[Hardware] HP Spectre x360 16 review: With a 3K OLED display and RTX 3050, this laptop is one of a kind

[Love Pulse]

 

Over a year ago, I reviewed HP's Spectre x360 14 with an OLED display. I pulled no punches, calling it one of the best convertible PCs due to the robustness of features balanced with a fair price. However, I wasn't nearly as keen on the bigger 15.6-inch model, so I passed on the review to another reviewer.

So, I hesitated for 2022 when HP offered its more prominent Spectre x360 refresh. Then I saw it and the specs and knew I had to give it a look. HP addressed all my dislikes of the 15.6" version with an all-new design, hardware, and some very clever software.

While not everyone needs a convertible 16-inch laptop, HP has made one that is gorgeous thanks to its giant 16-inch, 16:10 4K OLED display and tamer chassis design. Even if you don't flip this to a tablet, it's one of the best laptops that does a little bit of it all.
The Spectre x360 16 is now available from HP.com, Best Buy, and Amazon. HP lets you configure the laptop in specific ways, including integrated Intel graphics, Core i7 processor, 16GB of RAM, 512GB of storage, and a 3K WLED display, which brings the starting price closer to $1,500 ($1,250 on sale).

Best Buy and Amazon both have specific SKUs priced slightly higher due to some more expensive hardware. For example, the Best Buy model uses 32GB of Intel Optane to improve storage performance.

We used the top-tier model for this review with an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 GPU, 1TB SSD (+32GB Intel Optane), 16GB of RAM, and the upgraded UHD+ OLED display, which retails for $2,120. Users can spec up to 32GB of RAM and a 2TB SSD for $2,860.

HP Spectre x360 16: Hardware and design
For a few years now, HP has been pushing its "gem cut" design of the Spectre series, which, while looking great, could come across as a bit flashy for some, especially when combined with the blingy "black and gold" finishing. In 2022, I'm glad to see HP soften the Spectre up a bit. Instead of harsh, angular corners, the Spectre x360 16 opts for smooth, rounded edges. The keyboard deck rounds off like a pillow, display corners are more rounded, and the whole thing feels more inviting.

The Spectre x360 16 comes in two color options: Nightfall Black with pale brass accents (seen in our photos) and Nocturne Blue with celestial blue accents. Those accents, especially compared to last year's model, are very, very modest as you barely see the brass. It's a nice look, and one HP should keep for its other Spectre laptops.