When choosing between the HP Spectre x360 14 and the Lenovo ThinkPad Z16, consider that the Spectre is usually less expensive and offers a flexible 2-in-1 design with a touchscreen, making it more suitable for portability and casual use. On the other hand, the ThinkPad Z16 typically has stronger performance and more robust build quality, better suited to intensive tasks and business environments. If you prioritize savings and versatility, the Spectre might suit you, while if you need power and durability for demanding applications, you may lean towards the ThinkPad Z16. Both have their merits; align your choice with your primary needs. 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 HP Spectre x360 14
Very good portability
Advantages of the Lenovo ThinkPad Z16
Excellent keyboard
Key differences
Screen Quality
8.6/10
8.5/10
14.0in
SIZE
16.0in
2880 x 1800
RESOLUTION
3840 x 2400
OLED
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
OLED
120Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
384.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
393.0 nits
The HP Spectre x360 14 has a better screen than the Lenovo ThinkPad Z16 for gaming and AI, software development, and content creation, while the Lenovo ThinkPad Z16 has a better screen for engineering and design.
The HP Spectre x360 14 offers a bright, high-resolution display that makes it great for everyday tasks and viewing fine details necessary in engineering and design, despite its lower refresh rate which hampers gaming experiences. The Lenovo ThinkPad Z16 combines these attributes and adds superior color coverage, enhancing precision for professional design work, but still falls short for gaming due to a refresh rate that isn't tailored for high-speed graphics. Both laptops, while excelling in visual clarity and color for most uses, aren't optimized for gaming, where smooth motion and quick screen updates are key.
Battery
9.0 Hours
7.0 Hours
The HP Spectre x360 14 has 9 hours of battery life. The Lenovo ThinkPad Z16 has 7 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
14.0in
SIZE
16.0in
3.4 lbs
WEIGHT
4.2 lbs
0.6in
THICKNESS
0.6in
The HP Spectre x360 14 has very good portability, while the Lenovo ThinkPad Z16 has good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
The HP Spectre x360 14 and Lenovo ThinkPad Z16 are both very good for general use.
The HP Spectre x360 14 offers a balance of strong CPU performance, ample RAM, and high screen quality while being lightweight and having long battery life, making it ideal for everyday mobility and consistent use. Conversely, the Lenovo ThinkPad Z16, although heavier, provides similar CPU and RAM specifications, a durable build, and exceptional battery life, with additional emphasis on a comfortable keyboard and efficient heat management suited for prolonged work sessions.
Gaming and AI
6.8/10
6.7/10
4.2/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
4.6/10
2880 x 1800
RESOLUTION
3840 x 2400
120Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
9.5/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
8.0/10
The HP Spectre x360 14 and Lenovo ThinkPad Z16 are both only fair for gaming and AI.
The HP Spectre x360 14 and the Lenovo ThinkPad Z16 both have GPUs that are capable but not top-of-the-line, making them suitable for lighter gaming and 3D work; however, they lack the high refresh rates desired for highly competitive gaming. While both have decent CPUs and screen quality, they're not equipped with the most powerful processors or the highest quality displays often preferred by serious gamers and professionals in 3D graphics.
Engineering and Design
8.4/10
8.4/10
8.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
7.4/10
4.2/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
4.6/10
16.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
The Lenovo ThinkPad Z16 and HP Spectre x360 14 are both very good for engineering and design.
The HP Spectre x360 14 offers a high-quality CPU, abundant RAM, and a top-notch screen which are crucial for demanding engineering software and detailed design work, while its convertible form factor and excellent keyboard cater to versatility and user experience. On the other hand, the Lenovo ThinkPad Z16, with a robust CPU, dedicated GPU, and ample RAM, ensures smooth engineering simulations and design rendering, and its build is focused on durability and a comfortable typing experience, though it may be less portable than its HP counterpart.
Content Creation
8.7/10
8.5/10
8.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
7.4/10
2880 x 1800
RESOLUTION
3840 x 2400
16.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
OLED
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
OLED
The HP Spectre x360 14 and Lenovo ThinkPad Z16 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
8.4/10
8.2/10
8.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
7.4/10
16.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
2880 x 1800
RESOLUTION
3840 x 2400
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
9.0/10
The HP Spectre x360 14 and Lenovo ThinkPad Z16 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.
Build Quality
8.5/10
8.0/10
The HP Spectre x360 14 and Lenovo ThinkPad Z16 both have very good build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$1,130
$1,138
$400
$600
$800
$1,000
$1,200
$1,400
$1,600
$1,800
The HP Spectre x360 14 has a price of $1,130 and the Lenovo ThinkPad Z16 costs $1,138.
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How the HP Spectre x360 14 and the Lenovo ThinkPad Z16 compare to other laptops
"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."
"Lenovo’s ThinkPad Z16 tries has some success in its effort to tweak the ThinkPad formula. The laptop is attractive, yet still tame, and material quality is on par with the best Windows competition. I also like the smooth, responsive haptic touchpad and the wide range of modern connectivity. Yet the Z16 doesn’t fix ThinkPad’s typical weakness: value. Starting around $1,550, and more typically near $1,700, the Z16 finds itself facing alternatives that have better performance or an improved display for the same price, or less."
Get a great deal on the HP Spectre x360 14 or the Lenovo ThinkPad Z16
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.
About Lenovo
Lenovo is a Chinese technology company, and one of the largest personal computer vendor. They are well known for a variety of technology products, including laptops. Their consumer series include their entry level IdeaPad and LOQ series and mid-to-high-end Yoga and Legion series. On the business-oriented side, their series include their entry-level ThinkBook series and mid-to-high-end ThinkPad series. Lenovo laptops offer strong performance for reasonable prices, and are often on sale.
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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