HP Spectre x360 15 vs. Dell XPS 15: Which is a better buy?

Ultimately, the HP Spectre x360 15 offers the most value between these two devices since with it, you can get your hands on a powerful 4K device for less than what the most affordable 4K Dell XPS 15 costs. That being said, the Dell XPS 15 has more configuration options that will appeal to people at both the high and low end, and it also has some small, yet notable hardware and performance advantages.

Spectre x360 15 vs. Dell XPS 15: Comparison and specs

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This comparison is an interesting one since both laptops have very similar specs. The HP Spectre x360 15 and Dell XPS 15 both feature an Intel i7-10750H, NVIDIA GeForce 1650 Ti graphics, and both laptops can be configured with 16GB of RAM and 1TB of SSD space. Additionally, both laptops have 4K display options, Wi-Fi 6 support, and Bluetooth 5.0 compatibility.

The key factors in this matchup are the pricing and the different configuration options. You can get a version of the Spectre x360 15 that has an Intel i7-10750H, NVIDIA GeForce 1650 Ti GPU, 8 GB of RAM, 256GB of SSD space, and a 4K IPS screen for $1,300 — a full $562 less than the equivalent Dell XPS 15, which is excellent value. However, the Dell XPS 15 can be configured with a wider range of hardware than the Spectre x360 15 can. For example, there's a budget-focused $1,127 version with an i5-10300H, Intel UHD graphics, and a FHD display. There's also a beefy variant that has an i9-10885H, up to 64GB of RAM, and up to 2TB of SSD space. This makes the Dell XPS 15 better for people who are looking for something specific at the low or high end of the spectrum.

Something also worth noting is that each device has some small, but notable advantages. The Dell XPS 15's displays are 100 nits brighter (500 compared to the Spectre's 400). Secondly, its port selection is better overall — you get dual Thunderbolt 3 ports, a USB-C port, and a USB-C to USB-A converter, whereas with the Spectre, you get a single Thunderbolt 3 port, a USB-C port, and a USB-A port. Finally, the device sports a battery that lasts for roughly three hours longer. Meanwhile, with the HP Spectre x360 15, you get the flexibility offered by convertible laptops as well as support for inking, which will be important for artists or notetakers.

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Both of these laptops are excellent, and no matter which one you go with, you're going to be happy. Ultimately, neither one of them is better than the other; it comes down to what you're looking for. If you want to get your hands on a powerful 4K laptop for a very attractive price, the HP Spectre x360 15 should be your pick since it's priced excellently. However, if you're looking for a very specific configuration at the high or low end or you like the sound of the small advantages offered by the device, look no further than the Dell XPS 15. If neither of them are the right fit for your needs, check out our best Windows laptop picks for more options.