Epic Battle: HP Elite X2 vs Surface Pro 5 – Which One Reigns Supreme?

In the realm of 2-in-1 devices, the HP Elite x2 and the Surface Pro 5 reign supreme as two of the most popular and powerful options. Both devices offer a unique blend of portability, versatility, and performance, making them ideal for professionals, students, and content creators alike. However, with so many similarities, choosing between the two can be a daunting task. This detailed comparison will delve into the key differences between the HP Elite x2 and the Surface Pro 5, helping you make an informed decision based on your specific needs and preferences.

Design and Build Quality

The HP Elite x2 features a sleek and sophisticated design with an aluminum chassis that exudes durability and professionalism. Its 12.3-inch display is surrounded by narrow bezels, resulting in a compact and lightweight device that is easy to carry around. In contrast, the Surface Pro 5 boasts a more traditional tablet design with a magnesium alloy chassis that is slightly heavier than the Elite x2. Its 12.3-inch display also features narrow bezels, giving it a modern and stylish appearance. Both devices offer excellent build quality and attention to detail, ensuring years of reliable use.

Display

The HP Elite x2 and the Surface Pro 5 share the same 12.3-inch display size, but they differ in terms of resolution and technology. The Elite x2 features a Quad HD+ (2880 x 1920) IPS display with a pixel density of 267 PPI, delivering sharp and vibrant images. The Surface Pro 5, on the other hand, has a slightly lower resolution of 2736 x 1824, resulting in a pixel density of 267 PPI. Both displays offer excellent color accuracy and wide viewing angles, making them suitable for both productivity and entertainment.

Performance

Under the hood, the HP Elite x2 and the Surface Pro 5 offer a range of performance options to cater to different user needs. The Elite x2 is powered by Intel’s 7th-generation Core i5 or i7 processors, while the Surface Pro 5 utilizes Intel’s 7th-generation Core i5 or i7 processors with Iris Plus Graphics. In terms of RAM, the Elite x2 offers up to 16GB, while the Surface Pro 5 goes up to 16GB with faster LPDDR3 memory. Both devices provide ample performance for everyday tasks, multitasking, and demanding applications.

Storage

Both the HP Elite x2 and the Surface Pro 5 offer solid-state drives (SSDs) for fast storage and data access. The Elite x2 comes with storage options of 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB, while the Surface Pro 5 offers storage capacities of 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB. The larger storage options on the Surface Pro 5 make it a more suitable choice for users who require ample space for storing large files, videos, and applications.

Battery Life

Battery life is a crucial factor to consider when choosing a 2-in-1 device. The HP Elite x2 boasts an impressive battery life of up to 10 hours, thanks to its efficient power management and low-power display. The Surface Pro 5, on the other hand, has a slightly shorter battery life of up to 9 hours, which may be a drawback for users who require extended usage away from a power outlet.

Connectivity

Both the HP Elite x2 and the Surface Pro 5 offer a comprehensive suite of connectivity options. They both feature USB Type-C ports, allowing for data transfer, charging, and DisplayPort output. Additionally, they have full-sized USB 3.0 ports, microSD card slots, and headphone/microphone jacks. The Surface Pro 5, however, has an edge over the Elite x2 by including a built-in LTE modem for cellular connectivity, providing users with the convenience of accessing the internet on the go.

Stylus and Keyboard

Both the HP Elite x2 and the Surface Pro 5 are compatible with their respective styluses. The HP Elite x2 comes with the HP Active Pen, while the Surface Pro 5 utilizes the Surface Pen. These styluses offer precise input and pressure sensitivity, enabling users to take notes, sketch, and create digital art with ease. Additionally, both devices support detachable keyboards that provide a comfortable and responsive typing experience.

Operating System

The HP Elite x2 and the Surface Pro 5 run on different operating systems. The Elite x2 comes pre-installed with Windows 10 Pro, while the Surface Pro 5 offers both Windows 10 Pro and Windows 10 S. Windows 10 Pro is a full-featured operating system that provides a wide range of customization options and compatibility with a broad ecosystem of software. Windows 10 S is a streamlined version of Windows 10 that is designed for simplicity and security, but it limits users to installing apps from the Microsoft Store.

Final Verdict

Choosing between the HP Elite x2 and the Surface Pro 5 ultimately depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize durability, portability, and long battery life, the HP Elite x2 is an excellent choice. However, if you value cellular connectivity, a higher resolution display, and a more comprehensive storage capacity, the Surface Pro 5 may be a better fit. Both devices offer exceptional performance, versatility, and premium build quality, making them worthy contenders in the 2-in-1 market.

Questions We Hear a Lot

Q: Which device has a better display?
A: Both the HP Elite x2 and the Surface Pro 5 have excellent displays, but the Elite x2 has a slightly higher resolution (Quad HD+ vs. 2K).

Q: Which device has a longer battery life?
A: The HP Elite x2 has a longer battery life than the Surface Pro 5, lasting up to 10 hours compared to 9 hours.

Q: Which device is more portable?
A: The HP Elite x2 is more portable than the Surface Pro 5 due to its lighter weight and smaller size.

Q: Which device has a better stylus?
A: Both the HP Elite x2 and the Surface Pro 5 have excellent styluses, but the Surface Pen offers slightly better pressure sensitivity and tilt support.

Q: Which device has more storage options?
A: The Surface Pro 5 has more storage options than the HP Elite x2, with capacities up to 1TB compared to 512GB.