The Dell XPS 15 is slightly more expensive and offers a dedicated GPU which is better for 3D tasks, machine learning, and games, but has a lower battery life and is less portable than the HP Spectre x360. The XPS 15 also has a lower screen brightness and color accuracy compared to the Spectre's higher-resolution touchscreen. Both have the same CPU and RAM, making them similar for general use and engineering tasks. The Spectre's added touch capability and better battery life make it more versatile for on-the-go use, while the XPS offers better performance for graphics-intensive applications. Choose based on whether you prioritize portability and touch functionality or graphics power. 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 15
Excellent keyboard
Advantages of the HP Spectre x360
The HP Spectre x360 has no clear advantages over the Dell XPS 15.
Key differences
Screen Quality
7.4/10
7.6/10
15.6in
SIZE
16.0in
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
3072 x 1920
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
606.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
406.0 nits
The HP Spectre x360 has a better screen than the Dell XPS 15 for general use, engineering and design, and content creation.
If you prioritize a sharp, bright display for tasks like browsing and watching videos, the HP Spectre x360 outshines the Dell XPS 15 with its superior panel quality. For engineering and design professionals requiring accurate color representation, both laptops deliver, but the HP Spectre x360 has a slight edge with better coverage of professional color gamuts. However, gamers and 3D designers looking for fluid motion and fast-paced visuals should consider other options, as both these laptops have lower refresh rates not ideal for such tasks.
Battery
10.0 Hours
11.0 Hours
The Dell XPS 15 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.
The Dell XPS 15 and HP Spectre x360 are both very good for general use.
The Dell XPS 15, with its powerful CPU and ample RAM, serves general use excellently, with high screen quality and solid build, though its portability and battery life are moderate, making it better suited for stationary use or short trips. On the other hand, the HP Spectre x360 offers similar CPU and RAM capabilities but excels in portability due to its convertible 2-in-1 design, longer battery life, and slightly greater emphasis on screen resolution and touch capability for diverse applications, yet it might be slightly bulkier and heavier than the Dell.
Gaming and AI
6.8/10
6.6/10
4.4/10
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
9.1/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
8.0/10
The Dell XPS 15 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
8.1/10
8.0/10
9.0/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.0/10
4.4/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.8/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The Dell XPS 15 and HP Spectre x360 are both very good for engineering and design.
The Dell XPS 15 provides robust performance suitable for engineering and design tasks with a high-quality GPU and vibrant display, but is less portable than the HP Spectre x360, which offers similar CPU and memory capabilities in a more versatile form factor with a 2-in-1 convertible design that may appeal to those prioritizing flexibility and touch functionality. While both laptops have good screen quality and processing power, the XPS 15's dedicated GPU outperforms the Spectre x360's integrated graphics, making it more fitting for GPU-intensive tasks, yet the Spectre excels in portability and is more suited for on-the-go use with its lightweight and convertible features.
Content Creation
8.3/10
8.2/10
9.0/10
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 Dell XPS 15 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
8.1/10
8.3/10
9.0/10
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 and Dell XPS 15 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
Good
Good
15.6in
SIZE
16.0in
4.2 lbs
WEIGHT
4.7 lbs
0.7in
THICKNESS
0.7in
The Dell XPS 15 and HP Spectre x360 both have good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
8.5/10
8.5/10
The Dell XPS 15 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.
Cost
$1,000
$1,000
$400
$600
$800
$1,000
$1,200
$1,400
$1,600
The Dell XPS 15 has a price of $1,000 and the HP Spectre x360 costs $1,000.
Give feedback
We’re constantly working to improve.
How the Dell XPS 15 and the HP Spectre x360 compare to other laptops
"The 2023 Dell XPS 15 is more or less exactly what you'd expect from the company flagship. Its fresh components deliver measurably superior power and longevity, while the machine's premium build and design remain intact. It may not be overly exciting, but XPS loyalists and upgraders should be more than happy."
"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 15 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.
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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About the laptop team
Joe Golden, Ph.D
CEO and Laptops Editor
Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
Jason Lew
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Jason is a staff expert and software engineer that has been making laptop recommendations for 7 years and moderates one of the largest laptop subreddits.
Chandradeep Chowdhury
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.
Craig Russell
Laptops Expert
Craig is a UK-based laptops expert. Craig works in IT, where he recommends and supports laptops and PCs for clients and has been recommending laptops on Reddit for five years.