Surface Pro 9 vs HP Spectre x360: Unboxing and Comparing the Top 2-in-1s

The world of mobile computing has been revolutionized by the advent of 2-in-1 devices, offering the versatility of a tablet with the productivity of a laptop. Among the top contenders in this segment are Microsoft Surface Pro 9 and HP Spectre x360. In this comprehensive comparison, we delve into the key features, performance, and overall experience of these two highly acclaimed 2-in-1s to help you make an informed decision.

Design and Build Quality

Surface Pro 9: The Surface Pro 9 boasts a sleek and minimalist design, with a magnesium alloy chassis that exudes both durability and elegance. Its iconic kickstand provides a stable base for various usage scenarios, from drawing to presentations.

HP Spectre x360: The Spectre x360 also impresses with its premium build quality. Its sleek profile and gem-cut design are complemented by a sturdy aluminum chassis, ensuring both style and durability. The 360-degree hinge allows for seamless transitions between laptop, tablet, and other modes.

Display

Surface Pro 9: The Surface Pro 9 features a vibrant 13-inch PixelSense display with a 120Hz refresh rate. The high resolution and color accuracy make it ideal for content creation and entertainment.

HP Spectre x360: The Spectre x360 offers a slightly larger 13.5-inch OLED display with a 3:2 aspect ratio. The OLED technology delivers stunning colors and deep blacks, providing an immersive viewing experience.

Performance

Surface Pro 9: The Surface Pro 9 is powered by Intel’s 12th-generation Core i5 or i7 processors, offering solid performance for everyday tasks and light multitasking. The integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics provide decent graphical capabilities.

HP Spectre x360: The Spectre x360 comes with a range of processor options, including Intel’s 11th-generation Core i5 or i7 processors and the latest 12th-generation Core i7 processor. The dedicated NVIDIA GeForce MX450 graphics card provides a boost in graphical performance for gaming and demanding applications.

Battery Life

Surface Pro 9: The Surface Pro 9 offers up to 15.5 hours of battery life, making it suitable for extended use on the go.

HP Spectre x360: The Spectre x360 provides slightly less battery life, with up to 14 hours of use. However, its fast-charging capability allows for quick replenishment.

Stylus and Accessories

Surface Pro 9: The Surface Pro 9 is compatible with Microsoft’s Surface Pen, which provides a natural and precise writing and drawing experience. It also supports the Surface Keyboard and Surface Dock for enhanced productivity.

HP Spectre x360: The Spectre x360 comes with an HP Tilt Pen, which offers similar functionality to the Surface Pen. It also supports the HP Active Stylus and HP QuickDrop app for seamless file transfer between devices.

Software and Features

Surface Pro 9: The Surface Pro 9 runs on Windows 11 Home or Pro, providing a familiar and user-friendly operating system. It also comes with pre-installed Microsoft 365 apps, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

HP Spectre x360: The Spectre x360 also runs on Windows 11 Home or Pro, offering the same user experience. It features HP Command Center, which provides access to various performance and customization options.

Price and Availability

Surface Pro 9: The Surface Pro 9 starts at $999 for the base model with an Intel Core i5 processor and 8GB of RAM.

HP Spectre x360: The HP Spectre x360 starts at $1,199 for the base model with an Intel Core i5 processor and 8GB of RAM.

Which is Right for You?

Choosing between the Surface Pro 9 and HP Spectre x360 depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize a premium design, a high-quality display, and a versatile stylus experience, the Surface Pro 9 is an excellent choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a larger display, dedicated graphics, and a more affordable price point, the HP Spectre x360 is a compelling option.

The Verdict

Both the Microsoft Surface Pro 9 and HP Spectre x360 are exceptional 2-in-1 devices that offer a combination of portability, performance, and versatility. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your individual requirements and budget.

Answers to Your Most Common Questions

Q: Which device has a longer battery life?
A: The Surface Pro 9 offers slightly longer battery life than the HP Spectre x360.

Q: Which device has a better display?
A: The HP Spectre x360 has a larger and more vibrant OLED display, while the Surface Pro 9 offers a higher refresh rate.

Q: Which device is more affordable?
A: The HP Spectre x360 is slightly more affordable than the Surface Pro 9, especially for the base models.