When looking for portable 2-in-1 laptops, two series of HP brands that stand out from the rest are HP Spectre and HP Envy. Both series offer highly attractive and supremely functional laptops that provide 2-in-1 functionality and come in extremely portable designs.
Most people are not able to differentiate between the two laptops. While there are some major differences in their design apparently, in terms of specs they are often considered similar.
I am here to explain how these two laptops differ from each other, which aspects of these laptops stand out, and which one can be considered better than the other. I will be discussing their specs, features, and performance standards in detail to help you figure out which one of the two is better.
Contents
HP Spectre x360 vs HP Envy x360 – An In-Depth Comparison
Before we dive into details, let’s compare the technical specifications of both laptops.
| Laptop Name | HP Spectre x360 | HP Envy x360 |
| Display Details | ||
| Display Size | 14 Inches | 14 Inches |
| Display Resolution | 2880 x 1800 | 1920 x 1200
2880 x 1800 |
| Refresh Rate | 120 Hz | 60 Hz
120 Hz |
| Display Type | OLED | IPS LCD
OLED |
| Aspect Ratio | 16:10 | 16:10 |
| HDR Support | Yes, HDR10 | No (IPS)
Yes (OLED) |
| Touchscreen | Yes | Yes |
| Max Brightness | 500 Nits | 300 Nits (IPS)
500 Nits (OLED) |
| CPU Details | ||
| CPU(s) | Intel Core Ultra 5 125H
Intel Core Ultra 7 155H |
Intel Core Ultra 5 125U
Intel Core Ultra 7 155U AMD Ryzen 5 8640HS AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS |
| Base Frequency | 1.2 – 1.4 GHz | 1.7 GHz (Intel)
3.3 – 3.5 GHz (AMD) |
| Turbo Frequency | 4.5 – 4.8 GHz | 4.3 – 4.8 GHz (Intel)
4.9 – 5.1 GHz (AMD) |
| Cores | 14 – 16 | 12 (Intel)
6-8 (AMD) |
| Threads | 18 – 22 | 14 (Intel)
12 – 16 (AMD) |
| Integrated GPU | Arc Graphics | Arc Graphics (Intel)
Radeon 760M (AMD) |
| GPU Details | ||
| Dedicated GPUs | No | No |
| Memory (RAM) | ||
| Available RAM | 16 GB, 32 GB | 8 GB, 16 GB, 32 GB |
| Memory Type | LPDDR5x | LPDDR5 |
| Clock Speed | 7467 MHz | 6400 MHz |
| Total RAM Slots | 2 | 2 |
| Max RAM | 32 GB | 32 GB |
| Storage | ||
| Storage Size | 512 GB – 2 TB | 512 GB – 2 TB |
| Storage Type | SSD (M2) | SSD (M2) |
| Storage Slots | 1 | 1 |
| NVMe | Yes | Yes |
| Bus | PCI-E Gen 4 | PCI-E Gen 4 |
| Sound | ||
| Speakers | 2 Tweeters, 2 Subwoofers | 2 Speakers |
| Dolby Atmos | No | No |
| Microphones | 2 | 2 |
| Wireless Connectivity | ||
| Wi-Fi Chip | v7 | v7 |
| Bluetooth Chip | v5.4 | v5.4 |
| Connectivity Ports | ||
| USB Ports | 1x USB 3.2 Type-A
2x USB 4.0 Type-C |
2x USB 3.2 Type-A
2x USB 4.0 Type-C |
| Thunderbolt 4 | Yes | Yes |
| HDMI Port | No | Yes (1x HDMI 2.1) |
| DisplayPort | No | No |
| Audio Jack | Yes | Yes |
| Ethernet | No | No |
| SD Card Reader | No | No |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | 68 Wh | 59 Wh, 68 Wh |
| Battery Type | Li-Po | Li-Po |
| Replaceable | No | No |
| Fast Charging | Yes | Yes |
| Charge Power | 65 Watts | 65 Watt |
| Dimensions | ||
| Dimensions | 12.35 x 8.68 x 0.67 inches | 12.33 x 8.62 x 0.67 inches |
| Weight | 3.18 Lbs | 3.06 Lbs |
| Screen-to-Body Ratio | 82.2 (Approx) | 82.9% Approx |
| Side Bezels | 6.1 mm | 5.9 mm |
Now that you have an idea about the specs of both laptops, let’s dive into a detailed comparison of the two.
Performance
HP Spectre x360 is the flagship model of the HP brand, which means it is bound to be better in terms of performance. It is equipped with H series processors, both Core i5 and Core i7, which provide higher processing speeds and power.
Hence, in terms of performance, the HP Spectre x360 can be ranked higher than the HP Envy x360. However, you must know that the difference in performance is not that significant.
Also, if you are getting the HP Envy with AMD Processor, instead of Intel, it would make the HP Envy series faster and more powerful. The AMD variants available only in the HP Envy model provide faster processing speeds and also better overclockable speeds.
When tested against benchmarks, with AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS processor, the HP Envy provides slightly better performance than HP Spectre x360, which only has options in Intel-based processors.
You must also keep in mind that the laptops do not have upgradable memory. So, while both laptops do offer similar max RAM, the minimum RAM for HP Envy is 8 GB which makes it a more budget-friendly choice. Also, you can upgrade the RAM later on and must choose your desired RAM size in the beginning.
Gaming
Neither of the laptops is made for gaming. Both laptops are professional or business models that are made for students and professionals. While they boast about their portability and high processing power, they do not come with a dedicated GPU.
If you want to use these laptops for gaming, you will only be able to run older games or some of the casual games and won’t be able to get high-end graphical performance in terms of gaming.
However, as I mentioned before, HP Envy x360 does come with AMD processor variants, which have Radeon-powered integrated GPU that provides better gaming performance compared to ARC integrated GPU that is combined with Intel processors.
Hence, when tested for performance with popular games, the HP Envy x360 provides better performance and is able to run more games as compared to the HP Spectre x360.
Display
HP Spectre x360, being the flagship model, comes with an OLED display and doesn’t have an IPS option available. Hence, you will get an amazing resolution and excellent visual clarity which is often reflected in the price as well.
As for the HP Envy x360, you have the option to go with either the IPS LCD display or the OLED display. If you go with an IPS display, you will get a lower refresh rate and lower resolution which also means a reduced price.
However, if you choose the OLED display, you will get exactly the same resolution and refresh rate as the HP Spectre x360, but for a slightly lower price.
Also, the HP Envy comes with thinner bezels on the display and provides a slightly more screen-to-body ratio compared to the HP Spectre x360.
Adding to this, both laptops have touchscreen functionality and support HDR10 in their OLED variants. So, it can be said that both laptops are equal in terms of their display functionalities and offer similar advantages.
Battery Life
Again in battery performance, if you are choosing the same specs in both laptops, you have equal battery performance. While the HP Spectre x360 only offers a 68 Wh battery, the HP Envy x360 does provide an option to go with a 59 Wh battery with lower specs.
Both laptops support fast charging and provide efficient features. They come with long-lasting batteries that are fully charged in little over an hour and provide all-day-long battery life.
Adding to this, their performance in terms of battery usage and charging is almost equivalent. However, the HP Spectre x360 can be termed slightly better of the two, as it is the more advanced and better in terms of performance.
Portability
In terms of portability, both laptops again stand as equal. While HP Envy is slightly lighter, the difference is non-significant and doesn’t amount to much. To be precise, the HP Envy model is 0.12 pounds lighter than the HP Spectre model.
Even their dimensions are almost identical, which only goes to show that both laptops are very similar to each other. Since both are 360-degree convertible, you can convert them into tablet forms and use them comfortably while on the move.
Both of these laptops are known for their extreme portability and are considered two of the most portable laptops by HP. Their design, material, and durability are almost identical.
Connectivity Options
There are some significant differences in both laptops in terms of connectivity options. HP Spectre x360, despite being the flagship model, lacks a few options that HP Envy provides while being at a lower price.
The HP Spectre comes with 1 USB Type-A port and 2 USB Type-C ports, while the HP Envy provides 2 USB Type-A and 2 USB Type-C ports. The additional USB Type-A port gives the latter an edge in terms of connectivity options.
Adding to this, the HP Envy also comes with an HDMI 2.1 port, which is not available in the HP Spectre x360. Hence, HP Envy can be considered the winner if compared in terms of connectivity options.
In terms of wireless connectivity options, both laptops come with similar chipsets for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth and offer similar connectivity.
Pricing
Last but not least, when we compare the pricing of the two models, the HP Envy is slightly cheaper than the HP Spectre. As we have discussed several times the HP Spectre is the flagship model and comes in a stunningly aesthetic design. So, I believe the higher price is for its design.
When we compare the two laptops with similar specs, the HP Envy is more budget-friendly but lacks some of the aesthetic edges. But that doesn’t mean that it is not an attractive laptop. It has a style of its own.
Pros and Cons of HP Spectre x360
Pros
Attractive and Unique Design
Flagship Model
Better Performance
Exceptional Portability
Wide Range of Attractive Features
Cons
Only 1 USB Type-A Port
No HDMI Port
RAM is not upgradable
Pros and Cons of HP Envy x360
Pros
Slightly Better Performance in Gaming
Offers Slightly More Screen-to-Body Ratio
Slightly Lighter than the HP Spectre
Has More Variants Available
Additional USB Type-A Port
HDMI 2.1 Port
Less Costly Than HP Spectre x360
Cons
Slightly Less Powerful CPU than HP Spectre x360
Lacks Aesthetics of the Other Laptop
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the HP Spectre x360 better than the HP Envy x360?
Both laptops are considered similar in almost all aspects. However, in terms of design and aesthetics, the HP Spectre can be termed slightly better than the HP Envy, as it comes in a stunningly unique and attractive design.
What does the HP Envy x360 have that the HP Spectre x360 doesn’t?
HP Envy x360 comes with more variants in terms of CPU, RAM, and Display options. Also, it has more connectivity options as it provides an additional USB Type-A port and an HDMI port, which are not present in HP Spectre x360.
Which one is better for gaming?
Neither laptop is made for gaming as they both do not have a dedicated GPU. So, when used for gaming, they provide quite average performance. However, if you are using HP Envy with an AMD processor, then you will get slightly better gaming performance.
Which one is more expensive: the HP Spectre x360 or the HP Envy x360?
The HP Spectre x360, being the more attractive flagship model of the brand, is priced slightly higher than the HP Envy x360. It provides slightly better CPU performance and has an attractive design that stands out.
Wrapping Up!
Summing it all up, both HP Spectre x360 and HP Envy x360 can be considered similar in terms of their technical specifications and functionality. Both laptops have a lot of similarities and differences are almost non-significant.
HP Envy x360 is more versatile, provides more options in terms of CPU, RAM, and Display options, is slightly lighter in weight, and offers better connectivity support with an additional USB Type-A and an HDMI port.
HP Spectre x360 on the other hand offers slightly better performance, is priced higher, and is equipped with H-series processors which offer better processing. Also, it stands out in terms of its design and aesthetics and is considered the more attractive of the two.
If I were to choose one, I would definitely recommend you to go with the HP Envy x360, as it has more options in terms of variants and provides you with better connectivity. Also, it offers more value for your money and is priced slightly lower than the other laptop.