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MagyarHP Spectre x2 12-a001ng Convertible Review
For the original German review, see here.
We first tested the HP Spectre x2 12 in January of 2016. We were immediately excited by the 12-inch tablet: the adjustable stand and good input devices makes working on the Spectre x2 12 a fun experience. This model aims to be more of an all-rounder device and offers decent brightness, good camera modules (including RealSense) and microphone in a slim device.
The HP Spectre x2 12 ran smoothly thanks to its Intel Core m7-6Y75 and SSD. However, we believe that the main contribution is made by the solid-state drive, as the processor offers less performance than its competitors. Hence, we are testing the test model with the m3-6Y30, which costs less and offers longer run times.
We ran all our tests on the test model and re-evaluated its ratings with the m3 processor. In this update review, you will find out why the test model has a better rating than the i7 sister model (86%). Furthermore, we investigate if the Core m3 throttles the same as the Core m7 and whether it offer decent run times.
Certain aspects, such as, the case, connectivity, input device, display and speakers, have remained identical to the previous review. As such, we are leaving them out of this update review and information about these sections can be found in review of the HP Spectre x2 12-a003ng (Core m7-6Y75).
Note: the test model is equipped with a 256 GB SSD and an LTE modem. As a result, the device has a SIM card slot next to the SD card reader. The m7 model did not have such a slot.
Case & Connectivity
| Networking | |
| iperf Server (receive) TCP 1 m | |
| Huawei MateBook m5-6Y54 | |
| HP Spectre x2 12-a001ng | |
| iperf Client (transmit) TCP 1 m | |
| Huawei MateBook m5-6Y54 | |
| HP Spectre x2 12-a001ng | |
Performance
Processor
The Core m3-6Y30 (see details) has a normal clock speed of 900 MHz: if the cooling lasts, the CPU can reach up to 2.2 GHz. When both cores are loaded, the CPU reaches a max of 2.0 GHz. After 30 seconds, the clock speed varies between 1.5 and 1.8 GHz and the SoC reports temperature of 67 degrees Celsius (~153 degrees Fahrenheit).
Long term, the m3 only offers a mere 1.2 to 1.3 GHz. Depending on the temperatures at the start of the test, the device drops to these levels slowly or quickly. We cannot talk about throttling in this case, as the 900 MHz base clock speed is never exceeded. The performance of the m3 model in Cinebench R15 matches that of the m7 Spectre x2 12. In the single core test, the m7 can perform 20% faster. The Microsoft Surface Pro 4 teases more performance out of the same SoC (also without a fan), which means that HP does not have the best system to draw out the potential of the m3.
System Performance
Our m3 system can almost catch up to the Microsoft Surface Pro 4, Core m3 in system performance: the difference is a mere 15%.
| PCMark 8 - Home Score Accelerated v2 | |
| Acer Aspire Switch Alpha 12 SA5-271-56HM | |
| Lenovo IdeaPad Miix 700 | |
| Huawei MateBook m5-6Y54 | |
| Microsoft Surface Pro 4, Core m3 | |
| HP Spectre x2 12-a001ng | |
| PCMark 8 Home Score Accelerated v2 | 2116 points | |
Help | ||
Storage Device
Watch out! HP uses a different drive in the m3 model: the LiteOn L8H-256V2G instead of the SanDisk X300 SD7SN6S-256G (m7 model). Both drives are 256 GB SSDs. The LiteOn is faster, but the difference is not noticeable.
| HP Spectre x2 12-a001ng Liteon L8H-256V2G | HP Spectre x2 12-a003ng K3D42EA Sandisk X300 SD7SN6S-256G-1006 | Acer Aspire Switch Alpha 12 SA5-271-56HM Kingston RBU-SNS8152S3256GG2 | Lenovo IdeaPad Miix 700 Samsung MZNLN128HCGR-000L2 | Microsoft Surface Pro 4, Core m3 Samsung MZFLV128 NVMe | Huawei MateBook m5-6Y54 SanDisk SD8SN8U256G1027 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CrystalDiskMark 3.0 | -9% | 4% | 12% | -5% | 18% | |
| Read Seq | 517 | 410.1 -21% | 518 0% | 497.9 -4% | 663 28% | 512 -1% |
| Write Seq | 270.1 | 316 17% | 199.9 -26% | 153.5 -43% | 158.2 -41% | 462.1 71% |
| Read 512 | 369.2 | 260.8 -29% | 374.9 2% | 401.2 9% | 313.1 -15% | 376 2% |
| Write 512 | 264.6 | 241.6 -9% | 201 -24% | 154.5 -42% | 158.2 -40% | 295.2 12% |
| Read 4k | 23.48 | 27.4 17% | 29.3 25% | 36.2 54% | 30.14 28% | 31.83 36% |
| Write 4k | 57.4 | 53.5 -7% | 76.8 34% | 95.5 66% | 68 18% | 64.5 12% |
| Read 4k QD32 | 223.4 | 196 -12% | 272 22% | 389.5 74% | 243.7 9% | 269.6 21% |
| Write 4k QD32 | 195.8 | 147.8 -25% | 197.1 1% | 154 -21% | 149.2 -24% | 178.2 -9% |
Emissions and Energy
Temperature
(±) The maximum temperature on the upper side is 42.4 °C / 108 F, compared to the average of 35.3 °C / 96 F, ranging from 19.6 to 55.7 °C for the class Convertible.
(±) The bottom heats up to a maximum of 43 °C / 109 F, compared to the average of 36.7 °C / 98 F
(+) In idle usage, the average temperature for the upper side is 29.8 °C / 86 F, compared to the device average of 30.2 °C / 86 F.
(±) The palmrests and touchpad can get very hot to the touch with a maximum of 37.3 °C / 99.1 F.
(-) The average temperature of the palmrest area of similar devices was 28.2 °C / 82.8 F (-9.1 °C / -16.3 F).
Speakers
Frequency diagram in comparison (Check boxes above can be selected!)
Value 1: Pink Noise 100% Vol.; Value 2: Audio off
Power Consumption
The power consumption is slightly higher than the m7 model, especially while idling. Compared with the IdeaPad Miix 700 and the Spectre x2 12-a003ng K3D42EA, the m7/m5 models consume less power while they are idle.
Power Usage
| HP Spectre x2 12-a001ng 6Y30, HD Graphics 515, 43 Wh | HP Spectre x2 12-a003ng K3D42EA 6Y75, HD Graphics 515, 42 Wh | Acer Aspire Switch Alpha 12 SA5-271-56HM 6200U, HD Graphics 520, 37 Wh | Lenovo IdeaPad Miix 700 6Y54, HD Graphics 515, 41 Wh | Microsoft Surface Pro 4, Core m3 6Y30, HD Graphics 515, 38 Wh | Huawei MateBook m5-6Y54 6Y54, HD Graphics 515, 33 Wh | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Power Consumption | 13% | -19% | -3% | -8% | ||
| Idle Minimum * | 6 | 4.5 25% | 7.3 -22% | 4 33% | 7.4 -23% | |
| Idle Average * | 8 | 7.7 4% | 10 -25% | 8.6 -8% | 11.6 -45% | |
| Idle Maximum * | 10.6 | 8.3 22% | 10.15 4% | 9.3 12% | 11.6 -9% | |
| Load Average * | 21.5 | 19.8 8% | 25.2 -17% | 18.6 13% | 16.8 22% | |
| Load Maximum * | 22 | 20.6 6% | 29.3 -33% | 36.3 -65% | 19.1 13% |
* ... smaller is better
| Off / Standby |   0.26 / 1.5 Watt |
| Idle |  6 / 8 / 10.6 Watt |
| Load |
21.5 / 22 Watt |
    
| |
Battery Life
The battery life is the same for both m3 and m7 models: 6 hours in our Wi-Fi test. For this test, our script loads various websites and simulates a web surfing experience. The Microsoft Surface Pro 4, Core m3 takes first place with a run time of 8 hours.
Pros
Cons
Verdict
The greatest weakness of the m7 sister model can be found in the m3 model as well: the run time is limited to a mere 6 hours in our practical Wi-Fi test. Thankfully, the test model offers an LTE modem, which opens up additional options for users.
The performance of the m3 is a little under the expected level, as shown by the higher level of performance of the SoC in the Surface Pro 4. The m3 and m7 Spectre x2 12 models are two of the weakest convertibles available in this section (in terms of system performance and processing power). In a head-to-head comparison, the two models are very close and they trade strong points: the m7 takes a lead in the single core test and the faster LiteOn SSD of the m3 system offers more storage performance.
The price of the HP Spectre x2 12-a001ng (P0T72EA) is impressive: in some shops it is offered for as little as 899 Euros (~$990). At this price, the HP Spectre x2 12 is an exciting offer. A price of 1000 Euros (~$1100), it would have been too expensive, but at 899 Euros ~$990) it is a clear recommendation.
On the other hand, many competitors cost around 1250 - 1300 Euros (~$1376 - ~$1431). A price drop was sure to come when models such as the Acer Aspire Switch 12 Alpha came out with a price tag of 800 Euros (~$880; liquid cooling, Core i5 6200U and 3K TFT panel). The Alpha targets the same customer base as our test model: Windows users who want a mobile device with good performance for everyday and business use.
The market is very exciting in this segment: see our list of Top 10 Convertibles. The Lenovo IdeaPad Miix 700, the Surface Pro 4 and the new Huawei MateBook (currently being tested) should also be considered by potential buyers.
HP Spectre x2 12-a001ng
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07/20/2016 v5.1(old)
Sebastian Jentsch
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