HP Spectre x360 14 (2024/2025) Review

Flexible Brilliance, Premium Performance

HP’s Spectre line represents the pinnacle of their consumer laptop design, and the now-available Spectre x360 14 for 2024/2025 elevates the premium 2-in-1 experience. Merging a breathtaking OLED display option, the latest AI-enhanced Intel processors, sophisticated collaboration tools, and a highly flexible convertible design, it appeals to professionals, students, and creatives who value versatility alongside portability and power. This premium convertible delivers a remarkably complete package in today’s competitive market.

Why the Buzz? The Spectre x360 14 Advantage

Simply Stunning Display: Prepare for visual immersion. The Spectre x360 14 features an exceptional 14-inch OLED touchscreen display option with a sharp 2.8K resolution (2880×1800) and a smooth, adaptive 48-120Hz Variable Refresh Rate (VRR). It delivers incredibly vibrant colors (100% DCI-P3), true infinite blacks, exceptional contrast, and great brightness, often with IMAX Enhanced certification. Naturally, it supports touch and active pen input (pen usually included), making everything from creative work to entertainment look absolutely spectacular.
Unmatched Versatility & Premium Build: As a 2-in-1 convertible, this laptop offers unparalleled flexibility with laptop, tent, stand, and tablet modes. Crafted from premium, CNC-machined aluminum, it feels solid and luxurious while remaining relatively thin and light for a convertible. It’s designed for adaptability without compromising on a high-end feel.
Cutting-Edge Performance with AI: Powered by Intel® Core™ Ultra processors (typically Core™ Ultra 7 options available), the Spectre x360 14 provides responsive performance for demanding productivity, multitasking, and creative workflows. Crucially, these chips include enhanced NPUs (Neural Processing Units) that accelerate on-device AI tasks, enhancing features within Windows 11 (like Copilot) and HP’s own suite of tools (like AI-powered camera effects and optimizations).
The Collaboration Champion: HP has focused heavily on the hybrid work experience. It boasts a high-resolution 9MP webcam with IR for Windows Hello, enhanced by AI features like auto framing, background blur, and low-light adjustment. Combined with quad speakers tuned by Poly Studio supporting DTS:X Ultra, it provides a superior video conferencing and multimedia audio experience.

Powering Your Workflow: Graphics, Battery & Connectivity

Graphics Performance: Everyday tasks, streaming, and productivity are handled smoothly by the integrated Intel® Arc™ graphics built into the Core Ultra processor. This is suitable for photo editing, mainstream use, and even light gaming or video work. However, be aware that it relies solely on these integrated graphics; users needing significant GPU power should look elsewhere.
All-Day Potential Battery: Leveraging the efficiency of the Intel chips and the adaptive refresh rate display, the Spectre x360 14 offers solid battery life designed to get you through a typical workday (real-world longevity varies with usage). It charges conveniently via USB-C.
Next-Gen Wireless & Ports: Equipped with Wi-Fi 6E (potentially Wi-Fi 7 ready depending on configuration) and Bluetooth 5.3 or newer for fast, reliable wireless connections. Despite its slim profile, it includes essential ports: 2x Thunderbolt™ 4 (USB-C), 1x USB-A 3.2 (often drop-jaw), and a 3.5mm headphone/mic jack.

Key Specifications Snapshot (Current Model – Early 2025)

Processor: Intel® Core™ Ultra 5 or Core™ Ultra 7 (with NPU)
Graphics: Integrated Intel® Arc™ graphics
Display: 14-inch 2.8K (2880×1800) OLED, 48-120Hz VRR, Touchscreen, Pen Support (IPS options may exist)
Memory: 16GB or 32GB LPDDR5X (soldered)
Storage: Fast NVMe SSD (512GB / 1TB / 2TB options)
Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6E / 7-ready, Bluetooth 5.3+
Ports: 2x Thunderbolt™ 4 (USB-C), 1x USB-A 3.2 (drop-jaw), 3.5mm audio jack
Features: 2-in-1 Convertible Design, Premium Aluminum Build, 9MP IR Webcam with AI features, Quad Speakers (Poly Studio/DTS:X Ultra), Fingerprint Reader, Pen Included, Backlit Keyboard, Haptic Touchpad.
Approximate Starting Price: Often starts around $1,499 – $1,699 USD, higher for upgraded specs (prices vary).

Is the Spectre x360 14 Your Ideal Convertible? Considerations:

Premium Price: Reflecting its high-end features, build, and 2-in-1 nature, it commands a premium price.
Primarily Integrated Graphics: Excellent for most tasks, but not suitable for demanding gaming or heavy GPU rendering.
Keyboard Feel: Thin convertibles often have shallower key travel than traditional laptops, though HP keyboards are generally well-regarded.
RAM Not Upgradeable: Choose the RAM configuration (16GB or 32GB) you need upfront as it’s soldered.
Slightly Heavier than Clamshells: The hinge mechanism and convertible nature add a small amount of weight and thickness compared to non-convertible ultraportables of the same screen size.

How It Competes in the Premium Ultra-Portable Arena (April 4, 2025):

vs. Samsung Galaxy Book 5 Pro: Spectre offers 2-in-1 versatility; Book 5 Pro is a lighter clamshell with deep Samsung ecosystem ties. Both boast stunning OLEDs and Core Ultra performance.
vs. Dell XPS 13 / 14: The XPS 13 (2-in-1 option exists but less common now) and XPS 14 (clamshell) compete on premium build and display quality. Spectre wins on built-in flexibility vs. the XPS 14 clamshell. Choice may depend on design preference and specific features.
vs. Apple MacBook Air (M3): Choose MacBook for macOS, battery efficiency, and Apple ecosystem. Choose Spectre for Windows, 2-in-1 flexibility, OLED display, and touch/pen input.
vs. Lenovo Yoga 7i/9i series: Direct 2-in-1 competitors often offering similar specs (Core Ultra, OLED options) and premium features. Choice often comes down to design preference, keyboard feel, and specific pricing/configurations.
vs. LG Gram: Gram models (clamshell or 2-in-1) focus on being the absolute lightest; Spectre prioritizes a more robust premium feel and potentially brighter/higher-spec OLED.

The Verdict for Professionals & Creatives on the Go (April 4, 2025):

The HP Spectre x360 14 (2024/2025) is an outstanding choice if:

You highly value the versatility of a 2-in-1 design (laptop, tablet, tent, stand).
You demand a superb visual experience, particularly with the vibrant OLED display option.
You need strong, modern performance for productivity and creative tasks, enhanced by AI capabilities.
You prioritize excellent video conferencing features (webcam, audio).
You appreciate premium build quality and sophisticated aesthetics.
You primarily use Windows and want integrated touch and pen support.

You might look elsewhere if:

You absolutely do not need 2-in-1 flexibility and prefer the lightest possible clamshell.
You require dedicated high-end graphics performance.
Your budget is more constrained.
You are deeply embedded in the Apple or Samsung device ecosystems.

For those seeking a premium Windows convertible that blends stunning visuals, adaptable design, cutting-edge performance for its class, and refined collaboration tools, the HP Spectre x360 14 sets a very high standard. It’s a versatile powerhouse wrapped in a luxurious package.