Review: HP Spectre x2

Introduction

Updated: We've updated our impressions of the HP Spectre x2 after using the Active Pen to write documents and draw images.

With the Surface Pro 4 re-establishing Microsoft as the best Windows tablet maker, you can't find a slate that's not trying to emulate its design and success. From the Lenovo Miix 700 to the Dell XPS 12 and even the iPad Pro, everyone is getting into the pro-level tablet game with their own detachable device.

The Spectre x2 is HP's entry in the ever-expanding tablet-laptop hybrid category. While there's a striking resemblance between it and the Surface Pro 4, the Spectre x2 carves an identity of its own with a thinner body, fanless Intel Core M processors and a premium design.

Coming at a more affordable $799 (£799, AU$1,699) price point with a keyboard included, this 12-inch slate undercuts Microsoft's flagship tablet. But make no mistake: HP's 2-in-1 is a compelling device in its own right.

Design

The HP Spectre x2 undoubtedly takes some design cues from the Surface Pro 4, and its forbearer, the Surface Pro 3. It has an unmistakably similar silhouette if you're at all familiar with Microsoft's tablet line. That said, there are a few key differences that make HP's convertible approach slightly unique.

For starters, the Spectre x2 features rounded edges that make it look more like a smaller iPad Pro, complete with a chamfered edge that runs around the perimeter of the casing. The tablet also has a silver and black color scheme split between the stamped aluminum chassis and a black glass panel, which conceals the rear-facing camera and wireless radios.

While the Spectre x2 isn't built from one uniform piece of metal, every panel fits together seamlessly. It's a spectacularly solid and astonishingly thin device with a sandblasted metal finish that elevates its industrial quality.

Kick your leg out

Rather than going with the kick-out panel that spans the width of the device, the Spectre x2 has a U-shaped, 3.5mm stainless steel bar for its kickstand. If you remember the '80s and '90s fondly, the Spectre x2 looks a bit like an oversized portable television from that era, reinvented as a high-end electronic device.

The kickstand bar is a welcome deviation from other tablets with a pop-out rear panel, because it leaves more space for the battery. All the while, U-bar allows the Spectre x2 to be as flexible to use as the Surface Pro 4. You'll be able to tip the tablet back as far as a 150-degrees, a fair bit more than the 135-degrees you'll get on the Lenovo IdeaPad Miix 700.

I just wish there were more ways to get at the kickstand. Because steel bar snaps into a trench on the back of the device when not in use, you have to rely on a single hinge release located on the lower left side of the tablet. The kickstand pops out with a satisfying spring-loaded action, but I would have preferred the whole assembly to extend to the edge of the device, so you could pull it open from three different sides.

Rocking out with the keyboard

HP knocked it out of the park with the Spectre x2's keyboard, and it even comes with the device at no extra charge. The keyboard is made with a solid sheet of aluminum, making flex virtually non-existent. Meanwhile, the fabric bottom is a soft texture to grip onto while toting the tablet around. The keys themselves are nicely spaced and offer a deep 1.5mm of travel. And the keyboard even magnetically clips to the Spectre x2's chin – just like the two most recent Surface tablets – to put it at an elevated angle for more comfortable typing.

However, the Spectre x2 keyboard's neatest trick is it incorporates an extra pair of speakers. With the keyboard attached, the HP Spectre x2 effectively has quad speaker audio setup. The extra pair of tweeters helps amplify the power of the tablet's two built-in, side-firing speakers. While this Windows 10 convertible can push out some major decibels, there isn't much depth to the sound.

Instead, everything from music to movies sounds flat, and there's a persistent tinny note that undercuts the whole audio experience. It's serviceable enough for movies, but if you're planning on listening to music for long stretches, you should plug in a pair of quality headphones.

Specifications and value

The HP Spectre x2 is one of the thinnest Windows 10 devices ever made, measuring only 0.31 inches (7.87mm) without the keyboard base attached. Comparatively, the Surface Pro 4 measures 0.33 inches (8.45mm) thick. HP's latest slate even comes close to being as thin as the Surface Book's 0.30-inch (7.7mm) thick Clipboard section.

Attaching the keyboard base adds a bit more bulk, bringing up the Spectre x2's total thickness to 0.52 inches (13mm). Still, not too bad overall when both the Surface Pro 4 with its type cover and the MacBook measure 0.52 inches (13mm) thick.

You'll also barely notice a difference in weight when you slip the 1.87-pound (0.85kg) HP Spectre x2 (2.68 pounds, or 1.22kg, with keyboard) into your bag. Comparatively, the Surface Pro 4 with Type Cover and MacBook are lighter at 2.37 pounds (1.07kg) and 2.03 pounds (0.92kg), respectively.

Here is the HP Spectre x2 configuration sent to techradar for review:

Spec Sheet

• CPU: 1.2GHz Intel Core m7-6Y75 (dual-core, 4MB cache, up to 3.1GHz with Turbo Boost)
• Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 515
• RAM: 8GB LPDDR3 SDRAM
• Screen: 12-inch, 1,920 x 1,280 WUXGA+ IPS WLED-backlit touch screen
• Storage: 256GB mSATA SSD
• Ports: 2 x USB Type-C, microSD card reader
• Connectivity: Intel 802.11ac (2x2), Bluetooth 4.0, LTE
• Camera: 5MP HP TrueVision HD front-facing webcam, 8MP rear-facing camera, Intel RealSense 3D R200 camera
• Weight: 1.87 pound (tablet); 2.68 pound (tablet and base)
• Size: 11.81 x 8.23 x 0.31 inches (tablet); 11.81 x 8.23 x 0.52 inches (tablet and base) (W x D x H)

Between the quad-speaker audio setup, three different cameras and the included keyboard, the HP Spectre x2 comes with a lot of extra hardware you won't find on many other Windows 10 tablets. All this added tech doesn't come with an inflated price either.

The starting price for this device is $799 (£799), and it comes bundled with the keyboard unlike the Surface Pro 4. Conversely though you'll have to pay $49 (about £33, AU$68) for the HP Active Pen. For your money this device also comes outfitted with a 900MHz Intel Core m3-6Y30, 4GB of RAM and 128GB solid-state drive (SSD).

For Australian users, the AU$1,699 base configuration consists of a 1.1GHz Intel Core m5-6Y54 Processor with 8GB of RAM and an 128GB SSD. For the configuration above, the price is bumped up to $1,149 (£999, AU$2,299) – though 4G LTE-enabled models are only available from Best Buy.

For roughly the same price, you could also get a Surface Pro 4 with an Intel Core i5 processor, 4GB of RAM and an 128GB SSD for $999 (£849, AU$1,499). Keep in mind, though, the essential Type Cover you need to complete Microsoft's 2-in-1 tablet experience costs an extra $129 (£109, AU$199). Alternatively, the MacBook starts at $1,299 with an older generation 1.1GHz Intel Core M CPU with a 256GB SSD and 8GB of RAM.

In terms of value proposition, the HP Spectre x2 offers the most bang for your buck at an affordable price point. To get the same amount of memory and RAM on the Surface Pro 4 you'll have to bump up to a more expensive model, but it's a more polished device worthy of its higher price tag. The MacBook is slightly outdated with an older generation Intel Core M chip, however, it's still quick on its feet for such a thin and light laptop.

Performance and features

Intel's first generation of power-sipping Core M CPUs got a bad rap for being underpowered in rigs like the Lenovo Yoga Pro 3. But this new generation of Skylake chips are a whole new bag. HP worked closely with Intel and Microsoft to squeeze every bit of performance out of the CPU, and it really shows when Lightroom runs as quickly and smoothly on the Spectre x2 as it does on some of the higher-end Ultrabooks I've tested.

Aside from some oddly slow performance that crops up a few minutes after startup, the Spectre x2 is consistently fast. Applications launch quickly and I can multitask like a boss. The power-sipping nature of the Core M architecture also comes in handy for long Netflix binging sessions and other light computing tasks when you're on the go.

Benchmarks

Here's how the HP Spectre x2 performed in our suite of benchmark tests:

• 3DMark: Cloud Gate: 4,660; Sky Diver: 2,813; Fire Strike: 669
• Cinebench CPU: 209 points; Graphics: 29 fps,
• GeekBench: 2,903 (single-core); 5,701 (multi-core)
• PCMark 8 (Home Test): 2,396 points
• PCMark 8 Battery Life: 3 hours and 54 minutes

According to HP's claims, the Intel Core m7 chip built into this review sample I'm testing should offer the same level of performance as an Intel Core i5 U processor, and the benchmark results confirm that.

Just looking at the PCMark8 score, we can see HP's hybrid is right on the heels of the Surface Pro 4's 2,406 point score, which was achieved with one of Intel's latest Skylake Core i5 processors. The Spectre x2 is even able to keep in step with the Microsoft's flagship tablet on the graphics end. In the most difficult 3DMark Fire Strike benchmark test, the HP slate scored 669 points, not terribly far from the Surface Pro 4's 856 point performance.

Though the Apple MacBook was released just earlier this year, it's already starting to show its age with a last generation, mid-range Intel Core M CPU. The ultralight Mac was only able to achieve a Geekbench 3 multi-core score of 4,423. Meanwhile, the Spectre x2 surged ahead with 5,701 points and the Surface Pro 4 racked up 6,649 points.

Thick edges

The display on the Spectre x2 offers a gorgeous picture, with vivid colors and distinct shades of contrast. However, it's not the brightest display I've ever seen. I find that the screen doesn't shine brightly enough to combat the sun whenever I try to use it outdoors.

Another major knock against the display is that the Spectre x2 is limited to only a 1,920 x 1,280 resolution. The Full HD display is still sharp, since it's only a 12-inch device, but you can't ignore the fact that the Surface Pro 4 features a resolution of 2,736 x 1,824 and the Dell XPS 12 incorporates a 4K display.

It's even harder to look past the massive bezels around the display. The Surface Pro 4 has spoiled me with its slimmed-down sides, so it's just tough to look at the inch-thick black bars that wrap around the Spectre x2's screen.

HP also is a bit behind on its stylus game as writing on the touchscreen with the Active Pen feels unnatural. There's disconnect between the digital ink on the display and the stylus tip due to lag and the positioning not being 1:1. The lack of accuracy isn't too noticeable when you're jotting down notes but artists will want to pick up the Surface Pro 4 for precise ability to capture 1,024 levels of pressure.

Making non-sense with RealSense

HP has made a big point to include Intel's RealSense cameras in the Spectre x2. The company has even gone so far as to incorporate the depth-sensing imaging technology into both the front and rear cameras.

For the times when you would normally take a shot with a smartphone, I wouldn't recommend taking photos with the regular 8-megapixel (MP), rear-facing camera. (Since you'll look like a dork, for starters.) The few photos I did take with the tablet looked awful, with off colors, an extremely shallow dynamic range and visibly fuzzy resolution.

All said, the other rear-facing Intel RealSense 3D camera is a bit more fun to use. After downloading a few applications, I scanned a few of my friends' faces and playfully stuck their visages to 3D busts of the terminator, Ghostbusters and some unsung superhero. There are also a handful of amusing games to play around with using your body as the controller, much like the Xbox Kinect.

However, aside from a few goofs, there still aren't many practical uses for RealSense cameras. Surprisingly, the high-quality, front-facing camera can't be used for signing in with your face through Windows Hello. This sorely missing feature aside, there simply aren't many uses for RealSense technology built into the Windows 10 interface and apps, not to mention most third-party programs.

HP is forward thinking for including these bits of hardware today, but for now, you'll hardly ever use it outside of the apps specifically programmed to utilize the depth-sensing technology.

Pinch runner

Battery life on the Spectre x2 is all over the place, ranging from four to eight hours. Our PCMark8 battery test benchmark easily drained the tablet in just four hours. Meanwhile, I got 5 hours of regular usage (including Microsoft Word, Firefox, a client for Google Music, HipChat and roughly 30 minutes of Lightroom and Photoshop usage).

With local video playback, which consisted of a continuous loop of Guardians of the Galaxy playing at 50% screen brightness and volume, the Spectre x2 lasted for 5 hours and 47 minutes – more than enough to last a flight across the continental US. This 12-inch slate was also able to last me through a 7 hour and 47 minute session of Netflix bingeing.

Overall, the HP tablet lasts surprisingly long, considering how little space there is for batteries in its thin frame. Comparatively, the longest battery life we were able to squeeze out of the Surface Pro 4 was 5 hours and 15 minutes with local video playback. The MacBook, meanwhile, ran for 7 hours and 5 minutes while looping HD video over Wi-Fi.

Bundled software

Thankfully, the HP Spectre x2 comes with relatively little software preloaded on the SSD. Better yet, there are only two bits of annoying software (McAfee Security and the HP Welcome Message) you'll want to uninstall immediately.

For the most part, the device comes with a basic build of Windows 10, which is ideal if you just want to get started with setting up the tablet exactly how you want it.

Verdict

For anyone who has been on the fence about paying the premium for a Surface device, the Spectre x2 is an affordable and well-built Windows tablet alternative. After being spoiled by the Surface Book and Surface Pro 4, I didn't think there would be another device compelling enough to pull me away. But the Spectre x2 offers a mix of luxury and features that's too hard to pass up.

We liked

The hardware itself is simply stunning. Made almost entirely with metal complete with shiny accents and a sandblasted finish, the Spectre x2 feels luxe to the touch. At the same time, thanks to its thinner frame and a bar-shaped kickstand, it riffs on some of the conventions for Windows tablets set by Microsoft in an attractive way.

What's more, the Spectre x2 has redeemed the reputation of Intel Core M processors, offering nearly the same performance as the Core i5-powered Surface Pro 4 while being even more economical with battery life.

We disliked

Though I love the design of the design of this tablet, it could use a number of improvements. Namely, I would love the kickstand to be reengineered so that it reaches all the way to the edge of the device, so users don't have to go searching for the spring-loaded release switch. And this seems completely possible after seeing the Elite x2 1012.

Then, there are also the large bezels, which can't be ignored. Though I find the Full HD screen to be serviceable enough, the lack of a higher display resolution option might turn you off from this device to seek out the multitude of other sharper Windows tablets.

Final verdict

Ultimately, the HP Spectre x2 is an excellent device, though with some caveats whenever it tries to differentiate from the crowd. It's the only Windows tablet to feature a quad-speaker setup, but it only helps pump up volume without adding depth to the audio experience. HP's is also the only 2-in-1 to feature dual RealSense cameras, but for now they're only useful for playing around in games or messing with the scanned faces of your friends.

If money is no object and you want the very best, I would still pick the Surface Pro 4, because of its refined design and greater performance. Regardless, the Spectre x2, at its core, is a very affordable Windows 10 tablet-hybrid that sacrifices very little, if anything, to achieve its approachable price tag.

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