Thursday, August 12, 2021
Best overall
HP Pavilion x360 2-in-1 14 (2021)
Pros
- Better overall performance
- More storage
- Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2
- Thinner bezels
Cons
- No LTE option
- Dim display
- More expensive
- No Windows Hello compatibility
The latest version of the HP Pavilion x360 2-in-1 14 is the overall winner of this duel, as it offers better performance, more storage, Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2, and thinner bezels. However, it doesn't have an LTE option and the display is disappointingly dim, which may annoy outdoor users.
Best budget
Microsoft Surface Go 2
Pros
- More affordable
- Brighter display
- LTE option is available
- Windows Hello compatibility
Cons
- Worse overall performance
- Less storage
- No Wi-Fi 6 or Bluetooth 5.2
- Thicker bezels
The Surface Go 2 isn't quite as good as HP's offering overall, although it's still a great device. At the end of the day, the Surface Go 2 is an excellent budget option, though it does lack a bit in the performance and storage departments. The bezels are thicker, too, which may bother some.
Ultimately, the 2021 version of the HP Pavilion x360 2-in-1 14 will be the best choice for most people, as it offers better performance and storage than the Surface Go 2 at a price that many laptop buyers will still find affordable. With that said, the Surface Go 2 remains a great choice for budget buyers in need of a reliable productivity device. It's also a better choice if you're looking for something with very small dimensions.
HP Pavilion x360 14 vs. Surface Go 2: Performance or price?
Above all else, the biggest thing that separates these two devices is their performance capabilities. While both the HP Pavilion x360 2-in-1 14 and the Surface Go 2 deliver reliable performance, the HP Pavilion is more performant overall thanks to its cutting edge i5-1135G7 CPU that's significantly more powerful than the Surface Go 2's aging Intel Pentium Gold 4425Y and 8th Gen Intel Core m3. It also has much better integrated graphics hardware as well, as Intel Xe Graphics are a substantial step up from Intel UHD Graphics.
The device also comes with a full 256GB of SSD storage; the Surface Go 2's base model offers only 64GB of eMMC storage, and you're capped at the 128GB SSD mark if you want to pay extra for more drive space. Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 compatibility also give the device a connectivity edge, ensuring that you'll be able to use Wi-Fi and Bluetooth more efficiently with faster speeds and fewer issues. At the end of the day, the HP Pavilion x360 14 2-in-1 is simply a more powerful and versatile device able to tackle anything from basic productivity work to light gaming — and hey, the screen bezels are thinner, too.
| HP Pavilion x360 14 (2021) | Surface Go 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Intel Core i5-1135G7 | Intel Pentium Gold 4425Y Intel Core m3 |
| GPU | Intel Xe Graphics | Intel UHD Graphics |
| Memory | 8GB | 4GB 8GB |
| Storage | 256GB SSD | 64GB eMMC 128GB SSD |
| Display | 14-inch 1920x1080 FHD touch display (250 nits) | 10.5-inch 1920x1280 (220 PPI) touch display (400 nits) |
| Audio | Audio by B&O; dual speakers | 2W stereo speakers with Dolby Audio |
| Biometrics | None | Windows Hello-compatible webcam |
| Ports | 1x USB-C 2x USB-A 1x HDMI 2.0 1x AC smart pin 1x 3.5mm headphone jack |
1x USB-C 1x Surface Connect 1x microSDXC card reader 1x 3.5mm headphone jack |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2 | Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.0, LTE (optional) |
| Battery | Up to 10 hours | Up to 10 hours |
| Dimensions | 12.76 x 8.70 x 0.74 inches | 9.65 x 6.9 x 0.33 inches |
| Weight | 3.55 pounds | Up to 1.22 pounds |
This doesn't mean that the Surface Go 2 doesn't have some notable advantages, though. Its display can reach a maximum of 400 nits, which gives it a solid edge over the HP Pavilion's disappointing 250 nits. This may make the Surface Go 2 more appealing to outdoor users that need something bright enough to counter sun glare. The Surface Go 2 also comes with a Windows Hello-compatible webcam, which many will no doubt enjoy having for increased security. There's an LTE variant of the device available as well, which will likely appeal to users who are often on the go.
Another win in the Surface Go 2's column is how affordable its base model is compared to the HP Pavilion x360 14 2-in-1 (and most other laptops). For $400 (plus some extra for a Surface Go Type Cover or a suitable alternative), you can get a solid convertible that will comfortably handle basic productivity work and simple media consumption. That's a great deal, and it's one that budget buyers shouldn't overlook.
HP Pavilion x360 14 vs. Surface Go 2: Which should you buy?
While both the 2021 version of the HP Pavilion x360 14 2-in-1 and the Surface Go 2 are excellent convertibles, we ultimately think that the HP Pavilion x360 14 2-in-1 will be the better choice for most people thanks to its stronger processor, graphics hardware, and higher storage capacity. Thinner bezels and compatibilities for both Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 are awesome to have as well. Even though it's more expensive, we feel that the improved performance makes the extra cost worth it in the long run — especially since the laptop is still pretty affordable compared to more premium options on the market.
The Surface Go 2 is still a great option if you're looking for reliable performance on a tight budget, and it's what we recommend if you're not comfortable with the price of the HP Pavilion x360 14 2-in-1. It handles everyday work tasks just fine, and it even has a 400-nit display and Windows Hello compatibility. At 10.5 inches, it's also a very compact device that's easy to carry around with you during the day.
For other excellent options to consider, check out our roundup of the best Windows laptops.
Best overall
HP Pavilion x360 14 2-in-1 (2021)
Greatness all around
The latest version of the HP Pavilion x360 2-in-1 14 is the overall winner of this duel, as it offers better performance, more storage, Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2, and thinner bezels. However, it doesn't have an LTE option and the display is disappointingly dim, which may annoy outdoor users.
Best budget
Microsoft Surface Go 2
The little Surface that could
The Surface Go 2 isn't quite as good as HP's offering overall, although it's still a great device. At the end of the day, the Surface Go 2 is an excellent budget option, though it does lack a bit in the performance and storage departments. The bezels are thicker, too, which may bother some.
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