HP Spectre x360 13 vs. HP ENVY x360 13: Which is a better buy?
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Best Overall
Despite featuring processors that fall slightly below what the HP ENVY x360 13 is packing in terms of performance, the HP Spectre x360 13’s better ports and better options for RAM, storage, and 4K give it an overall edge when it comes to media-focused productivity tasks and recreation. It’s a little more expensive so it may not be ideal if you’re looking to save money.
Best for Business
The HP ENVY x360 13’s affordable price, excellent Ryzen CPU, and slightly longer battery life make it ideal for people who need a business-focused convertible for less intensive workloads like writing or editing documents. The RAM, storage, ports, and display aren’t as impressive as what the Spectre has to offer, but they’re good enough for people who don’t need to go beyond the basics.
While both of these laptops are excellent, we feel that most people will get more out of theHP Spectre x360 13due to its better overall specs. That being said, don’t look past the incredible value that theHP ENVY x360 13has to offer with its low price and powerful CPU, especially if you’re in need of something for general business productivity.
HP Spectre x360 13 vs. x360 ENVY 13: Comparison and specs
Based on both the specs and real-world performance, it’s clear that the Spectre and ENVY are being aimed towards different people. With its gorgeous 4K display, configurations for more RAM and storage, and dual Thunderbolt 3 ports (along with one USB-A port and a microSD reader), the Spectre is a more impressive device that’s geared towards the creation and consumption of visual media while also designed to knock standard work tasks out of the park.
Meanwhile, the lower price, slightly better battery life, and modest, yet still capable specs of the ENVY solidify it as an excellent budget-friendly business convertible that’s better for general productivity. However, there’s only one RAM option (8GB) and while there are multiple storage options, it only goes up to 1TB. In contrast, the Spectre goes up to 2TB. It also doesn’t have Thunderbolt 3 ports — just two USB-A, one USB-C, and a microSD port.
Notably, the ENVY’s AMD processor is a little better than the Intel one found on the Spectre, although not by a wide margin. It’s also worth pointing out that the Spectre has Windows Hello facial recognition thanks to its IR camera, while the ENVY is limited to a fingerprint reader.
Aside from the differences listed above, the Spectre and ENVY are very similar, especially design wise. Both devices feature thin bezels, a lightweight design, high-quality audio thanks to dual Bang & Olufsen speakers, and excellent keyboards. In addition, both of these laptops are convertible, which means that they’re both more flexible than a traditional clamshell.
HP Spectre x360 13 vs. x360 ENVY 13: Which should you buy?
Both of these laptops are wonderful, can get a lot of tasks done, and are relatively affordable, but ultimately, we think that the HP Spectre x360 13 will be ideal for the majority of people since it’s better suited for media consumption while still serving excellently as a productivity machine, including for more intensive workloads. Additionally, while it’s true that itismore expensive, the price is still attractive compared to other convertibles on the market.
If you’re looking for something more budget-friendly or a device that’s designed specifically for basic business productivity, don’t overlook the HP ENVY x360 13. It may not be as flashy as the Spectre, but its FHD display and extended battery life make it a fantastic choice if all you need is a no-nonsense convertible that you can use to get things done.
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If neither of these devices is the right fit for you, make sure you check out our roundup of all thebest Windows laptops in 2021for other great options.
Versatile power
Despite featuring processors that fall slightly below what the HP ENVY x360 13 is packing in terms of performance, the HP Spectre x360 13’s better ports and better options for RAM, storage, and 4K give it an overall edge when it comes to media-focused productivity tasks and recreation. It’s a little more expensive, however.
Productivity excellence
The HP ENVY x360 13’s affordable price, excellent Ryzen CPU, and slightly longer battery life make it ideal for people who need a business-focused convertible for less intensive workloads like writing or editing documents. The RAM, storage, ports, and display aren’t as impressive as what the Spectre has to offer, but they’re good enough for people who don’t need to go beyond the basics.
Brendan Lowry is a Windows Central writer and Oakland University graduate with a burning passion for video games, of which he’s been an avid fan since childhood. He’s been writing for Team WC since the summer of 2017, and you’ll find him doing news, editorials, reviews, and general coverage on everything gaming, Xbox, and Windows PC. His favorite game of all time is probably NieR: Automata, though Elden Ring, Fallout: New Vegas, and Team Fortress 2 are in the running, too. When he’s not writing or gaming, there’s a good chance he’s either watching an interesting new movie or TV show or actually going outside for once.Follow him on X(Twitter).
