HP Spectre vs MacBook, XPS, Yoga & Surface – The Ultimate 2025 Laptop Showdown

The premium laptop market in 2025 is a battlefield of brilliant machines. HP’s Spectre x360 line is often pitted against the sleek Apple MacBooks, Dell’s iconic XPS series, Lenovo’s versatile Yoga convertibles, and Microsoft’s refined Surface laptops. Each of these flagships boasts cutting-edge specs and unique strengths. In this in-depth comparison, we break down how they stack up in performance, design and build, display quality, battery life, ports, software experience, pricing, and standout features – complete with expert review insights, benchmarks, and recent (2024–2025) updates.

(U.S. market models are the baseline for this comparison. All cited sources are from authoritative reviews or official information.)

Performance (CPU, GPU & Benchmarks)

When it comes to processing power, HP Spectre x360 models (2024 refresh) now run on Intel’s latest 13th/14th-gen Core “Ultra” CPUs – chips that deliver strong productivity performance and even dip a toe into AI acceleration. In everyday tasks like web browsing, Office apps, or dozens of Chrome tabs, the Spectre feels as fast and responsive as any rival. In fact, in one review the Spectre’s Intel Core i7 outpaced Dell’s XPS 13 in most benchmarks, thanks to a higher-wattage processor – “coming out on top in almost every case” during heavy multitasking and video exports theverge.com. Despite its slim 2-in-1 profile, the Spectre can even handle light video editing or casual gaming better than some ultrathin peers. Reviewers did note that pushing it hard will spin up the fans, whereas the MacBook Air stayed silent – but raw CPU speeds were similar with the Spectre in performance mode digitaltrends.com. For sustained loads, the Spectre remained “cool and quiet” during general use and only got noisy under extreme stress, actually quieter on average than the Dell (whose fans “came on quite easily”) theverge.com.

Apple MacBooks have rewritten the performance playbook with Apple Silicon. The MacBook Air’s fanless M2 chip delivers excellent CPU performance per watt – enough that an M2 Air can keep pace with an Intel Core i7-U in many tasks digitaltrends.com. In cross-platform benchmarks, the M2’s 8-core CPU wasn’t significantly faster than the Spectre’s 10-core Intel chip on CPU tests digitaltrends.com. However, Apple’s advantage emerges in GPU-accelerated workloads. Thanks to the M2’s 8-core integrated GPU and Apple’s optimization for creative apps, a MacBook Air can fly through tasks like video editing in Final Cut or Adobe Premiere. For example, in a PugetBench Premiere Pro test, the MacBook Air scored about 50% higher than an Intel Iris Xe-based Spectre x360 digitaltrends.com. Creative professionals will find Apple’s architecture (with unified memory and media engines) gives the MacBook Pro models (with M2 Pro/Max chips) an even bigger edge – Digital Trends bluntly noted that a high-end MacBook “outclassed” even powerful Windows laptops in demanding content creation digitaltrends.com. The flip side is gaming: MacBooks can play Apple Arcade and a growing selection of native or Rosetta-translated games, but Windows systems (or a Steam Deck) still have a broader gaming library. None of these ultraportables is a true gaming rig, though Dell’s XPS 15 offers up to an NVIDIA RTX 40-series GPU if gaming or 3D rendering is a priority.

Dell XPS laptops continue to pack serious punch for their size. The XPS 13 Plus (2023) impressed reviewers by “performing admirably” in real-world use and benchmarks techradar.com. It zips through heavy browser workloads and can even do some video editing in a pinch. The latest XPS 13 (model 9340) introduced Intel’s Core Ultra (Meteor Lake) chips with a built-in NPU for AI – which Dell leverages for Windows 11’s new AI features. In fact, TechRadar found the XPS 13’s 2nd-gen NPU “indisputably the winner” over Apple’s neural engine for on-device AI, and praised Windows 11’s Copilot integration as more fleshed-out than macOS’s nascent AI attempts techradar.com. For raw speed, though, the XPS 13’s focus on extreme portability means it uses lower-power CPUs than some competitors. The Spectre x360 reviewed by The Verge had a slightly more powerful chip option than the XPS 13, which explained why the Spectre was “slightly faster” in tasks like 4K video export and even light gaming (older XPS models with Intel Xe graphics could barely manage ~15 FPS in Tomb Raider, versus 30+ FPS on the Spectre) theverge.com theverge.com. Meanwhile, the XPS 15 and XPS 17 offer 45W Intel H-series processors and optional GTX/RTX discrete GPUs – making them mobile workstations that can handle intensive Photoshop, code compiling, or even AAA gaming (albeit with fans blazing).

Lenovo’s Yoga series (e.g. Yoga 9i Gen 9, 2024) uses similar Intel Core processors as the Spectre. In fact, one head-to-head test found a Yoga 9i (Core Ultra 7 155H) and Spectre x360 (same chip) scored virtually identical ~12,400 points in Geekbench 6 multicore laptopmag.com laptopmag.com. With such parity, performance came down to specifics: in HandBrake video encoding, the Yoga pulled ahead (5:10 vs 7:30 to convert a 4K video) – possibly due to Lenovo’s tuning or cooling handling the sustained load better laptopmag.com. On the other hand, the Spectre’s SSD was faster (1,362 MB/s vs 1,002 MB/s in file transfers) laptopmag.com. Overall, Yoga and Spectre trade blows but are both highly capable 2-in-1 ultrabooks – their performance was “too close to say one wins over the other” in Laptop Mag’s 2024 face-off laptopmag.com. Neither will bottleneck typical productivity or creativity tasks, and both can even handle some light 1080p gaming thanks to the improved Intel Iris Xe graphics this generation. (Notably, Lenovo also offers Yoga Pro/Slim models and Legion laptops with beefier CPUs or GPUs if more power is needed.)

Microsoft Surface Laptop models have historically lagged a bit in raw specs, but the Surface Laptop 6 (2024) leveled up with Intel’s new Core Ultra processors (available in Ultra 5 135H or Ultra 7 165H) tomsguide.com. Microsoft claims the Laptop 6 is “2× faster than Laptop 5” and it finally brings a true 14-core chip to the Surface line blogs.windows.com. In practice, Surface Laptop performance is smooth for everyday use – users report it “feels fluid and fast” in coding, web, and office work reddit.com. The integrated Intel Gen12 graphics (on Meteor Lake) are actually a big step up; one developer was even able to run Civilization VI at ~40 FPS on a Surface Laptop 6 – something previous Intel laptops “could not… without a dedicated GPU”, highlighting the leap in iGPU capability this gen reddit.com. However, there’s a caveat: thermal constraints. In that same account, running on battery, the Surface was cool and quiet, but once plugged in, the chip ran hotter and the fans became constantly active reddit.com reddit.com. It appears the 15″ Surface Laptop 6 chassis can better sustain the H-series chip than the 13.5″ model, but either way the Surface’s cooling is tuned more for quiet comfort on battery than for squeezing out every last drop of performance. It’s a balanced approach – great for noise and bursty tasks, but under heavy continuous loads the Surface might throttle sooner than a MacBook Pro or a performance-tuned Dell XPS 15. And speaking of MacBook Pros: Apple’s 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models with M2 Pro/M2 Max remain in a performance league of their own. They can churn through 4K video edits, code compiles, or 3D renders far faster than any ultraportable PC, all while often staying unplugged. But those are beyond the scope of this comparison (and in a higher price bracket); our focus here is on the Spectre-class thin-and-light laptops.

Bottom line: For general productivity, all of these laptops are excellent performers – differences only emerge under heavier workflows. The Spectre x360 and Yoga 9i (2024) offer equal or slightly better multicore muscle than the fanless MacBook Air, but Apple’s Silicon still shines in graphics-heavy creative tasks digitaltrends.com. Dell’s XPS 13 is fine for everyday use, but power users might lean toward an XPS 15 or a Spectre/Yoga for more oomph (or towards the MacBook Pro if budget allows). Notably, if you need absolute silence, the MacBook Air’s fanless design and Apple’s efficiency make it whisper-quiet even at full tilt – whereas the Spectre’s fans will audibly kick in on “Performance” mode digitaltrends.com (the Spectre was quieter than the Dell XPS under light loads, however theverge.com). And if you care about emerging AI features, Windows laptops with NPUs (like the XPS 13 and Surface Laptop 6) are on the cutting edge of on-device AI processing, something Apple is just starting to explore techradar.com. None of these machines is a dedicated gaming laptop, but all will handle casual and indie games; an XPS 15 with an RTX GPU or a Surface Laptop Studio 2 (with GeForce RTX 4050) would be better choices for serious 3D gaming or VR. In short, HP, Dell, Lenovo, Microsoft, and Apple all deliver fast and responsive ultrabooks – but each with different specialties, from Apple’s creative prowess to HP/Lenovo’s 2-in-1 versatility and Dell/Microsoft’s AI hardware.

Design & Build Quality

All five competitors are flagship-tier in build quality, but they each have distinct design philosophies. HP’s Spectre x360 is known for its gem-cut elegance – CNC-machined aluminum with polished, angular edges (on earlier models) and “cut” rear corners that house the ports windowscentral.com. The 2024 Spectre x360 14 has actually adopted more rounded edges for comfort while still retaining those stylish cut corners and dual-tone color options (Nightfall black with copper accents, or silver). HP’s craftsmanship is top-notch: reviewers consistently note the Spectre has “truly premium” solidity with no flex in the chassis digitaltrends.com. At ~0.67 inches thick and ~3.1 lbs for the 14-inch, it’s slim and light, though not quite the thinnest. (One critic admitted the Spectre’s weight made them hesitate to commute with it daily, even though “it’s not heavy by any means” – the XPS felt easier to tote one-handed at ~2.7 lbs theverge.com.) As a 2-in-1 convertible, the Spectre can transform into a tablet or tent mode, giving it a versatility advantage over clamshell-only laptops. The hinge is sturdy and allows 360° rotation, and HP includes an active pen in the box on many models – great for sketching or note-taking in tablet mode digitaltrends.com. The trade-off for this flexibility is a slightly bulkier hinge mechanism and a tad more weight. If you value a tablet experience, the Spectre’s design is a win; if you never use touch or pen, you’re carrying extra complexity for nothing.

In contrast, Apple MacBooks stick to a pure laptop design with an obsessive focus on thinness and solid unibody construction. The MacBook Air (M2) sports Apple’s modern design language: an aluminum unibody that’s “insanely thin at just 0.44 inches” – noticeably slimmer than the Spectre digitaltrends.com. It weighs about 2.7 lbs (1.24 kg) for the 13.6″ Air, making it one of the lightest in this group. Despite the slim profile, the build is extremely rigid (there’s zero flex in the keyboard deck or body), though one review did find “the lid is slightly bendable” compared to the Spectre’s sturdier lid digitaltrends.com. The MacBook Air’s aesthetics are clean and minimalist – Apple offers it in understated colors (Silver, Space Gray, Starlight gold, Midnight blue). The MacBook Pro 14/16 models are thicker (14″ is ~0.61″ and 3.5 lbs) but use that extra space for bigger fans, speakers, and ports. Overall, Apple’s fit and finish is second to none; these machines feel luxurious and durable. However, Apple’s refusal to add touchscreens means MacBooks don’t have tablet or stylus functionality. If you want to physically draw on your screen or use a laptop as a tablet, a MacBook simply won’t do – you’d need an iPad. That’s a conscious design choice by Apple to keep MacBooks as traditional laptops (a point of debate for years). As one expert put it, it really “depends on whether you want the flexibility of a 2-in-1…with touch and an active pen, or a traditional laptop” digitaltrends.com. Apple clearly bets on the latter.

Dell XPS laptops have a well-earned reputation for cutting-edge design. The XPS 13’s claim to fame is the virtually bezel-free InfinityEdge display – Dell was a pioneer in shrinking screen bezels, and even today the XPS has one of the highest screen-to-body ratios in its class. The result is a very compact chassis: the XPS 13 Plus (with a 13.4″ screen) is about 15% smaller in footprint than the Spectre x360 14 (with 13.5″ screen) nanoreview.net, though the Spectre’s 3:2 aspect ratio makes direct dimensions tricky. Dell uses a mix of materials; recent XPS devices are CNC aluminum unibodies (the older carbon-fiber palm rest in the XPS 13 has been phased out in the XPS 13 Plus, which is all metal and glass for a sleeker look). The XPS 13 Plus (2022/2023) pushed the envelope with a futuristic design: it has a “borderless” glass haptic touchpad (you can’t see the pad at all – the entire palm rest is a seamless piece of glass) and a capacitive LED function key row instead of physical Fn keys techradar.com. It’s visually striking and ultra-modern, but not universally loved; TechRadar noted the invisible touchpad could be problematic for accessibility or anyone who relies on feeling the trackpad’s edges techradar.com. The standard XPS 13 (9315 model) stuck to a more traditional design but also eliminated all but two ports (more on ports later). Build-wise, the XPS is extremely solid and premium. The hinge on the clamshell XPS opens smoothly with one hand, and the keyboard and chassis are engineered for rigidity. Dell’s XPS 15 and 17 extend the same design language to larger forms – thin, sturdy, with understated elegance. They look fantastic on a desk, albeit in a conservative way. If HP’s Spectre is jewelry-like with its two-tone flair, the XPS is more like a modernist sculpture of a laptop: monochromatic and sleek. One minor nitpick: in long-term use, the XPS’s matte finish can show scratches more easily, whereas the Spectre’s finish tends to resist scratches but shows fingerprints more (the dark Spectre models, in particular, are “prone to fingerprint smudging” theverge.com).

Moving to Lenovo’s Yoga series – specifically the Yoga 9i (Gen 9) – we see another take on premium design, one that emphasizes versatility and media consumption. The Yoga 9i, like the Spectre, is a 2-in-1 convertible with a 360° hinge. Lenovo’s signature touch here is the soundbar hinge: instead of two small hinges, the Yoga 9i has one long hinge that integrates rotating speakers windowscentral.com. This means no matter what mode you use the Yoga in (laptop, tent, tablet), the main tweeters are always facing outward, delivering clear audio without being muffled. It’s a clever design that reviewers love – Laptop Mag called it “plain and simply genius” laptopmag.com. The Yoga 9i’s aesthetic in recent gens has been refined with rounded chrome edges (designed for comfort when holding it as a tablet) and an all-aluminum chassis. It comes in classy colors like Oatmeal (champagne gold) or Storm Gray. In terms of dimensions, the Yoga 9i 14 (2024) is slightly thinner and lighter than the Spectre x360 14 – about 0.6 inches thick and 2.9 lbs vs the HP’s 0.7 inches and 3.2 lbs laptopmag.com. That difference isn’t huge (you likely wouldn’t notice a half-pound in daily use), and both are plenty portable. Build quality is excellent on the Yoga; it feels dense and well-crafted, with no creaking. Like HP, Lenovo includes an active pen with the Yoga 9i and even has a handy garaged stylus in some models (earlier Yogas had a built-in pen slot; the Gen 9 uses a full-size external pen that magnetically attaches). Lenovo’s keyboard on the Yoga 9i spans nearly the full width of the deck, which Claire Tabari at Laptop Mag appreciated for typing comfort laptopmag.com. Overall, the Yoga’s design focuses on entertainment (with that rotating Dolby Atmos speaker bar and optional 4K OLED screen) and flexibility, wrapped in a sleek, rounded chassis that’s a bit more understated than the flashy Spectre. If we’re picking nits, the Spectre’s dual hinge design means its speakers are located on the keyboard deck and underside; HP uses quad speakers (2 tweeters up top, 2 woofers bottom-front) tuned by Bang & Olufsen, which sound great but don’t rotate like the Yoga’s do windowscentral.com theverge.com. Depending on orientation, the Yoga’s audio might have a slight edge due to that design innovation (more on audio later).

Finally, Microsoft’s Surface laptops embody a design ethos of simplicity and elegance, with a focus on productivity. The Surface Laptop 5/6 look virtually identical externally: clean lines, an aluminum lid and deck (or Alcantara fabric on some models like the 13.5″ in sage green or platinum gray), and a thin profile of ~0.66 inches. The Surface Laptop 6 13.5″ weighs about 3.0 lbs, similar to the Spectre and a bit heavier than the MacBook Air tomsguide.com. Microsoft didn’t chase ultra-thinness at the expense of usability – the Surface still has a comfortably stiff keyboard with decent travel, and a large precision trackpad. It’s a straight-up clamshell (the Surface brand does have 2-in-1s – the Surface Pro tablet and Surface Laptop Studio – but the “Laptop” series is a traditional notebook style). The hallmark of Surface design is its tall 3:2 display and the use of premium materials. The 3:2 aspect ratio gives the device a unique silhouette (taller and narrower than a 16:9 or 16:10 machine), which many users love for productivity. The build quality is superb – on par with Apple. There are no visible speaker grilles (the Surface’s “Omnisonic” speakers fire from under the keyboard), and the whole device has a minimalist aesthetic. One downside of that clean design was fairly thick display bezels on older models; the Laptop 5 had chunky borders that started to feel dated. Microsoft addressed this in the Surface Laptop Studio line and somewhat in Surface Pro, but the Laptop 6 still isn’t as edge-to-edge as a Dell XPS’s screen. On the plus side, the Surface Laptop’s webcam and IR sensors are housed in the top bezel without any notches or holes in the display. Speaking of which, the webcam on the new Surface Laptop 6 was upgraded to 1080p and paired with improved dual mics – Microsoft calls it a “Surface Studio Camera,” claiming it’s one of the best laptop webcams out there for Teams calls tomsguide.com. All Surfaces have Windows Hello face authentication, which is extremely convenient – you open the lid and you’re logged in instantly. The overall feel of the Surface is that of a premium ultrabook optimized for Windows 11: it’s not flashy, but it’s refined. Reviewers often compare the Surface Laptops to MacBooks in terms of look and feel – they’re the closest Windows equivalent in that sense. As Tom’s Guide noted, the Surface Laptop design is simple and hasn’t changed much over generations, which can be “good or bad depending on how you feel about it” tomsguide.com. It’s basically a tried-and-true formula. If you liked the Surface Laptop 4 or 5, the 6 is more of the same externally – just with new guts and an optional new color (a lovely Sage green). One extra note: Surfaces historically have a unique hinge behavior – you can’t open them as wide as some other laptops (they stop around ~135 degrees, not 180), and the hinge is tuned so you can open it one-handed but it offers a bit of resistance (so the screen doesn’t flop). It’s a detail, but people coming from a 2-in-1 might notice the lesser range of motion.

Key takeaways on design: You’re getting a high-quality chassis no matter which you choose. The Spectre and Yoga deliver the hybrid laptop/tablet experience with only minor compromises in thickness. The MacBooks are svelte, polished workhorses but strictly laptops – with arguably the most luxurious fit and finish. The Dell XPS is a trendsetter in style, packing maximum screen into minimum body, albeit at the cost of some port and input trade-offs (that invisible touchpad isn’t for everyone techradar.com). The Surface Laptop is the embodiment of a modern Windows notebook – understated, well-built, and comfortable – but not as feature-rich in form as the convertibles. If we consider build quality alone, it’s basically a tie among all: premium aluminum everywhere and tight tolerances. Even so, each has a “one thing” that stands out: the Spectre’s gem-cut flair, the Mac’s extreme thinness, the XPS’s bezels (or lack thereof), the Yoga’s speaker-hinge, and the Surface’s 3:2 professional vibe. Your personal preference (and use case: tablet mode or not?) will sway which design feels superior to you. As Digital Trends put it, “Both are attractive laptops that represent the pinnacle of premium machines” digitaltrends.com – a statement that truly applies to all devices in this comparison.

Ergonomics and Input: All these laptops offer excellent keyboards and touchpads, but with nuances. Apple’s Magic Keyboard (on the latest Air/Pro) is widely praised – Digital Trends favored the MacBook Air’s keyboard slightly over the Spectre’s, calling it “snappier and more precise” digitaltrends.com. The Spectre x360’s keyboard, however, is also top-tier: it has deeper travel and a soft, responsive feel that is only a hair behind Apple’s, so typing all day is a breeze on either digitaltrends.com. Lenovo’s Yoga 9i keyboard earned compliments as well (and stretches edge-to-edge, giving your fingers lots of room) laptopmag.com. Surface Laptops have quietly had excellent keyboards – with 1.3 mm travel, they’re cushy yet firm, often considered among the best in Windows laptops. On the touchpad front, Apple’s Force Touch trackpad reigns supreme. It uses a haptic engine to simulate clicks, allowing uniform clicking on the entire pad, and supports fantastic multi-touch gestures. Digital Trends bluntly stated the MacBook’s trackpad is “much better” than the Spectre’s older mechanical pad digitaltrends.com. That said, HP has introduced a haptic touchpad in the 2024 Spectre, which should narrow the gap. In The Verge’s test of the 2023 Spectre (mechanical pad), it was described as a “solid example” of a typical clickpad, but still not on par with the Mac’s larger, anywhere-click design digitaltrends.com. Dell’s XPS 13 Plus uses a large haptic pad too – which is very smooth, but since it’s invisible, it may take adjustment. Microsoft’s Surface trackpads (glass precision touchpads) are also excellent – spacious and very responsive. Really, none of these will disappoint for pointing, but hardcore trackpad aficionados still often give the nod to MacBooks. One note: only the Spectre and Yoga have touchscreens (and pen support) by default in this group. The Surface Laptop also has a touchscreen (every Surface does), which supports pen input as well, although using a stylus on a non-convertible can be awkward. Dell XPS offers touch as an option on some models (e.g. if you choose the OLED screen), but not all configurations. And of course, MacBooks do not have touchscreens at all – a conscious omission by Apple.

Webcam & audio: In the era of remote work, webcams have become crucial. HP equipped the Spectre x360 with a high-res 5 MP infrared webcam, one of the sharpest on any laptop (some newer Spectre models even tout a “9 MP” webcam, though 5 MP is more common) brainerddispatch.com. This camera produces a much clearer image than the 720p or basic 1080p cams found elsewhere. It also supports Windows Hello face login and has a physical privacy shutter (toggling it even pops up a cute onscreen graphic of a camera with a slash). The Spectre’s webcam image was “much less grainy” than the Dell XPS’s in side-by-side tests, and it handled challenging lighting far better theverge.com. Dell’s XPS 13, due to its razor-thin bezels, uses a very small 720p or 1080p camera module – in Monica Chin’s words, “the XPS’s webcam isn’t great. It’s not terrible, but backgrounds were often washed out”, and overall a notch down from HP’s theverge.com. Apple’s MacBook Air has a 1080p webcam (with image signal processing via the M2), which is a welcome upgrade from the old 720p days. It’s pretty good – colors and lighting are accurate – but Apple oddly uses a display notch to house it on the Air/Pro. HP managed a nearly edge-to-edge screen without resorting to a notch, fitting a 5MP camera in the slim top bezel, which led Digital Trends to quip “it’s curious why Apple felt the need to utilize a notch” digitaltrends.com. The MacBook Pro 14/16 have an even better 1080p webcam with a larger sensor for improved low light, putting them among the top tier (aside from gimmicky features like Apple’s “Center Stage” auto-framing, which the MacBooks don’t have but iPads do). Speaking of auto-framing, HP built in a suite of “GlamCam” features on the Spectre: AI face tracking (similar to Center Stage) that keeps you in frame during video calls, lighting correction filters to brighten your image, an “Appearance Filter” to touch up your face, and even a quirky “BRB” mode that puts up a “Be Right Back” message if you step away theverge.com. These are fun extras that leverage HP’s high-res camera and are all user-controllable. The Surface Laptop 5/6 comes with a 720p (older models) or 1080p (newer model) webcam and also has Windows Hello IR. Microsoft touted the Laptop 6’s cam as the best they’ve put in a Surface clamshell yet, with HDR support and excellent low-light performance. And Lenovo’s Yoga 9i features a 2 MP IR webcam (1080p) which is decent but perhaps not as exceptional as HP’s or Microsoft’s latest. It does have a physical privacy shutter via a switch on the webcam – Lenovo’s “ThinkShutter” concept carried into the Yoga line.

As for audio, all these laptops try to sound better than one would expect for their size. Apple’s MacBook Air has a 4-speaker system (stereo tweeters plus force-cancelling woofers) that outputs rich, balanced sound and even supports Spatial Audio. It’s surprisingly full for such a thin device. The MacBook Pro 14/16 have a six-speaker setup that’s arguably the best in any laptop (with real bass response and wide stereo). Among the Windows crowd, the Spectre x360 and Yoga 9i both have quad-speaker arrangements. HP’s approach: 2 tweeters up top flanking the keyboard and 2 bottom-mounted woofers. Lenovo’s approach: 2 tweeters in the rotating hinge + 2 woofers on the sides of the chassis windowscentral.com windowscentral.com. In practice, both sound great for an ultrabook – clear highs, some semblance of bass, and loud enough to fill a room. The Verge found the Spectre’s audio “sounds great, with crisp audio and solid bass” and louder than the XPS’s; on the Dell XPS 13, the audio was “a noticeable notch down” and could be hard to hear in noisy environments theverge.com. The Yoga 9i, with its Dolby Atmos-tuned hinge bar, often gets praise for being one of the best sounding 14-inch laptops, period. Surface Laptops feature “Omnisonic” speakers hidden under the keyboard, also Dolby Atmos certified. They produce surprisingly decent sound as well – very clear, though not as much bass due to the lack of dedicated woofer drivers. They’re fine for music at your desk or Netflix, but the MacBook Pro’s speakers would put them to shame in depth and richness. All devices have 3.5mm audio jacks (except some Dell models – more on that next). So plugging in good headphones is always an option for better audio.

Display Quality (Resolution, Brightness, OLED, etc.)

This is where we see some of the biggest differences – LCD vs OLED vs mini-LED, aspect ratios, color gamuts, refresh rates, and more.

Starting with HP Spectre x360: The 2024 Spectre 14 offers a gorgeous 14-inch OLED touchscreen with a 3:2 aspect ratio. The default option is a 2880×1800 resolution (2.8K) at up to 120 Hz refresh with variable refresh rate support windowscentral.com. OLED technology gives the Spectre perfect contrast (true inky blacks) and vibrant colors. In fact, the Spectre’s OLED panel covers 100% of sRGB and about 97% of AdobeRGB color – an extremely wide gamut ideal for creative work digitaltrends.com digitaltrends.com. Digital Trends measured the Spectre’s colors as richer and more accurate than the MacBook Air’s IPS screen (AdobeRGB 97% vs 90%, and delta-E ~0.6 accuracy which is excellent) digitaltrends.com. The trade-off with OLED can be brightness; the Spectre’s panel hits around 380–400 nits in SDR use digitaltrends.com. That’s decent, but not as bright as some LCDs. Bright reflections or outdoor use can be more challenging, though HP did add an anti-reflective coating on the latest models. There’s also an optional HP Sure View Reflect privacy screen variant (which narrows viewing angles for privacy). If ultimate resolution is your thing, HP has previously offered a 4K OLED on the larger Spectre x360 15/16, but on the 14-inch, 2880×1800 is already a high ~255 PPI density. Reviewers rave about the Spectre’s display for everything from photo editing to movie streaming – “it’s a creator’s dream, as well as an excellent media consumption laptop,” with the only complaint being that an OLED’s glossy surface isn’t as visible in direct sunlight digitaltrends.com. Also, the 3:2 aspect ratio gives you extra vertical screen real estate (similar to a sheet of paper), which is fantastic for web browsing and documents. The Verge’s editor gushed over the Spectre’s 3000×2000 OLED, saying “it’s divine…Colors are vivid and details are crisp. I had such a great time looking at it, I almost wish I didn’t have to send the unit back” theverge.com. That pretty much sums it up – the Spectre’s display is one of its crown jewels.

Lenovo Yoga 9i (Gen 9) offers very similar display options. The Yoga’s standard config is a 14-inch 2880×1800 OLED (16:10 aspect ratio) at 90 or 60 Hz, and Lenovo also offers an upgrade to a 3840×2400 (UHD+) OLED at 60 Hz windowscentral.com. That 4K OLED on a 14″ screen is stunning – exceptionally sharp (over 300 PPI). In testing, the Yoga’s 4K OLED was even more colorful than HP’s: it reached an astonishing 136% of DCI-P3 (which means it not only covers 100% of P3 but actually exceeds it, a common quirk of some OLED panels) laptopmag.com laptopmag.com. Brightness on the Yoga’s OLED was about on par with HP – mid-300 nits for SDR, ~500 nits peak for HDR (both panels carry VESA DisplayHDR 500 True Black certification) windowscentral.com. Essentially, the Yoga and Spectre screens are close siblings – same technology and similar strengths. The choice might come down to aspect ratio: HP’s 3:2 vs Lenovo’s 16:10. 3:2 is slightly taller, which many productivity users adore (fits more of a Word doc or webpage). 16:10 is still much better than old 16:9 and is perhaps a bit more mainstream for media (most videos are 16:9, so 16:10 has small black bars). In any case, both give a more spacious feel than a MacBook’s 16:10 or Dell’s 16:10. It’s worth noting, to Lenovo’s credit, that upgrading to the 4K OLED was only an ~$80 premium – a great value if you want the absolute best display windowscentral.com. Laptop Mag declared the Yoga 9i the winner for display simply because of that 4K option and the extremely wide color gamut, concluding “Who doesn’t want to watch movies on a gorgeous 4K display?” laptopmag.com. If you go with the 2.8K OLED on either HP or Lenovo, you still get a phenomenal picture and also the benefit of a higher refresh rate (90Hz or 120Hz makes animations and inking feel smoother). Creators and Netflix enthusiasts will be happy with either. One minor caution: OLED screens can be susceptible to image retention or burn-in over time (if static UI elements are shown at high brightness for extended periods). Manufacturers mitigate this with pixel shifting and other tricks. It hasn’t been a widespread issue on these laptops, but long-term caretakers should use features like dark mode and auto-hide taskbars to be safe.

Apple MacBook Air (M2) comes with a 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display, which is a high-quality IPS LCD. Resolution is 2560×1664, yielding ~224 PPI – very sharp for a laptop. It’s not OLED or HDR, but it’s one of the best standard displays. In tests, it reached ~486 nits brightness digitaltrends.com, which is excellent for SDR, and it has P3 wide color (roughly 100% sRGB, ~90-95% DCI-P3 coverage) digitaltrends.com. Colors on the MacBook Air look rich and accurate (Apple calibrates their displays well). Contrast is good for IPS (~1300:1 measured) but of course nowhere near OLED’s “true black” contrast digitaltrends.com. For most users, the Air’s display is “great for both productivity workers and creators,” as Digital Trends put it, though the most demanding pros might want slightly wider-than-P3 color for print work digitaltrends.com. One area where the MacBook Air screen beats the OLEDs is brightness: at nearly 500 nits, it’s easier to see in bright ambient light. Also, there’s no risk of burn-in with LCD. However, the Air is limited to a 60 Hz refresh rate – no high-refresh ProMotion here. That’s something you immediately feel when scrolling next to, say, a 120Hz Spectre or a MacBook Pro. It’s a conscious differentiator by Apple (the MacBook Pro 14/16 have 120Hz mini-LED displays). The MacBook Pro 14-inch’s display deserves mention: it’s a Liquid Retina XDR mini-LED panel with 3024×1964 resolution (~254 PPI), 1000 nits sustained brightness (up to 1600 nits peak HDR), P3 gamut, and 120Hz adaptive refresh. In simple terms, the MacBook Pro’s screen is one of the best on any laptop – it’s effectively like having OLED-level contrast (because the mini-LED backlight can locally dim to almost black) combined with LCD’s high brightness. HDR content on the MBP looks stunning, and creatives love the color accuracy. The only drawback is some slight blooming/halo effect in dark scenes because it’s not individual pixels lighting up (as in OLED) but zones. In our context, though, the MBP is a step up price-wise and in a different weight class. The MacBook Air’s display, while not HDR, is still excellent for what it is. TechRadar’s head-to-head noted that the Air’s screen is brilliant for everything from gaming to content creation “but the XPS 13’s OLED panel is certainly the better screen”, leading them to call that round a draw techradar.com. So Apple wins on brightness and matches on color in SDR, but the PC rivals win on contrast and potential HDR.

What about Dell XPS? The XPS 13 Plus offers a couple of display options: a base 13.4″ 1920×1200 IPS (500-nit, 100% sRGB) at 60Hz, or an upgrade to a 3.5K (3456×2160) OLED at 60Hz (or a 4K+ IPS touchscreen on the 2-in-1 variant). The XPS 13 (9315) had only a 1920×1200 non-touch for battery life focus. If we consider the best XPS display (the 3.5K OLED), it’s similar to the Spectre/Yoga experience but in 16:10 and slightly smaller. Reviewers say it’s “undeniably the standout feature” of the XPS 13, providing punchy colors and deep blacks that made even test animations look fantastic techradar.com. The resolution is a bit lower than the 4K 16:10 offered by Lenovo, but honestly at 13-14 inches, 3K or 4K differences are negligible to the eye. The XPS OLED hit around 400 nits in tests and was glossy. Dell does not yet offer high refresh on XPS (perhaps to preserve battery). Meanwhile, the XPS 15 has a 15.6″ display – available in FHD+ IPS (500-nit), or 3.5K 3456×2160 OLED, or a full 4K 3840×2400 IPS. The OLED is 60Hz, the IPS are 60Hz as well. They’re all excellent panels (the 4K IPS covers 100% AdobeRGB for instance, making it a favorite among photographers who want an LCD). One advantage for Dell: on the XPS 15/17, you get a larger canvas which some creators prefer. But note, only Apple and Microsoft offer adaptive refresh and touch together in this group (Surface Laptop Studio supports 120Hz + touch), while HP/Lenovo give you touch + high refresh on OLED, and Dell gives you either high refresh (on a non-touch FHD) or touch 4K at 60Hz. It’s a bit of a mix.

Microsoft Surface Laptop 6 continues with the trademark PixelSense displays: a 13.5-inch at 2256×1504, or a 15-inch at 2496×1664, both 3:2 ratio and touch-enabled. These are glossy IPS panels with no HDR, but they have improved this generation. The Laptop 5 was around ~400 nits and had issues in sunlight. The new Laptop 6 (and forthcoming Laptop 7) reportedly get significantly brighter – Microsoft says up to 50% less reflective due to a new coating and a 33% boost in brightness blogs.windows.com tomsguide.com. Tom’s Guide confirmed that using Surfaces outdoors is much easier now thanks to these changes tomsguide.com. The resolutions on the Surface give around 201 PPI (13.5″) and 201 PPI (15″) – a bit lower density than the others, but still respectable and everything looks crisp at normal viewing distances. Color-wise, Surfaces historically target sRGB/P3 coverage and come calibrated from factory. They look beautiful, with natural tones – ideal for office work, photo viewing, etc. But they are not as wide-gamut as OLED. Also, Surfaces are 60 Hz (except the oddball Surface Laptop Studio which had a 120Hz panel). So, the Surface Laptop’s display is more old-school in tech: no fancy HDR, no ultra-high refresh. It is high-resolution, touch-enabled, and now brighter with Dolby Vision IQ support for better HDR video playback (though it can’t reach true HDR brightness, it does tone-map). If you prioritize a taller aspect ratio and touch for occasional pen jotting but don’t need OLED contrast, the Surface’s screen will please you. It’s more comparable to the MacBook Air’s in usage (bright, accurate, but not OLED).

In summary, each contender brings something to the table:

• HP Spectre x360: 13.5–14″ 3:2 OLED (2.8K @120Hz) – punchy colors, best contrast, high resolution, touch + pen, decent brightness. Fantastic for movies, design, and web reading, just a bit reflective. Option for a privacy screen model. Digital Trends called the Spectre’s OLED “even better” than the MacBook’s because of its deep blacks and wide gamut digitaltrends.com.
• Lenovo Yoga 9i: 14″ 16:10 OLED (up to 4K @60Hz or 2.8K @90Hz) – similarly gorgeous, with the 4K option delivering impeccable detail and color saturation that wowed reviewers laptopmag.com. Great for streaming and drawing. Slightly lower refresh (unless you use the 2.8K at 90Hz).
• Apple MacBook Air: 13.6″ 16:10 IPS (2.5K @60Hz) – excellent brightness (~500 nits), very sharp and color-accurate, but not OLED. No touch. Great for use in varied lighting and arguably more reliable long-term without burn-in concerns. MacBook Pro’s mini-LED (14″/16″) is in a class of its own for HDR and 120Hz, if you step up to those models.
• Dell XPS: 13.4″ 16:10 – either a solid FHD+ for long battery or a stunning 3.5K OLED for visuals techradar.com. The OLED especially makes the XPS a little jewel of a display – TechRadar said it “provides excellent picture quality… it still looked fantastic” even under stress techradar.com. Downsides: glossy and only 60Hz.
• Microsoft Surface Laptop: 13.5″ or 15″ 3:2 IPS (~QHD @60Hz) – bright and now anti-reflective, with beautiful color and touch support. Not as high-contrast as OLED, but easier to use outdoors with the new coating tomsguide.com. A very balanced, work-friendly display.

If one had to pick a winner, for general use the MacBook’s brightness and the polish of Apple’s Retina display are hard to beat, but for content creation and media, the OLEDs on Spectre, Yoga, or XPS clearly offer a more jaw-dropping image (especially in a dim room). And if you care about smooth scrolling, HP’s 120Hz and Lenovo’s 90Hz make a noticeable difference vs the 60Hz screens – it makes pen input more responsive too. On the horizon, keep an eye on technologies like OLED with higher refresh and Mini-LED laptops becoming more common. But as of 2025, you essentially choose between the neon-like pop of OLED or the reliability and outdoor visibility of a high-end IPS. Either way, all these laptops have excellent displays; it’s a matter of your personal priorities (true blacks vs. peak brightness, etc.). For most, you can’t go wrong watching a movie or editing photos on any of them – as one comparison concluded, it can even be a tie when weighing Dell’s OLED quality against Apple’s consistency techradar.com. It’s a good problem to have when all options look this good!

Battery Life

Battery endurance is a crucial differentiator – and here Apple’s efficiency often steals the show, though recent Intel advances have closed the gap in specific tests. If you need to last all day untethered, you’ll want to pay close attention.

Apple’s MacBooks (M1/M2) have set the bar for battery life in the past few years. The 13″ MacBook Air (M2) is rated up to 18 hours of wireless web or video playback, and in real-world use it often approaches 14–18 hours on a charge. For instance, Digital Trends measured about 18 hours of continuous web surfing on the MacBook Air M2 – whereas an HP Spectre x360 (12th-gen, high-res OLED) managed around 10 hours in the same test digitaltrends.com. That’s nearly an 8-hour difference, a staggering lead for Apple digitaltrends.com. They noted the Spectre even had a larger battery, yet the MacBook lasted “almost a day longer” in use digitaltrends.com. This is the power of Apple’s ARM-based chips and tight hardware-software integration. The MacBook Pro models, despite their more powerful chips, also achieve impressive longevity – roughly 12–15 hours of mixed use (the 16″ Pro can hit 15+ hours web, thanks to a huge battery, even with an M2 Pro/Max doing heavy work). And if you’re just doing video playback, Apple laptops sip power; many reviewers loop a 1080p video and see MacBooks go well beyond advertised figures, again upwards of 18–20 hours for an Air.

Windows ultrabooks, historically, struggled to hit that. However, 2024’s Intel “Meteor Lake” and some Qualcomm ARM chips aim to challenge Apple’s efficiency. One striking example: TechRadar’s test of the new Dell XPS 13 (9440, 2024) with Intel Core Ultra reported a whopping 23 hours 26 minutes on their local video rundown test – basically “a full workday (or two, or three)” on one charge techradar.com techradar.com. That’s an outlier result but it shows it’s possible under certain conditions. They gave the XPS 13 the win over the MacBook Air in battery, noting the Air delivered under 15 hours in their more active web surfing benchmark, which is still excellent but “dwarfed by the best-in-class battery life of the XPS 13” techradar.com techradar.com. So, how did Dell do it? Likely a combination of a slightly larger battery, an efficient low-power display option, and Meteor Lake’s improved low-power cores (and possibly aggressive power management in that video loop). It’s worth mentioning that other reviewers haven’t universally replicated 24-hour claims – it may require very light workloads and low screen brightness. But it’s a promising sign that all-day battery is not exclusive to Apple anymore.

In more typical comparisons: The Verge found the XPS 13 (2023, 9315 model with 12th-gen) lasted about 6 hours 42 minutes of mixed use, whereas the HP Spectre x360 13.5 (2023 OLED) lasted only about 4 hours in the same test theverge.com theverge.com. Monica Chin remarked “Four hours is just unfortunate for a device over $1,000,” and that “the difference between four and six hours could be the difference between needing or not needing to bring your charger” theverge.com. She flagged the Spectre’s short battery life as its one big downside, saying “until HP figures out how to make a high-resolution OLED screen play nice with the 67Wh battery,” many might opt for the less exciting but longer-lasting XPS theverge.com. Indeed, the Spectre x360’s gorgeous 3K OLED is a battery hog. HP does offer a lower-res or IPS panel option on some models which would extend life, but most review units have the fancy OLED. In contrast, the Dell XPS she tested likely had a more power-friendly FHD+ LCD. This highlights a key point: display choice and battery life are tightly linked. An FHD IPS can get several hours more runtime than a 4K OLED on the same laptop.

Lenovo Yoga 9i (Gen 9), which also had a high-res OLED, clocked in at 7 hours 24 minutes in Laptop Mag’s web surfing test at 150 nits laptopmag.com laptopmag.com. The HP Spectre x360 14 (2024 model, Core Ultra CPU, 2.8K OLED) in the same test achieved a much stronger 11 hours 0 minutes laptopmag.com. That’s almost a 4-hour delta in HP’s favor. This is interesting because in earlier generations HP was behind. It suggests the 2024 Spectre with Intel’s new efficiency cores made big gains (or possibly HP went with a slightly lower power display than Lenovo’s 4K panel). Regardless, in that head-to-head the Spectre crushed the Yoga’s battery, leading the reviewer to state “it’s not even close” – “a 2-in-1 with less than eight hours of battery life is rough, and that’s why the Spectre x360 takes this win” laptopmag.com laptopmag.com. The Spectre lasted nearly 4 hours longer than the Yoga 9i, which she characterized as a “decisive strike” that knocked out the Yoga’s chances of overall victory laptopmag.com laptopmag.com. So HP clearly optimized the new Spectre for longevity compared to Lenovo’s choice to prioritize a 4K screen. It’s a good reminder: the Yoga 9i’s optional 4K OLED looks amazing but will drain battery faster – if you need more endurance, the 2.8K 90Hz OLED config might be the wiser pick for balance.

Microsoft Surface Laptop reputation on battery is a bit mixed. Microsoft claims up to 18.5 hours on the 13.5″ Laptop 6 (likely for local video playback) microsoft.com. In practice, many users get somewhere around 8–10 hours of real work with the Surface Laptop 5 or 6. However, an alarming user report surfaced about the Surface Laptop 6 for Business with Core i7-165H: one owner described it as “sucking the battery dry in mere hours by just browsing,” getting only ~4 hours on a workday – calling it “abysmal” and “unacceptable in 2024” reddit.com reddit.com. This user expected Intel’s Meteor Lake to finally challenge Apple’s efficiency, but found it fell far short in their unit, especially compared to Apple Silicon (which he notes is “not even close… can’t handle even light loads without fans kicking in. You pay the price of a Mac but get a turd” in battery terms) reddit.com reddit.com. That’s a harsh assessment, but it highlights that real-world battery life can vary widely depending on workload and optimization. Perhaps that user had a faulty unit or was using an early software build – or the H-series Intel chip in a small chassis is just a power hog unless idle. Microsoft’s own marketing emphasizes that the new Surfaces are tuned for better battery and even have fast charging (up to 80% in an hour via USB-C on the 15″). We should consider that anecdote as one data point. In general, expect the Surface Laptop 6 to give you a workday on the go, but if you push the CPU with lots of multitasking, battery life will drop substantially (and fans will spin). By contrast, a MacBook Air under the same load might last double and stay fanless.

Dell XPS larger models aren’t marathon runners either – the XPS 15 with an OLED 4K and RTX GPU might only last 5–7 hours of mixed use (less if doing GPU stuff). The XPS 13 with a basic IPS, as shown, can be tuned to last very long for video. It’s worth noting: PC makers often quote battery life for the most power-efficient config (e.g., XPS 13 with low-power display in aeroplane mode playing video in a loop). Apple tends to quote something closer to an average usage scenario.

So, how to summarize battery life? In simplest terms:

• MacBook Air/Pro (Apple M chips): Class-leading endurance. Expect 50–100% longer run time than equivalent PC ultrabooks for many workloads digitaltrends.com. If you absolutely need the best battery, Apple is a safe bet. Many users can leave their charger at home – an M2 Air truly gets through a full day (and then some) of work or classes.
• HP Spectre x360 (2024): Very good battery, much improved. ~10–11 hours in standardized tests laptopmag.com, which puts it in all-day territory for light work. Older Spectre models with OLED were mediocre (6–8 hours or less), but HP seems to have made efficiency gains. Still, under heavy use (and at 120Hz refresh) expect it to drain faster. If using it for creative work on battery, it won’t last as long as a MacBook doing the same.
• Lenovo Yoga 9i: With 4K OLED, below-average battery (6–8 hours) laptopmag.com. With a lower res panel, it would improve. Lenovo prioritizes the premium screen and features, accepting that you might need to recharge by mid-afternoon. It’s fine for a cross-country flight if you’re just watching movies (local video can be less taxing), but for a full workday of web and Zoom, you’ll likely need the charger handy.
• Dell XPS 13: If configured for efficiency, it can lead the pack (the 1080p non-touch XPS 13 has always been a longevity champ, and now Meteor Lake’s video engine sipping power yields those 20+ hour numbers in ideal conditions techradar.com). In typical usage, think 8–12 hours depending on config and generation. The XPS 13 Plus with OLED and performance mode on might only hit ~7 hours in mixed use, while an XPS 13 standard with non-touch could push well past 10. The XPS 15/17 will be much lower due to power-hungry components (often 4–6 hours if using the GPU, though the 97 Wh battery in those can stretch to 8-10 hours for light tasks on the FHD screen).
• Microsoft Surface Laptop: Aims for all-day, but results vary. Likely around 9–10 hours of typical usage on the 13.5″ (a bit less on 15″ if it has the same battery). Some reviewers of the Surface Laptop 5 got ~8 hours. Microsoft’s 18-hour claim is for very idle scenarios. If you push it, it can drop to that 4-5 hour range as noted. The advantage is Surface Laptops support fast charging via both the Surface Connect and USB-C PD; you can get a decent top-up in a short coffee break (up to ~80% in an hour for the 15″, somewhat slower on the 13.5″).

One more consideration: standby drain and battery management. Apple has fantastic standby time – you can close a MacBook, come back a week later and still have juice. Windows 11 modern standby has improved, but some laptops still trickle more battery in sleep than ideal. Surfaces and Dells have gotten better at Connected Standby (especially with the move to more efficient cores). It’s beyond our scope to dive deep, but just know MacBooks tend to lose very little battery overnight, which effectively adds to their usable life per charge.

In conclusion, if battery life is your top priority: Apple MacBook Air wins for ultraportables (with users routinely getting 15+ hours digitaltrends.com), though the 2024 XPS 13 can rival it in specific tasks with over 20 hours in a video playback scenario techradar.com. The Spectre x360 14 (2024) is not far behind the leaders now – 11 hours in one test laptopmag.com is excellent. But if you opt for the highest-res/OLED configs on HP, Dell, or Lenovo, expect a bigger hit to endurance. The Verge summed it up well: HP’s Spectre is superior in many ways, “except for that stinkin’ battery life” – which for some is a decisive factor theverge.com. Meanwhile, a user comparing Intel’s best against Apple’s lamented “It’s not even close… you pay the price of a Mac but what you get is a turd” in battery performance reddit.com. Colorful language aside, Apple still holds the efficiency crown overall, but Windows laptops are catching up where they can. Always check if reviewers tested the same workload you care about – e.g., video playback might run on efficient media engines (leveling the field), whereas interactive web browsing stresses the CPU more (favoring Apple’s silicon).

Port Selection & Connectivity

Modern premium laptops often sacrifice ports for slim designs – but some, like the Spectre and Surface, manage a healthier mix than others. Let’s compare what you can plug into each:

• HP Spectre x360 (2024): Despite its thin profile, HP impressively includes both new and legacy ports. You get 2× Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) ports (one on each rear-cut corner), 1× USB-A 3.2 (with a nifty drop-jaw hinge flap to fit full-size USB in the thin chassis), and a 3.5mm headphone jack windowscentral.com. Previous Spectres also had a microSD card reader, but on the 2024 model HP did not list one – it appears the microSD slot has been dropped, likely to save space. (That’s a bit of a bummer for photographers, though you can always use a USB-C SD reader.) The Spectre’s inclusion of USB-A is increasingly rare in ultrabooks – it means you can plug in older peripherals (USB drives, mice, etc.) without a dongle. And because the Spectre has a separate barrel charging port (HP’s traditional slim smart AC jack) in addition to USB-C, you can charge it either via that barrel plug or through USB-C – using the barrel charger means you don’t occupy a Thunderbolt port while charging laptopmag.com. Laptop Mag noted this as a plus for the Spectre: not having to give up a USB-C port to power means both TB4 ports can be free for displays or devices while you work laptopmag.com. Wireless-wise, the newest Spectre supports Wi-Fi 6E (and even Wi-Fi 7 ready) and Bluetooth 5.3+, keeping it future-proof on connectivity windowscentral.com. In short, HP offers an excellent port selection for a modern 14″ machine – something even Dell’s XPS can’t claim. As Digital Trends bluntly put it, “connectivity favors the Spectre”, thanks to that USB-A, a card reader (on older model), and the latest Wi-Fi, compared to the MacBook’s more limited I/O digitaltrends.com.
• Apple MacBook Air (M2): The Air has 2× Thunderbolt 4 / USB4 (USB-C) ports on the left side, plus a MagSafe 3 charging port, and a 3.5mm headphone jack on the right techradar.com. That’s it. The MagSafe connector is great – it provides fast charging up to 67W and safely detaches if tripped over. Its presence also means, like HP, you can charge without using a precious Thunderbolt port. But with only two USB-C/TB ports total, the MacBook Air is limited. If you’re charging via MagSafe, you have two free TB4; if you charge via TB (say you left the MagSafe at home and use a USB-C charger), then you’re down to one port for everything else. There is no USB-A, no memory card slot, and no HDMI on the Air. This minimalist approach is common in super-thins (and indeed similar to Dell’s XPS 13 Plus). The MacBook Pro 14/16, however, significantly expand ports: they come with 3× Thunderbolt 4 (two on left, one on right), an HDMI 2.1 port, a full-size SDXC card reader, MagSafe charging, and a headphone jack. The 14/16’s port selection is actually class-leading among thin-and-light laptops – Apple brought back the HDMI and SD due to pro user demand. That means a photographer can, for example, stick their camera SD card directly into a MacBook Pro, something you can’t do on any of the others here without an adapter (except Dell XPS 15/17 which have SD slots). Still, focusing on the MacBook Air (since that’s more in line with Spectre/XPS/Yoga): it’s a bit sparse on ports. You’ll likely invest in a USB-C hub or at least a couple dongles (e.g., USB-C to USB-A adapter, or a multiport adapter with HDMI and USB). The Air does have advanced wireless: Wi-Fi 6 (not 6E on M2 models) and Bluetooth 5.0. Future Apple Silicon models likely get Wi-Fi 6E or 7. But right now, HP and Lenovo have slightly newer Wi-Fi radios in their 2024 models (Wi-Fi 6E/BT 5.3 vs Apple’s Wi-Fi 6/BT5.0 on 2022 MacBooks) digitaltrends.com.
• Dell XPS 13 (Plus): Here “less is more” was taken to an extreme. The XPS 13 has 2× Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) ports – one on each side – and that’s literally it. No separate charging jack (you charge via USB-C), no headphone jack, no USB-A, no SD slot techradar.com. Dell did at least include USB-C adapters in the box (in past models): typically a USB-C to USB-A dongle and a USB-C to 3.5mm headset jack adapter. So they acknowledge the need for legacy connections but don’t integrate them. This design keeps the XPS super slim and clean, but some find it too limiting. The Verge humorously showed a photo of the XPS’s lone USB-C side, captioned “Pictured: 50 percent of the XPS’s port selection.” theverge.com That says it all. If you often connect multiple devices (say an external monitor and a USB drive and a wired mouse), you’ll be living the dongle life on XPS 13. On a positive note, Thunderbolt 4 is versatile – you can connect a TB4 dock and instantly get a bunch of ports through one cable, including Ethernet, more USB, external displays, etc. Many XPS users pair with a dock at their desk. The XPS 15/17 give you a bit more: they have 2× TB4, 1× USB-C 3.2 (non-Thunderbolt), a full SD card reader, a 3.5mm audio jack, and a wedge lock slot. But interestingly, still no HDMI or USB-A on those either. Dell does bundle USB-C to HDMI and USB-A adapters with the larger XPS models, at least they did in previous gens thurrott.com. Dell’s philosophy is clearly to embrace USB-C everywhere. It’s a point where some consumers disagree (especially about the missing headphone jack on the XPS 13 – a lot of folks still use wired headsets). The assumption is you’ll use Bluetooth audio; fortunately, the XPS supports Bluetooth 5.2 or higher, and Wi-Fi 6E, so wireless connectivity is state-of-the-art.
• Lenovo Yoga 9i (Gen 9): Lenovo actually offers a fairly robust set on the Yoga. It includes 2× Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports (on the left), plus a third USB-C 3.2 Gen2 (on the right, with Power Delivery and DisplayPort support), 1× USB-A 3.2 Gen2 (always-on for charging accessories, on left), and a 3.5mm audio combo jack (on right) laptopmag.com. So in total: two USB-C TB, one regular USB-C, one USB-A, headphone. That’s better than the Spectre’s count by one extra USB-C. However, the Yoga uses USB-C for charging (no dedicated barrel port), so when plugged in you effectively have one TB4 and one USB-C free on the 14″ model. Still, that’s more I/O than the MacBook Air or XPS outright. In Laptop Mag’s comparison, they gave Yoga the edge in ports, largely because it had an additional USB-C and the audio jack whereas HP at the time had a similar layout but required using one USB-C for charging laptopmag.com laptopmag.com. (They slightly overlooked HP’s barrel jack advantage in that assessment.) The Windows Central comparison also noted the Spectre and Yoga are almost on par, but one said the Spectre had an extra USB-C – likely a confusion. The truth: Yoga 9i Gen 9 has 3 USB-C total (2 TB4 + 1 USB-C 3.2), HP Spectre 14 (2024) has 2 TB4 + maybe a third USB-C if we interpret “one extra USB-C port” in text windowscentral.com. HP’s spec sheet only explicitly listed 2 TB4 and 1 USB-A windowscentral.com, so I believe HP has 2 USB-C ports (both TB4) and no third; thus Lenovo technically has one more USB-C. Regardless, both have a mix of old and new ports which is great. Neither has HDMI or a full SD slot, though – you’d need to step up to a heavier 15–16″ class for those, or use adapters.
• Microsoft Surface Laptop 5/6: The Surface laptops have long kept a modest but useful array. The Surface Laptop 6 (13.5″) offers 1× USB-C 4 / Thunderbolt 4, 1× USB-A 3.1, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and the Surface Connect port tomsguide.com tomsguide.com. The 15-inch Surface Laptop doubles the USB-C count to 2× TB4 (plus the same USB-A, headphone, Surface Connect) tomsguide.com. That’s actually pretty good – the 15″ Surface basically matches a MacBook Pro 14 in having three total USB ports (2 TB + 1 A), minus the HDMI/SD. The proprietary Surface Connect port is magnetic and is used for charging (and for hooking up Surface Dock accessories). It means, like MagSafe, you can charge the Surface without occupying the USB-C, leaving it free for displays or devices. Also, unique to the business-oriented Surface Laptop models, the 15″ can be configured with a smartcard reader built-in for enterprise security (though that replaces the 3.5mm jack in that config). In general, Surface Laptops mirror the MacBook Air in everyday port needs but with the bonus of USB-A. As Tom’s Guide pointed out, “they’re actually a bit better than a MacBook Air, because with Surface you get USB-C, USB-A and a headphone jack, whereas on an Air you just get USB-C…” tomsguide.com tomsguide.com. (He mistakenly omitted that Air does have a headphone jack, but his main point stands: the Surface gives an extra Type-A port that the Air lacks.) The Surface’s Thunderbolt 4 support (finally added in Laptop 5) means you can also attach external GPUs or multiple 4K monitors via one cable, just like the others.

Networking: None of these laptops have Ethernet jacks (too thin), so it’s all Wi-Fi for wired networking unless you use a USB dongle. As mentioned, the Spectre and Yoga are cutting edge with Wi-Fi 6E (and even Wi-Fi 7 on Spectre potentially) windowscentral.com, Dell XPS and Surface are on Wi-Fi 6E as well, and Apple’s currently on Wi-Fi 6 (with 6E likely in next refresh). For most users, Wi-Fi 6 vs 6E isn’t a huge deal unless you have a 6E router and need the extra 6 GHz band speed. Bluetooth versions range from 5.0 on Mac to 5.1/5.2/5.3 on PCs – again, mostly minor improvements like efficiency and bandwidth for multiple devices.

Video Output: Through their USB-C/Thunderbolt ports, all these machines can drive external monitors. But a quirk: Apple’s M1/M2 base chips only support 1 external display natively (the Air and 13″ Pro can only do one, up to 6K 60Hz). The MacBook Pro 14/16 with M2 Pro/Max can support 2 to 4 externals depending on chip. In contrast, Thunderbolt 4 on Windows laptops typically supports at least two 4K displays (via MST or a dock). So a Spectre or XPS can do dual-monitor setups more easily via one TB4 dock. If you need multi-monitor on a MacBook Air, you’d have to use DisplayLink adapters as a workaround. Keep that limitation in mind if your workflow involves several screens.

Expandability: With Thunderbolt on board for most, you can connect things like eGPUs (except Apple dropped eGPU support on Apple Silicon – that’s another difference), high-speed external SSDs, 10Gb Ethernet adapters, etc. Thunderbolt 4 has 40 Gbps bandwidth, plenty for pretty much any peripheral chain. The Spectre and Mac also support charging via TB4 (in addition to their other charging methods). The XPS, Yoga, and Surface all charge via USB-C TB4 too (or Surface Connect in Microsoft’s case).

Summing up ports: The Spectre x360 and Lenovo Yoga 9i clearly aim to please in this department by retaining USB-A and headphone jacks alongside dual Thunderbolt – a balance of old and new. The Surface Laptop similarly keeps a foot in each world (one USB-A, one USB-C TB, one headphone), which is a very pragmatic mix for everyday users. The MacBook Air/Pro embrace USB-C/Thunderbolt fully, but the Air in particular is sparse – you’ll need adapters for things like SD cards or USB-A devices. The Dell XPS 13 goes the furthest in minimalism, basically betting you’ll be fine with two USB-C holes and nothing else (and giving you a dongle kit in case you’re not). If you hate dongles and often plug in accessories, the Spectre, Yoga, or Surface will make you happiest. If you’re mostly wireless and just want a clean, sleek machine, the XPS or MacBook’s simplicity might appeal – just be ready to use a hub for serious I/O needs. It’s telling that even a major reviewer said for XPS vs MacBook: “there’s a distinct lack of physical ports on the XPS… only two USB-C – you’ll likely be relying on Bluetooth for peripherals”, whereas the MacBook’s MagSafe gave it a slight edge since “you don’t have to sacrifice a USB-C port for charging” techradar.com techradar.com. In fact, having a dedicated charging connector (MagSafe or Surface Connect or barrel jack) is a hidden advantage when multitasking on the go. Overall, port selection might not be flashy, but it can seriously affect your daily convenience – and in this showdown, HP, Lenovo, and Microsoft are the more port-friendly options, while Apple and Dell are the more port-minimalist.

Software & User Experience (Windows vs macOS)

Comparing Windows 11 to macOS Ventura/Monterey (and beyond) is a deep topic, but at a high level: each platform has its own feel, ecosystem, and unique features that can greatly influence user experience on these laptops.

Operating System & Ecosystem: Apple’s MacBooks run macOS, which is celebrated for its clean interface, smooth animations, and tight integration with other Apple devices. If you own an iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch, a MacBook can integrate seamlessly – you can take phone calls or reply to texts on your Mac, instantly share files and photos via AirDrop, unlock the Mac with your Watch, and copy-paste between devices using Universal Clipboard. That kind of continuity is a huge selling point for those embedded in Apple’s ecosystem. macOS is also Unix-based, which developers appreciate for the native terminal and programming environment. On the flip side, HP, Dell, Lenovo, and Microsoft laptops all run Windows 11 (Home or Pro). Windows 11 has matured into a snappy, aesthetically pleasing OS as well, with a centered Start menu and enhanced touch-friendly features. It’s the go-to for maximum software compatibility – especially business, engineering, and gaming applications that might not be available on macOS. If your workflow relies on Microsoft Office, Adobe CC, or other cross-platform apps, both OSes handle them well. But some software is exclusive: e.g., Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro (music production) are Mac-only, whereas many enterprise apps or custom software target Windows. One big thing: gaming. Windows still wins by a landslide for gaming support; the vast majority of AAA games are developed for Windows (and DirectX). While Apple has made strides with Metal and even running games on Apple Silicon, a MacBook Air or Pro isn’t what a gamer would choose (and Boot Camp for Windows is no longer available on Apple Silicon Macs).

User Interface & Touch: On these specific laptops, HP/Lenovo/Surface devices have touchscreens, and Windows 11 is designed to accommodate touch input (with larger icons in Tablet Mode, gesture controls, etc.). You can scroll, tap, and ink directly on the screen. MacBooks notably do not have touchscreens – Apple expects you to use the excellent trackpad or keyboard shortcuts for everything. Apple argues that reaching up to poke a vertical laptop screen isn’t ergonomic, and they’d rather you use an iPad if you want touch. Some users agree, others really wish Mac had touch (especially after seeing how nice it is to scroll a long webpage by flicking the screen on a Spectre or pinch-zoom on a photo directly). If you value pen input for drawing or handwritten notes, the Spectre x360, Yoga 9i, or Surface Laptop (or Surface Pro/Studio) are the obvious choices, since macOS simply doesn’t support that. Windows has gotten quite good at pen input – with features like Windows Ink, Whiteboard app, and the new Windows Journal – and devices like Spectre/ThinkPad X1 Yoga/Surface Pro are popular among students and artists for note-taking and sketching. The Spectre even has some clever software like HP QuickDrop (to share files to your phone easily, akin to AirDrop) and HP Pen settings to customize buttons on the stylus.

Trackpad & gestures: While Mac lacks a touchscreen, it makes up for it with trackpad gestures that are second nature once learned – e.g., three-finger swipe up for Mission Control, pinch with thumb and three fingers to show desktop, etc. Windows Precision Touchpad drivers also support gestures (three-finger flick for task view, etc.), but many find Apple’s to be a bit more polished. On a Spectre or XPS, you can use multi-finger gestures, but they might not feel quite as fluid. That said, Windows 11’s UI is arguably more similar to macOS than ever – the gap has narrowed in overall smoothness.

Stability & Updates: macOS is tightly controlled to Apple’s hardware, which tends to make it very stable and well-optimized (rarely do you worry about drivers or weird compatibility issues on Mac). Windows 11, running on a wide variety of hardware, can occasionally have driver hiccups – but on these premium devices, manufacturers like HP, Dell, and Lenovo test their drivers extensively. Microsoft’s Surface, being first-party, offers an experience akin to Apple’s: Microsoft tunes the OS for the Surface and vice versa, so you get a “clean” Windows install with no third-party bloat and long support. For instance, Surfaces will get firmware updates via Windows Update seamlessly. HP and Lenovo do ship some extra software – for example, HP has its Command Center & HP Palette apps (for performance profiles, pen settings, etc.), plus trials like McAfee AV which many users promptly uninstall. Lenovo has Vantage for system updates and settings, and sometimes a few preload apps. Dell usually includes Dell Update and maybe a support assist tool. The amount of pre-installed bloat on these has gone down, but it’s still a difference: Apple gives you a lean setup out of the box, whereas some Windows OEMs add things you might not need. It’s usually easy to remove unwanted apps, though.

Security & Login: All these OSes support biometric login. MacBooks use Touch ID (fingerprint sensor on the power button) to log in, authenticate Apple Pay, etc. It’s fast and convenient. Windows laptops here either have Windows Hello IR cameras (Spectre, Surface, some XPS configs, Yoga) or a fingerprint reader (many have both, like Spectre has IR + fingerprint, XPS 13 Plus has fingerprint in the power key). Windows Hello face login is extremely fast – just a glance at your Surface or Spectre and you’re in. It’s arguably even more seamless than Touch ID, since you don’t need to lift a finger. On security, Apple has the T2/security enclave on the SoC for encryption, Touch ID, etc., while Windows devices with TPM 2.0 and optional Intel vPro have comparable security features for encryption (BitLocker) and firmware protection. Both are solid for average users.

Unique software features: The Spectre x360 includes HP’s custom software enhancements like GlamCam (mentioned earlier for webcam effects), Presence Aware (the laptop can lock itself when you step away and wake when you approach, using an IR camera – great for privacy and convenience), and creative apps in HP Palette (like Concepts for drawing). Lenovo often includes useful utilities like Lenovo Pen Settings, and they had a Smart Assist that does presence detection similar to HP’s (called Glance by Mirametrix – which can blur your screen if you look away or alert if someone peeks over your shoulder). Dell has its own Dell Optimizer that can also do proximity sensing and even login with face or walk-away lock on some models (via a proximity sensor + Windows Hello). These are the little value-adds Windows OEMs try to differentiate with. Some are genuinely helpful, others you might disable.

Microsoft’s Surface is relatively clean – but with Windows 11, Microsoft is integrating features like Copilot AI assistant right into the OS. Surfaces (and new Intel Core Ultra systems like XPS) have NPUs to accelerate these AI tasks locally. For example, with Windows Studio Effects you can have AI background blur or eye contact correction on any video call, or use Copilot (similar to ChatGPT/Bing Chat built into Windows) to help summarize emails, edit images, or adjust settings with natural language. These AI features are evolving and as TechRadar noted, “with Copilot, [Windows 11] offers a more developed on-device AI experience” right now techradar.com. Apple, by contrast, has been more conservative on AI assistants – Siri is quite limited, and there’s no system-wide AI assistant that can generate content. Apple does a lot on-device ML (for Photos search, voice dictation, etc.), but the concept of an AI copiloting your workflow is more a Windows thing at the moment. If you find that appealing, devices like the Surface Laptop 6 or XPS (with NPUs) might excite you.

User Feedback & Support: Apple users often praise the “it just works” aspect of macOS and benefit from Apple’s strong customer support (Apple Stores for repairs, etc.). Windows laptop support varies by vendor: Dell’s XPS owners can get Premium Support packages with on-site repair, Lenovo has decent support especially for ThinkPads (Yoga falls under consumer support which is okay), HP Spectre support is generally higher tier than their budget lines, and Microsoft offers direct support in their stores (and online) for Surfaces. As far as reliability, all these machines are premium-built, but any can have issues. The advantage with a Surface or Mac is first-party support tends to be very streamlined. With HP/Dell/Lenovo, you’ll go through their support channels which can be hit or miss. That said, communities (Reddit, forums) are full of both Mac and PC users sharing tips for issues – no device is flawless. For instance, some XPS 13 Plus users had to adapt to the new touch bar and pad and share how to tweak settings; some Spectre users discuss fine-tuning color profiles on OLED to avoid burn-in; MacBook users sometimes wrestle with clamshell mode quirks or external monitor scaling issues. Each ecosystem has its quirks.

Cross-device and software availability: If you rely on Google services or cross-platform apps, Windows and Mac both support them. But if you’re an iCloud user with lots of iMessage history, the Mac will let you use iMessage on your laptop (Windows cannot, aside from basic Phone Link for SMS on Android). Conversely, if your office uses software that only runs on Windows (or requires Internet Explorer/ActiveX or specific VPN that’s Windows-only), you might lean Windows – though Macs can run Windows 11 in a VM (Parallels Desktop can run Windows ARM and many apps work via x86 emulation). Linux enthusiasts might note that Dell XPS (Developer Edition) can come with Ubuntu, and you can of course install Linux on most of these (except MacBooks have Apple-specific hurdles but Linux on M1 is making progress). But that’s niche.

Colleague and expert opinions: Many experts say the choice between Mac and Windows now is less about capabilities (both can do most tasks) and more about personal workflow and comfort. As Digital Trends concluded in an HP vs Apple comparison, both are pinnacle devices – “Which is right for you depends on whether you want… a 2-in-1 with touch and pen, or a traditional laptop” digitaltrends.com. If you are a designer who loves the Mac software suite and all-day battery, MacBook might be your heaven. If you’re a coder or accountant needing Windows-only apps or just prefer more hardware flexibility (e.g., upgradeable SSDs, though in these thin ones only some have that), then one of the Windows models makes more sense.

In terms of experience quality:

• The Spectre x360 offers a feature-packed Windows experience: login with face or finger, convert to tablet when you want, a slew of camera and AI tricks to enhance calls, and even nifty touches like an appearance filter to “touch up” your face in video – though whether that’s desirable is subjective theverge.com. It’s a very modern, versatile user experience that tries to cater to every scenario.
• The MacBook Air/Pro offers a focused experience: no tablet mode, but what it does as a laptop, it does exceptionally. The UI is butter-smooth (helped by Apple’s Metal graphics and the 120Hz on Pros), the gestures are intuitive, and the consistency (especially if you have other Apple gear) can be delightful. Creative pros often favor macOS for its stability with apps like Photoshop, but Windows 11 is also very stable nowadays. Each platform gets frequent updates – macOS annually with big new features (e.g., Stage Manager or improved Continuity Camera in recent versions), Windows 11 via incremental feature updates (like the AI-powered tools being added).

One more angle: Voice assistants. Mac has Siri (limited on Mac compared to iPhone), Windows has Cortana (being phased out) but now can use Voice access or the new Bing/CoPilot. Honestly, these aren’t major deciding factors as most people use their phone for voice queries (Siri/Google Assistant/Alexa).

Virtual Desktops & Multitasking: Both OSes allow multiple desktops, split-screen, etc. Power users might have preferences (some prefer Windows’ snapping and window management, others like macOS Mission Control and Spaces). Windows 11 improved its snapping layouts (you hover over the maximize button and get preset tiling options – quite handy). macOS now has Stage Manager as a new way to organize windows, but it’s optional. These differences can affect how you manage workloads across multiple monitors or lots of apps. But again, one can adapt to either.

In essence, user experience will partially be dictated by the hardware (keyboard, trackpad, speakers – which we covered in Design) and largely by the software environment. If you love touchscreen versatility, Windows devices like the Spectre, Yoga, or Surface clearly offer a different experience (you can flip into tablet mode to read an e-book or watch a movie in tent mode, etc.) digitaltrends.com. If you never intend to use those modes, a MacBook or XPS is a fine choice. If you’re ingrained in Apple’s world or prefer the philosophy of macOS (less frequent bug nagging, perhaps, and a unified ecosystem), Mac is almost a lifestyle choice. If you prefer the openness of Windows – the ability to download apps from anywhere, more customization, and a broader range of hardware support – then any of the Windows laptops will serve you well. Notably, Microsoft’s own Surface Laptop provides the purest Windows 11 experience, free from third-party utilities or bloat, and gets features first (like new OneDrive integration or design changes, since Microsoft aligns them with Surface launches). It’s often called the “MacBook of Windows” in that sense: straightforward and optimized.

Lastly, consider future-proofing and OS support: Apple tends to support Mac models with OS updates for many years (5-7 years typically). Microsoft supports each Windows version for a long time too, and these PCs can all run Windows 11 and will run Windows 12 whenever it comes. Driver support is usually fine for 4-5 years on Dell/HP/Lenovo, but you might not get meaningful new features beyond that. Surfaces get firmware updates probably 4+ years. The Mac might have a slight edge in long-term OS refreshes, but hardware might be outdated by then anyway.

To boil it down: macOS vs Windows is a personal preference – neither is “better,” but they are different. The Spectre, XPS, Yoga, and Surface give you Windows’ flexibility (and the only option for a true 2-in-1 or touch experience) digitaltrends.com, plus new goodies like AI Copilot and better game support. The MacBook gives you an extremely polished, tightly integrated environment with less flexibility in form factor but perhaps more in cross-device synergy. An expert might say: if you want to sketch with a pen, go Windows; if you want to effortlessly FaceTime your family from your laptop or AirDrop files, go Mac. Each laptop here is a standard-bearer for its OS – and the overall user satisfaction will depend on which ecosystem brings you more joy or productivity. The good news is both macOS and Windows 11 are excellent in 2025, and switching between them is not as jarring as it once was (both have app stores, both have similar keyboard shortcuts for basics, etc.). It really comes down to your specific needs and what you value in an everyday computing experience.

Pricing and Value

When evaluating bang for your buck, we have to consider both sticker prices and the value of features each laptop offers. These are all premium laptops, so none are “cheap” in an absolute sense, but pricing can vary significantly – and so can what you get for the money.

Starting Prices (U.S.):

• The HP Spectre x360 14 (2024) starts around $1,450 for a base config (Core i5 “Ultra 5” CPU, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, 2.8K OLED) windowscentral.com windowscentral.com. However, HP is known for frequent sales; at launch they often had $300–$400 off promotions, bringing that base model closer to ~$1,100 windowscentral.com. A fully loaded Spectre (Core i7 “Ultra 7”, 16GB or 32GB RAM, 2TB SSD, OLED) has an MSRP around $1,850, but again, on sale was about $1,500 windowscentral.com. So, the Spectre’s real-world pricing tends to be quite competitive given its high-end specs and features. The Verge even commented that despite the Spectre being a bit more expensive than some rivals, it “offers better value for its price” because of everything packed in (premium build, 2-in-1 capabilities, OLED, etc.) theverge.com. Monica Chin noted “HP is innovating with [the Spectre] in ways that Dell hasn’t… that makes me more excited about the Spectre x360 this year”, and that she feels it “offers a package that’s difficult to find from other manufacturers right now” theverge.com – strong praise for the value proposition despite a shortcoming like battery life.
• The Apple MacBook Air (M2, 13″) starts at $1,199 (8GB unified RAM, 256GB SSD). But many would consider that base model under-specced (256GB storage and especially 8GB RAM is limiting for a premium 2025 laptop). To match the typical Spectre or XPS base, you’d likely opt for 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD – which brings the Air to about $1,499. The new 15″ MacBook Air starts at $1,299 (also 8GB/256GB), so around $1,599 for 16GB/512GB. The 14″ MacBook Pro (M2 Pro) starts much higher, $1,999 (16GB/512GB by default, though), and the 16″ Pro starts at $2,499. Apple is notorious for rare discounts – you might see $100 off on Amazon or education pricing slightly lower, but Apple doesn’t slash prices seasonally like PC makers. So you’re mostly paying sticker. The MacBooks hold their value well, and you’re paying for that top-notch build, display (especially on Pro), and the M2’s performance efficiency. Whether that’s “worth it” depends on if you leverage their strengths (long battery, macOS integration). If raw specs per dollar is the metric, MacBooks often look pricey – e.g., $1,500 for a MacBook Air 16GB/512GB vs something like $1,500 for a Spectre that might have 32GB RAM, 2TB SSD, OLED, touch, etc. However, value also comes from longevity; a MacBook Air might serve 6+ years with solid performance and high resale value, whereas a Windows laptop might depreciate faster.
• Dell XPS 13 has varied pricing: the XPS 13 (9315, non-plus) was targeting a lower entry, often around $999 for a lower spec (perhaps Core i5, 8GB, 256GB). The XPS 13 Plus (fully loaded design) started closer to $1,299-$1,399 for 8GB/512GB configurations. Adding the OLED screen, 16GB RAM, etc., can push it to ~$1,600 or more. Dell frequently runs “instant savings” on its site and through retailers – it’s not unusual to find XPS 13 models for $200–300 off. The XPS 15 base (with no discrete GPU) might start around $1,399, but with a GPU and better display it easily goes $1,800–$2,000+. In terms of value, the XPS 13 is often slightly cheaper than an HP Spectre or MacBook Air for similar core specs, but you’re giving up the 2-in-1 versatility and things like OLED unless you specifically configure it. Dell does, however, offer a lot of config flexibility – sometimes you can snag a great deal on last year’s model or a specific config at Best Buy. One area Dell often competes is business buyers – the Latitude/Precision line aside, some opt for XPS as high-end business ultrabooks, and Dell offers warranty packages or support that can add value (like next-day on-site repairs for a fee). Still, purely spec-for-spec, XPS might seem a bit expensive if it doesn’t include a touch/OLED at the same price where others do. That said, the XPS 14 (9440) with new Intel chips was an expensive one – Windows Central noted the XPS 14 was quite pricey for what it offered (above $2k), and said “the Spectre x360 14 remains a better value… more affordable alternative that should appeal to more users” windowscentral.com nanoreview.net. Dell’s brand and design cachet is strong, but you might pay a premium for the name and that edge-to-edge design.
• Lenovo Yoga 9i (14 Gen 9) starts at about $1,479 for a well-equipped model (Core i7, 16GB, 512GB, OLED) windowscentral.com windowscentral.com. Lenovo’s website often lists high MSRPs (like $1,800) but then applies e-coupons or sales bringing it down to ~$1,500 or less. In fact, the Yoga 9i with similar specs was noted at $1,649 in one review (with 32GB RAM, which is rare as most come 16GB) laptopmag.com. Claire Tabari pointed out that Lenovo was offering similar specs for $250 less than HP in one comparison – the Yoga was $1,649 vs Spectre $1,899 at that moment laptopmag.com. She promptly said “Lenovo absolutely wins in price” for that matchup laptopmag.com. And even upgrading the Yoga to 4K OLED and 1TB SSD only bumped it to ~$1,589 (with some discounts) windowscentral.com, which is quite reasonable. So Lenovo tends to be aggressive on pricing, often undercutting HP. They also throw in an active pen and a laptop sleeve with the Yoga 9i, which is a nice value-add. Plus, Lenovo’s standard warranty might include on-site or depot service depending on region. The competition among premium 2-in-1s has benefited consumers in that you can often find the Yoga 9i or Spectre on a deal for around $1,200-$1,300 with very strong specs – significantly less than a comparably specced MacBook. The question is whether you value those extra features (OLED, 2-in-1, etc.) or if you’d rather pay for Mac’s battery and software advantages. For a buyer on a budget (say under $1,000), neither Spectre nor Yoga new might reach that without downgrading specs, but you could consider slightly lower-tier models (HP Envy, Lenovo Yoga 7i, etc., or older gen). Among these five, only perhaps an older XPS or base Surface might come close to $999 regularly.
• Microsoft Surface Laptop 6 (for Business, since that launched first with new chips) pricing was a bit unclear initially, but the consumer Surface Laptop 5 started at $999 (13.5″, i5, 8GB, 256GB) and $1,299 for 15″ base. The Laptop 6 likely slots in similar or slightly higher due to the new AI chips. We saw references to mid-2024 launch, possibly starting around $1,199 for a more reasonable 16GB/512GB config. Microsoft often offers student/education discounts ~10%. Surfaces sometimes are seen as a tad expensive for the specs – e.g., Surface Laptop 5 (13″) at $999 8GB/256GB was not great value versus say an HP with 16GB for similar price on sale. But the premium you pay is for that build quality and support. Microsoft’s bundles or sales (like holiday deals) can drop prices. Also, Surfaces hold value decently in resale because of brand appeal and limited distribution. Tom’s Guide said the Surface Laptop 6, like its predecessors, “delivers a solid Windows laptop without a lot of frills for not too much cash” tomsguide.com. That suggests Microsoft didn’t jack up prices – they’re aiming at MacBook Air territory on price, offering arguably a better deal if you specifically want a premium Windows clamshell. However, if value = performance per dollar, Surface laptops with Intel often underperform an equivalently priced MacBook or even a Spectre, as we saw with battery. The counterpoint is if your usage is just productivity, a base Surface might be perfectly fine and save you money.

Upgrades and configurations: Another aspect of value is how each handles upgrades:

• Apple famously charges a lot for RAM and SSD upgrades (e.g., +$200 to go from 8GB to 16GB RAM on MacBook Air, +$200 from 256 to 512GB, etc.). And you cannot upgrade later – everything is soldered. So upfront cost to get a nicely spec’d Mac can be high (but then you’re set).
• HP/Lenovo often preconfigure many combinations. The Spectre x360 14 had options up to 32GB RAM, but note: RAM is soldered on Spectre/Yoga too (common in thin designs). SSD is usually upgradeable on Spectre and Yoga (M.2 slot) if you want to DIY later. That could save cost: you might buy a 512GB model then put a 2TB SSD yourself for less than the OEM charge.
• Dell XPS 13 has soldered RAM, but the SSD is (in the Plus model) replaceable. Dell’s upgrade charges for RAM/SSD aren’t as steep as Apple’s but can still be a bit high. They often sell fixed configs at retail and more custom options online.
• Surface Laptop is mostly not user-upgradable; RAM is soldered. The SSD in Laptop 5/6 is technically removable (a hidden M.2 2230) but it’s not meant for end-users, more for Microsoft service centers – still, it’s possible to replace with some effort. Microsoft also overprices storage upgrades, similar to Apple, though their RAM tiers are usually limited (often max 16GB on the 13″, 32GB on 15″).
• Lenovo’s direct sales often give good deals on upgraded configs (like doubling storage for $30 as seen in Windows Central’s analysis windowscentral.com). That’s tremendous value – $32 to go from 512GB to 1TB SSD in Yoga windowscentral.com, whereas Apple would charge $200 for that jump.

Overall Value Assessments:

• Spectre x360: Expensive at MSRP, but frequent discounts make it a high-value choice, considering you get a 2-in-1 with OLED and premium everything for possibly ~$1,300 on sale. Reviewers have called it a near-perfect machine – so getting that for less than a MacBook Air price is a win.
• MacBook Air/Pro: Pricey but holds value and delivers consistent quality. If you need to maximize return on investment over years, a Mac might last a long time and can be resold for a good chunk. But initial cost for higher specs is steep.
• Dell XPS: You pay somewhat for the brand/design. It’s a bit of a luxury Windows item, but you might find deals. If battery and warranty are important, an XPS with a lower-power screen could be a great value in the long run (less hassle charging, etc.).
• Lenovo Yoga 9i: Often best bang for buck among premium 2-in-1s. Lenovo aggressively prices it, plus you often get freebies (pen, sleeve). It won awards as best 2-in-1 for offering so much at a reasonable sale price. So I’d rank Yoga as very strong value, especially when on sale below $1,400.
• Microsoft Surface Laptop: Not the cheapest way to get those specs, but you’re paying for the polished build and Microsoft’s support. It’s a solid “premium mainstream” laptop, not trying to be the fanciest, which helps keep cost moderate. Businesses might find them worth it for reliability and employee familiarity (since they resemble what many know in look and feel).

One can also consider warranties and extras as part of value: Apple includes a year warranty (and 90 days phone support) – you can buy AppleCare+ to extend to 3 years and accidental damage coverage, which is pricey but service is excellent. HP typically gives 1 year (sometimes 2 on Spectre depending on region) and you can buy Care Packs. Dell often includes 1 year mail-in; you can upgrade to Premium (even 4yr with accident coverage for a few hundred). Lenovo gives 1 year depot by default, upgradable to on-site and ADP. Microsoft gives 1 year, and you can get Complete for Surface (extended warranty with accidental) also. If you’re spending $1.5–2k on a laptop, investing in an extended warranty or accident coverage might be wise for peace of mind. AppleCare+ is about $249 for a MacBook Air for 3 years; HP’s and Dell’s 3-year packages might be similar or a bit higher.

Deals and Current News: As of 2024–2025, we’ve seen new entrants like the 15″ MacBook Air (giving Apple fans a larger screen under $1,300), and new chips from Intel and (soon) Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite, which might shake up pricing. It’s a dynamic market. Sometimes last-gen models (with, say, 12th-gen Intel or M1 chips) get steep discounts and could be superb value. For example, a clearance Spectre x360 2022 model with an OLED and i7 might go for under $1k – which would be a steal. If you’re reading comparison reports, also check for any generational transitions (like the XPS 13 2022 vs 2024 are quite different platforms; the older might be cheaper but not as powerful or efficient).

At the end of the day, value is also about what features you personally value. If you’ll never use the Yoga’s 4K screen or the Spectre’s tablet mode, then those might not be worth paying for – maybe a cheaper clamshell (like Surface or MacBook Air) is better value for you. Conversely, if you would utilize the pen, the OLED, etc., then the money spent on those is highly valuable for your needs, and a MacBook might actually be poor value to you because it lacks them, even if its resale is better.

Laptop Mag’s showdown concluded the Spectre x360 14 was the overall winner against the Yoga 9i, despite the Yoga’s small wins in areas, because that huge battery life edge meant Spectre offered a more usable device day-to-day laptopmag.com laptopmag.com. In terms of value, she basically said the Spectre’s big advantage (battery) outweighed the Yoga’s advantages (which included price) in importance laptopmag.com laptopmag.com. Another viewpoint: The Verge favored the Spectre x360 over the XPS 13 largely on the strength of features and build, stating it was a hands-down recommendation if not for battery, and even with the short battery she felt Spectre “offers better value for its price” than the XPS theverge.com theverge.com. Those expert opinions underscore that value isn’t just about cost, but about what you get in return. And the Spectre was seen as giving you a lot – a sentiment also echoed by CNET when they named it the best 2-in-1 of 2024 and an exception to the rule that ~$2k should include discrete graphics, because it “delivers value, even at its elevated price” brainerddispatch.com.

In summary, if you’re budget-conscious but want premium, look for Lenovo or HP deals – you might snag a high-end config for the price of a base MacBook. If you’re looking at long-term and ecosystem, a MacBook’s higher upfront cost might pay off over years of use. Dell’s XPS remains a bit of a splurge for the design savvy – it’s the kind of laptop you want to show off, and some will find that worth the slight premium. The Surface sits in a middle ground – priced like a high-end ultrabook but often on sale and a great pick for a straightforward, quality Windows PC without fuss.

Ultimately, these are all expensive machines, but you can’t really call any a bad value – it comes down to which aligns with your usage to justify its cost. As one comparison might put it: the Yoga 9i offers the most features per dollar (especially on sale) laptopmag.com, the Spectre x360 offers a unique combo of features that can justify a premium theverge.com, the MacBook demands a premium but delivers on durability and experience, the XPS asks you to pay for its refined design, and the Surface charges for its simplicity and Microsoft pedigree.

Innovations and Standout Features

Each of these laptops brings its own innovations and unique touches that make it stand out in a crowded market:

• HP Spectre x360 – Innovation & Versatility: The Spectre’s biggest standout is its 360° hinge and convertible design, which allows it to function as a laptop, tablet, tent, or media stand – complete with a responsive touchscreen and active pen support for drawing and note-taking digitaltrends.com. Its stylish gem-cut chassis with cut-off corners isn’t just for looks – those angled corners cleverly house ports (like a Thunderbolt and headphone jack) for easier access windowscentral.com. HP pushed the envelope with display tech: offering a high-resolution 3:2 OLED display at 120Hz – a combination few competitors have windowscentral.com. This yields an immersive visual experience (tall aspect for productivity, inky blacks for media, and smooth scrolling). The Spectre also leads in webcam innovation: a high megapixel IR camera with features like AI GlamCam (auto framing, lighting correction) and presence awareness that can lock the PC when you step away theverge.com. Little conveniences abound, like a physical camera shutter key on the keyboard for privacy, Bang & Olufsen quad speakers tuned for rich sound, and even HP QuickDrop software to wirelessly share files between your laptop and phone easily (HP’s answer to AirDrop). HP often includes the Stylus pen in the box, avoiding extra cost. All these touches make the Spectre feel like a cutting-edge, do-it-all device – a true showcase of what a modern Windows 2-in-1 can be. Reviewers have called it “one of the first laptops to feature Intel’s new Core Ultra CPU… equipped for the AI workloads of the future”, noting that “the all-metal, matte-black chassis is as stunning as the high-res OLED display”, and praising its forward-looking design choices brainerddispatch.com.
• Apple MacBook (Air/Pro) – Apple Silicon & Polished Experience: Apple’s M1/M2 chips themselves are a huge innovation – bringing ARM architecture and extraordinary performance-per-watt to laptops, which upended the industry and forced competitors to rethink designs. A MacBook’s standout feature is efficiency: these chips run cool, enable silent fanless designs (in the Air), and still outperform many rivals. The Magic Keyboard and giant Force Touch trackpad on MacBooks are often considered the best in class – providing a typing and navigation experience that’s hard to beat digitaltrends.com digitaltrends.com. The new MacBook Pros introduced the brilliant Liquid Retina XDR displays with mini-LED tech and ProMotion 120Hz, delivering reference-quality HDR visuals that content creators rave about. Apple also brought back useful ports (MagSafe charging, HDMI, SD card slot on Pros) to complement their Thunderbolt 4 ports, showing they listen to pro users. Little Apple touches, like the Touch ID fingerprint sensor that doubles as the power button, or the spatial audio support through six-speaker setups on MacBook Pros, add to the appeal. And let’s not forget the macOS ecosystem integration – features like AirDrop, Handoff, Universal Control (use one mouse/keyboard across Mac and iPad), and FaceTime continuity are standout software innovations that make the Mac experience unique for Apple users. While MacBooks don’t transform into tablets or have touchscreens, Apple’s focus on refinement means everything it does include – from the notch housing a 1080p webcam to the premium unibody shell – is executed at the highest level. As one expert succinctly put, Apple’s laptop formula yields an experience that “ran smoothly and silently, no matter what we threw at it”, with even some light gaming now possible on a MacBook Air – unimaginable a few years ago techradar.com. In short, the MacBook’s standout is Apple’s silicon and ecosystem synergy, which redefine performance and user experience standards in laptops.
• Dell XPS – Cutting-Edge Design & Display: The XPS line’s hallmark is its InfinityEdge display – Dell was first to virtually eliminate bezels, and it still gives the XPS a wow factor. Cramming a 13.4″ screen into a tiny chassis, or a 15.6″ into a 14″ body, is an engineering feat that others followed. The latest XPS 13 Plus takes design risks that make it futuristic: an “invisible” haptic glass touchpad and a backlit touch function row give it a ultra-clean look techradar.com. This bold move, while controversial, shows Dell’s willingness to innovate on interface – it’s the first laptop to truly remove all visible trackpad boundaries. The chassis is sleek and minimal, with a premium feel (available in platinum or a darker graphite). The XPS also stands out for its display quality: you can opt for a stunning 3.5K OLED panel that reviewers called “the standout feature” for its vibrancy techradar.com. On larger models, Dell offers superb 4K IGZO IPS panels known for 100% AdobeRGB color – favored by photographers. Additionally, XPS 15/17 are among the smallest and lightest in their performance class, making them unique portable powerhouses. Another innovation: Dell has been including Gore Thermal insulation in XPS laptops to manage heat, and uses dual fans and hidden exhaust venting through the hinge – clever cooling design to keep high-performance components in a slim frame. While ports were trimmed, Dell’s vision clearly is pushing toward a one-cable future (hence dual Thunderbolt with lots of adapter use). The aesthetics of the XPS (especially the new Plus) are a head-turner – an XPS looks like no other laptop, with its edge-to-edge keyboard and zero-lattice key design. And yet, it remains practical in many ways, with strong performance. In reviews, even when other machines beat XPS in specific metrics, people often say “there’s just something about the XPS” – an X-factor in craftsmanship and style. In summary, Dell’s standout features are its innovative near-bezel-free display, bold futuristic touch interface, and luxury build that together define the XPS as a trendsetter in laptop design.
• Lenovo Yoga 9i – 2-in-1 Pioneering & Immersive Media: Lenovo’s Yoga line invented the 360° convertible concept in 2012, and the Yoga 9i Gen 9 shows that continuous innovation. A signature standout is the Rotating Soundbar Hinge with Dolby Atmos – a cylindrical hinge housing speakers that rotate with the screen windowscentral.com. This means no matter how you use the device, the audio is directed properly, avoiding the muffled sound many laptops get in tablet mode. The result is class-leading audio quality among 2-in-1s – a truly immersive laptop for music and movies. The Yoga also shines with its polished comfort-edge design: the edges of the chassis are rounded chrome, not only giving a jewel-like appearance but also making it comfortable to hold in tablet mode (no sharp corners digging into your palm). Lenovo includes a full-size active pen (the Lenovo Precision Pen 2 in many cases) and a clip-on sleeve – thoughtful additions for creators. Another standout is the optional 4K OLED HDR display with Dolby Vision – which paired with the Atmos hinge speakers – makes the Yoga 9i a mini entertainment hub. In terms of user experience innovations: the Yoga 9i has a 1-click function key for Performance modes (via Lenovo’s software) and some special keys (on Gen 7 they had a key to swap audio profiles, etc.). It also has Smart Sense keyboard that can automatically disable the touchpad when you flip into tablet mode and other smart gestures. Build quality and keyboard quality have been consistently top-tier (Lenovo’s heritage from ThinkPads shows in their keyboards). The Yoga’s ability to seamlessly shift from work (laptop mode typing) to play (tablet or tent for sketching or media) is its defining trait. And Lenovo keeps pushing that boundary – e.g., the newer Yoga Book 9i (a cousin) even introduced a dual-screen format. For the Yoga 9i 14 specifically, its combination of sound, vision, and flexibility is its unique selling point. One reviewer wrote how the Yoga’s hinge speakers “reeled me in” and the OLED display “hooked” them, showing that it’s the multimedia experience that stands out laptopmag.com laptopmag.com. Summing up, Lenovo’s Yoga stands out through innovative 2-in-1 engineering (they made convertibles mainstream) and by offering an unmatched entertainment experience in a laptop – arguably the best sound you’ll get from a 14-inch machine, plus gorgeous visuals.
• Microsoft Surface Laptop – Premium Simplicity & AI Integration: The Surface Laptop’s standout feature is its uncompromising build and user experience that mirrors the simplicity of an appliance. It might not fold or detach (Surface Pro/Studio cover those), but within the traditional form it innovates in subtler ways. For example, some Surface Laptops offered an Alcantara fabric keyboard deck – a soft-touch, warm material that was unique in the laptop world, making typing feel different (available on certain colors of past gens). The Surface Laptop 6 introduces the concept of an “AI PC” with a dedicated Neural Processing Unit (NPU) in its Intel Core Ultra CPU and a special Copilot key on the keyboard blogs.windows.com blogs.windows.com. This is cutting-edge – Microsoft is baking AI features right into the hardware and interface. Pressing that Copilot button brings up Windows Copilot, an AI assistant that can help with tasks (summarizing documents, composing emails, controlling settings) in a way no other laptop currently offers as a one-key feature blogs.windows.com. Microsoft also leads in display tech on their terms: the 3:2 PixelSense display was a pioneer of taller aspect ratios which others then adopted. The latest Surfaces have Durable enhanced anti-reflective coating and are 33% brighter than before, making them stand out for outdoor usability blogs.windows.com. Surfaces have always had top-notch input: the keyboard has a quiet, perfectly tuned key feel, and the trackpad – while not haptic – is large and very smooth, rivaling the Mac’s (in fact, The Verge once noted Microsoft’s trackpads finally “feel as good as MacBook’s” in recent gens). Another standout is Windows Hello face login – Microsoft introduced this with Surface line; that infrared camera login is now something many Windows laptops copied, but Surface’s implementation is among the fastest and most reliable. The design philosophy is also an innovation: Surfaces champion “device-to-cloud” integration (OneDrive, Office 365, etc.), giving a crisp, clean Windows experience free from third-party bloatware – in essence, they’re optimized by the same company that makes Windows, much like MacBooks with macOS. This synergy can mean fewer glitches and a cohesive feel (e.g., trackpad gestures, pen input on other Surface models, etc., all tuned by Microsoft). Surface Laptops also tend to have robust build quality – you rarely hear of creaky Surfaces. They also introduced user-friendly features like fully accessible firmware (UEFI) settings and Serviceability (Surface Laptop 3 onward allowed opening the keyboard deck with minimal damage, acknowledging repair needs). While not as “flashy” as some competitors, the Surface Laptop stands out through refined user-centric innovation: things like Studio Mics for clear voice capture, instant-on responsiveness, and a focus on balanced performance with cool, quiet operation. And with the Laptop 6, Microsoft explicitly calls it an “AI PC” – meaning it’s prepped for the future where AI tasks (like real-time transcription, intelligent camera effects, etc.) are commonplace blogs.windows.com. That forward-looking integration of AI, plus the classic strengths of the Surface line (build, display, keyboard), are its key differentiators. As a result, the Surface Laptop appeals to those who want a premium, straightforward laptop that’s also riding the wave of the latest tech advancements (like that Copilot key and NPU).

In short, each laptop has its special sauce:

• The Spectre x360 impresses with all-round versatility, stunning OLED visuals, and thoughtful luxuries (it’s basically a tech showcase in a jewel-like body) brainerddispatch.com.
• The MacBook Air/Pro revolutionized performance with Apple Silicon and offers a flawlessly integrated ecosystem experience – plus that mini-LED ProMotion display on Pros is an eye-opener.
• The Dell XPS continues to set design trends with its borderless display and now futuristic interface – it’s the laptop that often looks a generation ahead.
• The Lenovo Yoga 9i carries forward the torch of the convertible pioneer, with a best-in-class soundbar hinge and rich 4K OLED option that make it a media powerhouse windowscentral.com.
• The Microsoft Surface Laptop exemplifies elegance in simplicity, enhanced by new AI-driven features that hint at the next era of personal computing (the Copilot-in-hardware concept) blogs.windows.com.

All are innovative in their own way – choosing one might come down to which innovations align most with your needs or excite you the most.

Conclusion

The ultimate laptop for you in 2025 will depend on what you value most, because as we’ve seen, each contender excels in different categories. The HP Spectre x360 distinguishes itself with 2-in-1 flexibility, a jaw-dropping OLED display, and a luxury feature set (albeit while finally improving its battery life) – it’s a dream for creatives and professionals who want a bit of everything. The Apple MacBook Air/Pro still lead in battery endurance and silent performance, offering a polished macOS experience that’s hard to match if you live in Apple’s ecosystem digitaltrends.com. Meanwhile, the Dell XPS series continues to be the style and engineering icon – perfect for those who crave cutting-edge design and a gorgeous screen in the smallest possible package. The Lenovo Yoga 9i delivers an entertainment and versatility combo (that rotating speaker bar and 4K OLED!) that’s perfect for media lovers and note-takers. And Microsoft’s Surface Laptop provides a pure, well-balanced Windows machine with newfound AI tricks up its sleeve, ideal for productivity purists and those who want Windows 11 at its most refined.

As one expert noted, both the Spectre and MacBook (and by extension all these flagships) “represent the pinnacle of premium machines”, and “which is right for you” truly “depends on whether you want the flexibility of a 2-in-1… or a traditional laptop” and other personal preferences digitaltrends.com. In other words, there’s no absolute winner – each laptop in this comparison is a category leader in its own right. If you prioritize performance-per-dollar and versatility, the Spectre x360 or Yoga 9i might win your heart (and they’ll happily flip into tablet mode for sketching or streaming). If you won’t compromise on battery life, build quality, and an intuitive OS, a MacBook will likely serve you best (especially if you’re already an iPhone user). Those who want a Windows laptop that’s as sleek and solid as a Mac should look at the XPS or Surface – the XPS for a bold design statement and the Surface for a clean, elegant computing experience with the latest Windows innovations.

Bottom line: You really can’t go wrong with any of these top-tier laptops – they’ve all earned high praise from reviewers and users. The key is to match the laptop to your usage. A globe-trotting writer might love the MacBook Air for its marathon battery and light weight. A graphic artist might prefer the Spectre or Yoga for the OLED touch display and pen support. A developer or executive might gravitate to the XPS or Surface for their combination of portability and focus. In 2025, the good news is these flagships are all excellent – it’s about finding the one whose strengths align with your needs. Consider the categories we’ve broken down: performance, design, display, battery, ports, software, price, and features, and decide which areas matter most to you. That will lead you to the laptop that feels like it was made for you. And whichever you choose, you’ll be getting one of the best laptops of 2025 in its class – a testament to just how far notebook PCs have come in balancing power, mobility, and innovation.