They are two excellent laptops that come in different configurations. However, despite their similarities, you may notice that perhaps the biggest difference is the form factor. The MacBook Pro (2023) has the traditional clamshell MacBook body, while the HP Specter x360 is a more versatile convertible.
So, should you choose a laptop or a 2-in-1 laptop? Let’s find out which device best matches your needs and budget with this detailed comparison.
Article contents
Apple MacBook Pro (2023)
MacBook Pro (2023) models offer enhanced M2 Pro and M2 Max chipsets, Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 support, HDMI 2.1 compatibility, a notch display, and more.
HP Specter x360 13.5.0 Update
The HP Specter x360 13.5 is a premium convertible laptop with a stunning design and great performance for everyday tasks. It runs Windows 11 and should receive updates for years to come.
HP Spectre x360 16 (2022)
The HP Specter x360 comes with a large 16:10 ratio capacitive touchscreen display, 12th Gen Intel H-series processors, and other powerful specifications.
Apple MacBook Pro (2023) vs. HP Specter x360 (2022): Price and Availability
The Apple MacBook Pro (2023) and HP Specter x360 (2022) are available for purchase through the manufacturers’ online stores. You can also buy them through most major US retailers, such as Best Buy. The Apple computer starts at $1,999 for the base model, while the HP laptop starts at $1,249. Both offer different finishes and configurations for you to choose from, which are detailed in the specification table below.
Apple MacBook Pro (2023) vs. HP Specter x360 (2022): Specifications
Customize
Apple MacBook Pro (2023)
HP Specter x360 (2022)
Dimensions and weight
- 14-inch model: 12.31 x 8.71 x 0.6 inches, 3.5 pounds
- 16-inch model: 14.01 x 9.77 x 0.66 inches, 4.7 pounds
- 13.5-inch model: 11.73 x 8.68 x 0.67 inches, 3.01 pounds
- 16-inch model: 14.09 x 9.66 x 0.78 inches, 4.45 pounds
an offer
- 14.2-inch (3024 x 1964) or 16.2-inch (3456 x 2234) Liquid Retina XDR
- 254 pixels per inch
- 120 Hz ProMotion
- true tone
- The aspect ratio is 16:10
- 500-nit SDR, 1600-nit peak HDR
- 13.5″ IPS, Full HD + (1920 x 1280), touch, 400 nits, 100% sRGB, anti-reflective, 60Hz refresh rate
- 13.5-inch IPS, Full HD+ (1920 x 1280), HP Sure View flip, touch, 1,000 nits, 100% sRGB, 60Hz refresh rate
- 13.5-inch OLED, 3K2K (3000 x 2000), touch, 500 nits (HDR), 100% DCI-P3, anti-reflective, 60Hz refresh rate
- 16″, 400 nits, 16:10 aspect ratio, touch, low blue light, eye protection, 3072 x 1920 (3K+), glossy, IPS
- 16 inch, 400 nits, 16:10 aspect ratio, touch, low blue light, eye protection, 3072 x 1920 (3K+), anti-reflective, IPS
- 16″, 400 nits, 16:10 aspect ratio, touch, low blue light, eye protection, 3840 x 2400 (UHD+), anti-reflective, OLED
processors and graphics
- Apple M2 Pro (10-core CPU, 16-core GPU)
- Apple M2 Pro (12-core CPU, 19-core GPU)
- Apple M2 Max (12-core CPU, 30-core GPU)
- Apple M2 Max (12-core CPU, 38-core GPU)
13.5 inch model:
- Intel Core i5-1235U (up to 4.4GHz, 12MB L3 cache, 10 Cores, 12 Threads) + Intel Iris Xe Graphics
- Intel Core i7-1255U (up to 4.7GHz, 12MB L3 cache, 10 Cores, 12 Threads) + Intel Iris Xe Graphics
16 inch model:
- Intel Corei7-12700H (up to 4.7GHz, 24MB L3 cache, 14 cores, 20 threads) + Intel Iris Xe Graphics
- Intel Core i7-1260P (up to 4.7GHz, 18MB L3 cache, 12 cores, 16 threads) + Intel Arc A370M Graphics (4GB)
- Intel Core i7-1260P (up to 4.7GHz, 8MB L3 cache, 12 cores, 16 threads) + Intel Arc A370M Graphics (4GB)
RAM and storage
- 16/32/64/96 GB RAM
- 512GB / 1TB / 2TB / 4TB / 8TB SSD
- 8 GB / 16 GB / 32 GB RAM
- 512GB / 1TB / 2TB SSD
Al-Moanae
- MagSafe 3
- HDMI 2.1
- 3.5 mm jack
- SD card slot
- 3 Thunderbolt 4 ports
- 13.5-inch model: 2x Thunderbolt 4, USB Type-A, 3.5mm jack, microSD card slot
- 16-inch model: 2x Thunderbolt 4, USB Type-A, 3.5mm jack, microSD card slot, HDMI 2.1
The battery is charging
- 14-inch model: 70Wh battery
- 16-inch model: 100Wh battery
- 13.5-inch model: 66Wh battery
- 16-inch model: 76Wh battery
Connection
Colors
- 13.5-inch model: Midnight Black, Light Blue, Natural Silver
- 16-inch model: Midnight Black, Midnight Blue
price
- 14-inch model: starting at $1,999
- 16-inch model: its price starts at $ 2,499
- 13.5-inch model: it starts at $1,249
- 16-inch model: its price starts at $1,649
Design: Clamshell vs. 2 in 1
Design is usually a subjective thing, but there are a few things we can say objectively about these two laptops. The most noticeable difference between the two is that the MacBook Pro (2023) offers a clamshell chassis, while the HP Specter x360 is a convertible. This means you can use the latter in various modes rather than being restricted to the classic laptop layout, including using the screen as a touchscreen.
Furthermore, there are cosmetic differences once you start looking closely. For example, the Apple MacBook Pro (2023) has a boxed chassis in a space gray and silver finish. The screen has thin bezels and a notch at the top that houses the webcam.
Meanwhile, the HP Specter x360 (2022) offers a somewhat unusual design, including some cut corners. Depending on the screen size you choose, you can choose between three finishes and colors. The 13.5-inch model only comes in silver, but there’s Nightfall Black and Nocturne Blue for both options. Likewise, you get thin screen bezels, but it’s noticeably lacking a notch or any cutout at the top. While the hardware doesn’t look bad, it’s not as modern or clean as the MacBook Pro. It’s very bulky and a little eye-catching.
ghost x360
If you tend to work on the go, you may also want to consider sizing. Fortunately, the differences in this section aren’t huge, and they likely won’t affect your buying decision. The MacBook Pro offers 14.2-inch and 16.2-inch variants that weigh 3.5 pounds and 4.7 pounds, respectively. Meanwhile, the 13.5-inch and 16-inch HP Specter x360 models weigh 3.01 pounds and 4.45 pounds, respectively. The MacBook Pro variants are slightly larger and heavier than their HP counterparts, but won’t make much of an impact compared to the Specter x360s.
an offer
The screen is one of the most important aspects to consider when investing in a new computer since we spend most of our time staring at a computer screen. Fortunately, the MacBook Pro (2023) and Specter x360 (2022) both have solid displays, but there are key differences that set the two apart.
For starters, they both offer two sizes, with the Apple computer coming in at 14.2 and 16.2 inches, and the HP laptop at 13.5 and 16 inches. There’s an option here for every laptop, whether you want a regular-sized laptop or a large one.
Looking at resolution, the base model MacBook Pro has a superior 3024 x 1964 Liquid Retina XDR display when compared to the cheaper Specter x360’s 1920 x 1280 FHD+ display. However, the latter device, when maxed out, packs a UHD+ display that supports a higher resolution of 3840 x 2400 pixels than the more expensive 3456 x 2234 resolution. You can also get the Specter x360 with an OLED display, which will deliver true blacks and possibly more vibrant colors, but is more susceptible to burns and damage easily if accidentally exposed to water.
In addition, the HP laptop can support touch input, which may be an advantage. Not to mention, the Specter x360 has a more versatile hinge, allowing you to flip the screen around and use it in different positions thanks to its convertible design.
ghost x360
Meanwhile, the MacBook Pro has a higher refresh rate of 120Hz, which easily beats the 60Hz on the HP laptop. You also get a higher peak brightness of 1,600 nits on an Apple computer, allowing you to see on-screen items more comfortably, especially outdoors or in well-lit environments. Meanwhile, the HP convertible’s brightness depends on which variant you choose but is no more than 1,000 nits.
Winning this round depends on what you need. If you’re a fan of convertible and OLED screens, the HP Specter x360 (2022) is a winner. If you’d prefer a higher refresh rate and better peak brightness, the display crown goes to the Apple MacBook Pro (2023).
Performance: Apple silicon vs Intel
The MacBook Pro and HP Specter x360 offer different processor options, which is to be expected since Apple uses its own chips in its devices. Interestingly, the lower-end Apple M2 Pro chip included with the base Mac model overrides the 12th Gen Intel Core i7-1260P chip included in the HP laptop. And by obliterated, we mean both single- and multi-core performance and efficiency tests. The least powerful processor in the 16-inch model is the Core i7-12700H.
Not to mention, the MacBook Pro can support up to 96GB of RAM and 8TB of SSD storage. Meanwhile, the HP Specter x360 maxes out at 32GB of RAM and 2TB of SSD. The MacBook Pro (2023) is the winner of this round. It’s more powerful and efficient, not to mention able to handle more storage and memory.
Outlets: pros and cons to both
Specter x360 ports
Ports rounding is tough, as every laptop has its own set of pros and cons. For starters, HP’s 13.5-inch laptop is missing an HDMI port, which is available on the 16-inch Specter x360 and all MacBook Pro (2023) variants. So if you rely on HDMI connections a lot, you might want to avoid the smaller Specter x360.
Another aspect to consider is SD card support. Apple supports regular cards, while the HP laptop supports microSD cards. Arguably Apple is better here because you can always count on an adapter to turn your microSD card into a full-size card that goes into the MacBook Pro’s slot, but that’s a small difference.
Finally, with Apple, you get three Thunderbolt 4 ports, while your choice of HP convertible gets you two and a USB Type-A port. So if you have USB-A accessories, you might want to go for the Specter x360 to avoid using the dongle with the MacBook Pro.
Apple MacBook Pro (2023) vs. HP Specter x360 (2022): Which Should You Buy?
As you can see, the MacBook Pro (2023) and Specter x360 (2022) are for a different audience. If you already own an Apple device, it would make sense to buy a MacBook Pro to take advantage of the tighter integrations and ecosystem perks. Likewise, if you’re an Android user, you might want to check out the HP convertible because Windows increasingly supports Android OS integration.
Plus, if you’re looking for a convertible or touchscreen, you’re limited to HP. If you prefer the best performance and power efficiency, then the Apple laptop is the one to buy. Finally, they are in vastly different price ranges. The HP computer starts at $1,249, while the base MacBook Pro (2023) is $1,999. So if you’re on a tight budget, you may have to settle for the HP Specter x360 (2022). The MacBook Pro (2023) is arguably the better machine overall, but it won’t appeal to everyone.
Apple MacBook Pro (2023)
MacBook Pro (2023) models offer enhanced M2 Pro and M2 Max chipsets, Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 support, HDMI 2.1 compatibility, a notch display, and more.
HP Specter x360 13.5.0 Update
The HP Specter x360 13.5 is a premium convertible laptop with a stunning design and great performance for everyday tasks. It runs Windows 11 and should receive updates for years to come.
HP Spectre x360 16 (2022)
The HP Specter x360 comes with a large 16:10 ratio capacitive touchscreen display, 12th Gen Intel H-series processors, and other powerful specifications.