Apple MacBook Air 13" M4 vs HP Spectre x360 16 (2024)
The Verdict
Apple's M4 MacBook Air delivers exceptional value at $1,099 with industry-leading battery life (18 hours), a sharp 500-nit Liquid Retina display, and stellar performance for everyday tasks. HP's Spectre x360 16 commands a $550 premium but justifies it with a larger 16-inch OLED touchscreen (120Hz, superior contrast), more versatile Intel processing, and traditional ports (HDMI, USB-A). For creative professionals needing vibrant color accuracy and touch input, the Spectre excels; MacBook Air users gain portability, efficiency, and unmatched battery longevity. Content creators should favor HP's bigger canvas, while students and general users will appreciate Apple's lighter weight (2.7 lbs vs 4.83 lbs) and remarkable efficiency. Choose MacBook Air for best-in-class value and mobility; select Spectre x360 16 for expanded connectivity and a premium creative workspace.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Apple MacBook Air 13" M4 if…
- →M4 chip is a massive leap over M3 — handles demanding creative workflows
- →16 GB RAM standard across all configurations
- →Under 2.7 lbs — one of the lightest capable laptops available
Buy the HP Spectre x360 16 (2024) if…
- →Gorgeous 2.8K OLED display with 120Hz refresh
- →Premium gem-cut aluminum design with 360-degree hinge
- →Excellent 9 MP webcam with auto-framing
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Apple MacBook Air 13" M4
Pros
- M4 chip is a massive leap over M3 — handles demanding creative workflows
- 16 GB RAM standard across all configurations
- Under 2.7 lbs — one of the lightest capable laptops available
- 18-hour battery life rivals the 15-inch model
- Fanless, completely silent operation
Cons
- 60Hz display — no ProMotion or high-refresh option
- 256 GB base storage requires upgrading for most users
- Only two Thunderbolt ports limits connectivity
- 13.6-inch screen feels cramped for multitasking
HP Spectre x360 16 (2024)
Pros
- Gorgeous 2.8K OLED display with 120Hz refresh
- Premium gem-cut aluminum design with 360-degree hinge
- Excellent 9 MP webcam with auto-framing
- Includes Thunderbolt 4 plus HDMI and full-size USB-A
Cons
- Heavy at over 2.1 kg for a convertible
- Battery life modest given the 83 Wh capacity
- Premium price for the configuration
- Limited discrete GPU options for creative pros
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple MacBook Air 13" M4 | HP Spectre x360 16 (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Software | macOS Sequoia | Windows 11 Home |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 2.7 lbs (1.24 kg) | 2.19 kg |
| Material | Recycled aluminum | CNC aluminum |
| Dimensions | 11.97 x 8.46 x 0.44 inches | 357 x 248 x 19.5 mm |
| Ports | ||
| HDMI | 1 | |
| USB-C ports | 2 | 2 |
| SD card | ||
| MagSafe | — | |
| Thunderbolt ports | 2 | 2 |
| USB-A ports | — | 1 |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | Up to 18 hours | Up to 12 hours |
| Capacity | 52.6 Wh | 83 Wh |
| Display | ||
| Size | 13.6 inches | 16 inches |
| Type | Liquid Retina IPS | OLED touchscreen |
| Resolution | 2560 x 1664 | 2880 x 1800 |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 120Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 500 | 400 |
| Storage | ||
| SSD | 256 GB (configurable to 2 TB) | 1 TB |
| Expandable storage | ||
| Keyboard | ||
| Backlit | ||
| Processor | ||
| RAM | 16 GB | 16 GB LPDDR5X |
| Cores | 10-core CPU, 10-core GPU | 16 cores |
| Chipset | Apple M4 | Intel Core Ultra 7 155H |
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This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
Explore more in laptops, see all Apple products or all HP products. View full details for the Apple MacBook Air 13" M4 or the HP Spectre x360 16 (2024).