What To Know
- The Elite x2 comes equipped with a variety of options, including the Core i5-7300U and Core i7-7600U, while the Surface Pro 5 offers the Core i5-7300U and Core i7-7660U.
- The keyboards are a crucial aspect of any 2-in-1 device, and both the HP Elite x2 and the Surface Pro 5 offer excellent options.
- The HP Elite x2 boasts an impressive battery life of up to 10 hours, while the Surface Pro 5 offers a slightly shorter battery life of around 8 hours.
Choosing the right 2-in-1 device can be a tricky decision, especially when you’re torn between two popular contenders like the HP Elite x2 and the Surface Pro 5. Both devices offer a blend of productivity and portability, but they cater to different needs and preferences. This comprehensive comparison dives deep into their features, performance, and overall value to help you make an informed choice.
Design and Build Quality
Both the HP Elite x2 and the Surface Pro 5 boast premium designs and robust build quality. The Elite x2, with its magnesium alloy chassis, exudes a sophisticated and professional aesthetic. It’s remarkably thin and light, making it highly portable for business travelers. On the other hand, the Surface Pro 5, with its signature kickstand and sleek aluminum body, offers a more minimalist and modern look. Its slightly thicker design provides a more solid feel in hand.
Display
Both devices feature high-resolution displays, but there are subtle differences. The HP Elite x2 sports a 12.3-inch, 1920×1280 resolution display with a 3:2 aspect ratio, which is ideal for productivity tasks. The Surface Pro 5 also boasts a 12.3-inch display with the same resolution but utilizes a slightly different aspect ratio of 16:9, making it more suitable for multimedia consumption. The Elite x2’s display offers excellent color accuracy and brightness, while the Surface Pro 5’s display is known for its vibrant colors and wide viewing angles.
Performance
The HP Elite x2 and the Surface Pro 5 are powered by Intel’s 7th generation Kaby Lake processors. The Elite x2 comes equipped with a variety of options, including the Core i5-7300U and Core i7-7600U, while the Surface Pro 5 offers the Core i5-7300U and Core i7-7660U. Both devices deliver smooth performance for everyday tasks, including web browsing, office productivity, and light video editing. However, the Elite x2 might edge out the Surface Pro 5 in terms of raw processing power, especially with the higher-end Core i7 configuration.
Keyboard and Touchpad
The keyboards are a crucial aspect of any 2-in-1 device, and both the HP Elite x2 and the Surface Pro 5 offer excellent options. The Elite x2’s keyboard is known for its comfortable typing experience and responsive keys. It also features a large touchpad with multi-touch gestures for seamless navigation. The Surface Pro 5’s keyboard, while slightly smaller, is equally comfortable and offers a satisfying typing experience. Its touchpad, though smaller, is responsive and supports multi-touch gestures.
Battery Life
Battery life is a significant factor for mobile productivity, and both devices excel in this area. The HP Elite x2 boasts an impressive battery life of up to 10 hours, while the Surface Pro 5 offers a slightly shorter battery life of around 8 hours. Both devices can easily handle a full day of work without needing a recharge.
Connectivity and Ports
The HP Elite x2 and the Surface Pro 5 offer excellent connectivity options. The Elite x2 features a variety of ports, including USB-C, Thunderbolt 3, and a microSD card slot. It also supports the latest wireless technologies like Bluetooth 5.0 and Wi-Fi 6. The Surface Pro 5 provides a similar selection of ports, including USB-C, a mini DisplayPort, and a microSD card slot. However, it lacks Thunderbolt 3 support and relies on older wireless technologies like Bluetooth 4.1 and Wi-Fi 5.
Software and Features
Both devices run Windows 10, offering a familiar and versatile user experience. The HP Elite x2 comes with HP’s proprietary software suite, including HP Sure View, which enhances privacy by dimming the screen for onlookers, and HP Sure Click, which provides enhanced security for browsing the web. The Surface Pro 5, on the other hand, benefits from Microsoft’s integrated software suite, including Surface Pen support for precise note-taking and drawing, and Cortana for voice-activated assistance.
Price and Value
The HP Elite x2 and the Surface Pro 5 fall into the premium price range but offer different value propositions. The Elite x2, with its focus on business features and security, tends to be slightly more expensive than the Surface Pro 5. The Surface Pro 5, with its emphasis on design and multimedia capabilities, offers a more competitive price point. Ultimately, the best value depends on your individual needs and budget.
The Elite x2: A Powerful Business Companion
The HP Elite x2 is a powerhouse designed for professionals who prioritize productivity and security. Its robust build quality, long battery life, and powerful performance make it an ideal choice for business travelers and executives. The Elite x2’s security features, such as HP Sure View and HP Sure Click, provide an extra layer of protection for sensitive data.
The Surface Pro 5: A Versatile Multimedia Hub
The Surface Pro 5 is a versatile 2-in-1 device that excels in both productivity and multimedia. Its sleek design, vibrant display, and excellent pen support make it an attractive option for creative professionals and students. The Surface Pro 5’s focus on multimedia makes it a great choice for watching movies, playing games, and creating digital art.
Choosing the Right Device for You: A Final Word
The decision between the HP Elite x2 and the Surface Pro 5 ultimately comes down to your individual needs and priorities. If you’re a business professional seeking a secure and powerful device, the HP Elite x2 is a great choice. If you’re a creative individual who values multimedia capabilities and design, the Surface Pro 5 is the better option. Both devices offer excellent performance and features, making them worthy contenders in the competitive 2-in-1 market.
Answers to Your Most Common Questions
Q: Which device has better battery life?
A: The HP Elite x2 boasts a longer battery life of up to 10 hours compared to the Surface Pro 5’s 8 hours.
Q: Which device is more powerful?
A: While both devices offer similar performance, the HP Elite x2 might edge out the Surface Pro 5 in terms of raw processing power, especially with the higher-end Core i7 configuration.
Q: Which device is better for creative work?
A: The Surface Pro 5, with its excellent pen support and vibrant display, is a better choice for creative work, including drawing, note-taking, and digital art.
Q: Which device is more affordable?
A: The Surface Pro 5 generally offers a more competitive price point compared to the HP Elite x2.
Q: Which device is more secure?
A: The HP Elite x2 offers enhanced security features like HP Sure View and HP Sure Click, making it a more secure option for business professionals.
