When choosing between the Dell XPS 13 and the HP Spectre x360 14, consider that the Dell XPS 13 is generally more cost-effective and offers a balance of performance and portability, ideal for everyday use and business tasks. The HP Spectre x360 14, while typically pricier, provides a versatile 2-in-1 design with touchscreen capabilities, which can be more suitable for creative tasks or presentations. Additionally, it often has a slightly larger screen, which could be better for those who prioritize screen real estate. Battery life may be better on the Spectre x360, so if you often work on the go without access to power, that could sway your decision. However, if portability and saving money are your main concerns, the Dell XPS 13 could be the preferred choice. 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
Very good battery life
Excellent keyboard
Advantages of the HP Spectre x360 14
Very good for general use
Very good for engineering and design
Very good for software development
Very good for content creation
Very good overall display quality
Key differences
General Use
7.7/10
8.7/10
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
2880 x 1800
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
OLED
442.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
384.0 nits
10.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
9.0 Hours
9.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.0/10
9.3/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
8.4/10
The HP Spectre x360 14 is very good for general use, while the Dell XPS 13 is good.
The Dell XPS 13 offers a balance of portability and performance with its efficient CPU and RAM setup, paired with a high-quality screen, making it suitable for everyday tasks, while its compact design and long battery life enhance its use on the go. The HP Spectre x360 14, on the other hand, adds versatility with its convertible design, providing similar performance and screen quality but with the added advantage of a touch screen and a pen for those who value flexibility and creative input, albeit with a slight increase in weight and size.
Gaming and AI
6.2/10
6.8/10
3.6/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
4.2/10
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
2880 x 1800
60Hz
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 Dell XPS 13 are both only fair for gaming and AI, though the HP Spectre x360 14 is somewhat better.
The Dell XPS 13 and HP Spectre x360 14 have integrated graphics rather than dedicated gaming GPUs, limiting their performance for gaming and 3D applications where a high refresh rate and powerful GPU are crucial. While they offer good screen quality and capable CPUs, their screens' refresh rates are not designed for the high frames per second sought by gamers, making them more suited for general use rather than high-end gaming or intensive 3D tasks.
Engineering and Design
7.2/10
8.4/10
6.2/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.8/10
3.6/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
4.2/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The HP Spectre x360 14 is very good for engineering and design, while the Dell XPS 13 is good.
The HP Spectre x360 14 often comes with a high-end CPU and GPU, more RAM, and a superior screen, essential for demanding engineering software and tasks which require high performance and good visual fidelity. On the other hand, while the Dell XPS 13 offers quality components that can handle engineering tasks, its lighter build and quieter operation make it more suitable for those prioritizing portability and a comfortable work environment over maximum power.
Content Creation
7.7/10
8.7/10
6.2/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.8/10
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
2880 x 1800
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
OLED
The HP Spectre x360 14 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
7.5/10
8.4/10
6.2/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.8/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
2880 x 1800
9.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.0/10
The HP Spectre x360 14 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
7.2/10
8.6/10
13.4in
SIZE
14.0in
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
2880 x 1800
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
OLED
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
120Hz
442.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
384.0 nits
The HP Spectre x360 14 has a better screen than the Dell XPS 13 for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, content creation, and software development.
The Dell XPS 13 offers a vivid and sharp display, making it suitable for everyday tasks and professional design work due to its high resolution and decent brightness, but lacks a high refresh rate for smooth 3D rendering. The HP Spectre x360 14 provides an exceptional visual experience for both general use and creative professionals with its higher brightness and wide color gamut support, ensuring accurate colors, but like the Dell, it isn't ideal for gaming or 3D work because of its insufficient refresh rate. Both laptops, while offering quality displays for general use and engineering, fall short for gaming or 3D tasks that rely on fast screen refresh for fluid motion.
Portability
Excellent
Very Good
13.4in
SIZE
14.0in
2.5 lbs
WEIGHT
3.4 lbs
0.5in
THICKNESS
0.6in
The Dell XPS 13 has excellent portability, while the HP Spectre x360 14 has very good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Cost
$850
$1,630
$0
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
The Dell XPS 13 has a price of $850 and the HP Spectre x360 14 costs $1,630.
"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."
"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 Dell XPS 13 or the HP Spectre x360 14
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.
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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