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Updated January 10, 2024·
For better performance in general and engineering tasks, and longer battery life, the Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2020) is the superior choice; however, it comes at a midrange price and lacks a touchscreen and gaming capabilities. The HP Envy x360 15" is a budget-friendly option that includes a touchscreen and larger screen, but it has a shorter battery life and isn't as optimized for heavy workloads or fast motion graphics, although it is suitable for gaming. The MacBook Pro offers a fanless operation which means silent running, while the HP Envy x360 might have audible fan noise. The MacBook is also lighter and more portable, making it easier to carry around. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2020)
- Good for engineering and design
- Good overall display quality
- Best in class overall build quality
- Very good portability
- Best in class battery life
- Best in class speakers
- Best in class keyboard
Advantages of the HP Envy x360 15"
- The HP Envy x360 15" has no clear advantages over the Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2020).
Key differences
Engineering and Design
7.3
6.5
6.0/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
5.6/10
3.9/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.6/10
8.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
The Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2020) is good for engineering and design, while the HP Envy x360 15" is only fair.
The Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2020) is more suited for engineering and design due to its superior screen quality, delivering high brightness and color accuracy which is crucial for detailed graphical work, and the Apple M1 chip that provides efficient performance necessary for engineering applications. Meanwhile, the HP Envy x360 15" has a larger screen but lower resolution and color accuracy, and while its AMD Ryzen processor is capable, it may not match the Apple M1's performance in demanding tasks, making it a less optimal, though more affordable, choice for engineering and design purposes.
Content Creation
7.8
7.3
6.0/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
5.6/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
8.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2020) and HP Envy x360 15" are both good for content creation, though the Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2020) is somewhat better.
PerfectRec’s Content Creation Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for photo editing, video editing and other content creation tasks.
Software Development
7.8
7.2
6.0/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
5.6/10
8.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
9.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.0/10
The Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2020) and HP Envy x360 15" are both good for software development, though the Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2020) is somewhat better.
PerfectRec’s Software Development Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for software developers.
Screen Quality
7.6
6.2
13.3in
SIZE
15.6in
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
491.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
271.0 nits
The Apple MacBook Pro 13 has a better screen than the HP Envy x360 15" for general use, AI, engineering and design, software development, and content creation.
The Apple MacBook Pro 13 has a high-resolution display with a bright panel, offering crisp and vibrant visuals that are essential for both general use and detailed engineering work and design, where color accuracy within wide color gamuts is crucial. However, it lacks a high refresh rate screen, which is critical for the fluid visuals required in 3D applications. On the other hand, the HP Envy x360 15" offers a fair display for everyday tasks and sufficient for basic engineering and design tasks, but its screen doesn't provide the high refresh rates and advanced color capabilities that gaming and 3D graphics demand.
Battery
20.0 Hours
10.0 Hours
The Apple MacBook Pro 13 has 20 hours of battery life. The HP Envy x360 15" has 10 hours of battery life.
Battery life estimate is based on a mix of common use patterns. More portable and higher performing laptops tend to have less battery life.
Portability
Very Good
Good
13.3in
SIZE
15.6in
3.0 lbs
WEIGHT
4.4 lbs
0.6in
THICKNESS
0.7in
The Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2020) has very good portability, while the HP Envy x360 15" has good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
10.0
7.2
The Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2020) has best in class build quality, while the HP Envy x360 15" has good build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$1,249
$430
$0
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
The Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2020) has a price of $1,249 and the HP Envy x360 15" costs $430.
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Key similarities
General Use
7.7
7.2
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
491.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
271.0 nits
20.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
10.0 Hours
9.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.0/10
8.9/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
7.6/10
The Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2020) and HP Envy x360 15" are both good for general use.
The Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2020) delivers silent performance with its fanless operation and excels in screen quality and battery life, enhancing its usability for general activities, whereas the HP Envy x360 15" offers the versatility of a 2-in-1 convertible design with a touchscreen, good speaker quality, and solid build which makes it suitable for diverse general use scenarios.
Gaming and AI
6.3
6.0
3.9/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.6/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
10.0/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
8.7/10
The Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2020) and HP Envy x360 15" are both only fair for gaming and AI.
The Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2020) has an integrated GPU that provides limited 3D performance and a screen with standard refresh rate, offering fair 3D capabilities; however, its MacOS limits access to many popular games. The HP Envy x360 15", also with integrated GPU and standard screen refresh rate, delivers fair performance for gaming and 3D applications on Windows, which supports a wider range of popular games.
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How the Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2020) and the HP Envy x360 15" compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2020) | HP Envy x360 15" |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$1,249 | $430 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | October 1, 2020 | April 1, 2023 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 12'' x 8.4'' x 0.61'' | 14.1'' x 9'' x 0.72'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 3 lbs | 4.43 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 11.97" | 14.07" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 8.36" | 8.99" | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | Apple M1 | AMD Ryzen 5 7530U | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 8 GB | 8 GB | |
DDR Memory Version | |||
DDR Memory Version | 4 | 5 | |
RAM Slots | |||
RAM Slots | 0 | 0 | |
Storage | |||
Storage | 256 GB | 256 GB | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 20 Hours | 10 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 58.2 Wh | 55 Wh | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Diagonal Size | |||
Diagonal Size | 13.3" | 15.6" | |
Display Technology | |||
Display Technology | IPS | IPS | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 2560 x 1600 | 1920 x 1080 | |
Refresh Rate | |||
Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | |
Display Brightness | |||
Display Brightness | 491 nits | 271 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 10/10 | 7.2/10 | |
Portability Score | |||
Portability Score | 8.9/10 | 7.7/10 | |
Gaming Laptop Appearance | |||
Gaming Laptop Appearance | No | No | |
Premium Business Laptop | |||
Premium Business Laptop | No | No | |
Fan Noise Score | |||
Fan Noise Score | 10/10 | 8.8/10 | |
HARDWARE FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Keyboard Quality Score | |||
Keyboard Quality Score | 9.5/10 | 7/10 | |
Speaker Quality Score | |||
Speaker Quality Score | 9.5/10 | 8.4/10 | |
Webcam | |||
Webcam | 720p | 1080p | |
Fingerprint Reader | |||
Fingerprint Reader | Yes | No | |
Backlit Keyboard | |||
Backlit Keyboard | Yes | Yes | |
Number Pad | |||
Number Pad | No | No | |
CONNECTIVITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
USB Type-A | |||
USB Type-A | 0 | 2 | |
USB-C ports | |||
USB-C ports | 2 | 2 | |
USB-C Charging | |||
USB-C Charging | Yes | Yes | |
Display Outputs | |||
Display Outputs | 1 | 3 | |
Thunderbolt Version | |||
Thunderbolt Version | 3 | N/A | |
Shopping
Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2020)
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Dig into reviews and images
NotebookCheck
Andreas Osthoff | June 2022
"The MacBook Pro 13 is still a very good subnotebook. The 2022 MacBook Pro 13 might look like recycling at first, because the device is completely identical to the old model expect for the new M2 SoC. We have to admit that we were surprised to see another iteration of the MBP 13 as well. The laptop is obviously familiar, but this does not change the fact that it is still a very good subnotebook. You get an excellent chassis with good stability, a very good display, good input devices and the new M2 chip is very powerful and efficient."
HP Envy x360 15"
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Dig into reviews and images
CNET
Matt Elliott | January 2023
"Despite its good looks, stellar webcam and comfortable keyboard, the Envy x360 15 is hard to recommend because of its dim, 16:9 display. If the display isn't an issue for you, just be sure to wait for a good sale price. Otherwise, a more modern two-in-one with a 16:10 display such as the Dell Inspiron 16 2-in-1 or Lenovo Yoga 7i 16 provides a larger workspace without adding much to the size and weight of the system."
Get a great deal on the Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2020) or the HP Envy x360 15"
About Apple
Apple, an American technology company, is one of the world’s largest company in terms of market capitalization. Their MacBook laptops feature a slim, minimalistic design, class-leading battery life, and premium display and speaker quality. In 2020 Apple switched from using Intel processors to their own silicon chips which have excellent performance and efficiency. The macOS operating system is the second most widely used OS, after Windows.
About HP
HP, also known as Hewlett-Packard, is an American technology company that develops personal computers and computer peripherals. In the laptop industry, HP is known for its entry level Essential series laptops, its mid-range Pavilion, Envy, and Victus series, and high-end Omen and Spectre series, in addition to its business-oriented EliteBook, ProBook, and Dragonfly series laptops. HP laptops generally undercut other mainstream competitors in terms of price, placing itself as the value-oriented mainstream brand.
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This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec laptops team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest laptop information and makes it digestible for you.
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CEO and Laptops Editor
Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
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