Ahmad Noor
If you’re looking for the most elite portables in working laptops, then you have come to the right place. We have a comparison between two top-of-the-line contenders in their category for you. From the two rival companies, we have Dell XPS 13 vs. HP Spectre x360. Both the laptops have perfect benchmark scores, but, there can only be one true champion. Principally, there is a major difference between the two machines. X360 is a 2-in-1 laptop with a touch screen display that folds back. Whereas, the Dell XPS is a non-touch display. But, when you compare the specs and performance of the two machines, they are on par.
Dell XPS 13 vs HP Spectre X360 Comparison Table
| Details | Dell XPS 13 | HP Spectre X360 |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | i7-1065G7 | i7-1065G7 |
| RAM | 16GB | 16GB |
| Storage | 2TB SSD | 1 TB SSD + 16 GB Optane Memory |
| Graphics | Iris Plus | Iris Plus |
| Display | 3840 x 1200 4K (16:10) | 3840 x 1200 4K AMOLED (16:9) Touch Display |
| Battery | Approx. 12 hours | (Approx. 10 Hours) |
| Ports | 2 x USB C, Micro SD, Headphones Jack | 1 x USB A, 2 x USB C, Micro SD, 1 x Audio Jack |
| Measurements | 0.58 inches thick | 0.53 inches thick |
| Availability |
Both the laptops are available in base and fully upgraded variants. Depending upon the price you can pay, you have a degree of flexibility. In our comparison, we’ll look at the fully updated version of both machines. Also, we will talk about the variants released in 2022.
Also read:
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Huawei Matebook X Pro vs Dell XPS 13
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Dell XPS 13 VS HP Spectre x360 Detailed Comparison
Design
Let’s talk about the design first. After all, first impressions matter right. When you bring that new device out of the casing, it’s the looks that attract you first. Do not fret. Both the laptops are of top-notch premium quality. Sleek and attractive designs are a selling point for both Dell XPS 13 and HP Spectre X360. Bezels are almost non-existent on the models. It makes the overall size not much larger than the display size. HP’s Spectre, however, comes with a 360-degree hinge built-in for a 2-in-1 experience as well. So if you are looking for a tablet design, HP Spectre x360 is the option for you.
In terms of actual dimensions, the Dell XPS 13 is 0.58 inches at the thickest point and weighs around 1.27 KGs. However, the Spectre is only 0.53 inches and weighs 1.26 KGs on the scale. The difference is hardly noticeable, but it is there. The real question is whether you want a clamshell model or a 2-in-1.
Performance
CPU & Memory: Both the laptops are equipped with Ice Lake 10th Generation CPU chips and come with core i7 variants. The chips are incredibly power-efficient and conduct virtually no heat to the keyboard or the trackpad. They are sufficiently powered, but the real powerhouses are the sister chips, the Comet Lake. Ice Lake is targeted towards efficiency but can still power through everyday tasks in a breeze. Both the machines come with 16 GBs of RAM.
Storage: Both the machines are equipped with upgradable SSDs. The Dell XPS 13 comes with a max of 2 TB Hard drive SSD. HP Spectre, however, utilizes the new Intel Optane memory technology. Long story short, it increases memory performance and makes your system’s response faster.
Graphics: Both of the systems are packing the new Iris plus integrated graphics. Iris plus scores are almost double than the traditional Intel integrated graphics on all benchmarks. That means that both systems will provide you with some gaming power. However, you cannot consider them hard-core gaming machines as they don’t carry dedicated graphics. It would be impossible to fit dedicated GPUs in sleek machines like Dell XPS 13 and HP Spectre X360.
Overall, Dell XPS 13 vs. HP Spectre X360 shows almost equal performance both on paper and on the ground. The only advantage of Spectre is Optane memory technology.
Display
The systems are available in a 4k screen version. The screen ratio of Dell (16:10) is better than the Spectre (16:9). But, Spectre has a 360-degree hinge that allows it to be used as a tablet as well. Moreover, Spectre is armed with AMOLED display technology. AMOLED is capable of giving even pitch-black color a vibrant life of its own. The colors would be crisp and well-defined. Both gaming and content watching on the Spectre X360 is a better experience. Also, Spectre comes with a stylus and touch screen option that you will not get from the XPS 13.
Connectivity
When it comes to connectivity, the brand names are guilty of cutting down connecting ports in the name of portability. Dell XPS 13 is no different; the sleek design only offers two USB type C ports (Thunderbolts). Although it is in line with new technology, most users still have use for the old USB type-A ports. You will not get that with Dell. But, it has a Micro SD card reader which you might find useful.
On the other hand, HP seems to have gone against the modernization norm. They have kept a USB type-A port along with two USB Type C ports and a Micro SD card reader. As a user, it is a great convenience to have an older connector port available with flagship models.
Battery Life
The Dell XPS 13 boasts a 14 hours running battery life. Keeping your schedule in mind, usually means that it can go without a charge for an entire day. But, these timings are for everyday tasks. But, you significantly reduce battery life if you want to run demanding tasks on your machine. Depending upon what you are doing, it could come down to six hours.
Spectre, on the other hand, offers ten hours of usage time with routine tasks. Also, the battery life drops to four hours when you go all out. The timings are not bad, but in comparison with the XPS 13, they are relatively low.
Both the systems charge with a thunderbolt port and can charge fully in just a little over an hour.
Audio
Dell has opted for speakers on the bottom of the system yet again. That means that you will not be able to get excellent audio performance from the XPS 13. The Spectre’s performance is not markedly better either. The speakers are still below the system, but the edge design allows them room to put out voice. But, they run very shrill at louder volumes.
Verdict
Dell XPS 13 and HP Spectre X360 are flagships in their respective categories from each company. That means they do not come easy on the pocket. Both the systems, however, live up to their titles of flagships. Performance-wise, both are almost equal, but the Spectre X360 takes a little bit of a lead with the Optane memory and AMOLED display technology.
Even though both the systems are ranked at the top, but, there can only be one champion. According to our verdict, it is the X360. In addition to the already mentioned superior features, it also boasts a 360-degree hinge allowing it a 2-in-1 tablet mode operation as well. That being said, it ultimately depends upon the requirement of the user. And you should not spend money on something that you do not need.
Noman Khan
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