If you prioritize performance for tasks like video editing or 3D rendering, the Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021) provides a very high-quality display and a strong processor, but it is pricier and less portable compared to the HP Spectre x360. On the other hand, if you want a more affordable laptop that is versatile, with a touchscreen and the capacity for moderate performance requirements in general usage and some engineering applications, the HP Spectre x360 might be more suitable, though it is heavier and offers less powerful graphics capabilities for intensive tasks. The MacBook tends to have a longer battery life and a better build quality, while the Spectre offers good value with a balance of performance and features at a lower cost. Give Feedback
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Advantages of the Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021)
Excellent overall display quality
Best in class overall build quality
Very good portability
Excellent battery life
Best in class keyboard
Advantages of the HP Spectre x360
The HP Spectre x360 has no clear advantages over the Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021).
Key differences
Screen Quality
9.2/10
7.6/10
14.2in
SIZE
16.0in
3024 x 1964
RESOLUTION
3072 x 1920
Mini LED
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
120Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
479.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
406.0 nits
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 has a better screen than the HP Spectre x360 for general use, AI, and engineering and design.
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021) excels in screen quality for general use and engineering due to its high-resolution display, which offers sharp images and excellent brightness, making it suitable for a variety of tasks, alongside a wide color gamut ensuring accurate color reproduction vital for design work. Although it stands out in these areas, it's less suited for 3D applications because of its standard refresh rate, which doesn't match the smoother visuals required for 3D rendering or high-paced gaming. The HP Spectre x360, while also providing a high-resolution and bright display with a strong color gamut that benefits general and design tasks, similarly lacks a high refresh rate, making it less than ideal for gaming and 3D content where frame rates are crucial for an optimal experience.
Battery
13.5 Hours
11.0 Hours
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 has 13.5 hours of battery life. The HP Spectre x360 has 11 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
14.2in
SIZE
16.0in
3.5 lbs
WEIGHT
4.7 lbs
0.6in
THICKNESS
0.7in
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021) has very good portability, while the HP Spectre x360 has good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
10.0/10
8.5/10
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021) has best in class build quality, while the HP Spectre x360 has very good build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$1,905
$1,000
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
$3,000
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021) has a price of $1,905 and the HP Spectre x360 costs $1,000.
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021) and HP Spectre x360 are both very good for general use.
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021) delivers strong performance with its Apple M1 Pro chip, sharp screen, and long battery life, making it well-suited for general uses that require substantial computing power and durability throughout the day. The HP Spectre x360 also offers robust performance due to its Intel i7-13700H processor and is highly portable with a good keyboard, contributing to a versatile experience for a variety of general tasks.
Gaming and AI
6.8/10
6.6/10
4.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.8/10
3024 x 1964
RESOLUTION
3072 x 1920
120Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
8.7/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
8.0/10
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021) and HP Spectre x360 are both only fair for gaming and AI.
PerfectRec’s Gaming and AI Score strongly emphasizes graphics processing capability, while also taking into account other factors that impact suitability for gaming and AI work.
Engineering and Design
8.2/10
8.0/10
6.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.0/10
4.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.8/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021) and HP Spectre x360 are both very good for engineering and design.
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021) is considered very good for engineering and design because it comes with a powerful Apple M1 Pro CPU and GPU which delivers exceptional performance, and a high-quality Mini LED display with superb color accuracy and brightness, making it ideal for detailed visual work. In comparison, the HP Spectre x360 also supports engineering and design tasks well with its Intel CPU and integrated graphics, offering a good high-resolution IPS display and the flexibility of a 2-in-1 design for tablet-like usage, but it falls short of the MacBook Pro's raw performance and screen excellence.
Content Creation
8.4/10
8.2/10
6.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.0/10
3024 x 1964
RESOLUTION
3072 x 1920
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
Mini LED
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021) and HP Spectre x360 are both very good for content creation.
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
8.3/10
8.3/10
6.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.0/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
3024 x 1964
RESOLUTION
3072 x 1920
9.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.0/10
The HP Spectre x360 and Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021) are both very good for software development.
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.
Give feedback
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How the Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021) and the HP Spectre x360 compare to other laptops
"In the Apple MacBook Pro 14 2023, the M2 Pro is slowed down. From the improved 5nm process, the new M2 Pro is a very solid upgrade. Graphics performance has increased by about 25% in tandem with a clear improvement in efficiency. The processor has also seen a performance leap of up to 20%, but this is accompanied by an increase in consumption of up to 25%. Fundamentally, Apple its maintaining its advantage over AMD and Intel, particularly in optimized applications where the results are very good in view of the comparatively low power consumption."
"As we said, Lenovo's Yoga 9i is a tough competitor to the Spectre with an equally admirable OLED display. We're sad that neither of them has an HDMI port nor a niche or slot to hold the stylus, though the HP wins points for its bundled mini docking station and magnetically attached pen. Your choice will come down to screen shape—and in our eyes, just as seeing an OLED screen spoils you for an IPS panel, enjoying a tall 3:2 display spoils you for a more conventional view. The HP Spectre x360 13.5 is our new favorite 2-in-1."
Get a great deal on the Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021) or the HP Spectre x360
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.
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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Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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