HP Spectre x360 16 review
The HP HP Spectre x360 16 ranks as the #588 laptops globally, achieving a LibraScore of 69. Across all metrics, this product stands out most for its #336-ranked connectivity among 416 laptops. Consider the HP ZBook Firefly 15 G7 or HP EliteBook 855 G7, which offer higher scores while staying in the same price range.
Is it Worth it?
The HP Spectre x360 16 is an intriguing device that combines the best features of its smaller counterpart with a dedicated GPU. However, battery life falls short at just 5 hours and 33 minutes, and performance is not fully utilized, with multi-core speeds lagging behind competitors. Despite this, it still offers a high-quality OLED display, sleek design, and decent gaming capabilities. Whether or not it's worth the investment depends on individual priorities - for those who value portability above all else, this device may be a hard sell.
Build
The HP Spectre x360 16 boasts a sturdy build, with a durable aluminum chassis that exudes premium quality. The 16-inch OLED display is the star of the show, offering vibrant colors and crisp visuals. Weighing in at just over 4 pounds, this laptop is easy to carry around without sacrificing style or performance. The hinge mechanism allows for seamless transitions between laptop and tablet modes, making it a versatile tool for creators and professionals alike. The larger power brick (140W) is a welcome addition, providing more than enough juice to keep the dedicated GPU running smoothly. Overall, the build quality of the HP Spectre x360 16 is top-notch, delivering on its promise of style and substance. Consider discovering the power of HP ProBook 465 G11, featuring the latest advancements in build.
Display
The display on the HP Spectre x360 16 is a highlight of the laptop. The 2.8k resolution OLED panel is stunning, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks. The screen is also very responsive to touch, making it a pleasure to use. However, the battery life in relation to the display seems subpar, lasting only 5 hours and 33 minutes. The dedicated GPU and Intel Core Ultra processor are expected to push the laptop's performance further, but unfortunately, the multi-core speeds were lower than anticipated. Overall, the display is a strong point for the HP Spectre x360 16, even if it doesn't live up to its full potential. You might prefer HP EliteBook 860 G11, designed with an upgraded display for a better experience.
Performance
The HP Spectre x360 16's performance is disappointing, with multi-core speeds significantly lower than its 14-inch counterpart despite having the same CPU. Single-core clock speeds are identical to competitors, but multi-core tests take an unusually long time to complete. The average core clock speed and CPU power consumption also trail behind the 14-inch model. This suggests that the hardware is fine, but software or BIOS updates are needed to unlock the laptop's full potential, particularly for gaming at high resolutions. For a superior performance, HP ProBook 650 G8 could be the right choice.
Battery and Charging
The HP Spectre x360 16's battery life is disappointing, with an 83Wh battery lasting just 5 hours and 33 minutes. This falls short of the expectations set by its smaller counterpart, the HP Spectre 14. Despite its larger capacity, the battery life is subpar, making it a notable drawback for this otherwise impressive laptop.
Connectivity
The HP Spectre x360 16 boasts improved connectivity options. The laptop features Wi-Fi 7, a swappable card slot, and two fans that provide adequate cooling. However, the port selection is typical, with one USB-A, two Thunderbolt 4 ports, an HDMI output, and a headphone jack. The lack of an SD card reader or additional USB ports is notable, but overall, connectivity has been enhanced on this model. You may find HP EliteBook 860 G11 a better fit, thanks to its superior connectivity.
Features
The HP Spectre x360 16 boasts a 16in OLED display, Intel Core Ultra i7-755h processor, 16GB LPDDR5x memory, and an NVIDIA RTX 4050 GPU. It features a 1TB M.2 NVMe SSD and Wi-Fi 7 connectivity. The laptop's design includes a large power brick and swappable Wi-Fi card. If you’re after a better features, HP ProBook 465 G11 could be the ideal option.
Support and Maintenance
The HP Spectre x360 16 has some notable issues with support and maintenance. Performance is disappointing, with multi-core speeds much lower than expected. This results in slow performance, even when using demanding applications like Mozilla Firefox. Battery life also falls short, with an 83Wh battery only lasting 5 hours and 33 minutes. Fans remain quiet, but at the cost of underutilized thermal headroom. Overall, a software update is needed to unlock this laptop's full potential.
Pros
1. The 16in OLED display is beautiful with a resolution of 2.8k.
2. The laptop has a dedicated GPU, which allows for good gaming performance.
3. The fan noise was always pretty low even under full load.
4. The RTX 450 is running as it should, making it suitable for casual gaming.
5. The swappable Wi-Fi 7 card and two fan solution are nice upgrades.
6. The laptop has a sleek and sturdy design with only four screws to remove.
Cons
1. The battery life was not nearly as good as the 14in model, getting only 5 hours and 33 minutes before needing to charge.
2. The performance of the laptop was subpar, with multi-core speeds being lower than expected.
3. Single core clock speeds were identical to the competition, but multi-core speeds were way too low.
4. The CPU power output was also lower than expected, topping out at around 28-29 Watts.
5. The average core clock speeds were higher on the 14in model, which is puzzling.
6. The laptop's performance profile did not make a difference in pushing the laptop to its full potential.
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