive who values flexibility without compromising on power or style. It’s a powerful statement piece that proves a convertible can be the best of all worlds, offering a more versatile and, for many, a more compelling alternative to its traditional clamshell rivals.

Where to Buy:

Check it out on Amazon