2022 HP Spectre x360 13.5 has fewer keyboard keys and a slower MicroSD reader than the 2020 model

The 2020 13.5-inch Spectre x360 quickly became one of our favorite convertibles in its size class for several reasons as detailed in our review. The latest 2022 model brings a laundry list of changes most of which are significant improvements including the higher resolution webcam (5 MP vs. 1 MP), much faster CPU (12th gen Intel vs. 11th gen Intel), removable WLAN 6E module, and a larger clickpad. Not every change has been an improvement, however.

After having reviewed the 2022 Spectre x360 13.5, we've discovered that HP has revised the keyboard and slowed the MicroSD reader. The four dedicated keys for Home, PgUp, PgDn, and End on the 2020 model are now secondary functions on the arrow keys as shown by the comparison pictures below.

As for the MicroSD reader, transfer rates are now almost 3x slower even when using a UHS-II card. Moving 1 GB of images from our test card to desktop takes about 21 seconds on the 2022 model compared to just 5 to 6 seconds on the older model. If you rely on SD cards to move files from your camera to your laptop, then the newer Spectre is actually much slower for the purpose.

The two above changes are odd to see especially when the rest of the laptop performs so well. The CPU, for example, now runs more stably in terms of clock rates for smoother frame rates when gaming. The latest model is a large leap forward with just a couple of setbacks for the Spectre x360 13.5 series as a result.