HP Spectre x360 16 (2021) review

HP Spectre x360 16 (2021)

The Spectre x360 16 (2021) is the first of the 16-inch Spectre trio in this batch: a Core i7 11390H with an RTX 3050 and 4GB of VRAM plus 32GB of RAM at $666 — the cheapest way into a dedicated-card Spectre.

Where it holds up

The graphics score of 63.1 runs over fifteen-fold above the convertible-class median of 3.84 — the stated strength, and the number that separates this chassis from every pure-integrated convertible near its price. Overall performance at 62.24 beats the class median of 37.38 by 66%, gaming at 66 sits in the high band, photo design at 89 is top-tier, and light office work at 70.41 reaches high — with the 32GB of RAM meeting the class standard and the four-gigabyte card handling the class's creative loads. Overwatch, Grand Theft Auto V and Rainbow Six Siege clear their recommended bars.

Where it falls short

Mobility at 30 is the stated weakness — 56% below the class median of 68 — and portability at 36.7 sits mid-band, the honest cost of a 16-inch body with a real card inside. The creative axes hold mid-tier at 47 modeling and 47 engineering CAD, and value at 62.95 is mid-band. The 11.12% depreciation curve is gentle.

Price and depreciation

At $666 with an 11.12% annual rate, the two-year projection lands near $527 — one of the gentler curves among this batch's dedicated-card machines.

Alternatives to consider

The 2022 sibling in this batch costs $117 more with a newer platform and a top-tier office score; this 2021 sheet is the value member of the trio. The ENVY x360 15 Ryzen in this batch offers the integrated-route answer at the same $666.

Bottom line

Fairly priced for the class. High-band gaming, top-tier photo work and a fifteen-fold graphics cushion for the class at $666 — mobility is the payment, as it always is for this chassis.