Discover the best 2-in-1 laptops including Microsoft Surface Pro 10, HP Spectre x360, Lenovo Yoga 9i, Dell XPS 13 2-in-1, and Acer Spin 5. Plus, explore Apple’s iPad Pro as a unique alternative path that blends portability, power, and creativity.
Image of Lenovo Yoga 9i - courtesy of XDA Developers
In today’s digital world, flexibility is no longer optional — it’s essential. A 2 in 1 laptop, also known as a convertible or hybrid, combines the power of a laptop with the convenience of a tablet. With detachable or 360-degree hinges, these devices can adapt to different working styles, making them ideal for professionals, students, businesses, and designers.
The world of mobile computing has never been more exciting. For years, consumers had to choose between the portability of a tablet and the power of a computer. Today, 2-in-1 devices bridge that gap, offering flexibility for professionals, students, and creative users alike. Whether you are sketching designs, writing reports, or attending virtual meetings, a hybrid device can adapt to your needs instantly.
In 2025, leading tech and mobile phone companies like Samsung, Huawei, and Lenovo have joined the conversation with strong 2-in-1 offerings. Meanwhile, Apple, although not producing a traditional hybrid laptop, has found its own way to compete with the iPad Pro and Magic Keyboard. Below is a comprehensive shopping guide to help you compare and decide which 2-in-1 best suits your lifestyle.
A 2-in-1 device combines the features of a tablet and a laptop. It can be either a detachable, where the screen comes off the keyboard, or a convertible, where the keyboard rotates 360 degrees. The result is one machine that serves as a lightweight tablet on the go and a productivity-driven computer when paired with a keyboard and trackpad.
The biggest benefits include:
Samsung Galaxy Book and Tab Hybrids
Samsung is one of the most active players in the 2-in-1 market. Its Galaxy Book Flex2 and Galaxy Book3 Pro 360 have been popular with professionals who want premium design, AMOLED displays, and S-Pen support. Samsung’s advantage lies in its ecosystem. If you already own a Galaxy phone or tablet, the cross-device integration is seamless, from file sharing to phone calls directly on the laptop.
Huawei MateBook and MatePad Hybrids
Huawei has aggressively expanded its laptop lineup. The Huawei MateBook series offers slim, stylish hybrids with Windows operating systems, while the MatePad Pro blurs the line between tablet and computer when paired with the Smart Magnetic Keyboard and Huawei M-Pencil. Recently, Huawei even introduced the MateBook Fold, a foldable hybrid that further pushes innovation. Elegant design and lightweight build. Good performance for multitasking. Competitive pricing compared to other premium brands.
Lenovo ThinkBook and Yoga Hybrids
Lenovo has been a leader in hybrid computing for years. Its Yoga series pioneered the 360-degree hinge, while the ThinkBook Plus Hybrid goes even further by combining Android and Windows into one detachable device. This means users can switch between a full Windows desktop experience and an Android tablet without carrying two machines. Durable hinges and practical design. Wide range from budget-friendly Yoga models to business-grade ThinkPads. Option to run two operating systems for ultimate flexibility.
Apple’s Alternative Path with iPad Pro
The iPad Pro (2024, M4 chip) charts Apple’s route toward a 2-in-1 experience without a hinge. Featuring a Tandem OLED Ultra Retina XDR display (11-inch or 13-inch) with ProMotion at adaptive 10-120Hz, P3 wide color, True Tone, and anti-reflective coating. Powered by Apple’s new M4 chip, storage ranges from 256GB up to 2TB. It supports the Apple Pencil Pro (hover, squeeze sensor), Magic Keyboard, Face ID, USB-C / Thunderbolt / USB-4 connectivity, and delivers about 10 hours of usage (web/video on Wi-Fi). Lightweight (≈ 0.98 lb for 11-inch Wi-Fi model), ultra-thin profile (~5.1-5.3 mm), it’s aimed at creatives and power users who want premium display, stylus input, and portability—though full desktop OS functionality remains different from laptop hybrids.
Microsoft Surface Pro 10
The Microsoft Surface Pro 10 is a premium 2-in-1 device combining tablet portability with laptop power. It features Intel Core Ultra processors with AI boost, a 13-inch PixelSense Flow display up to 120 Hz, and up to 64 GB RAM with removable SSD storage. Designed for professionals, it offers up to 19 hours of battery life, enterprise-grade security, and a 1440p ultrawide front camera with dual studio mics. With stylus and keyboard support, it’s a versatile choice for productivity, creativity, and business on the go.
HP Spectre x360 14
The HP Spectre x360 14 is a premium 2-in-1 convertible that blends style, power, and flexibility. It can be configured with an Intel Ultra 7-155H CPU, up to 32 GB LPDDR5x RAM and 1 TB SSD, paired with Intel Arc integrated graphics. The display is a vivid 14-inch 2.8K OLED touchscreen, with a high refresh rate (48-120 Hz) and great color accuracy (100 % DCI-P3), ideal for creatives. It also includes a 9 MP IR webcam with shutter, Thunderbolt 4 ports, USB-A, and a robust battery. With its gem-cut aluminum design, haptic touchpad, stylus support, and flexible hinge, it offers excellent performance for professionals and power users.
Lenovo Yoga 9i Gen 9
The Lenovo Yoga 9i Gen 9 is a premium 14-inch 2-in-1 convertible with an eye-catching OLED touchscreen (options of 2.8K at 120Hz or 4K+ at 60Hz) and Intel Core Ultra 7 155H CPU. It offers up to 32 GB LPDDR5x RAM, up to 1 TB SSD storage, and includes both Thunderbolt 4 / USB-C ports and a USB-A. The convertible features a 360° hinge, a 75 Wh battery, quad speakers tuned with Bowers & Wilkins, and a webcam with IR support and privacy shutter. Weighing ~1.32-1.35 kg (≈ 2.9-3.0 lbs), it balances portability and performance, making it an excellent choice for creatives, professionals, and power users who want display quality and flexibility.
Dell XPS 13 2 in 1 (2025)
The Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 (9315) is a premium detachable tablet-laptop hybrid with a 13-inch 3:2 touchscreen (3K resolution, 2880×1920), Gorilla Glass Victus, and pen support. Powered by 12th-Gen Intel Core i5 or i7 U-series CPUs and integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics, it comes with 16 GB LPDDR4x RAM and up to 1 TB NVMe SSD storage. The chassis is sleek and lightweight (~1.6 lbs / 736 g for tablet alone), with two Thunderbolt 4 ports. It delivers solid build quality and display brightness (~500 nits), great for productivity and media—though battery life under heavy load is moderate.
Acer Spin 5
The Acer Spin 5 Evo is a premium 14-inch 2-in-1 convertible with a sharp 2.5K (2560×1600) IPS touchscreen (16:10), certified for low blue light and up to ~425 nits brightness. Powered by Intel’s Evo-certified Core i5-1240P or i7-1260P CPUs with Iris Xe graphics, this model packs 16 GB LPDDR5 memory, up to 1 TB PCIe Gen4 SSD, and features TwinAir cooling for better thermal performance. With a slim, flexible 360° hinge, stylus support, USB-C / Thunderbolt ports, and onboard PurifiedVoice AI noise reduction, it balances performance, portability, and creative features for students, business users, and light designers.
For Professionals
· Switch modes quickly for typing, presenting, or client discussions.
· Stylus support makes it easy to annotate or sign documents.
· Lightweight design ideal for business travel and meetings.
For Students
· Take handwritten notes in tablet mode during classes.
· Save money by having both a laptop and tablet in one.
· Carry easily across campus with strong battery life.
For Business Users
· Cost-effective compared to buying multiple devices.
· Impress clients with sleek designs and interactive presentations.
· Built-in security features like fingerprint login and enterprise support.
For Designers
· Stylus and touchscreen make sketching and photo editing intuitive.
· High-resolution OLED displays offer accurate colors for design work.
· Portable enough for freelancers and creative professionals on the go.
When shopping for a 2-in-1 tablet + computer, keep these factors in mind:
1. Performance – Look for modern processors (Intel 13th/14th Gen, AMD Ryzen, or Apple M-series), at least 8GB RAM, and SSD storage for smooth performance.
2. Display – If you’re a designer, prioritize color accuracy, resolution, and brightness. AMOLED or mini-LED panels are excellent.
3. Stylus Support – Not all pens are equal; check for pressure sensitivity, low latency, and palm rejection.
4. Battery Life – A good 2-in-1 should last at least 8–10 hours.
5. Weight and Portability – Aim for under 1.5 kg if you carry it daily.
6. Ecosystem Compatibility – Consider whether the device integrates well with your phone, watch, or other gadgets.
7. Budget – Premium devices like the Samsung Galaxy Book Pro 360 or iPad Pro with accessories can reach $1,500+, while budget 2-in-1s like Lenovo IdeaPad Flex start around $600.
1. Use the right mode: Laptop mode for typing, tablet mode for sketching or reading, tent mode for presentations.
2. Maximize stylus features: Customize pen buttons and use them for drawing, annotating, or quick notes.
3. Save battery life: Lower brightness and use Battery Saver during long sessions.
4. Protect the screen: Invest in a matte or anti-glare protector to prevent scratches and fingerprints.
5. Stay updated: Regularly update drivers and stylus software for smoother performance.
6. Embrace cloud sync: Keep work safe with OneDrive, Google Drive, or Dropbox.
7. Mind ergonomics: Use stands or external keyboards for long work sessions.
8. Security first: Enable fingerprint or face login for quick and secure access.
A 2 in 1 laptop is more than just a gadget — it’s a work companion that adapts to different lifestyles. The Microsoft Surface Pro 10 and Dell XPS 13 2 in 1 shine for portability. The HP Spectre x360 14 and Lenovo Yoga 9i deliver luxury and performance for professionals and designers. For those on a budget, the Acer Spin 5 and HP Pavilion x360 offer great value without compromise.
The best 2-in-1 device for you depends on your priorities. Choose Samsung if you want a high-end Windows device with stunning display and seamless S-Pen support. Choose Huawei if you want competitive pricing and innovative designs, including foldables. Choose Lenovo if you want durable, versatile machines with strong productivity features and even dual OS flexibility. Choose Apple if you are a creative professional who values design, display quality, and ecosystem integration, even though it isn’t a “true” 2-in-1.
In 2025, there has never been a better time to explore 2-in-1 devices. Whether you’re sketching in tablet mode, typing essays in laptop mode, or presenting in tent mode, these devices bring together the best of both worlds. With the right choice, you can carry less, do more, and enjoy a flexible computing experience tailored to your lifestyle.
