What To Know
- Two of their flagship devices, the Dell XPS 13 Plus and the HP Spectre x360, stand out as exceptional choices for users who demand both style and substance.
- The XPS 13 Plus is a port-light laptop, featuring only two Thunderbolt 4 ports, a microSD card slot, and a headphone jack.
- The Spectre x360 offers more connectivity options, including two Thunderbolt 4 ports, a USB-A port, a microSD card slot, and a headphone jack.
The world of ultraportable laptops is a competitive one, with Dell and HP vying for dominance. Two of their flagship devices, the Dell XPS 13 Plus and the HP Spectre x360, stand out as exceptional choices for users who demand both style and substance. In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve into the key features, design, performance, and user experience of these two laptops to determine which one reigns supreme.
Design and Build Quality
Dell XPS 13 Plus: The XPS 13 Plus exudes a minimalist and sleek design. Its unibody aluminum chassis is incredibly thin and lightweight, weighing just 2.7 pounds. The top lid features a carbon fiber weave that adds both durability and a touch of sophistication.
HP Spectre x360: The Spectre x360 boasts a more traditional convertible design. Its aluminum and magnesium alloy construction is equally lightweight and durable, weighing in at 2.8 pounds. The 360-degree hinge allows for versatile usage modes, including laptop, tablet, and tent.
Display
Dell XPS 13 Plus: The XPS 13 Plus features a stunning 13.4-inch OLED display with a resolution of 3840 x 2400. It offers exceptional color accuracy, deep blacks, and vibrant colors. The display is also protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus for added durability.
HP Spectre x360: The Spectre x360 comes with a slightly smaller 13.5-inch OLED display, but it matches the XPS 13 Plus in resolution and color accuracy. It also features a touchscreen and HP Sure View Reflect technology for enhanced privacy.
Performance
Dell XPS 13 Plus: Powered by the latest 12th-generation Intel Core processors, the XPS 13 Plus delivers exceptional performance for everyday tasks and creative work. It comes with up to 32GB of RAM and 1TB of solid-state storage.
HP Spectre x360: The Spectre x360 is also equipped with 12th-generation Intel Core processors, but it offers a wider range of configuration options. It can be configured with up to 64GB of RAM and 2TB of solid-state storage.
Battery Life
Dell XPS 13 Plus: The XPS 13 Plus has a relatively short battery life, lasting up to 8 hours on a single charge. However, it supports fast charging, which can quickly replenish the battery.
HP Spectre x360: The Spectre x360 offers better battery life, lasting up to 12 hours on a single charge. It also supports fast charging and has a longer-lasting battery life overall.
Keyboard and Trackpad
Dell XPS 13 Plus: The XPS 13 Plus features a unique capacitive touch keyboard that lacks physical keys. This design allows for a slimmer profile but may take some getting used to. The trackpad is large and responsive.
HP Spectre x360: The Spectre x360 has a more traditional backlit keyboard with comfortable key travel. The trackpad is slightly smaller than the XPS 13 Plus but still provides accurate tracking.
Features and Connectivity
Dell XPS 13 Plus: The XPS 13 Plus is a port-light laptop, featuring only two Thunderbolt 4 ports, a microSD card slot, and a headphone jack. It also includes Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity.
HP Spectre x360: The Spectre x360 offers more connectivity options, including two Thunderbolt 4 ports, a USB-A port, a microSD card slot, and a headphone jack. It also has Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity.
User Experience
Dell XPS 13 Plus: The XPS 13 Plus provides a premium user experience with its sleek design, exceptional display, and responsive performance. However, the capacitive touch keyboard may not be to everyone’s liking.
HP Spectre x360: The Spectre x360 offers a more versatile user experience with its convertible design and longer battery life. The touchscreen and privacy features enhance its usability.
The Ultimate Verdict
Choosing between the Dell XPS 13 Plus and the HP Spectre x360 depends on your individual preferences and needs. If you prioritize a sleek design, exceptional display, and powerful performance, the Dell XPS 13 Plus is an excellent choice. However, if you prefer a convertible design, longer battery life, and more connectivity options, the HP Spectre x360 is the better option.
Frequently Discussed Topics
1. Which laptop is better for students?
Both laptops are suitable for students, but the Dell XPS 13 Plus may be more suitable for those who need a portable and powerful device. The HP Spectre x360 is a better choice for students who need a versatile device for note-taking and presentations.
2. Which laptop has the better camera?
Both laptops have a 5MP webcam, but the HP Spectre x360 has a slightly better low-light performance.
3. Which laptop is more repairable?
The Dell XPS 13 Plus is generally considered to be more difficult to repair than the HP Spectre x360 due to its slim profile and lack of user-accessible components.
