HP Spectre x360 16-inch 2-in-1 Laptop (2024): A Complete Review

The HP Spectre x360 16-inch laptop is an ideal candidate for professionals and creatives, with multiple work modes and a variety of hardware options to consider. It can be customized to support heavy workloads and high-performance visual output, backed by your choice of display configurations.

Though the Spectre x360 laptop may be a familiar face for HP shoppers and convertible laptop fans, the latest generation of 16-inch models incorporate several key tech upgrades to expand on their versatile convertible form factor. That includes a suite of powerful new AI integrations to help boost your workflow.

Today, we’ll review some finer differences between x360 16-inch configurations and then look at some of the base technology at work. We’ll also unpack critical upgrades like the new Intel® Evo™ platform and look at how passive AI has been applied to streamline computing and improve multitasking.

Powered by an Intel Core™ Ultra 7 155H processor, the Spectre x360 laptop is an effective choice for work and leisure, regardless of how you configure it. For users who routinely handle complex applications or heavy-duty gaming, simply upgrade your RAM and choose a configuration with built-in NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ graphics.

Graphics options are some of the first features you’ll select during checkout. The HP Spectre x360 16-inch laptop supports two different graphics configurations: integrated using Intel Arc™ graphics or discrete using a dedicated NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 GPU. Discrete graphics are a better choice for heavy gaming and visual routines, while integrated graphics easily keep up with most day-to-day demands and the needs of light gamers.

Most configurations also offer your choice of RAM, ranging from base options with 16GB to premium models maxed out at 32GB. You can choose either option regardless of your graphics and display configuration, so compare and contrast with your last laptop. If you feel a little constricted on your current device or plan on expanding your requirements for a new job, you may want to opt for 32GB.

More than just a single piece of hardware or software, Intel Evo is a new category of laptops designed with efficiency and high-performance output in mind. Powered by the latest generations of Intel processors, Evo laptops can do more than their predecessors. That includes waking up from sleep mode in less than a second and better overall performance, as well as high-tech features, like passive AI support for collaboration, multitasking, and improved energy efficiency.

Given the already huge importance of day-to-day computing for work and leisure, it’s no surprise that digital collaboration is becoming more important every day. With its focus on flexibility, the Spectre x360 is the perfect platform for the new generation of augmented tools for multitasking, remote work, and easy conferencing with colleagues.

That includes a 9MP camera with integrated night mode, so you don’t have to worry about clarity during the day or your on-screen lighting situation when the workday runs over. You can also use a variety of built-in filters to tweak your appearance and AI noise reduction to ensure no one is missing out on critical details during even a crowded online meeting.

Given our variety of products and the importance of a stable supply chain, sustainability is always an important feature of product design. That starts at the basics and includes everything from packaging to product design. When you buy a new Spectre x360 from HP, it ships in 100% plastic-free packaging certified by the Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC) for its sourcing.

That also extends to key product features. In addition to powerful new AI features that tweak your energy usage to minimize footprint, the Spectre x360 16-inch laptop is ENERGY STAR®-certified for efficiency and enjoys an EPEAT® Gold registration with Climate+. That means it meets the highest standards for energy efficiency and stays compliant throughout the life of the device.

As discussed above, the Spectre x360 has several configuration options and at least two display variations to consider. The base variant packs a high-resolution WQXGA (2560 x 1600) display with in-plane switching (IPS), micro-edge glass, and a dynamic refresh rate to maximize performance and minimize energy expenditure.

For users who prioritize visual output and graphics performance, there’s also an upgraded 2.8K (2880 x 1800) OLED configuration. Though the 2.8K version skips the variable refresh rate (up to 120 Hz), you will enjoy boosted resolution on top of all the other x360 display amenities and a higher brightness rating of 500 nits for an improved HDR experience.

Backing up its visual output, the Spectre x360 16-inch laptop also features an immersive audio setup standard across all configurations. That’s perfect for users who value a truly portable device, keep a busy streaming schedule, or just want to avoid depending on peripherals for the most high-fidelity audio experience.

When it comes to hardware for the x360 16-inch, that includes a large top-firing tweeter on both sides of the keyboard. It also features two front-firing woofers mounted on either side of the generous oversized touchpad, so you can enjoy high-quality audio without resorting to external speakers or packing a dedicated set of headphones.

With the profusion of new peripherals and deepening emphasis on mobile devices, good onboard graphics and audio aren’t the only things that make a versatile laptop computer. You also need plenty of ports and connections to handle your preferred suite of hardware peripherals - whether it's to accommodate a device you use every day or one that pops up every now and then.

In particular, you’ll enjoy 2x Thunderbolt™ 4 connections with USB Type-C to support high-performance peripherals requiring a high signaling rate that charge through the same connection. It also features a USB Type-A connection, HDMI, and a hook-up for external audio like speakers and headphones.

Of course, no discussion of portability and laptop functionality is complete without understanding its battery and connectivity potential. To maximize your computing time while on the go, the HP Spectre x360 16-inch laptop features a 6-cell, 83Wh Li-ion polymer battery that provides up to 10 hours of computing time and as many as 14 hours or more for video playback.

Beyond wired peripherals and battery life, wireless connectivity is also a key consideration when choosing a new laptop. The Spectre x360 16 features Intel WiFi 6E AX211 for faster and more efficient transmission, as well as Bluetooth 5.3 with great range and support for high-fidelity audio output - so you can always connect and stay connected.

Not familiar with 2-in-1 laptops? Also known as convertible laptops, our x360 models bridge the gap between a dedicated PC workstation and smaller devices, like tablets and drawing pads, that help promote mobility and alternative work styles. You can use an x360 like a traditional laptop or fold the keyboard back against your display for tablet-style, boosting your mobility and making it easier to work from less conventional workspaces, like a cozy couch or your favorite neighborhood cafe.

Since the x360 line is designed for mobility, you can almost invariably count on these laptops for trim measurements and low overall product weights. It measures well under an inch in thickness at only 0.78 inches, about the same as a thick magazine or a small paperback. It’s also lightweight, weighing only 4.3 lbs out of the box.

Overall, the HP Spectre x360 16-inch Laptop is a premium PC designed for performance and mobility. The powerful Intel Core Ultra 7 155H processor makes each configuration a strong option for heavy workloads, while Intel Evo and the new slate of AI integrations add efficiency and simplify your collaborative workflow.

You can also enjoy a variety of powerful graphics upgrades, like a dedicated NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 GPU and the optional high-resolution 2.8K (2880 x 1800) OLED display. Enjoy the standard configuration at an affordable price point, or configure your x360 into a powerhouse for portable gaming, creativity, and work.

Thanks to a sustainable build and more dynamic energy consumption, the HP Spectre x360 16 is a flexible choice for almost any scenario. With ENERGY STAR and EPEAT’s competitive Climate+ rating, you can find desirable performance upgrades for almost any user while reducing your carbon footprint.