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What we think
The PerfectRec laptop team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you prioritize portability and price, the Dell XPS 13 is a solid option with a lower cost, lighter weight, and smaller size, making it convenient to carry. However, it offers less screen real estate and lower resolution than the HP Spectre x360. The HP Spectre, though more expensive and heavier, provides a larger, higher-resolution screen, better for multitasking and media consumption, and has a longer battery life. Both have similar processing power and RAM, suitable for general use and tasks like programming or photo editing. For intensive tasks like gaming or video editing, neither is ideal, but the better screen on the Spectre might edge it slightly ahead in such scenarios. 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 Dell XPS 13
- Excellent portability
- Excellent keyboard
Advantages of the HP Spectre x360
- Very good for general use
- Very good for engineering and design
- Very good for software development
- Very good for content creation
Key differences
Engineering and Design
7.2
8.0
6.2/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.0/10
3.6/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.8/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The HP Spectre x360 is very good for engineering and design, while the Dell XPS 13 is good.
The Dell XPS 13 has a powerful CPU and sizable RAM for handling engineering software, and a high-quality screen making it suitable for design tasks, while being lighter and thinner for increased portability. In contrast, the HP Spectre x360 offers similar RAM and a higher resolution touchscreen that can be used as a tablet, with an even more robust CPU and significantly higher battery capacity, but it is heavier and thicker, which may affect its ease of transport.
Content Creation
7.7
8.2
6.2/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.0/10
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
3072 x 1920
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The HP Spectre x360 is very good for content creation, while the Dell XPS 13 is good.
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
7.5
8.3
6.2/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.0/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
3072 x 1920
9.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.0/10
The HP Spectre x360 is very good for software development, while the Dell XPS 13 is good.
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
7.2
7.6
13.4in
SIZE
16.0in
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
3072 x 1920
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
442.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
406.0 nits
The HP Spectre x360 has a better screen than the Dell XPS 13 for general use, engineering and design, content creation, and software development.
For general use, the Dell XPS 13's display offers clarity and vibrancy due to its resolution and brightness, making it suitable for a variety of tasks, while the HP Spectre x360 enhances that with even better brightness and sharpness, ideal for everyday activities from browsing to streaming. In engineering and design work where precise color representation is crucial, the Spectre x360's wider color gamut ensures that designs are accurate and vibrant. However, neither the Dell XPS 13 nor the HP Spectre x360 are optimal for gaming or 3D work because their screens don't support high refresh rates, which are necessary for smooth motion and gameplay.
Battery
10.0 Hours
11.0 Hours
The Dell XPS 13 has 10 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
Excellent
Good
13.4in
SIZE
16.0in
2.5 lbs
WEIGHT
4.7 lbs
0.5in
THICKNESS
0.7in
The Dell XPS 13 has excellent portability, while the HP Spectre x360 has good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Cost
$850
$1,000
$400
$600
$800
$1,000
$1,200
$1,400
$1,600
The Dell XPS 13 has a price of $850 and the HP Spectre x360 costs $1,000.
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Key similarities
General Use
7.7
8.2
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
3072 x 1920
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
442.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
406.0 nits
10.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
11.0 Hours
9.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.0/10
9.3/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
7.3/10
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers HP Spectre x360 to be very good for general use, while the Dell XPS 13 is good.
The HP Spectre x360 stands out for its larger, higher resolution touchscreen and longer battery life, making it very versatile for a range of general use situations, including as a tablet. In contrast, the Dell XPS 13, while offering excellent keyboard and build quality, lacks the convertible touchscreen feature and has a smaller sized, less bright display, which might make it less appealing for those who prioritize screen quality and versatility.
Gaming and AI
6.2
6.6
3.6/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.8/10
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
3072 x 1920
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
8.7/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
8.0/10
The HP Spectre x360 and Dell XPS 13 are both only fair for gaming and AI.
The HP Spectre x360 offers better performance for gaming and 3D due to its more powerful CPU, which can handle more complex tasks than the Dell XPS 13's less powerful CPU. Additionally, even though both have similar Intel Iris Xe graphics, the HP has a higher-resolution screen which provides a more detailed and immersive visual experience, while the Dell's lower pixel density may not deliver as sharp images during gaming and 3D rendering.
Build Quality
8.5
8.5
The Dell XPS 13 and HP Spectre x360 both have very good build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
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How the Dell XPS 13 and the HP Spectre x360 compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Dell XPS 13 | HP Spectre x360 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$850 | $1,000 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | August 1, 2022 | May 1, 2023 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 11.6'' x 7.9'' x 0.55'' | 14.1'' x 9.7'' x 0.78'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 2.59 lbs | 4.74 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 11.63" | 14.09" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 7.86" | 9.66" | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | Intel i7-1250U | Intel i7-13700H | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 16 GB | 16 GB | |
DDR Memory Version | |||
DDR Memory Version | 5 | 4 | |
RAM Slots | |||
RAM Slots | 0 | 0 | |
Storage | |||
Storage | 512 GB | 512 GB | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 10 Hours | 11 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 51 Wh | 90 Wh | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Diagonal Size | |||
Diagonal Size | 13.4" | 16" | |
Display Technology | |||
Display Technology | IPS | IPS | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 1920 x 1200 | 3072 x 1920 | |
Refresh Rate | |||
Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | |
Display Brightness | |||
Display Brightness | 442 nits | 406 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 8.5/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Portability Score | |||
Portability Score | 9.3/10 | 7.4/10 | |
Gaming Laptop Appearance | |||
Gaming Laptop Appearance | No | No | |
Premium Business Laptop | |||
Premium Business Laptop | No | No | |
Fan Noise Score | |||
Fan Noise Score | 8.8/10 | 8/10 | |
HARDWARE FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Keyboard Quality Score | |||
Keyboard Quality Score | 9/10 | 8/10 | |
Speaker Quality Score | |||
Speaker Quality Score | 9.5/10 | 9.6/10 | |
Webcam | |||
Webcam | 720p | 1440p | |
Fingerprint Reader | |||
Fingerprint Reader | No | Yes | |
Backlit Keyboard | |||
Backlit Keyboard | Yes | Yes | |
Number Pad | |||
Number Pad | No | No | |
CONNECTIVITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
USB Type-A | |||
USB Type-A | 0 | 1 | |
USB-C ports | |||
USB-C ports | 2 | 2 | |
USB-C Charging | |||
USB-C Charging | Yes | Yes | |
Display Outputs | |||
Display Outputs | 2 | 3 | |
Thunderbolt Version | |||
Thunderbolt Version | 4 | 4 | |
Shopping
Dell XPS 13
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Dig into reviews and images
The Verge
Monica Chen | April 2023
"In the past, the XPS 13 was a hands-down contender for the best laptop on the market. But the Apple-silicon MacBook has since barrelled onto the scene, and it wipes the floor with most of the ultraportable Windows laptops that cross my desk on a daily basis. This XPS is no exception. Compared to the M2 MacBook Air, battery life is worse."
HP Spectre x360
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Dig into reviews and images
PCMag
Eric Grevstad | August 2022
"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 Dell XPS 13 or the HP Spectre x360
About Dell
Dell is a highly recognizable American technology company, and is one of the largest personal computer vendor by market share. Their laptops are very popular for both personal and professional use, and they also own the Alienware brand which makes mid to high end gaming laptops. Their premium XPS range of laptops offer great build quality and portability, while Latitude and Precision laptops are known for reliability, repairability and performance for business users.
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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