HP Spectre x2 (2015) review

For anyone who has been on the fence about paying the premium for a Surface device, the Spectre x2 is an affordable and well-built Windows tablet alternative. After being spoiled by the Surface Book and Surface Pro 4, I didn't think there would be another device compelling enough to pull me away. But the Spectre x2 offers a mix of luxury and features that's too hard to pass up.

We liked

The hardware itself is simply stunning. Made almost entirely with metal complete with shiny accents and a sandblasted finish, the Spectre x2 feels luxe to the touch. At the same time, thanks to its thinner frame and a bar-shaped kickstand, it riffs on some of the conventions for Windows tablets set by Microsoft in an attractive way.

What's more, the Spectre x2 has redeemed the reputation of Intel Core M processors, offering nearly the same performance as the Core i5-powered Surface Pro 4 while being even more economical with battery life.

We disliked

Though I love the design of the design of this tablet, it could use a number of improvements. Namely, I would love the kickstand to be reengineered so that it reaches all the way to the edge of the device, so users don't have to go searching for the spring-loaded release switch. And this seems completely possible after seeing the Elite x2 1012.

Then, there are also the large bezels, which can't be ignored. Though I find the Full HD screen to be serviceable enough, the lack of a higher display resolution option might turn you off from this device to seek out the multitude of other sharper Windows tablets.

Final verdict

Ultimately, the HP Spectre x2 is an excellent device, though with some caveats whenever it tries to differentiate from the crowd. It's the only Windows tablet to feature a quad-speaker setup, but it only helps pump up volume without adding depth to the audio experience. HP's is also the only 2-in-1 to feature dual RealSense cameras, but for now they're only useful for playing around in games or messing with the scanned faces of your friends.

If money is no object and you want the very best, I would still pick the Surface Pro 4, because of its refined design and greater performance. Regardless, the Spectre x2, at its core, is a very affordable Windows 10 tablet-hybrid that sacrifices very little, if anything, to achieve its approachable price tag.