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HP Spectre x360 AMOLED Laptop: A Complete Review
Dwight Pavlovic
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August 31, 2019
With a true performance display and a versatile design, the HP Spectre x360 AMOLED laptop is in a class of its own when it comes to visual output. It’s part of the growing HP Spectre x360 line, a popular option for professionals and users who need a versatile convertible laptop. Their robust hardware specs and an adjustable hinge make it a highly portable option that’s great for conventional offices or on-the-go workers.
As the tech behind high-resolution screens improves, HP® is introducing powerful new displays to their laptops. The new AMOLED display is a serious upgrade and it’s a big windfall for anyone who prioritizes clarity, resolution, and touch functionality.
In this article, we’ll discuss the ins and outs of AMOLED display technology and introduce the versatile new HP Spectre x360 AMOLED laptop. It’s the first in a wave of more powerful devices that incorporate the latest active-matrix OLED systems that balance performance with incredible visuals.
What is AMOLED technology?
AMOLED is short for “active-matrix organic light-emitting diode,” and it offers vibrant colors and truly outstanding brightness. This leads to great contrast and improved color fidelity as well. Plus, the addition of a thin-film transistor (TFT) array means AMOLED is more responsive and can activate pixels individually and more quickly than similar technology.
AMOLED initially provided a compact, efficient, and affordable boost to visual performance on mobile and smaller devices. And as the technology develops, AMOLED will become more common as a premium display option for full-sized laptops and monitors.
Visual advantages of AMOLED
The main advantages of AMOLED center on color, responsiveness, and efficiency. It provides more vibrant colors along with better contrast and brightness. This allows for a truly high-quality visual experience even when you aren’t viewing HDR content. It’s a great upgrade for individuals or families, particularly those using devices from previous generations. If you’re coming to AMOLED from an older laptop, the improvement will be substantial.
Who benefits the most from AMOLED?
For users like heavy streamers, artists, and hobby gamers, AMOLED can be a big advantage against competing devices that use other display types. The latest movies, games, and software are increasingly created with this new tech in mind, making AMOLED a great choice for getting the most from visually demanding activities.
Speaking more broadly, AMOLED simply offers better fidelity compared to other formats. Plus, the costs have come down and color quality has increased consistently since its introduction, though there are some reasons to favor a softer display.
For example, let’s say you’re looking to replace a device primarily used for utilitarian purposes, such as reading and writing, where vibrant color is less important. In this case, AMOLED would not be top on your list of necessary features. Of course, there are tons of options for fine-tuning your display experience no matter what display format you choose, and there’s even software designed to help sensitive eyes.
What is the difference between AMOLED and OLED?
When it comes to the new active-matrix display style, there are a lot of questions regarding AMOLED vs OLED. While an AMOLED and a typical OLED each offer their own unique strengths and weaknesses, AMOLED is actually an improved type of OLED with many similarities.
Similarities
In many ways, they operate on the same principles. Both depend on an organic light-emitting diode, meaning both use an organic compound to produce light. It’s the active matrix part that makes all the difference.
Differences
In AMOLED displays, the added TFT array is your active matrix. This additional feature allows AMOLED to efficiently manage individual pixel activation which makes it more power-efficient for larger applications and offers advantages including deeper blacks. It also makes for superior response times when compared to passive-matrix OLEDs.
AMOLED vs LCD
You’ll also find advantages compared to standard LCD and even in a matchup of the latest AMOLED vs IPS displays. AMOLED generally offers a boost in quality compared to traditional LCD, though LCD displays with IPS or in-plane switching can be more competitive. In general, OLED-type displays have the edge when it comes to color.
Short for “liquid crystal display,” LCD played a big part in introducing consumers flat-screen TVs and laptop displays, and it’s still used in many devices and displays today. But with its bigger power profile from built-in backlighting, LCD is a less competitive option for manufacturers and developers.
How to choose the best display format for you
For some users, knowing the exact difference between every type of display won’t matter. If you aren’t streaming, gaming, or using visual-heavy software, the practical differences between an AMOLED and LCD may not be important. And if you have a strict budget, you may be better off boosting your component specs and holding off on a display upgrade.
But if you want the best possible display and visual performance, you should weigh your options and find out what you need to keep up with your routine. Laptop and PC displays are evolving like everything else, and AMOLED displays offer increasingly affordable and efficient access to some of the best monitor specs around.
HP Spectre x360 AMOLED laptop specifications
Let’s now take a closer look at the HP Spectre x360 AMOLED laptop, a powerful device you can customize to deliver some of the best visual performance available today.
Impressive hardware specs
Built around an 8th Generation Intel® Core™ i7-8565U processor and a discrete NVIDIA® GeForce® MX150 graphics card, the HP Spectre x360 AMOLED comes with impressive baseline specs. You can then configure yours to include a 1TB PCIe® NVMe™ M.2 solid-state drive (SSD), 32GB of Intel Optane™ memory, and up to 16GB of RAM.
Superb multimedia output
For some users, the main attraction is the powerful AMOLED display. For gamers and devoted streamers, you’ll have access to one of the highest quality displays on the market. Plus, you’re getting it as part of one of HP’s most popular 2-in-1 convertible laptops.
It’s no slouch when it comes to audio, either. To complement the superior display, it features Bang & Olufsen-tuned quad speakers to excite the streaming TV and movie lovers out there.
The benefits of the x360 design
With an HP Spectre x360 laptop, you’ll also enjoy easy-to-use touch screen and 2-in-1 functionality. The convertible design allows you to work however you want, whether it’s in the traditional laptop mode or the more mobile-friendly tablet mode.
This makes it easier to work in less conventional environments and more comfortable to use outside of your standard workspace, like on the couch or during a flight. It also offers a range of intermediate settings that can be more convenient for note-taking, giving presentations, or making lists. Simply adjust the hinge whenever the need arises and you’re good to go.
Gem-cut exterior
In addition to its high ceiling for visual performance, the HP Spectre x360 line has a striking chassis design. It’s available in two color configurations: dark ash silver on the standard configuration, or the upgraded poseidon blue look. You’ll get a modern and chiseled look from the gem-cut edges on its exterior build.
Great ratings for overall energy efficiency
In previous generations, energy efficiency was an obstacle preventing the introduction of AMOLED displays to larger devices. If it’s configured with the most powerful specs, the HP Spectre x360 AMOLED still provides the best of both worlds: a performance display with above-average battery life.
Even with performance specs, the HP Spectre x360 AMOLED laptop has battery life estimates that go beyond a full workday. It also ships with the reassurance of ENERGY STAR® certification and an EPEAT® Silver rating.
Unparalleled visual performance and versatility
Great color performance is a boon for anyone who prioritizes visuals, and the HP Spectre x360 AMOLED laptop delivers here, too. Creatives doing photography or design work, film buffs, and gamers will benefit the most from this upgrade.
It’s also a practical choice for users who require a device that’s as portable as it is functional. With impressive battery life and a weight below 5 lbs, this 2-in-1 laptop is extremely mobile and provides the freedom of multiple work modes.
Is AMOLED right for you?
AMOLED and other OLED-variant displays are becoming increasingly common, and they have the potential to make an even bigger splash over the next several years. They’re also a relatively affordable upgrade as part of the HP Spectre x360 AMOLED laptop, and one that can help deliver the best possible visual experience from your device. If that’s a priority for your routine, this laptop might be your best investment.
About the Author: Dwight Pavlovic is a contributing writer for HP® Tech Takes. Dwight is a music and technology writer based out of West Virginia.
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