Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch vs HP Spectre x360 14" 2-in-1 Core Ultra 7 155H
If you're trying to pick between the Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch and the HP Spectre x360 14" 2-in-1 Core Ultra 7 155H, the MacBook Pro usually takes the lead thanks to its phenomenal Liquid Retina XDR display with a peak brightness of 1,600 nits. This makes it ideal for creative professionals who need top-tier graphics performance. The HP Spectre x360 offers a unique 9MP webcam that excels in video calls, which might be a game-changer if you're doing a lot of remote work. Plus, its 2TB SSD gives you ample storage for large files, so if you prioritize storage and video quality, the Spectre is worth considering.
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Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch
HP Spectre x360 14" 2-in-1 Core Ultra 7 155H
Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.
+Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
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Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch vs HP Spectre x360 14" 2-in-1 Core Ultra 7 155H
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch
HP Spectre x360 14" 2-in-1 Core Ultra 7 155H
| Criterion | Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch | HP Spectre x360 14" 2-in-1 Core Ultra 7 155H |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.9(3,372)Best Buy | ★4.5(156)Best Buy |
Processor | Apple M3 Pro (11 or 12-core) OR Apple M3 Max (14 or 16-core) | Intel Core Ultra 7 155H (Meteor Lake, 16 cores, up to 4.8 GHz) |
Graphics | Apple M3 Pro (14 or 18-core) OR Apple M3 Max (30 or 40-core) | Intel Arc Graphics (Integrated) |
AI Engine | 16-core Neural Engine | Intel AI Boost (Dedicated NPU) |
Cooling | Active (Dual fan cooling system) | Air (Dual fan with rear venting) |
RAM | 18 GB (M3 Pro) / 36 GB (M3 Max) Unified Memory | 32 GB LPDDR5x-7467 MHz |
RAM Upgrade | No (Unified Memory architecture; configurable up to 128GB at purchase) | No (Soldered) |
Storage | 512 GB or 1 TB SSD | 2 TB PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 SSD |
Storage Upgrade | No (Soldered; configurable up to 8TB at purchase) | Yes (1x M.2 2280 slot) |
Display Size | 14.2" | 14" |
Resolution | 3024 x 1964 (Native) | 2880 x 1800 (2.8K) |
Aspect Ratio | 16:10 (plus additional height for menu bar/notch) | 16:10 |
Screen Type | Liquid Retina XDR (Mini-LED; 10,000+ local dimming zones) | OLED (Multitouch; UWVA; Gorilla Glass NBT) |
Refresh Rate | 120 Hz (ProMotion) | 48-120 Hz (Variable VRR) |
Brightness | 1,000 nits (Sustained XDR) / 1,600 nits (Peak HDR) / 600 nits (SDR) | 400 nits (SDR) / 500 nits (HDR Peak) |
Color Gamut | Wide color (P3); True Tone | 100% DCI-P3 |
Keyboard Layout | US English (Magic Keyboard) | US English (ANSI) without NumPad |
Keyboard Backlight | Yes (Ambient light sensor) | Yes |
Biometrics | Touch ID (Fingerprint reader) | Fingerprint reader (Power button) + IR Face Recognition |
Webcam | 1080p FaceTime HD camera | 9MP Wide Vision IR camera with hardware shutter |
USB Ports | 3x Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) (Charging; DisplayPort; up to 40Gb/s) | 2x Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C); 1x USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gbps, drop-jaw) |
Video Ports | 1x HDMI 2.1 (Supports up to 8K@60Hz or 4K@240Hz) | DisplayPort 2.1 via Thunderbolt 4 |
Audio Ports | 1x 3.5mm Headphone jack (Advanced support for high-impedance headphones) | 1x 3.5mm Headphone/Mic combo jack |
Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax); Bluetooth 5.3 | Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax 2x2); Bluetooth 5.3 |
Battery | 72.4 Wh (Lithium-polymer) | 68 Wh (4-cell Li-ion polymer) |
Charger | 70W (11-core M3 Pro) or 96W (12-core M3 Pro & M3 Max) USB-C Adapter | 65 W USB-C adapter |
Weight | 1,610 g (M3 Pro) / 1,620 g (M3 Max) (3.55 - 3.57 lbs) | 1,450 g (3.19 lbs) |
Build Material | 100% Recycled Aluminum enclosure | CNC Aluminum (Nightfall Black) |
Operating System | macOS (Sonoma or later) | Windows 11 Home |
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Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch
✓ Pros:
- • Class-leading Liquid Retina XDR display with 1,600 nits peak brightness
- • M3 Max configuration rivals high-end desktop performance in a portable chassis
- • Generous port selection including HDMI 2.1, SDXC, and three Thunderbolt 4 ports
- • Excellent build quality available in the new 'Space Black' finish (reduces fingerprints)
- • Battery life remains impressive despite high performance (up to 18 hours video playback)
✗ Cons:
- • Expensive starting price with expensive upgrades for RAM and SSD
- • No user-upgradeable components (RAM and SSD are soldered)
- • The notch at the top of the display cuts into the menu bar area
- • Under maximum load, the fans can become audible (though quieter than most PC laptops)
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HP Spectre x360 14" 2-in-1 Core Ultra 7 155H
✓ Pros:
- • Premium 2.8K OLED display with 120Hz refresh rate and IMAX Enhanced certification
- • Best-in-class 9MP webcam with AI noise reduction and hardware shutter
- • Massive 32GB RAM and 2TB SSD configuration (specific to 'eu0023dx' SKU)
- • Haptic touchpad provides consistent feedback across the entire surface
- • Includes rechargeable MPP 2.0 Tilt Pen and protective sleeve in the box
✗ Cons:
- • No built-in HDMI port (requires USB-C adapter)
- • Memory is soldered and cannot be upgraded later
- • Top-tier pricing reflects the flagship build and specs
- • Glossy OLED screen can be reflective in bright outdoor settings
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Which one is better?
The Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch is the better buy for most people - its stunning 1,600 nits peak brightness crushes the HP Spectre x360's 500 nits. That said, grab the HP if you need a high-quality webcam and massive storage - it's a no-brainer with 2TB compared to the MacBook's 1TB.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch if: you need a top-notch display for photo and video editing, want class-leading performance for heavy workloads, or value battery life for long sessions. (14.2" display, 56.79 oz weight)
Choose the HP Spectre x360 14" 2-in-1 Core Ultra 7 155H if: you prioritize a superior webcam for video conferencing, need a convertible design for versatility, or require more storage for large files. (14" display, 51.15 oz weight)
Conclusion
With the key differences outlined, the decision should be clearer. Both options deliver quality—choose the one that fits your priorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch excels if you value class-leading liquid retina xdr display with 1,600 nits peak brightness. HP Spectre x360 14" 2-in-1 Core Ultra 7 155H is better if you prioritize premium 2.8k oled display with 120hz refresh rate and imax enhanced certification. Pick based on your budget and daily use.
+Is this an independent review?
Yes. We use affiliate links for monetization, but recommendations are research-driven and unbiased.
+Do newer models exist?
Check release timelines from the manufacturers and compare pricing before you buy. We refresh this page when major updates land.
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