HP Spectre x360 14 (Core Ultra 7, 16GB, 1TB, 2-in-1) review 2027

What problem does the HP Spectre x360 14 solve?

The HP Spectre x360 14 is the convertible that does not compromise the laptop half. That is the whole point of the machine: a 2-in-1 that folds flat into a tablet, but keeps a full-size keyboard, a haptic trackpad, and an OLED panel good enough for photo work. Most convertibles ask you to trade away the typing experience or the screen to get the hinge. This one does not. It is the best 2-in-1 in our laptop category, ranked 8th of 14 tested, with a score of 8.6.

How did it score in our tests?

We score every laptop across five criteria. The Spectre x360 14 earned 23 of 30 for Performance, based on the same 12-minute 4K export in Final Cut, Premiere and Resolve, run twice back-to-back, plus sustained clocks over 20 minutes. Display took 19 of 20, measured with a colorimeter for DCI-P3 coverage, ΔE, sustained brightness and uniformity. Battery scored 16 of 20 from a video rundown at 200 nits and a mixed office-load loop. Build earned 14 of 15, covering keyboard, hinge, ports, fan noise at 1 m and repairability. Value added 14 of 15, judged on price per rubric point against the category median on the day of the test.

What are the standout strengths?

Three things stood out in testing. First, the 2.8K 120Hz OLED that folds flat. Second, the pen is included, and palm rejection is excellent. Third, the haptic trackpad. Those are the measured strengths, and they line up with the convertible brief: a screen you can draw on, a pen that does not fight your hand, and a trackpad that gives real feedback without a physical click.

How does the OLED and Thunderbolt 4 technology work?

Thunderbolt 4 is a port standard that carries data, video and power over a single USB-C connector. On this machine you get two of them, plus a USB-A port and a 3.5 mm jack.

What parts and build does it use?

The spec sheet lists an Intel Core Ultra 7 155H processor, 16 GB of memory, a 1024 GB SSD, and Intel Arc Graphics. It weighs 1.44 kg, runs Windows 11, and the form factor is 2-in-1. Warranty is 1 year.

How does it compare with the competition?

Against the Apple MacBook Pro 16" (9.7, $3,499), the Spectre is far cheaper and folds flat, but the MacBook has an M4 Max with a 16-core CPU and 40-core GPU, 36 GB of memory, a 16.2" Liquid Retina XDR screen and a 22-hour battery. Against the Apple MacBook Pro 14" (9.3, $1,999), the Spectre again costs less and converts, while the MacBook offers an M4 Pro, 24 GB of memory and a 14.2" Liquid Retina XDR display in a 1.6 kg clamshell. Against the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12 (9.1, $1,749), the ThinkPad is lighter at 1.09 kg, has 32 GB of memory, a 14" 2.8K OLED at 120Hz, a 14-hour battery and 3 years on-site warranty, but it is a clamshell, not a 2-in-1.

Where does it fall short?

Two test cons. Battery life came in at 9h in office use, which is the weakest part of the package. And the glossy screen reflects in bright rooms, so you will want to mind where you sit.

Is it good value at $1,449?

The price summary is $1,449. In the Value criterion it scored 14 of 15, measured as price per rubric point against the category median on the day of the test.

Who should buy the HP Spectre x360 14?

Buy it if you want a convertible that does not compromise the laptop half: full-size keyboard, haptic trackpad, and an OLED good enough for photo work. It is the best 2-in-1 in this category, and the pen is included.