If you’re searching the market for the best netbook and the best laptop, we have a suggestion for you: the HP Spectre X360 13 8th Gen. It does well being a chameleon-like laptop, with its fast quad-core Intel i7 for multitasking, and an Intel UHD Graphics 620 for some light gaming. It also has 16GB of RAM to back everything up. The fast speed of this HP laptop makes it a contender for best laptops.
Why We Like It – Spectre X360-13 8th Gen
The HP Spectre X360 13 8th Gen has enough performance and features under the hood to be quite the well-rounded laptop, from an 8th Gen Intel CPU, to an Intel UHD Graphics 620 for light gaming.
- Fast, 8th Gen Intel processor
- 16GB of RAM
- Can handle light gaming
- Expensive
Power & Performance
Even with the lesser model with the Intel Core i5, the HP Spectre X360 13 8th Gen has a far better CPU than the Dell Inspiron 11 3162, it’s almost laughable. This particular model uses an Intel Core i7-8550U, a 4-core CPU clocking in at 1.8GHz and 4GHz when boosted. It even has an Intel UHD Graphics 620 and 16GB for some light gaming. Titles like League of Legends run on low-medium settings.
Battery
Compared to the Lenovo 300E, the new Spectre X360 has twice the length of battery life; it’s a long battery life, for sure. You can pull up to 16 hours on a single charge. That leaves plenty of time to get work done.
Ports & Expandability
There’s a surprising number of security features, such as: fingerprint reader, IR camera, and a kill switch (song the right side). Depending on which model you have, the power button gets pushed near the back corner. Storage can be expanded via microSD card reader, but the RAM is on-board, so expanding isn’t an option.
Build Quality
If you’re lucky to have the HP Spectre X360 13 8th with the gem cut, aluminum body—you’ll get better durability. Other models use a combination of plastic and metal. Both are substantially stronger than the HP Chromebook 14. Go through our HP Spectre Folio review for a slimmer laptop.
Value
It’s tough to pinpoint where the HP Spectre X360 13 8th Gen lands in terms of value. On one hand, it has some great hardware (its CPU + GP). On the other hand, one version of the Macbook Pro has a better CPU and GPU for around the same price (give or take $100). At that point, it’s down to preference. However, considering performance, features, and build quality, it’s a rather nice package that no one would be disappointed having. Check out the HP Spectre X360 13T review for another high-performing laptop that is affordable.
Spectre X360-13 8th Gen Wrap Up
What holds the HP Spectre X360 13 8th Gen back is price. But in return, you’re getting a bevy of features, along with good hardware underneath. The 8th gen Intel Core i7 is still a great processor for working, and the Intel UHD Graphics 620 comes in handy when you want to relax with a lightweight game.
