The battle of the premium convertibles: hp spectre vs. asus zenbook flip

Summary

When it comes to premium 2-in-1 laptops, the HP Spectre and Asus ZenBook Flip stand out as two of the most sought-after choices.
The HP Spectre comes pre-installed with Windows 10 Pro and includes a variety of HP-specific software, such as HP Command Center and HP Support Assistant.
However, if you require more graphics performance and a wider range of connectivity options, the Asus ZenBook Flip may be a better fit.

When it comes to premium 2-in-1 laptops, the HP Spectre and Asus ZenBook Flip stand out as two of the most sought-after choices. Both devices offer a blend of style, functionality, and performance, but which one is the right choice for you? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll delve into the key differences between the HP Spectre and Asus ZenBook Flip to help you make an informed decision.

Design and Build

HP Spectre: The HP Spectre is known for its sleek and ultra-portable design. It features a CNC-machined aluminum body that is both durable and lightweight, weighing only 2.45 lbs. The Spectre’s Gem Cut design adds a touch of elegance, with chamfered edges and a polished finish.

Asus ZenBook Flip: The Asus ZenBook Flip also boasts a premium design, with a slim and compact profile. It is slightly heavier than the Spectre at 2.62 lbs, but still remains highly portable. The ZenBook Flip’s chassis is crafted from a magnesium-aluminum alloy, providing both strength and flexibility.

Display

HP Spectre: The HP Spectre features a 13.3-inch OLED display with a resolution of 3000 x 2000 pixels. The OLED technology delivers vibrant colors, deep blacks, and wide viewing angles. The display also supports HDR content, offering a more immersive viewing experience.

Asus ZenBook Flip: The Asus ZenBook Flip offers a 13.3-inch OLED display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. While the resolution is lower than the Spectre, the OLED panel still provides excellent color accuracy and contrast. It also supports HDR content, but the overall display quality is slightly inferior to the Spectre.

Performance

HP Spectre: The HP Spectre is powered by the latest Intel Core processors, offering exceptional performance for demanding tasks. The base model comes with an Intel Core i5-1135G7, while higher-end models can be configured with an Intel Core i7-1165G7. The Spectre also features integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics, providing decent graphics performance for light gaming and video editing.

Asus ZenBook Flip: The Asus ZenBook Flip is also powered by Intel Core processors, with the base model featuring an Intel Core i5-1135G7. However, the ZenBook Flip offers a wider range of processor options, including up to an Intel Core i7-1165G7 with NVIDIA GeForce MX450 graphics. This gives the ZenBook Flip a slight edge in graphics performance, making it more suitable for casual gaming or video editing.

Battery Life

HP Spectre: The HP Spectre is equipped with a 60.2Wh battery, which provides up to 11 hours of battery life on a single charge. This makes it suitable for use throughout the day without the need for constant charging.

Asus ZenBook Flip: The Asus ZenBook Flip has a slightly smaller 50Wh battery, which provides up to 9 hours of battery life. While this is still respectable, it falls short of the Spectre’s battery life.

Connectivity

HP Spectre: The HP Spectre offers a comprehensive range of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.1, two Thunderbolt 4 ports, a USB-A port, and a microSD card slot. This provides ample connectivity for external devices, displays, and peripherals.

Asus ZenBook Flip: The Asus ZenBook Flip also offers a good selection of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, two Thunderbolt 4 ports, a USB-A port, and a microSD card slot. However, it lacks the HDMI port found on the Spectre, which may be a drawback for some users.

Software

HP Spectre: The HP Spectre comes pre-installed with Windows 10 Pro and includes a variety of HP-specific software, such as HP Command Center and HP Support Assistant. These tools provide additional functionality and support for managing the laptop’s settings and performance.

Asus ZenBook Flip: The Asus ZenBook Flip comes with Windows 10 Home and includes Asus-specific software, such as MyASUS and Armoury Crate. MyASUS offers a range of customization options and support features, while Armoury Crate allows users to monitor and optimize the laptop’s performance.

Which One to Choose?

The choice between the HP Spectre and Asus ZenBook Flip ultimately depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize design, display quality, and battery life, the HP Spectre is an excellent choice. However, if you require more graphics performance and a wider range of connectivity options, the Asus ZenBook Flip may be a better fit.

Decisive Factors

To help you make a more informed decision, here are some key factors to consider:

Design: Both laptops offer premium designs, but the HP Spectre has a slight edge with its ultra-portable form factor and elegant Gem Cut design.
Display: The HP Spectre’s OLED display provides superior color accuracy, contrast, and HDR support compared to the Asus ZenBook Flip’s OLED display.
Performance: The Asus ZenBook Flip offers a wider range of processor options and dedicated graphics, making it more suitable for demanding tasks like gaming and video editing.
Battery Life: The HP Spectre’s larger battery provides longer battery life, making it ideal for extended use away from a power outlet.
Connectivity: The HP Spectre offers a more comprehensive range of connectivity options, including an HDMI port, which may be important for some users.

Beyond the Comparison: Additional Features

HP Spectre:

Bang & Olufsen audio system for immersive sound
HP Sure View privacy screen for added security
Wireless charging support for compatible devices

Asus ZenBook Flip:

ErgoLift hinge for improved typing ergonomics
NumberPad 2.0 for a virtual numeric keypad
Harman Kardon audio system for clear and powerful sound