HP Specter x360 14 (2024): Meteor Lake in beauty and power

The HP Specter x360 14 two-in-one is one of the first laptops to feature Intel’s new Core Ultra processor. While this update Meteor lake bringing AI capabilities that will become more important as software is updated to take better advantage of them, the Specter x360 14 brings immediate benefits in the form of improved graphics performance thanks to Intel’s Arc GPU. The move from Iris Xe to an Arc GPU doesn’t turn the Specter x360 into a gaming laptop, but content creators will appreciate the performance boost.

HP has made several other significant improvements to the Specter x360 14. The 3:2 display of previous models has been ditched for a more versatile 16:10 aspect ratio. The 9-megapixel web camera located above the OLED screen can record in 4K. Combined with Windows Studio AI-powered effects and noise reduction features, it delivers exceptional picture and sound during video calls. With its premium looks and components, the HP Specter x360 14 is one of the few laptops with an integrated graphics card and a price of around 2000 euros that we recommend.

The model we tested is equipped with a Core Ultra 7 155H processor with 32 GB of RAM, a 2 TB SSD and an Intel Arc GPU. There is also a version with Core Ultra 5 125H, 16 GB RAM and 1 TB SSD for 1499 euros.

Core Ultra processor performance

The Core Ultra 7 155H is part of Intel’s new Meteor Lake chip family. It represents a new architecture that departs from the previous generation of chips. Instead of using a single silicon wafer, Core Ultra chips contain four wafers, or chips, that sit on top of a silicon substrate. Core Ultra 7 155H has four boards: calculation board, graphics board, SOC board and I/O board. This configuration not only reduces costs, but also improves performance. These processors can balance workloads between cores for better performance and efficiency than chips in previous versions.

Another new feature in Meteor Lake is the Low Power Neural Processing Unit (NPU), which helps speed up AI tasks. The NPU sits on the SOC board and handles smaller, repetitive tasks to free up the CPU and GPU for heavier tasks. The NPU is used for AI in image and video editing, for example, or for background blurring during video calls.

Intel has also changed the meaning of the letters in the model numbers of its processors. So the Core Ultra H-series chip is not equivalent to the 13th generation H-series chip. The Core Ultra 7 155H has a base TDP of 28 watts, while previous 13th generation H-series chips had a TDP of 45 watts.

The Core Ultra 7 155H processor has six performance cores and eight efficiency cores on the motherboard. With a dual-core NPU, it offers a total of 16 physical cores and 22 processing threads.

photo credit: © Matt Elliott/CNET

We expect improvements in application performance from Core Ultra laptops as the software is updated to take advantage of local AI processing. In contrast, we saw immediate gains in switching from Intel Iris Xe to Arc graphics. Across our three 3DMark tests, the Specter x360 14’s scores were 54% to 84% better than those of the Dell XPS 13 Plus with its Iris Xe GPU.

The Specter x360 14 lasted nearly 10 hours during our endurance test. A positive result considering that it has a high-resolution OLED screen.

We tested the capabilities of the machine for video games. The back half of the computer heats up, not surprisingly with vents along the back edge between the display hinges. Unfortunately, the ZQSD keys are in this heat zone. The good thing is that the fans are surprisingly quiet.

High resolution OLED screen 16:10

The biggest change in the design of this new Specter x360 14 is the switch from a 3:2 screen to a 16:10 screen. So, apart from the general change in size, the chassis remains relatively unchanged. Its all-metal finish is tough and has a soft, brushed texture that’s pleasant to the touch. Textured surfaces and rounded edges give the Specter x360 14 a luxurious look worthy of a premium laptop. The matte black finish adds to the premium feel, but attracts fingerprints.

The hinges allow for smooth mechanics when moving the screen around, while being sturdy enough to hold it firmly in place. About the screen: The 3:2 aspect ratio screen is ideal for professional use where you can see as many lines of a document or spreadsheet as possible. But the 16:10 screen offers more versatility.

The Specter x360 14’s OLED screen offers a resolution of 2.8K. It has exceptional contrast, with deep blacks and bright white tones. Color coverage is excellent: 100% sRGB and P3 space and 94% AdobeRGB space, according to our tests with the Spyder X Elite colorimeter. We measured a maximum brightness of 404 nits. The display performs well in a variety of indoor environments, while still being decently readable outdoors.

A dynamic refresh rate between 60 Hz and 120 Hz ensures good fluidity in videos and games.

The first 9-megapixel laptop webcam

The Specter x360 14 is the first laptop equipped with a 9-megapixel web camera. It can shoot 4K, and images look incredibly sharp on the 2.8K screen, with accurate colors and good balance. With Windows Studio effects powered by artificial intelligence, the face stays in focus and the background is automatically blurred. AI-assisted noise reduction reduces extraneous sounds during video calls.

HP also includes an adapter because connectivity is limited on the Arc GPU-equipped versions: two Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports, a combo audio port, and a USB-A port. The included adapter provides additional HDMI and USB-A connectivity. On the other hand, the models offered with the GeForce RTX 4050 graphics card have an integrated HDMI port. All Specter x360 14s come with a stylus.

The webcam has an infrared sensor that allows you to use facial recognition for easy and secure login. The function keys have shortcuts to mute the camera and mute the microphone, two always welcome privacy features. A small orange LED lights up on each button to indicate that the camera is off and the microphone is muted.

The power button also doubles as a fingerprint reader, providing another secure biometric login option. It has a permanently active white LED indicator. Its brightness is uncomfortable when watching a movie in a dark room.

Apart from this admittedly minor flaw, we have no complaints about the keyboard. The keys are spacious and offer quick feedback, with backlighting in two levels. The touchpad is spacious and uses tactile feedback instead of a mechanical click. The optical response of the Specter x360 14 is a bit faster and springier than the MacBook. It remained stable and accurate during testing.

The Specter x360 14 is equipped with four speakers that far surpass normal laptop sound.

Conclusion

Laptops costing nearly $2,000 with integrated graphics can rarely be recommended. However, the Specter x360 14 is a rare exception. With its new generation processor, superb OLED display and impeccable build quality, it is designed for a long life and offers satisfactory value for money.