HP Spectre x360 14 vs Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2

The HP Spectre x360 14 offers a faster CPU and more RAM, providing smoother performance for multitasking, alongside a high-quality screen for crisp visuals, but these features make it slightly less portable and a bit heavier compared to the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2, which offers adequate processing power for day-to-day tasks in a lighter, more travel-friendly package. While both have good battery life, the Spectre's larger storage, superior keyboard, and better heat management make it a stronger all-around performer, though the Surface Laptop Go 2 maintains an edge with less operational noise and a smaller footprint for easier mobility.

The HP Spectre x360 14, with its integrated graphics, is not designed for high-end gaming or 3D tasks but can handle casual gaming fairly well, and its high-quality screen enhances the visual experience albeit at standard refresh rates. Meanwhile, the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 also has limitations due to its integrated graphics and focuses on portability and battery life, offering an adequate display for fair gaming and light 3D applications, but it's restrained by less powerful processing capabilities and a standard screen refresh rate.

The HP Spectre x360 14 offers a powerful CPU, ample RAM, and a high-quality GPU, which are essential for demanding engineering software and tasks, while its high-resolution screen displays detailed designs clearly. Conversely, the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2, being less powerful and lacking a dedicated GPU, is less suited for engineering but gains points for being more portable and having a good enough keyboard and speakers for everyday use.

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.

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.

For general use, the HP Spectre x360 14 offers a high-resolution display with vibrant colors and excellent brightness, making documents, web browsing, and media consumption a pleasing experience. In engineering and design, its display covers a wide range of colors including those in the DCI-P3 and Adobe RGB spectrums, which is crucial for color-accurate work. However, for gaming and 3D applications, its screen falls short due to a lower refresh rate, which can make fast-paced visuals less smooth compared to displays designed for these purposes.

PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.

Battery life estimate is based on a mix of common use patterns. More portable and higher performing laptops tend to have less battery life.