Before deciding between the Apple MacBook Pro 14 and the HP Spectre x360 14, consider your needs. The MacBook Pro generally offers higher performance suitable for demanding tasks like video editing and software development and has a longer battery life, but comes at a higher price. The Spectre x360, while more affordable, offers good performance for everyday tasks, and its 2-in-1 design is great for flexibility and portability. If using specific software available only for macOS or prioritizing build quality and screen are important, lean towards the MacBook. Choose the Spectre if budget is a concern or if a touchscreen and Windows compatibility are priorities. 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 14 (2021)
Excellent overall display quality
Best in class overall build quality
Excellent battery life
Best in class keyboard
Advantages of the HP Spectre x360 14
The HP Spectre x360 14 has no clear advantages over the Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021).
Key differences
Screen Quality
9.2/10
8.6/10
14.2in
SIZE
14.0in
3024 x 1964
RESOLUTION
2880 x 1800
Mini LED
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
OLED
120Hz
REFRESH RATE
120Hz
479.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
384.0 nits
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 has a better screen than the HP Spectre x360 14 for general use, AI, and engineering and design, while the HP Spectre x360 14 has a better screen for software development.
The Apple MacBook Pro 14's screen stands out for general use and engineering due to its high-resolution display, which offers crisp images and exceptional brightness, alongside its wide color coverage that is essential for design work. However, it falls short for 3D applications because it lacks a high refresh rate, which is crucial for smooth visuals in motion-intensive tasks. Conversely, while the HP Spectre x360 14 provides a very good visual experience for both general use and design with respectable brightness and color accuracy, its screen is not optimal for gaming and 3D either, due to a similar deficit in refresh rate.
Battery
13.5 Hours
9.0 Hours
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 has 13.5 hours of battery life. The HP Spectre x360 14 has 9 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.
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 14 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
$1,630
$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 14 costs $1,630.
The HP Spectre x360 14 and Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021) are both very good for general use.
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 offers a powerful CPU and high-quality RAM, which makes it excellent for demanding applications, while its high-resolution screen and long battery life ensure a premium experience for general use; however, it is less portable due to its weight and size. The HP Spectre x360 14, on the other hand, also provides strong performance with a quality CPU and ample RAM, plus the advantages of a versatile 2-in-1 design and lighter weight for better portability, making it a very good option for on-the-go use while not compromising on screen quality and battery life.
Gaming and AI
6.8/10
6.8/10
4.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
4.2/10
3024 x 1964
RESOLUTION
2880 x 1800
120Hz
REFRESH RATE
120Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
8.7/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
9.5/10
The HP Spectre x360 14 and Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021) are both only fair for gaming and AI.
The Apple MacBook Pro 14, while having a strong GPU, is limited by its lower screen refresh rate and compatibility issues with many popular games that don't run on its operating system. The HP Spectre x360 14 offers more flexibility for gaming due to its operating system's compatibility with a wider range of games, despite its GPU not being as robust as the MacBook's, and it also has a lower refresh rate which might affect fast-paced gaming experiences.
Engineering and Design
8.2/10
8.4/10
6.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.8/10
4.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
4.2/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The HP Spectre x360 14 and Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021) are both very good for engineering and design.
The MacBook Pro 14 offers a powerful CPU, high-quality GPU, and exceptional screen quality which are essential for demanding engineering and design tasks, yet the HP Spectre x360 14 stands out with similar performance capabilities, and adds the versatility of a convertible design with a high-quality keyboard, making it very suitable for engineering and design professionals who value the flexibility to switch between laptop and tablet modes. While both are equipped with sufficient RAM, the HP's 2-in-1 feature could be a deciding factor for those prioritizing adaptability alongside strong core specs.
Content Creation
8.4/10
8.7/10
6.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.8/10
3024 x 1964
RESOLUTION
2880 x 1800
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
Mini LED
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
OLED
The HP Spectre x360 14 and Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021) 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
8.4/10
6.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.8/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
3024 x 1964
RESOLUTION
2880 x 1800
9.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.0/10
The HP Spectre x360 14 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.
Portability
Very Good
Very Good
14.2in
SIZE
14.0in
3.5 lbs
WEIGHT
3.4 lbs
0.6in
THICKNESS
0.6in
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021) and HP Spectre x360 14 both have very good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Give feedback
We’re constantly working to improve.
How the Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021) and the HP Spectre x360 14 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."
"The numbers don’t lie — the HP Spectre x360 14 (2024) is a star, and a hell of a one at that. From performance to battery life, this machine is a dream. But why didn’t I give it a perfect score? Well, I wish the display performed better and that there were more ports to go around. If you’re itching for someone a little cheaper that offers a brighter display and significantly more battery life, I can only recommend the MacBook Pro 14 as a suitable substitute. Otherwise, the HP Spectre x360 14 (2024) is the perfect choice for those who want a reliable premium laptop."
Get a great deal on the Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021) or the HP Spectre x360 14
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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