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HP Spectre x360 15 (Core i7-8750H, GTX 1050 Ti Max-Q, 2 TB SSD, 4K) Convertible Review

Six cores with stamina. The new HP Spectre x360 is an all-rounder that gets most things right. The convertible scores highly for its powerful hardware, backlit keyboard, two Thunderbolt 3 ports, good battery life and its 2 TB SSD. The touchscreen supports the HP Tilt Pen too, which adds more functionality than many 15-inch convertibles have.

HP has refreshed its Spectre x360 15 once again and equips the device with a hexa-core Intel Coffee Lake along with an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti Max-Q GPU, which are both considerably more powerful than the Core i7-8550U and GeForce MX150 found in the Spectre x360 15 2018.

The new Spectre x360 15 also sports a redesigned case, which has more angular corners than its predecessor. Our review unit is the 15-df0126ng to be precise and is the seventh revision of the Spectre x360 15 that HP has released in the last three years. The 15-df0126ng succeeds the following:

We have chosen to compare the Spectre x360 15 against other comparably priced 15-inch convertibles. Our comparison devices will include the ASUS ZenBook Flip 15 UX561UD, Acer Spin 5 SP515-51GN and Lenovo Yoga 730-15IKB. We shall also consider our review unit against 15-inch laptops such as the Core i7-8750H version of the Dell XPS 15 9570.

HP Spectre x360 15-df0126ng (Spectre X360 15 Series)
Processor
Intel Core i7-8750H 6 x 2.2 - 4.1 GHz, Coffee Lake-H
Graphics adapter
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti Max-Q - 4 GB VRAM, Core: 1418 MHz, Memory: 1752 MHz, GDDR5, 128-bit connection, 419.35, Optimus
Memory
16 GB 
, DDR4-2666, dual-channel, two SO-DIMM slots, both of which are occupied
Display
15.60 inch 16:9, 3840 x 2160 pixel 282 PPI, 10-point multitouch display, native pen support, AU Optronics AUO30EB, IPS, IPS, glossy: yes
Mainboard
Intel HM370
Storage
Toshiba XG5-P KXG50PNV2T04, 2048 GB 
, 1820 GB free
Soundcard
Realtek ALC285 @ Intel Kaby Lake-U/Y PCH - High Definition Audio Controller
Connections
3 USB 3.1 Gen2, 2 Thunderbolt, 1 HDMI, 2 DisplayPort, Audio Connections: 3.5 mm combined headphone and microphone jack, Card Reader: MicroSD, 1 Fingerprint Reader, Sensors: Accelerometer, eCompass, Gyroscope, TPM 2.0
Networking
Intel Wireless-AC 9560 (a/b/g/n = Wi-Fi 4/ac = Wi-Fi 5/), Bluetooth 5
Size
height x width x depth (in mm): 19.3 x 361 x 250 ( = 0.76 x 14.21 x 9.84 in)
Battery
84 Wh Lithium-Ion
Operating System
Microsoft Windows 10 Home 64 Bit
Camera
Webcam: Full HD
Primary Camera: 2.1 MPix
Additional features
Speakers: Stereo, Keyboard: Chiclet, Keyboard Light: yes, Carry case, McAfee LiveSafe trial, 24 Months Warranty
Weight
2.18 kg ( = 76.9 oz / 4.81 pounds), Power Supply: 452 g ( = 15.94 oz / 1 pounds)
Price
2599 Euro
Note: The manufacturer may use components from different suppliers including display panels, drives or memory sticks with similar specifications.

 

Case

The Spectre x360 15 has an all-aluminium case like its predecessors, while it retains the dark grey and gold colour scheme of last year’s models, the former of which HP still markets as Dark Ash Silver. The case looks even more striking than last year’s design with its angular and bevelled edges that run along its entire frame. HP has also placed the power button and one USB Type-C port on the back corners of the device, which should make these ports more accessible when using the Spectre in presentation or tent mode. It is worth pointing out that the device lacks a maintenance cover like many businesses 15-inch laptops have, but this is also the case for its predecessors.

Our review unit is well-built and has evenly tight gaps between materials. The aluminium shell is stable too, although we could twist the base unit and display lid a bit. That being said, the latter is sturdier than the former, but we can get the screen to deform by applying pressure to the centre of the lid. The hinges hold the display firmly in position too and are sufficiently balanced to allow for the display to be opened with one hand.

Our review unit weighs 2.2 kg (~4.85 lb), which is marginally heavier than its predecessor, although the two devices have an almost identical footprint. The Spectre x360 15 2018 is 2 mm (~0.08 in) narrower than its successor, but they are both 250 mm (~9.8 in) long and 19.3 mm (~0.75 in) thick. Our review unit is roughly as large as the ASUS ZenBook Flip 5 UX561UD and Lenovo Yoga 730-15IKB, while it is noticeably larger than the XPS 15 9570. By contrast, the Acer Spin 5 SP515-51GN is visibly bulkier at 381.5 mm x 258.1 mm (~15 x ~10 in), although it is 1.4 mm (~0.05 in) thinner than our review unit.

Size Comparison

381.5 mm / 15 inch 258.1 mm / 10.2 inch 17.9 mm / 0.705 inch 2.3 kg4.97 lbs364 mm / 14.3 inch 246 mm / 9.69 inch 21 mm / 0.827 inch 2.1 kg4.53 lbs361 mm / 14.2 inch 250 mm / 9.84 inch 19.3 mm / 0.76 inch 2.2 kg4.81 lbs359 mm / 14.1 inch 250 mm / 9.84 inch 19.3 mm / 0.76 inch 2.1 kg4.72 lbs360 mm / 14.2 inch 249 mm / 9.8 inch 17.2 mm / 0.677 inch 1.9 kg4.17 lbs357 mm / 14.1 inch 235 mm / 9.25 inch 17 mm / 0.669 inch 2 kg4.44 lbs297 mm / 11.7 inch 210 mm / 8.27 inch 1 mm / 0.03937 inch 5.7 g0.01257 lbs

Connectivity

The Spectre x360 only has a few ports for a 15-inch laptop. The convertible has just one USB Type-A port, which operates at the USB 3.1 Gen 2 standard. There are two Thunderbolt 3 ports though both of which support both USB Power Delivery (PD) 3.0 and DisplayPort 1.4. The Spectre x360 15 has a HDMI 2.0a port too, which essentially gives the convertible three video outputs.

Left-hand side: Power button, Power connector, HDMI, Headphone jack
Left-hand side: Power button, Power connector, HDMI, Headphone jack
Right-hand side: microSD card reader, Webcam power switch, USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-A, 2 x Thunderbolt 3
Right-hand side: microSD card reader, Webcam power switch, USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-A, 2 x Thunderbolt 3

SD Card Reader

HP has equipped the Spectre x360 15 with a microSD card reader rather than the full-sized SD card reader with which it equipped previous models. While the reader in our review unit does not achieve as high transfer speeds as its predecessors, it is one of the fastest microSD card readers we have ever tested. Our review unit achieved a maximum of 193.8 MB/s when copying large blocks of data and averaged 149.3 MB/s in our JPG copying test, during which we transfer 250 JPG files that are around 5 MB each. We tested our review unit with a Toshiba Exceria Pro M501 64 GB microSDXC card, for reference.

SD Card Reader
average JPG Copy Test (av. of 3 runs)
HP Spectre x360 15-ch000
  (Toshiba Exceria Pro SDXC 64 GB UHS-II)
178.4 MB/s +19%
Dell XPS 15 9570 i7 UHD
  (Toshiba Exceria Pro SDXC 64 GB UHS-II)
174 MB/s +17%
HP Spectre x360 15-ch011nr
  (Toshiba Exceria Pro SDXC 64 GB UHS-II)
163.8 MB/s +10%
HP Spectre x360 15-df0126ng
  (Toshiba Exceria Pro M501 microSDXC 64GB)
149.3 MB/s
Average of class Multimedia
  (17.6 - 205, n=62, last 2 years)
91.8 MB/s -39%
Asus ZenBook Flip 15 UX561UD
  (Toshiba Exceria Pro SDXC 64 GB UHS-II)
31.7 MB/s -79%
Acer Spin 5 SP515-51GN-80A3
  (Toshiba Exceria Pro SDXC 64 GB UHS-II)
22.5 MB/s -85%
maximum AS SSD Seq Read Test (1GB)
HP Spectre x360 15-ch011nr
  (Toshiba Exceria Pro SDXC 64 GB UHS-II)
212.4 MB/s +10%
HP Spectre x360 15-ch000
  (Toshiba Exceria Pro SDXC 64 GB UHS-II)
208.6 MB/s +8%
HP Spectre x360 15-df0126ng
  (Toshiba Exceria Pro M501 microSDXC 64GB)
193.8 MB/s
Dell XPS 15 9570 i7 UHD
  (Toshiba Exceria Pro SDXC 64 GB UHS-II)
192 MB/s -1%
Average of class Multimedia
  (16.8 - 266, n=58, last 2 years)
120.8 MB/s -38%
Asus ZenBook Flip 15 UX561UD
  (Toshiba Exceria Pro SDXC 64 GB UHS-II)
35.6 MB/s -82%
Acer Spin 5 SP515-51GN-80A3
  (Toshiba Exceria Pro SDXC 64 GB UHS-II)
24 MB/s -88%

Communication

HP has also equipped our review unit with an Intel Wireless-AC 9560 module, which supports all modern Wi-Fi standards up to IEEE 802.11 ac and offers Bluetooth 5 functionality. The Spectre x360 15 impressed in our iperf3 Client Wi-Fi tests, which we conducted under optimal conditions with our review unit next to our router and no other Wi-Fi connected devices nearby. The Spectre x360 15 does not have an Ethernet port, but you could use a corresponding USB adapter should you need a wired internet connection.

Networking
iperf3 transmit AX12
Average of class Multimedia
  (285 - 1094, n=5, last 2 years)
789 MBit/s +25%
Asus ZenBook Flip 15 UX561UD
Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 8265
666 MBit/s +5%
Lenovo Yoga 730-15IKB
Realtek RTL8822BE Wireless LAN 802.11ac PCIe Adapter
650 MBit/s +3%
HP Spectre x360 15-df0126ng
Intel Wireless-AC 9560
633 (482min - 722max) MBit/s
Acer Spin 5 SP515-51GN-80A3
Qualcomm Atheros QCA61x4
604 MBit/s -5%
Dell XPS 15 9570 i7 UHD
Killer Wireless-n/a/ac 1535 Wireless Network Adapter
575 MBit/s -9%
HP Spectre x360 15-ch000
Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 8265
506 MBit/s -20%
HP Spectre x360 15-ch011nr
Intel Wireless-AC 9260
479 MBit/s -24%
iperf3 receive AX12
Average of class Multimedia
  (625 - 1675, n=5, last 2 years)
1127 MBit/s +89%
HP Spectre x360 15-ch011nr
Intel Wireless-AC 9260
656 MBit/s +10%
HP Spectre x360 15-ch000
Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 8265
634 MBit/s +6%
Lenovo Yoga 730-15IKB
Realtek RTL8822BE Wireless LAN 802.11ac PCIe Adapter
616 MBit/s +3%
HP Spectre x360 15-df0126ng
Intel Wireless-AC 9560
596 (521min - 646max) MBit/s
Dell XPS 15 9570 i7 UHD
Killer Wireless-n/a/ac 1535 Wireless Network Adapter
525 MBit/s -12%
Acer Spin 5 SP515-51GN-80A3
Qualcomm Atheros QCA61x4
489 MBit/s -18%
Asus ZenBook Flip 15 UX561UD
Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 8265
461 MBit/s -23%
04080120160200240280320360400440480520560600640680720Tooltip
HP Spectre x360 15-df0126ng Intel Wireless-AC 9560; iperf3 receive AX12; iperf 3.1.3: Ø596 (521-646)
HP Spectre x360 15-df0126ng Intel Wireless-AC 9560; iperf3 transmit AX12; iperf 3.1.3: Ø634 (482-722)

Webcam

The Spectre x360 15 has a 2.1 MP webcam that can take photos or record videos in up to 1,920 x 1,080 pixels. The results are a bit dark for our liking and are dominated by image noise. The camera is good enough for making video calls though and can be turned off with a switch on the right-hand side of the frame, the inclusion of which is rather novel.

Accessories

HP includes a carry case in the box along with the accessories that typically come with a laptop such as a charger, warranty information and a quick start guide.

Maintenance

The Spectre x360 15 has no maintenance cover as we mentioned earlier, so the bottom cover must be removed to access the device’s internal components. HP hides most screws beneath two rubber strips as it does with many of its Spectre and Envy devices.

We suggest taking care to remove these, as the plastic and adhesive layers connected to the rubber strips are easy to separate from each other. HP also secures the bottom plate to the frame with fragile plastic hooks.

We chose not to disassemble our review unit because of the likelihood of breaking it and the difficulty of sourcing replacement parts.

Warranty

The Spectre x360 15 comes with a two-year limited warranty, which includes a pick-up and return service. HP also sells its Care Pack package for €80 (~$90), which extends the warranty to three years and includes telephone support along with the coverage that is afforded in the standard two-year warranty.

Please see our Guarantees, Return Policies and Warranties FAQ for country-specific information.

Input Devices

Keyboard

The Spectre x360 15 has a backlit keyboard and number pad. The keys are flat with a smooth finish and have a short stroke with a clear pressure point. We found the keyboard easy to type on during our tests and at no point did the case bow or buckle under the pressure of our hands. The backlight can be adjusted with the F5 key and cycled between two brightness levels. In short, the Spectre x360 15 has a decent keyboard that should be good enough for most typists, although the inclusion of half-sized up and down arrows seems unnecessary considering how large the keyboard deck is.

Trackpad

HP has equipped the device with a multi-touch trackpad that measures about 12 x 6 cm (~4.7 x ~2.4 in), which is the same size as the one in the Spectre x360 13t. The trackpad is big enough on which to perform multi-finger gestures, but an even larger one would have been a better use of space in our opinion. The trackpad in our review unit responds precisely even into its corners, while its smooth finish makes it easy to slide fingers across its surface. The integrated mouse buttons have short strokes and clear pressure points too.

A look at the keyboard, trackpad and fingerprint sensor on the Spectre x360 15
A look at the keyboard, trackpad and fingerprint sensor on the Spectre x360 15

Touchscreen

The Spectre x360 15 has a 10-point multitouch display that reliably reproduced our inputs accurately and quickly throughout our tests. The touchscreen also works with the HP Tilt Pen, which the company sells separately. The omission to include the pen in the box is rather odd considering that HP includes it with the smaller Spectre x360 13t.

The HP Tilt Pen, which is sold separately
The HP Tilt Pen, which is sold separately

Display

The Spectre x360 15 has a 15.6-inch display that operates natively at 3,840x2,160. Our review unit achieved an average maximum brightness of 310 cd/m² according to X-Rite i1Pro 2, which is on par with most of our comparison devices but is darker than the displays with which HP equipped its predecessors and the one in the XPS 15 9570. Moreover, our review unit has a comparatively high black value, which results in a disappointing 892:1 contrast ratio. We would expect devices at this price to achieve at least 300 cd/m² and have a 1,000:1 contrast ratio, so the Spectre x360 15 falls just short here. The Spectre x360 15 does not use pulse-width modulation (PWM) to regulate display brightness, which should ensure that most people do not get eye strain or headaches when looking at the screen for a prolonged period or at night.

Sub-pixel array
Sub-pixel array
Our review unit suffers from noticeable backlight bleeding
Our review unit suffers from noticeable backlight bleeding
298
cd/m²
317
cd/m²
301
cd/m²
292
cd/m²
330
cd/m²
297
cd/m²
307
cd/m²
336
cd/m²
312
cd/m²
Distribution of brightness
AU Optronics AUO30EB tested with X-Rite i1Pro 2
Maximum: 336 cd/m² (Nits) Average: 310 cd/m² Minimum: 13.7 cd/m²
Brightness Distribution: 87 %
Center on Battery: 282 cd/m²
Contrast: 892:1 (Black: 0.37 cd/m²)
ΔE Color 4.03 | 0.5-29.43 Ø5, calibrated: 1.96
ΔE Greyscale 4.49 | 0.57-98 Ø5.3
94% sRGB (Argyll 1.6.3 3D)
61% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 1.6.3 3D)
68.4% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
94.2% sRGB (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
68.1% Display P3 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
Gamma: 2.57
HP Spectre x360 15-df0126ng
IPS, 3840x2160, 15.60
HP Spectre x360 15-ch000
IPS, 3840x2160, 15.60
HP Spectre x360 15-ch011nr
IPS, 3840x2160, 15.60
Lenovo Yoga 730-15IKB
IPS, 3840x2160, 15.60
Asus ZenBook Flip 15 UX561UD
IPS, 3840x2160, 15.60
Acer Spin 5 SP515-51GN-80A3
a-Si TFT-LCD, LCM, IPS, 1920x1080, 15.60
Dell XPS 15 9570 i7 UHD
IPS, 3840x2160, 15.60
Display
-5%
-2%
-2%
26%
-41%
12%
Display P3 Coverage
68.1
66.7
-2%
68.5
1%
68.7
1%
86.6
27%
38.73
-43%
79.1
16%
sRGB Coverage
94.2
87.4
-7%
90.7
-4%
90
-4%
100
6%
58.3
-38%
98.8
5%
AdobeRGB 1998 Coverage
68.4
63.8
-7%
66.3
-3%
65.8
-4%
99.5
45%
40.02
-41%
79.2
16%
Response Times
31%
22%
30%
8%
16%
8%
Response Time Grey 50% / Grey 80% *
57 ?(26, 31)
36 ?(18, 18)
37%
38 ?(20.4, 17.6)
33%
34 ?(16, 18)
40%
52 ?(25, 27)
9%
42 ?(22, 20)
26%
46.4 ?(22.8, 23.6)
19%
Response Time Black / White *
31 ?(16, 15)
23.6 ?(12, 11.6)
24%
27.6 ?(15.6, 12)
11%
25 ?(14, 11)
19%
29 ?(15, 14)
6%
29 ?(15, 13)
6%
32 ?(18, 14)
-3%
PWM Frequency
943 ?(99)
943 ?(99)
961 ?(90)
980 ?(25)
Screen
-6%
-20%
-2%
16%
7%
4%
Brightness middle
330
349.5
6%
329.3
0%
309
-6%
380
15%
221
-33%
494
50%
Brightness
310
331
7%
316
2%
299
-4%
371
20%
224
-28%
457
47%
Brightness Distribution
87
90
3%
84
-3%
84
-3%
87
0%
89
2%
88
1%
Black Level *
0.37
0.29
22%
0.31
16%
0.29
22%
0.28
24%
0.12
68%
0.34
8%
Contrast
892
1205
35%
1062
19%
1066
20%
1357
52%
1842
107%
1453
63%
Colorchecker dE 2000 *
4.03
4.06
-1%
4.78
-19%
3.9
3%
4.38
-9%
4.12
-2%
5.2
-29%
Colorchecker dE 2000 max. *
6.74
7.68
-14%
11.75
-74%
7.5
-11%
7.59
-13%
6.41
5%
17.5
-160%
Colorchecker dE 2000 calibrated *
1.96
4.22
-115%
3.51
-79%
Greyscale dE 2000 *
4.49
4.4
2%
7.9
-76%
4.58
-2%
3.6
20%
3.4
24%
2.7
40%
Gamma
2.57 86%
2.11 104%
2.24 98%
2.43 91%
2.32 95%
2.54 87%
2.1 105%
CCT
6744 96%
7422 88%
8323 78%
7344 89%
6860 95%
6893 94%
7038 92%
Color Space (Percent of AdobeRGB 1998)
61
56.5
-7%
58.8
-4%
39
-36%
88
44%
37
-39%
71.2
17%
Color Space (Percent of sRGB)
94
86.9
-8%
90.4
-4%
90
-4%
100
6%
58
-38%
98.8
5%
Total Average (Program / Settings)
7% / -2%
0% / -12%
9% / 2%
17% / 17%
-6% / -2%
8% / 6%

* ... smaller is better

Our review unit has decent colour accuracy out of the box that is on par with our comparison devices. We measured a Delta E 2000 colour deviation of 4.03 upon delivery, which is marginally higher than the ideal value of 3. The display does not suffer from a blue tint either that plagues many laptops and smartphones.

Additional calibration can improve the colour accuracy of the display, the ICC profile for which we have included in the box above our comparison table. The Delta E 2000 colour deviation drops to 1.96, while grey tones look more balanced than they did pre-calibration. Please note our ICC profile will only improve the colour accuracy of display’s that are the same model as the one in our review unit. You can set your device to the default colour profile if our calibrated one does not work as expected.

Our review unit achieved 61% AdobeRGB and 94% sRGB colour space coverages in our tests, which is better than all but the XPS 15 9570 and ZenBook Flip 15 UX561UD of our comparison devices.

CalMAN: ColorChecker - uncalibrated
CalMAN: ColorChecker - uncalibrated
CalMAN: Greyscale - uncalibrated
CalMAN: Greyscale - uncalibrated
CalMAN: Colour Saturation - uncalibrated
CalMAN: Colour Saturation - uncalibrated
CalMAN: ColorChecker - calibrated
CalMAN: ColorChecker - calibrated
CalMAN: Greyscale - calibrated
CalMAN: Greyscale - calibrated
CalMAN: Colour Saturation - calibrated
CalMAN: Colour Saturation - calibrated

The Spectre x360 15 has stable viewing angles thanks to its IPS panel. Hence, the screen should remain readable from almost any position.

However, we found the device difficult to use outdoors because of its low maximum brightness and contrast ratio. Moreover, the display has a glossy, highly reflective finish. In short, the Spectre x360 15 is designed to be used indoors or in a shady spot, where possible.

Using the Spectre x360 15 outside in bright sunshine with the sun behind the device.
Using the Spectre x360 15 outside in bright sunshine with the sun behind the device.
Viewing Angles
Viewing Angles

Display Response Times

Display response times show how fast the screen is able to change from one color to the next. Slow response times can lead to afterimages and can cause moving objects to appear blurry (ghosting). Gamers of fast-paced 3D titles should pay special attention to fast response times.
       Response Time Black to White
31 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined↗ 16 ms rise
↘ 15 ms fall
The screen shows slow response rates in our tests and will be unsatisfactory for gamers.
In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.1 (minimum) to 240 (maximum) ms. » 81 % of all devices are better.
This means that the measured response time is worse than the average of all tested devices (21.6 ms).
       Response Time 50% Grey to 80% Grey
57 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined↗ 26 ms rise
↘ 31 ms fall
The screen shows slow response rates in our tests and will be unsatisfactory for gamers.
In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.2 (minimum) to 636 (maximum) ms. » 93 % of all devices are better.
This means that the measured response time is worse than the average of all tested devices (33.9 ms).

Screen Flickering / PWM (Pulse-Width Modulation)

To dim the screen, some notebooks will simply cycle the backlight on and off in rapid succession - a method called Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) . This cycling frequency should ideally be undetectable to the human eye. If said frequency is too low, users with sensitive eyes may experience strain or headaches or even notice the flickering altogether.
Screen flickering / PWM not detected

In comparison: 53 % of all tested devices do not use PWM to dim the display. If PWM was detected, an average of 18100 (minimum: 5 - maximum: 3846000) Hz was measured.

Performance

The Spectre x360 15 should provide enough processing power for all common applications and programs, while the dedicated GPU is powerful enough for some light gaming. Our test device currently costs between €2,500 and €2,600 (~$2830 - ~$2940), but there are cheaper configurations available with prices starting at around €1,800 (~$2036).

Please note that HP equips the entry-level model with a Core i7-8565U processor and a GeForce MX150 GPU, which is more comparable to the components with which HP equipped last year’s Spectre x360 15. Both components are considerably weaker than the Core i7-8750H and GeForce GTX 1050 Ti Max-Q in our review unit.

CPU-Z
CPU-Z
CPU-Z
CPU-Z
Intel XTU
HWInfo
GPU-Z
GPU-Z
LatencyMon
 

Processor

The Core i7-8750H is a hexa-core CPU from Intel’s Coffee Lake generation. The processor has a thermal design power (TDP) of 45 W and a base clock of 2.2 GHz. The Core i7-8750H supports Intel Turbo Boost, which allows it to boost to 3.9 GHz across all cores, 4 GHz on four cores and 4.1 GHz on one or two cores.

The CPU in our review unit operates at between 2.6 and 3.9 GHz during a Cinebench R15 multi-thread benchmark, which increases to between 3.9 and 4.1 GHz in the single-threaded equivalent. However, the CPU throttles to between 1.8 and 2.5 GHz in the former and 1.4 to 1.8 GHz in the latter when running on battery. These are all expected speeds for the Core i7-8750H though.

Cinebench R15 Multi 64Bit performance on AC power
Cinebench R15 Multi 64Bit performance on AC power
Cinebench R15 Single 64Bit performance on AC power
Cinebench R15 Single 64Bit performance on AC power
Cinebench R15 Multi 64Bit performance on battery power
Cinebench R15 Multi 64Bit performance on battery power
Cinebench R15 Single 64Bit performance on battery power
Cinebench R15 Single 64Bit performance on battery power

We subjected our review unit to a looped CB R15 multi-threaded benchmark that we ran for about 30 minutes to determine how it manages its performance under sustained load. The Spectre x360 15 initially scored 1,083 points, which is much higher than its Core i7-8550U and Core i7-8705G equipped predecessors along with many of our comparison devices. Benchmark scores then drop to 1,048 points in the second run through and to a low of 1,020 points three times during the loop. The CPU utilises turbo clock speeds throughout, which is impressive.

065130195260325390455520585650715780845910975104011051170Tooltip
HP Spectre x360 15-df0126ng Intel Core i7-8750H, Intel Core i7-8750H: Ø1032 (1020.72-1083.36)
HP Spectre x360 15-ch000 Intel Core i7-8705G, Intel Core i7-8705G: Ø638 (593.04-732.6)
HP Spectre x360 15-ch011nr Intel Core i7-8550U, Intel Core i7-8550U: Ø519 (509.07-542.3)
Lenovo Yoga 730-15IKB Intel Core i7-8550U, Intel Core i7-8550U: Ø672 (652.93-722.79)
Asus ZenBook Flip 15 UX561UD Intel Core i7-8550U, Intel Core i7-8550U: Ø581 (569.97-761.01)
Acer Spin 5 SP515-51GN-80A3 Intel Core i7-8550U, Intel Core i7-8550U: Ø518 (513.21-552.39)
Dell XPS 15 9570 i7 UHD Intel Core i7-8750H, Intel Core i7-8750H; Undervolting: Ø1168 (1123.47-1219.85)
Dell XPS 15 9570 i7 UHD Intel Core i7-8750H, Intel Core i7-8750H: Ø1012 (980.27-1215.12)
CPU clock speeds while running a loop of CB15 Multi 64Bit
CPU clock speeds while running a loop of CB15 Multi 64Bit

By contrast, the XPS 15 9570 initially scored 1,220 points with the same CPU but eventually thermal throttled to a minimum of 980 points. Undervolting helped the XPS 15 9570 achieve consistently higher scores though, so you may have the same success with the Spectre x360 15. We would urge researching the benefits and risks of undervolting thoroughly before attempting to do so.

Cinebench R10 Rendering Single 32Bit
6471
Cinebench R10 Rendering Multiple CPUs 32Bit
32223
Cinebench R10 Shading 32Bit
4597
Cinebench R15 CPU Single 64Bit
168 Points
Cinebench R15 CPU Multi 64Bit
1083 Points
Cinebench R15 OpenGL 64Bit
99.6 fps
Help
Cinebench R15
CPU Single 64Bit
Average of class Multimedia
  (142.6 - 308, n=96, last 2 years)
249 Points +48%
Dell XPS 15 9570 i7 UHD
Intel Core i7-8750H
175 Points +4%
Average Intel Core i7-8750H
  (163 - 177, n=86)
172 Points +2%
Asus ZenBook Flip 15 UX561UD
Intel Core i7-8550U
171 Points +2%
Acer Spin 5 SP515-51GN-80A3
Intel Core i7-8550U
170 Points +1%
Lenovo Yoga 730-15IKB
Intel Core i7-8550U
168 Points 0%
HP Spectre x360 15-df0126ng
Intel Core i7-8750H
168 Points
HP Spectre x360 15-ch000
Intel Core i7-8705G
165 Points -2%
HP Spectre x360 15-ch011nr
Intel Core i7-8550U
149 Points -11%
CPU Multi 64Bit
Average of class Multimedia
  (580 - 4703, n=103, last 2 years)
2280 Points +111%
Dell XPS 15 9570 i7 UHD
Intel Core i7-8750H (Undervolting)
1251 Points +16%
Dell XPS 15 9570 i7 UHD
Intel Core i7-8750H
1215 Points +12%
Average Intel Core i7-8750H
  (863 - 1251, n=93)
1113 Points +3%
HP Spectre x360 15-df0126ng
Intel Core i7-8750H
1083 Points
Asus ZenBook Flip 15 UX561UD
Intel Core i7-8550U
761 Points -30%
HP Spectre x360 15-ch000
Intel Core i7-8705G
733 Points -32%
Lenovo Yoga 730-15IKB
Intel Core i7-8550U
723 Points -33%
Acer Spin 5 SP515-51GN-80A3
Intel Core i7-8550U
558 Points -48%
HP Spectre x360 15-ch011nr
Intel Core i7-8550U
542 Points -50%
Cinebench R10
Rendering Single 32Bit
Average of class Multimedia
  (5791 - 10476, n=3, last 2 years)
7475 Points +16%
Asus ZenBook Flip 15 UX561UD
Intel Core i7-8550U
6506 Points +1%
Acer Spin 5 SP515-51GN-80A3
Intel Core i7-8550U
6494 Points 0%
Average Intel Core i7-8750H
  (6236 - 6645, n=25)
6479 Points 0%
HP Spectre x360 15-df0126ng
Intel Core i7-8750H
6471 Points
Lenovo Yoga 730-15IKB
Intel Core i7-8550U
6454 Points 0%
Rendering Multiple CPUs 32Bit
Average of class Multimedia
  (34412 - 61674, n=3, last 2 years)
43500 Points +35%
Average Intel Core i7-8750H
  (29664 - 35307, n=25)
33163 Points +3%
HP Spectre x360 15-df0126ng
Intel Core i7-8750H
32223 Points
Asus ZenBook Flip 15 UX561UD
Intel Core i7-8550U
24180 Points -25%
Lenovo Yoga 730-15IKB
Intel Core i7-8550U
22910 Points -29%
Acer Spin 5 SP515-51GN-80A3
Intel Core i7-8550U
18269 Points -43%
Geekbench 3
32 Bit Multi-Core Score
Average Intel Core i7-8750H
  (20725 - 22665, n=13)
21871 Points +6%
HP Spectre x360 15-df0126ng
Intel Core i7-8750H
20725 Points
Lenovo Yoga 730-15IKB
Intel Core i7-8550U
14144 Points -32%
32 Bit Single-Core Score
HP Spectre x360 15-df0126ng
Intel Core i7-8750H
4008 Points
Average Intel Core i7-8750H
  (3734 - 4163, n=13)
3995 Points 0%
Lenovo Yoga 730-15IKB
Intel Core i7-8550U
3933 Points -2%
Geekbench 4.4
64 Bit Multi-Core Score
Average of class Multimedia
  (28928 - 38187, n=2, last 2 years)
33558 Points
Average Intel Core i7-8750H
  (17709 - 23313, n=17)
21069 Points
Lenovo Yoga 730-15IKB
Intel Core i7-8550U
15196 Points
64 Bit Single-Core Score
Average of class Multimedia
  (6029 - 7531, n=2, last 2 years)
6780 Points
Average Intel Core i7-8750H
  (4669 - 5146, n=17)
4982 Points
Lenovo Yoga 730-15IKB
Intel Core i7-8550U
4900 Points
Mozilla Kraken 1.1 - Total
Dell XPS 15 9570 i7 UHD
Intel Core i7-8750H (Edge 42.17134.1.0)
1157 ms * -4%
HP Spectre x360 15-ch000
Intel Core i7-8705G (Edge 42.17134.1.0)
1140 ms * -3%
Lenovo Yoga 730-15IKB
Intel Core i7-8550U (Edge 42)
1121 ms * -1%
HP Spectre x360 15-df0126ng
Intel Core i7-8750H (Edge 44)
1110 ms *
Average Intel Core i7-8750H
  (695 - 1272, n=50)
1108 ms * -0%
Asus ZenBook Flip 15 UX561UD
Intel Core i7-8550U
1058 ms * +5%
HP Spectre x360 15-ch011nr
Intel Core i7-8550U (Edge 41.16299.15.0)
963 ms * +13%
Acer Spin 5 SP515-51GN-80A3
Intel Core i7-8550U (Edge 41.16299.15.0)
877 ms * +21%
Average of class Multimedia
  (363 - 1016, n=94, last 2 years)
554 ms * +50%
Octane V2 - Total Score
Average of class Multimedia
  (43921 - 109055, n=42, last 2 years)
86597 Points +149%
Acer Spin 5 SP515-51GN-80A3
Intel Core i7-8550U (Edge 41.16299.15.0)
42043 Points +21%
Asus ZenBook Flip 15 UX561UD
Intel Core i7-8550U
36079 Points +4%
HP Spectre x360 15-df0126ng
Intel Core i7-8750H (Edge 44)
34727 Points
Dell XPS 15 9570 i7 UHD
Intel Core i7-8750H (Edge 42.17134.1.0)
34301 Points -1%
Average Intel Core i7-8750H
  (27460 - 44549, n=47)
34108 Points -2%
Lenovo Yoga 730-15IKB
Intel Core i7-8550U (Edge 42)
34087 Points -2%
HP Spectre x360 15-ch011nr
Intel Core i7-8550U (Edge 41.16299.15.0)
32402 Points -7%
HP Spectre x360 15-ch000
Intel Core i7-8705G (Edge 42.17134.1.0)
32176 Points -7%
JetStream 1.1 - Total Score
Average of class Multimedia
  (367 - 459, n=3, last 2 years)
424 Points +74%
Acer Spin 5 SP515-51GN-80A3
Intel Core i7-8550U (Edge 41.16299.15.0)
286.3 Points +18%
Dell XPS 15 9570 i7 UHD
Intel Core i7-8750H (Edge 42.17134.1.0)
248.6 Points +2%
Asus ZenBook Flip 15 UX561UD
Intel Core i7-8550U
248.4 Points +2%
Average Intel Core i7-8750H
  (205 - 299, n=49)
247 Points +2%
HP Spectre x360 15-df0126ng
Intel Core i7-8750H (Edge 44)
243.1 Points
Lenovo Yoga 730-15IKB
Intel Core i7-8550U (Edge 42)
239.9 Points -1%
HP Spectre x360 15-ch011nr
Intel Core i7-8550U (Edge 41.16299.15.0)
233.4 Points -4%
HP Spectre x360 15-ch000
Intel Core i7-8705G (Edge 42.17134.1.0)
230.6 Points -5%

* ... smaller is better

System Performance

Our review unit performed smoothly throughout our tests, and we experienced no crashes or stuttering. The Spectre x360 15 also performed well in PCMark benchmarks but falls below the average of Core i7-8750H and GeForce GTX 1050 Ti Max-Q equipped devices that we have currently tested. Moreover, our review unit generally scored around a few percent less than the Spectre x360 15-ch000 with its Core i7-8705G processor and Radeon RX Vega M GL GPU.

PCMark 10 results
PCMark 10 results
PCMark 7 Score
6350 points
PCMark 8 Home Score Accelerated v2
3494 points
PCMark 8 Creative Score Accelerated v2
4685 points
PCMark 8 Work Score Accelerated v2
4316 points
PCMark 10 Score
4636 points
Help
PCMark 10
Score
Average of class Multimedia
  (4039 - 8670, n=82, last 2 years)
6552 Points +41%
Dell XPS 15 9570 i7 UHD
GeForce GTX 1050 Ti Max-Q, i7-8750H, Toshiba XG5 KXG50ZNV512G
4966 Points +7%
HP Spectre x360 15-ch000
Vega M GL / 870, i7-8705G, Toshiba XG5-P KXG50PNV2T04
4958 Points +7%
Average Intel Core i7-8750H, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti Max-Q
  (4437 - 4966, n=4)
4706 Points +2%
HP Spectre x360 15-df0126ng
GeForce GTX 1050 Ti Max-Q, i7-8750H, Toshiba XG5-P KXG50PNV2T04
4636 Points
Lenovo Yoga 730-15IKB
GeForce GTX 1050 Mobile, i5-8550U, SK Hynix PC401 512GB M.2 (HFS512GD9TNG)
4347 Points -6%
Asus ZenBook Flip 15 UX561UD
GeForce GTX 1050 Mobile, i5-8550U, Micron 1100 MTFDDAV256TBN
4249 Points -8%
Acer Spin 5 SP515-51GN-80A3
GeForce GTX 1050 Mobile, i5-8550U, Intel SSD 600p SSDPEKKW256G7
4194 Points -10%
HP Spectre x360 15-ch011nr
GeForce MX150, i5-8550U, SK hynix PC401 NVMe 500 GB
3938 Points -15%
Essentials
Average of class Multimedia
  (8480 - 12420, n=82, last 2 years)
10417 Points +26%
Average Intel Core i7-8750H, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti Max-Q
  (8057 - 9087, n=4)
8453 Points +3%
Dell XPS 15 9570 i7 UHD
GeForce GTX 1050 Ti Max-Q, i7-8750H, Toshiba XG5 KXG50ZNV512G
8429 Points +2%
Asus ZenBook Flip 15 UX561UD
GeForce GTX 1050 Mobile, i5-8550U, Micron 1100 MTFDDAV256TBN
8388 Points +2%
HP Spectre x360 15-ch000
Vega M GL / 870, i7-8705G, Toshiba XG5-P KXG50PNV2T04
8286 Points +1%
Lenovo Yoga 730-15IKB
GeForce GTX 1050 Mobile, i5-8550U, SK Hynix PC401 512GB M.2 (HFS512GD9TNG)
8258 Points 0%
Acer Spin 5 SP515-51GN-80A3
GeForce GTX 1050 Mobile, i5-8550U, Intel SSD 600p SSDPEKKW256G7
8248 Points 0%
HP Spectre x360 15-df0126ng
GeForce GTX 1050 Ti Max-Q, i7-8750H, Toshiba XG5-P KXG50PNV2T04
8237 Points
HP Spectre x360 15-ch011nr
GeForce MX150, i5-8550U, SK hynix PC401 NVMe 500 GB
7659 Points -7%
Productivity
Average of class Multimedia
  (5462 - 11186, n=82, last 2 years)
8685 Points +29%
HP Spectre x360 15-ch000
Vega M GL / 870, i7-8705G, Toshiba XG5-P KXG50PNV2T04
7265 Points +8%
Dell XPS 15 9570 i7 UHD
GeForce GTX 1050 Ti Max-Q, i7-8750H, Toshiba XG5 KXG50ZNV512G
7037 Points +5%
Average Intel Core i7-8750H, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti Max-Q
  (6671 - 7037, n=4)
6789 Points +1%
Acer Spin 5 SP515-51GN-80A3
GeForce GTX 1050 Mobile, i5-8550U, Intel SSD 600p SSDPEKKW256G7
6748 Points 0%
HP Spectre x360 15-df0126ng
GeForce GTX 1050 Ti Max-Q, i7-8750H, Toshiba XG5-P KXG50PNV2T04
6722 Points
Lenovo Yoga 730-15IKB
GeForce GTX 1050 Mobile, i5-8550U, SK Hynix PC401 512GB M.2 (HFS512GD9TNG)
6678 Points -1%
HP Spectre x360 15-ch011nr
GeForce MX150, i5-8550U, SK hynix PC401 NVMe 500 GB
6152 Points -8%
Asus ZenBook Flip 15 UX561UD
GeForce GTX 1050 Mobile, i5-8550U, Micron 1100 MTFDDAV256TBN
6024 Points -10%
Digital Content Creation
Average of class Multimedia
  (3861 - 13548, n=82, last 2 years)
8566 Points +75%
Dell XPS 15 9570 i7 UHD
GeForce GTX 1050 Ti Max-Q, i7-8750H, Toshiba XG5 KXG50ZNV512G
5605 Points +15%
HP Spectre x360 15-ch000
Vega M GL / 870, i7-8705G, Toshiba XG5-P KXG50PNV2T04
5493 Points +12%
Average Intel Core i7-8750H, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti Max-Q
  (4377 - 5605, n=4)
4944 Points +1%
HP Spectre x360 15-df0126ng
GeForce GTX 1050 Ti Max-Q, i7-8750H, Toshiba XG5-P KXG50PNV2T04
4884 Points
Asus ZenBook Flip 15 UX561UD
GeForce GTX 1050 Mobile, i5-8550U, Micron 1100 MTFDDAV256TBN
4146 Points -15%
Lenovo Yoga 730-15IKB
GeForce GTX 1050 Mobile, i5-8550U, SK Hynix PC401 512GB M.2 (HFS512GD9TNG)
4042 Points -17%
Acer Spin 5 SP515-51GN-80A3
GeForce GTX 1050 Mobile, i5-8550U, Intel SSD 600p SSDPEKKW256G7
3773 Points -23%
HP Spectre x360 15-ch011nr
GeForce MX150, i5-8550U, SK hynix PC401 NVMe 500 GB
3518 Points -28%
PCMark 8
Home Score Accelerated v2
Average of class Multimedia
  (4484 - 5525, n=9, last 2 years)
5075 Points +45%
Acer Spin 5 SP515-51GN-80A3
GeForce GTX 1050 Mobile, i5-8550U, Intel SSD 600p SSDPEKKW256G7
4100 Points +17%
HP Spectre x360 15-ch000
Vega M GL / 870, i7-8705G, Toshiba XG5-P KXG50PNV2T04
3946 Points +13%
Average Intel Core i7-8750H, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti Max-Q
  (3494 - 3969, n=4)
3676 Points +5%
Dell XPS 15 9570 i7 UHD
GeForce GTX 1050 Ti Max-Q, i7-8750H, Toshiba XG5 KXG50ZNV512G
3631 Points +4%
Asus ZenBook Flip 15 UX561UD
GeForce GTX 1050 Mobile, i5-8550U, Micron 1100 MTFDDAV256TBN
3614 Points +3%
Lenovo Yoga 730-15IKB
GeForce GTX 1050 Mobile, i5-8550U, SK Hynix PC401 512GB M.2 (HFS512GD9TNG)
3505 Points 0%
HP Spectre x360 15-df0126ng
GeForce GTX 1050 Ti Max-Q, i7-8750H, Toshiba XG5-P KXG50PNV2T04
3494 Points
HP Spectre x360 15-ch011nr
GeForce MX150, i5-8550U, SK hynix PC401 NVMe 500 GB
3482 Points 0%
Work Score Accelerated v2
Acer Spin 5 SP515-51GN-80A3
GeForce GTX 1050 Mobile, i5-8550U, Intel SSD 600p SSDPEKKW256G7
5281 Points +22%
Average of class Multimedia
  (3115 - 6078, n=9, last 2 years)
5278 Points +22%
Average Intel Core i7-8750H, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti Max-Q
  (4316 - 5317, n=4)
4608 Points +7%
Dell XPS 15 9570 i7 UHD
GeForce GTX 1050 Ti Max-Q, i7-8750H, Toshiba XG5 KXG50ZNV512G
4418 Points +2%
Asus ZenBook Flip 15 UX561UD
GeForce GTX 1050 Mobile, i5-8550U, Micron 1100 MTFDDAV256TBN
4401 Points +2%
Lenovo Yoga 730-15IKB
GeForce GTX 1050 Mobile, i5-8550U, SK Hynix PC401 512GB M.2 (HFS512GD9TNG)
4382 Points +2%
HP Spectre x360 15-ch000
Vega M GL / 870, i7-8705G, Toshiba XG5-P KXG50PNV2T04
4329 Points 0%
HP Spectre x360 15-ch011nr
GeForce MX150, i5-8550U, SK hynix PC401 NVMe 500 GB
4323 Points 0%
HP Spectre x360 15-df0126ng
GeForce GTX 1050 Ti Max-Q, i7-8750H, Toshiba XG5-P KXG50PNV2T04
4316 Points

Storage Devices

HP has equipped our review unit with a 2 TB Toshiba XG5-P KXG50PNV2T04, which it also used in the Spectre x360 15-ch000. The M.2 2280 SSD utilises the NVMe protocol and four lanes of PCI Express 3.0 to deliver significantly higher transfer speeds than a SATA III.

However, our review unit achieved considerably slower 4K Q32T1 speeds in CrystalDiskMark 5.2 / 6 than the Spectre x360 15-ch000. This could be firmware related though as they are equipped with the same drive. Overall, HP has equipped the Spectre x360 15 with a fast SSD, but there are better drives out there.

Toshiba XG5-P KXG50PNV2T04
Sequential Read: 1695 MB/s
Sequential Write: 1048 MB/s
512K Read: 652 MB/s
512K Write: 1042 MB/s
4K Read: 26.53 MB/s
4K Write: 104 MB/s
4K QD32 Read: 458 MB/s
4K QD32 Write: 399.5 MB/s
HP Spectre x360 15-df0126ng
Toshiba XG5-P KXG50PNV2T04
HP Spectre x360 15-ch000
Toshiba XG5-P KXG50PNV2T04
HP Spectre x360 15-ch011nr
SK hynix PC401 NVMe 500 GB
Lenovo Yoga 730-15IKB
SK Hynix PC401 512GB M.2 (HFS512GD9TNG)
Asus ZenBook Flip 15 UX561UD
Micron 1100 MTFDDAV256TBN
Acer Spin 5 SP515-51GN-80A3
Intel SSD 600p SSDPEKKW256G7
Dell XPS 15 9570 i7 UHD
Toshiba XG5 KXG50ZNV512G
Average Toshiba XG5-P KXG50PNV2T04
 
CrystalDiskMark 5.2 / 6
30%
8%
48%
-35%
-10%
7%
10%
Write 4K
84.7
127.3
50%
108.5
28%
164.9
95%
112.6
33%
132.3
56%
79.1
-7%
105.8 ?(84.7 - 127.3, n=4)
25%
Read 4K
24.32
16.29
-33%
37.67
55%
50.5
108%
29.67
22%
35.38
45%
37.89
56%
23.7 ?(16.3 - 27.6, n=4)
-3%
Write Seq
1033
288.2
-72%
1120
8%
1262
22%
432.1
-58%
592
-43%
1119
8%
845 ?(288 - 1037, n=4)
-18%
Read Seq
1664
344
-79%
1300
-22%
2054
23%
479.9
-71%
1186
-29%
1852
11%
1322 ?(344 - 1999, n=4)
-21%
Write 4K Q32T1
433
1037
139%
243.9
-44%
477.6
10%
191
-56%
323
-25%
361.1
-17%
531 ?(278 - 1037, n=4)
23%
Read 4K Q32T1
269.5
894
232%
311.6
16%
550
104%
246.5
-9%
289.2
7%
257.9
-4%
474 ?(270 - 894, n=4)
76%
Write Seq Q32T1
1036
1046
1%
1395
35%
1400
35%
450.3
-57%
593
-43%
1131
9%
1034 ?(1015 - 1046, n=4)
0%
Read Seq Q32T1
3062
3040
-1%
2667
-13%
2672
-13%
522
-83%
1569
-49%
3096
1%
3072 ?(3040 - 3135, n=4)
0%

Graphics Card

The GeForce GTX 1050 Ti Max-Q is a more power efficient version of the regular GeForce GTX 1050 Ti, which is designed for slim and light devices. The GPU supports DirectX 12 and operates at between 1,291 and 1,418 MHz. The GeForce GTX 1050 Ti Max-Q has 4 GB of GDDR5 VRAM and can also be found in laptops such as the XPS 15 9570. Our review unit achieved 3DMark benchmark results that were consistent with a device equipped with a GeForce GTX 1050 Ti Max-Q GPU.

The Spectre x360 15 also supports NVIDIA Optimus, which allows it to switch between the GeForce GTX 1050 Ti Max-Q and the integrated Intel UHD Graphics 630 depending on the program that is running. Our review unit uses the Intel GPU when running on battery to help it save power. Likewise, the system switches to the NVIDIA GPU if it is running a game or a complex GPU-related task.

Sky Diver
Sky Diver
Fire Strike
Fire Strike
Time Spy
Time Spy
3DMark 06 Standard Score
30798 points
3DMark 11 Performance
9106 points
3DMark Ice Storm Standard Score
58769 points
3DMark Cloud Gate Standard Score
24021 points
3DMark Fire Strike Score
6700 points
3DMark Time Spy Score
2485 points
Help
3DMark 11 - 1280x720 Performance GPU
Average of class Multimedia
  (3408 - 60250, n=87, last 2 years)
18296 Points +105%
HP Spectre x360 15-ch000
AMD Radeon RX Vega M GL / 870, Intel Core i7-8705G
9632 Points +8%
Dell XPS 15 9570 i7 UHD
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti Max-Q, Intel Core i7-8750H
9079 Points +2%
HP Spectre x360 15-df0126ng
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti Max-Q, Intel Core i7-8750H
8930 Points
Average NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti Max-Q
  (8317 - 9079, n=7)
8781 Points -2%
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme-20MF000XGE
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti Max-Q, Intel Core i7-8750H
8619 Points -3%
Lenovo Ideapad 720S-15IKB 81AC001AGE
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti Max-Q, Intel Core i7-7700HQ
8317 Points -7%
Asus ZenBook Flip 15 UX561UD
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Mobile, Intel Core i7-8550U
7339 Points -18%
Acer Spin 5 SP515-51GN-80A3
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Mobile, Intel Core i7-8550U
7043 Points -21%
Lenovo Yoga 730-15IKB
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Mobile, Intel Core i7-8550U
6935 Points -22%
HP Spectre x360 15-ch011nr
NVIDIA GeForce MX150, Intel Core i7-8550U
4708 Points -47%
3DMark
1280x720 Cloud Gate Standard Graphics
Average of class Multimedia
  (14679 - 150699, n=61, last 2 years)
57744 Points +38%
Lenovo Ideapad 720S-15IKB 81AC001AGE
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti Max-Q, Intel Core i7-7700HQ
46952 Points +12%
Average NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti Max-Q
  (41871 - 50801, n=5)
46017 Points +10%
HP Spectre x360 15-df0126ng
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti Max-Q, Intel Core i7-8750H
41871 Points
HP Spectre x360 15-ch000
AMD Radeon RX Vega M GL / 870, Intel Core i7-8705G
37915 Points -9%
Acer Spin 5 SP515-51GN-80A3
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Mobile, Intel Core i7-8550U
35068 Points -16%
Lenovo Yoga 730-15IKB
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Mobile, Intel Core i7-8550U
26144 Points -38%
HP Spectre x360 15-ch011nr
NVIDIA GeForce MX150, Intel Core i7-8550U
19900 Points -52%
Asus ZenBook Flip 15 UX561UD
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Mobile, Intel Core i7-8550U
16381 Points -61%
1920x1080 Fire Strike Graphics
Average of class Multimedia
  (1835 - 46022, n=87, last 2 years)
13540 Points +83%
Dell XPS 15 9570 i7 UHD
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti Max-Q, Intel Core i7-8750H
7428 Points 0%
HP Spectre x360 15-df0126ng
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti Max-Q, Intel Core i7-8750H
7397 Points
Average NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti Max-Q
  (6957 - 7428, n=7)
7281 Points -2%
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme-20MF000XGE
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti Max-Q, Intel Core i7-8750H
7199 Points -3%
HP Spectre x360 15-ch000
AMD Radeon RX Vega M GL / 870, Intel Core i7-8705G
7059 Points -5%
Lenovo Ideapad 720S-15IKB 81AC001AGE
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti Max-Q, Intel Core i7-7700HQ
6957 Points -6%
Lenovo Yoga 730-15IKB
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Mobile, Intel Core i7-8550U
5965 Points -19%
Acer Spin 5 SP515-51GN-80A3
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Mobile, Intel Core i7-8550U
5688 Points -23%
Asus ZenBook Flip 15 UX561UD
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Mobile, Intel Core i7-8550U
5329 Points -28%
HP Spectre x360 15-ch011nr
NVIDIA GeForce MX150, Intel Core i7-8550U
3622 Points -51%
2560x1440 Time Spy Graphics
Average of class Multimedia
  (622 - 17620, n=87, last 2 years)
5121 Points +126%
Dell XPS 15 9570 i7 UHD
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti Max-Q, Intel Core i7-8750H
2278 Points +1%
HP Spectre x360 15-df0126ng
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti Max-Q, Intel Core i7-8750H
2261 Points
Average NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti Max-Q
  (2196 - 2278, n=3)
2245 Points -1%
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme-20MF000XGE
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti Max-Q, Intel Core i7-8750H
2196 Points -3%
Acer Spin 5 SP515-51GN-80A3
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Mobile, Intel Core i7-8550U
1589 Points -30%
Lenovo Yoga 730-15IKB
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Mobile, Intel Core i7-8550U
1416 Points -37%

Gaming Performance

The Spectre x360 15 will play most modern triple-A games smoothly even at maximum graphics in 1080p. Some games such as "Anthem" or "Final Fantasy XV" are too much for the GeForce GTX 1050 Ti Max-Q, but they are still playable at medium graphics. Likewise, our review unit can only play a few games smoothly in 4K.

In short, you should have no problems with gaming on the Spectre x360 15.

We also checked how well our review unit could maintain its performance over time by running "The Witcher 3" for about 60 minutes. We set the game to 1080p and maximum graphics, during which it averaged 44.2 FPS, which is approximately 8% better than the Spectre x360 15-ch000 managed. We noticed no throttling with our review unit during this test, but it is worth noting that the XPS 15 9570 averaged 9% higher framerates with the same hardware.

0510152025Tooltip
HP Spectre x360 15-df0126ng GeForce GTX 1050 Ti Max-Q, i7-8750H, Toshiba XG5-P KXG50PNV2T04: Ø22.8 (10-28)
GPU load, clock and memory speeds during while playing The Witcher 3
GPU load, clock and memory speeds during while playing The Witcher 3
low med. high ultra4K
StarCraft 2 (2010) 433.4 200.4 186.7 126.7
Diablo III (2012) 228.2 202.6 202.1 170.1
BioShock Infinite (2013) 299 209.3 183.5 72.2
GTA V (2015) 150.4 143.3 78.9 34.5 35.5
The Witcher 3 (2015) 131.3 76.6 44.2 25.4 15.9
Dota 2 Reborn (2015) 111.9 104.2 98.1 93.5 46
World of Warships (2015) 168.6 143.9 112.7 101 34.4
Ashes of the Singularity (2016) 63 41.3 35.8 15.7
Overwatch (2016) 285.4 233.9 117.7 70.5 37
Prey (2017) 142.4 85.6 68.3 58.9 21.7
Rocket League (2017) 249.1 169.1 112.5 42.3
Team Fortress 2 (2017) 129.8 123.6 115.7 112.6 65.2
Middle-earth: Shadow of War (2017) 105 55 41 31 13
Destiny 2 (2017) 119.5 69.4 64.3 57.9 18.9
Final Fantasy XV Benchmark (2018) 61.5 36.6 23.3 9.2
X-Plane 11.11 (2018) 92.7 80.3 69.4 39.5
Far Cry 5 (2018) 76 45 41 38 14
Monster Hunter World (2018) 100.3 39.2 34.9 26.8 8.3
Forza Horizon 4 (2018) 122 67 61 47 20
Assassin´s Creed Odyssey (2018) 67 43 34 18 7
Call of Duty Black Ops 4 (2018) 118.7 46.3 45 37.5 10.1
Hitman 2 (2018) 64.8 41 37.5 35.9 11.3
Battlefield V (2018) 100.1 57.3 47.9 44.8 17.3
Farming Simulator 19 (2018) 193.6 128.7 80.5 61 22
Darksiders III (2018) 134.5 87.4 73.7 65 13.2
Just Cause 4 (2018) 73.2 47.9 36.1 35.3 12.9
Far Cry New Dawn (2019) 83 47 43 40 14
Metro Exodus (2019) 55.5 49.8 36.5 28.3 4.7
Anthem (2019) 67.1 40.5 34 30.4 9
Dirt Rally 2.0 (2019) 133.2 56.7 44.3 27.2 11.3
The Witcher 3 - 1920x1080 High Graphics & Postprocessing (Nvidia HairWorks Off)
Average of class Multimedia
  (11.2 - 290, n=90, last 2 years)
89.6 fps +103%
Dell XPS 15 9570 i7 UHD
Intel Core i7-8750H, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti Max-Q
48.2 fps +9%
Average NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti Max-Q
  (42.6 - 60, n=6)
47.7 fps +8%
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme-20MF000XGE
Intel Core i7-8750H, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti Max-Q
46 fps +4%
HP Spectre x360 15-df0126ng
Intel Core i7-8750H, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti Max-Q
44.2 fps
HP Spectre x360 15-ch000
Intel Core i7-8705G, AMD Radeon RX Vega M GL / 870
40.8 fps -8%
BioShock Infinite - 1920x1080 Ultra Preset, DX11 (DDOF)
Dell XPS 15 9570 i7 UHD
Intel Core i7-8750H, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti Max-Q
74.6 fps +3%
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme-20MF000XGE
Intel Core i7-8750H, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti Max-Q
73 fps +1%
Average NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti Max-Q
  (71.3 - 74.6, n=5)
72.6 fps +1%
HP Spectre x360 15-df0126ng
Intel Core i7-8750H, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti Max-Q
72.2 fps
Asus ZenBook Flip 15 UX561UD
Intel Core i7-8550U, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Mobile
55.5 fps -23%
Acer Spin 5 SP515-51GN-80A3
Intel Core i7-8550U, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Mobile
53.2 (7.4min - 88.5max) fps -26%
HP Spectre x360 15-ch000
Intel Core i7-8705G, AMD Radeon RX Vega M GL / 870
51.7 fps -28%
Lenovo Yoga 730-15IKB
Intel Core i7-8550U, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Mobile
48.6 fps -33%
HP Spectre x360 15-ch011nr
Intel Core i7-8550U, NVIDIA GeForce MX150
35.2 fps -51%
Far Cry 5 - 1920x1080 Medium Preset AA:T
Average of class Multimedia
  (20 - 162, n=51, last 2 years)
77.3 fps +72%
Dell XPS 15 9570 i7 UHD
Intel Core i7-8750H, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti Max-Q
48 fps +7%
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme-20MF000XGE
Intel Core i7-8750H, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti Max-Q
48 fps +7%
Average NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti Max-Q
  (45 - 48, n=3)
47 fps +4%
HP Spectre x360 15-df0126ng
Intel Core i7-8750H, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti Max-Q
45 fps
Lenovo Yoga 730-15IKB
Intel Core i7-8550U, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Mobile
36 fps -20%
Rocket League - 1920x1080 High Quality AA:High FX
HP Spectre x360 15-df0126ng
Intel Core i7-8750H, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti Max-Q
112.5 fps
Average NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti Max-Q
 
112.5 fps 0%
Lenovo Yoga 730-15IKB
Intel Core i7-8550U, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Mobile
74.7 fps -34%
Middle-earth: Shadow of War - 1920x1080 Medium Preset AA:T
HP Spectre x360 15-df0126ng
Intel Core i7-8750H, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti Max-Q
55 fps
Average NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti Max-Q
 
55 fps 0%
Lenovo Yoga 730-15IKB
Intel Core i7-8550U, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Mobile
41 fps -25%

Emissions

Fan Noise

Our review unit generally runs quietly and only reaches a maximum of 31.6 dB(A) at idle. However, the fans reached a maximum of 43.2 dB(A) during our tests, which will sound loud to most people. The Spectre x360 15 typically operates at around 38.3 dB(A) under load though, which is much less intrusive.

Noise Level

Idle
30.4 / 30.4 / 31.6 dB(A)
Load
43.2 / 38.3 dB(A)
  red to green bar
 
 
30 dB
silent
40 dB(A)
audible
50 dB(A)
loud
 
min: dark, med: mid, max: light   Audix TM1, Arta (15 cm distance)   environment noise: 30.4 dB(A)
dB(A) 0102030405060708090Deep BassMiddle BassHigh BassLower RangeMidsHigher MidsLower HighsMid HighsUpper HighsSuper Highs2033.633.432.333.62532.834.135.732.83136.137.534.936.14031.831.431.531.85032.830.830.932.86332.330.13032.38030.630.825.730.610027.42724.727.412526.926.125.126.916025.625.22425.620024.92322.124.925023.823.22223.831523.924.42123.940024.724.619.724.750025.325.718.725.363026.326.618.926.380029.32918.129.3100032.132.317.632.1125031.130.817.431.1160033.332.817.333.3200033.833.417.533.8250035.234.817.535.2315033.433.217.833.4400032.933.218.132.9500029.22918.429.2630025.925.518.525.980002221.718.6221000019.919.718.719.91250019.41918.719.41600019.318.918.919.3SPL43.543.330.443.5N3.93.81.23.9median 26.3median 26.1median 18.7median 26.3Delta4.141.44.134.234.533.732.234.234.23434.132.934.234.433.232.832.634.432.432.331.232.432.429.429.130.129.129.428.528.128.428.128.527.427.325.727.227.425.426.325.926.325.425.525.725.725.225.524.624.925.123.224.623.724.324.423.523.722.524.324.221.622.523.125.425.521.823.121.624.625.820.221.621.125.124.619.421.119.824.324.21919.819.824.724.718.319.820.929.129.217.820.919.326.426.917.719.319.426.727.317.419.419.525.826.217.519.519.826.526.917.719.818.128.92817.818.118.221.621.91818.218.521.321.518.218.518.519.619.718.418.518.719.319.318.718.719.119.219.118.919.119.219.219.319.119.219.519.619.619.519.531.637.537.530.531.61.52.52.51.31.5median 19.8median 24.7median 24.7median 18.9median 19.81.62.42.61.31.6hearing rangehide median Fan NoiseHP Spectre x360 15-df0126ngLenovo Yoga 730-15IKB
HP Spectre x360 15-df0126ng
i7-8750H, GeForce GTX 1050 Ti Max-Q
HP Spectre x360 15-ch000
i7-8705G, Vega M GL / 870
HP Spectre x360 15-ch011nr
i5-8550U, GeForce MX150
Lenovo Yoga 730-15IKB
i5-8550U, GeForce GTX 1050 Mobile
Asus ZenBook Flip 15 UX561UD
i5-8550U, GeForce GTX 1050 Mobile
Acer Spin 5 SP515-51GN-80A3
i5-8550U, GeForce GTX 1050 Mobile
Dell XPS 15 9570 i7 UHD
i7-8750H, GeForce GTX 1050 Ti Max-Q
Average NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti Max-Q
 
Average of class Multimedia
 
Noise
3%
6%
3%
2%
-2%
4%
3%
10%
off / environment *
30.4
28.1
8%
28.6
6%
30.5
-0%
30.4
-0%
30.2
1%
29.9
2%
29.6 ?(28.2 - 30.7, n=7)
3%
24.1 ?(19.4 - 29.6, n=92, last 2 years)
21%
Idle Minimum *
30.4
30.8
-1%
29.2
4%
30.5
-0%
31.3
-3%
30.2
1%
29.9
2%
29.8 ?(28.5 - 32, n=7)
2%
24.6 ?(20.1 - 31.8, n=92, last 2 years)
19%
Idle Average *
30.4
30.9
-2%
29.2
4%
30.5
-0%
31.3
-3%
30.2
1%
29.9
2%
29.8 ?(28.6 - 32, n=7)
2%
25.1 ?(20.1 - 31.8, n=92, last 2 years)
17%
Idle Maximum *
31.6
30.9
2%
29.2
8%
30.5
3%
31.3
1%
30.9
2%
30.3
4%
30.7 ?(28.8 - 32.1, n=7)
3%
26.6 ?(20.1 - 36.8, n=92, last 2 years)
16%
Load Average *
43.2
31.8
26%
29.2
32%
37.5
13%
36.4
16%
42.4
2%
36.5
16%
37.4 ?(33.6 - 43.2, n=7)
13%
39.8 ?(24.2 - 59.7, n=91, last 2 years)
8%
Load Maximum *
38.3
44.2
-15%
45.7
-19%
37.5
2%
37.1
3%
44.8
-17%
40.4
-5%
40.7 ?(38.3 - 47.6, n=7)
-6%
47.6 ?(29.6 - 62.9, n=92, last 2 years)
-24%
Witcher 3 ultra *
48.1
38.4
40.4

* ... smaller is better

Temperature

CPU and GPU information during a combined FurMark and Prime95 stress test.
CPU and GPU information during a combined FurMark and Prime95 stress test.

We subjected our review unit to a combined FurMark and Prime95 stress test that we ran for at least an hour to determine how it managed its performance under extreme load conditions.

Perhaps expectedly, the Spectre x360 15 performed differently in our stress test when operating on battery power than on mains power. In the latter scenario, the CPU started at 2.9 GHz before dropping to between 1.3 and 1.4 GHz. The GPU also eventually downclocked from between 1.2 and 1.3 GHz to 1 and 1.1 GHz.

By contrast, the CPU mostly operates at 800 MHz on battery, although the GPU fluctuates between 1,200 and 1,700 MHz.

Our review unit remains cool to the touch at idle and only reached a maximum of 26.6 °C (~80 °F) during our tests. Surface temperatures reach a maximum of 49 °C (~120 °F) on the bottom case under load, but this should only happen when you push the system to its limits. In everyday use, surface temperatures may exceed 40 °C (~104 °F) when gaming, but the convertible should remain cool in more sedate tasks.

Max. Load
 35.2 °C
95 F
37.9 °C
100 F
38.5 °C
101 F
 
 35.7 °C
96 F
44.8 °C
113 F
39 °C
102 F
 
 31.5 °C
89 F
27.7 °C
82 F
33.3 °C
92 F
 
Maximum: 44.8 °C = 113 F
Average: 36 °C = 97 F
46.5 °C
116 F
45.2 °C
113 F
39.2 °C
103 F
41.6 °C
107 F
49 °C
120 F
35.1 °C
95 F
33.7 °C
93 F
33.1 °C
92 F
31.6 °C
89 F
Maximum: 49 °C = 120 F
Average: 39.4 °C = 103 F
Power Supply (max.)  47.8 °C = 118 F | Room Temperature 23.7 °C = 75 F | FIRT 550-Pocket
(±) The average temperature for the upper side under maximal load is 36 °C / 97 F, compared to the average of 31.2 °C / 88 F for the devices in the class Multimedia.
(±) The maximum temperature on the upper side is 44.8 °C / 113 F, compared to the average of 36.9 °C / 98 F, ranging from 21.1 to 71 °C for the class Multimedia.
(-) The bottom heats up to a maximum of 49 °C / 120 F, compared to the average of 39.1 °C / 102 F
(+) In idle usage, the average temperature for the upper side is 26 °C / 79 F, compared to the device average of 31.2 °C / 88 F.
(+) The palmrests and touchpad are reaching skin temperature as a maximum (33.3 °C / 91.9 F) and are therefore not hot.
(-) The average temperature of the palmrest area of similar devices was 28.8 °C / 83.8 F (-4.5 °C / -8.1 F).
Heatmap of the top of the device under load
Heatmap of the top of the device under load
Heatmap of the bottom of the device under load
Heatmap of the bottom of the device under load
Heatmap of the top of the device at idle
Heatmap of the top of the device at idle
Heatmap of the bottom of the device at idle
Heatmap of the bottom of the device at idle
HP Spectre x360 15-df0126ng
i7-8750H, GeForce GTX 1050 Ti Max-Q
HP Spectre x360 15-ch000
i7-8705G, Vega M GL / 870
HP Spectre x360 15-ch011nr
i5-8550U, GeForce MX150
Lenovo Yoga 730-15IKB
i5-8550U, GeForce GTX 1050 Mobile
Asus ZenBook Flip 15 UX561UD
i5-8550U, GeForce GTX 1050 Mobile
Acer Spin 5 SP515-51GN-80A3
i5-8550U, GeForce GTX 1050 Mobile
Dell XPS 15 9570 i7 UHD
i7-8750H, GeForce GTX 1050 Ti Max-Q
Average NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti Max-Q
 
Average of class Multimedia
 
Heat
-11%
-13%
4%
6%
-1%
-2%
-3%
-3%
Maximum Upper Side *
44.8
46.4
-4%
46.4
-4%
40.9
9%
41.9
6%
50.9
-14%
55.7
-24%
48.8 ?(43.4 - 55.7, n=7)
-9%
43.9 ?(26 - 67, n=95, last 2 years)
2%
Maximum Bottom *
49
49.2
-0%
49
-0%
43
12%
40.6
17%
44.2
10%
48.5
1%
49.9 ?(39.1 - 59.3, n=7)
-2%
46.5 ?(25 - 69, n=95, last 2 years)
5%
Idle Upper Side *
26.6
31
-17%
32
-20%
27.3
-3%
26.6
-0%
26.3
1%
24.4
8%
26.2 ?(24.4 - 29.8, n=7)
2%
28.5 ?(21.2 - 41.7, n=93, last 2 years)
-7%
Idle Bottom *
26.6
33
-24%
34.2
-29%
27.4
-3%
26
2%
27.1
-2%
24.8
7%
26.9 ?(24.8 - 31.8, n=7)
-1%
29.3 ?(21.4 - 39.8, n=93, last 2 years)
-10%

* ... smaller is better

Speakers

The Spectre x360 15 has stereo speakers that are located on the underside of the device. The ones in our test device reached a maximum of 76.4 dB(A) in our tests and delivered a pleasingly balanced sound that we could listen to for hours.

We would recommend connecting external speakers or headphones for a better listening experience though. We had no issues with the 3.5 mm jack or Bluetooth throughout our tests.

dB(A) 0102030405060708090Deep BassMiddle BassHigh BassLower RangeMidsHigher MidsLower HighsMid HighsUpper HighsSuper Highs2035.132.335.12534.835.734.8313734.9374032.831.532.85032.130.932.16330.83030.88029.525.729.510035.324.735.312543.325.143.316044.82444.820042.722.142.725053.42253.431559.62159.640062.519.762.550063.218.763.263060.218.960.280070.318.170.3100067.317.667.3125060.917.460.9160063.817.363.8200066.917.566.925006117.561315061.417.861.4400062.918.162.9500063.618.463.663006618.566800060.718.660.71000060.918.760.91250062.618.762.61600063.218.963.2SPL76.430.476.4N37.11.237.1median 61.4median 18.7median 61.4Delta4.61.44.639.539.236.936.932.935.232.634.1343434.233.332.232.630.731.333.430.744.730.351.528.756.928.16127.761.326.66025.758.225.463.524.466.324.466.124.165.923.86523.763.223.559.223.459.323.564.523.364.823.465.423.359.923.257.823.258.523.275.836.2382.7median 60median 24.16.51.734.132.234.133.732.933.732.232.632.230.132.430.130.729.130.728.728.128.727.527.227.530.326.330.341.625.241.650.923.250.952.323.552.352.421.652.461.421.861.468.520.268.565.219.465.266196671.918.371.970.317.870.36717.76769.817.469.873.317.573.365.617.765.663.817.863.859.41859.459.618.259.660.318.460.36518.76565.318.965.363.519.163.566.819.566.879.730.579.743.21.343.2median 65median 18.9median 6561.36hearing rangehide median Pink NoiseHP Spectre x360 15-df0126ngHP Spectre x360 15t-bl100Lenovo Yoga 730-15IKB
Frequency diagram (checkboxes can be checked and unchecked to compare devices)
HP Spectre x360 15-df0126ng audio analysis

(-) | not very loud speakers (70.3 dB)
Bass 100 - 315 Hz
(±) | reduced bass - on average 14.9% lower than median
(±) | linearity of bass is average (13.3% delta to prev. frequency)
Mids 400 - 2000 Hz
(+) | balanced mids - only 3.4% away from median
(±) | linearity of mids is average (9.3% delta to prev. frequency)
Highs 2 - 16 kHz
(+) | balanced highs - only 1.4% away from median
(+) | highs are linear (5.5% delta to prev. frequency)
Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz
(±) | linearity of overall sound is average (15.8% difference to median)
Compared to same class
» 32% of all tested devices in this class were better, 5% similar, 63% worse
» The best had a delta of 5%, average was 18%, worst was 45%
Compared to all devices tested
» 20% of all tested devices were better, 5% similar, 76% worse
» The best had a delta of 4%, average was 25%, worst was 134%

HP Spectre x360 15t-bl100 audio analysis

(-) | not very loud speakers (66.3 dB)
Bass 100 - 315 Hz
(±) | reduced bass - on average 14% lower than median
(±) | linearity of bass is average (14.7% delta to prev. frequency)
Mids 400 - 2000 Hz
(+) | balanced mids - only 3.7% away from median
(+) | mids are linear (4.5% delta to prev. frequency)
Highs 2 - 16 kHz
(+) | balanced highs - only 2.8% away from median
(±) | linearity of highs is average (7% delta to prev. frequency)
Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz
(±) | linearity of overall sound is average (19.5% difference to median)
Compared to same class
» 58% of all tested devices in this class were better, 8% similar, 34% worse
» The best had a delta of 5%, average was 18%, worst was 45%
Compared to all devices tested
» 43% of all tested devices were better, 7% similar, 50% worse
» The best had a delta of 4%, average was 25%, worst was 134%

Lenovo Yoga 730-15IKB audio analysis

(±) | speaker loudness is average but good (73.3 dB)
Bass 100 - 315 Hz
(-) | nearly no bass - on average 16.9% lower than median
(±) | linearity of bass is average (12.2% delta to prev. frequency)
Mids 400 - 2000 Hz
(+) | balanced mids - only 4% away from median
(±) | linearity of mids is average (7.7% delta to prev. frequency)
Highs 2 - 16 kHz
(+) | balanced highs - only 2.6% away from median
(+) | highs are linear (6.1% delta to prev. frequency)
Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz
(±) | linearity of overall sound is average (16.6% difference to median)
Compared to same class
» 24% of all tested devices in this class were better, 4% similar, 72% worse
» The best had a delta of 6%, average was 21%, worst was 57%
Compared to all devices tested
» 24% of all tested devices were better, 5% similar, 71% worse
» The best had a delta of 4%, average was 25%, worst was 134%

Power Management

Power Consumption

The Spectre x360 15 is a comparatively energy efficient device. At idle, our review unit consumes a minimum of 2.1 W, which is considerably lower than all our comparison devices. The device averaged around 6.7 W at idle too, which is on par with the Spin 5 SP515-51GN, the most efficient of our comparison devices. The Spectre x360 briefly consumed a maximum of 131.5 W under sustained load, which is almost on par with the XPS 15 9570. Generally, our review unit consumes around 77.7 W under load, which is almost as efficient as the Spectre x360 15 2018. In short, HP has done a great job at optimising the new Spectre x360 15.

Our review unit has a 135-W power supply, which is powerful enough to recharge the Spectre x360 15 even when it is being pushed hard.

Power Consumption
Off / Standbydarklight 1.37 / 1.8 Watt
Idledarkmidlight 2.1 / 6.7 / 11.4 Watt
Load midlight 77.7 / 131.5 Watt
 color bar
Key: min: dark, med: mid, max: light        Metrahit Energy
Currently we use the Metrahit Energy, a professional single phase power quality and energy measurement digital multimeter, for our measurements. Find out more about it here. All of our test methods can be found here.
HP Spectre x360 15-df0126ng
i7-8750H, GeForce GTX 1050 Ti Max-Q
HP Spectre x360 15-ch000
i7-8705G, Vega M GL / 870
HP Spectre x360 15-ch011nr
i5-8550U, GeForce MX150
Lenovo Yoga 730-15IKB
i5-8550U, GeForce GTX 1050 Mobile
Asus ZenBook Flip 15 UX561UD
i5-8550U, GeForce GTX 1050 Mobile
Acer Spin 5 SP515-51GN-80A3
i5-8550U, GeForce GTX 1050 Mobile
Dell XPS 15 9570 i7 UHD
i7-8750H, GeForce GTX 1050 Ti Max-Q
Average NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti Max-Q
 
Average of class Multimedia
 
Power Consumption
-130%
-33%
-21%
-50%
-3%
-112%
-53%
-68%
Idle Minimum *
2.1
11.7
-457%
5.3
-152%
4.8
-129%
5.4
-157%
3.9
-86%
9.48
-351%
5.8 ?(2.1 - 9.48, n=7)
-176%
7.28 ?(2.2 - 34.6, n=93, last 2 years)
-247%
Idle Average *
6.7
16.8
-151%
9.8
-46%
10.1
-51%
10.8
-61%
6.7
-0%
16.1
-140%
11.2 ?(6.7 - 16.1, n=7)
-67%
11.8 ?(4.6 - 43, n=93, last 2 years)
-76%
Idle Maximum *
11.4
18.9
-66%
12.6
-11%
10.7
6%
13.9
-22%
8.7
24%
16.9
-48%
13.5 ?(9.8 - 17.6, n=7)
-18%
14.6 ?(5.6 - 44.9, n=93, last 2 years)
-28%
Load Average *
77.7
82.3
-6%
73
6%
44
43%
94
-21%
74
5%
90.8
-17%
86.9 ?(77.7 - 103.9, n=7)
-12%
77.3 ?(14.3 - 147, n=92, last 2 years)
1%
Load Maximum *
131.5
94.9
28%
80
39%
94.7
28%
116.6
11%
79
40%
134.4
-2%
122.4 ?(92.4 - 134.4, n=7)
7%
119.3 ?(44 - 247, n=92, last 2 years)
9%
Witcher 3 ultra *
87.2
67.6

* ... smaller is better

Battery Life

The Spectre x360 15 has an 84 Wh battery that lasted for 8:48 hours in our practical Wi-Fi test, during which we run a script that simulates the load required to render websites. We also set the Windows 10 power plan to Balanced, disable any power-saving features and adjust the display to approximately 150 cd/m² brightness. We do the same in our H.264 battery life test, during which we run the film Big Buck Bunny on a loop. Our review unit lasted for 7:39 hours in this test, which is longer than all but the XPS 15 9570 of our comparison devices. The Spectre x360 15 also fared well in our Wi-Fi battery life test, in which it finished third behind its predecessor and the XPS 15 9570. Overall, the new Spectre x360 15 has impressive battery life that matches its predecessor despite being equipped with more powerful hardware.

Battery Runtime
Idle (without WLAN, min brightness)
18h 47min
WiFi Websurfing (Edge 44)
8h 48min
Big Buck Bunny H.264 1080p
7h 39min
Load (maximum brightness)
2h 15min
HP Spectre x360 15-df0126ng
i7-8750H, GeForce GTX 1050 Ti Max-Q, 84 Wh
HP Spectre x360 15-ch000
i7-8705G, Vega M GL / 870, 84 Wh
HP Spectre x360 15-ch011nr
i5-8550U, GeForce MX150, 84 Wh
Lenovo Yoga 730-15IKB
i5-8550U, GeForce GTX 1050 Mobile, 51.5 Wh
Asus ZenBook Flip 15 UX561UD
i5-8550U, GeForce GTX 1050 Mobile, 52 Wh
Acer Spin 5 SP515-51GN-80A3
i5-8550U, GeForce GTX 1050 Mobile, 48 Wh
Dell XPS 15 9570 i7 UHD
i7-8750H, GeForce GTX 1050 Ti Max-Q, 97 Wh
Average of class Multimedia
 
Battery Runtime
-46%
0%
-40%
-43%
-31%
9%
3%
Reader / Idle
1127
540
-52%
927
-18%
697
-38%
558
-50%
759
-33%
973 ?(506 - 1971, n=26, last 2 years)
-14%
H.264
459
324
-29%
261
-43%
331
-28%
738
61%
680 ?(319 - 1481, n=49, last 2 years)
48%
WiFi v1.3
528
344
-35%
625
18%
370
-30%
311
-41%
373
-29%
576
9%
562 ?(262 - 1204, n=93, last 2 years)
6%
Load
135
66
-51%
135
0%
50
-63%
84
-38%
88
-35%
76
-44%
96.7 ?(39 - 215, n=74, last 2 years)
-28%
Witcher 3 ultra
62
81.8 ?(57 - 104, n=5, last 2 years)

Pros

+ IPS screen
+ 4K resolution
+ hexa-core processor
+ dedicated GPU
+ NVMe SSD
+ good battery life
+ 2 x Thunderbolt 3
+ pen support
+ backlit keyboard

Cons

- reflective display
- low contrast ratio
- difficult to maintain or repair
- HP Tilt Pen not included in the box

Verdict

The HP Spectre x360 15-df0126ng convertible review. Test device courtesy of notebooksbilliger.de
The HP Spectre x360 15-df0126ng convertible review. Test device courtesy of notebooksbilliger.de

The HP Spectre x360 15-df0126ng is an excellent 15-inch convertible and one which is a mostly worthwhile upgrade over its predecessor. The hexa-core CPU is a step up over the U-series chip in last year’s device, as is the considerably more powerful GPU. The system does not thermal throttle either despite its slim case, which is great.

The HP Spectre x360 15-df0126ng is a well-equipped 15.6-inch multimedia convertible that delivers in almost all areas.

The convertible is powerful enough for most tasks and can even handle modern games at 1080p. You could connect an external GPU too should you need more graphics power.

The SSD is suitably fast, and we doubt that most people will use up its ample 2 TB of storage. However, swapping the drive is more of a pain than it should be as HP has seemingly done its utmost to deter people from opening the device. The backlit keyboard and touchscreen are decent though, but it is rather cheap of HP to not include its Tilt Pen in the box.

The display is largely good with its stable viewing angles and colour accuracy, but it is let down by its meagre maximum brightness and underwhelming contrast ratio. We would have expected a brighter and more vivid panel in such an expensive device.

Overall, the Spectre x360 15-df0126ng is an impressive large convertible model, but its entry-level siblings are equipped with the significantly less powerful Core i7-8565U processor and GeForce MX150 GPU, so watch out when you are choosing which model to buy.

HP Spectre x360 15-df0126ng - 10/25/2019 v7
Sascha Mölck

Chassis
84 / 98 → 86%
Keyboard
85%
Pointing Device
86%
Connectivity
70 / 80 → 87%
Weight
62 / 20-72 → 80%
Battery
78 / 95 → 82%
Display
82%
Games Performance
75 / 90 → 83%
Application Performance
84 / 90 → 93%
Temperature
89%
Noise
87 / 95 → 92%
Audio
60%
Camera
38 / 85 → 45%
Average
75%
84%
Multimedia - Weighted Average

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> Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations > Reviews > HP Spectre x360 15 (Core i7-8750H, GTX 1050 Ti Max-Q, 2 TB SSD, 4K) Convertible Review
Sascha Mölck, 2019-03-12 (Update: 2019-03-15)