HP Elite x3 The Ultimate Business Phone Uncovered

Design and Build Quality

The HP Elite x3 boasts a sleek and robust design, measuring 161.8 x 83.5 x 7.8 mm and weighing 195 grams. Its construction feels solid, which makes it highly durable despite its slim build. The body of the device allows for two configurations: a single Nano-SIM or a Hybrid Dual SIM setup. It’s available in tasteful Gold or Graphite/Chrome colors, both of which emphasize its professional and advanced look.

Display

Featuring a vibrant AMOLED display, the HP Elite x3 provides rich and crisp visuals on its 5.96-inch screen. With a resolution of 1440 x 2560 pixels, the pixel density hits approximately 494 ppi, ensuring sharp and detailed images. The screen-to-body ratio is about 72.2%, which provides a broad view for media consumption and productivity. For protection, it comes with Corning Gorilla Glass 4, safeguarding against scratches and minor impacts.

Performance and Software

Under the hood, the Elite x3 runs on the Qualcomm MSM8996 Snapdragon 820 chipset, with a Quad-core CPU (2x2.15 GHz Kryo & 2x1.6 GHz Kryo) and Adreno 530 graphics. This combination ensures fast performance, making the device capable of handling demanding applications and multitasking with ease. It packs in 4GB of RAM and offers 64GB of internal storage, which can be expanded via microSDXC. The device operates on Microsoft Windows 10, positioning itself as a hybrid between a smartphone and a productivity device.

Camera Capabilities

The HP Elite x3 is equipped with a 16 MP primary camera, featuring an f/2.2 aperture, PDAF, and a pixel size of 1.31µm. This setup allows for decent photography in varying light conditions. It supports LED flash, HDR, and panorama features, with video recording capabilities up to 4K at 30fps and 1080p at 30fps. The front camera is an 8 MP shooter, with an f/2.2 aperture and capable of recording 1080p video, suitable for video calls and selfies.

Battery and Charging

Powering the Elite x3 is a hefty non-removable Li-Po 4150 mAh battery. The device supports both wired (10W) and wireless charging (Qi/PMA), providing flexibility and convenience, especially for users on the go. The substantial battery capacity ensures longer usage times, which is advantageous for productivity and business applications.

Connectivity Features

The Elite x3 supports a wide range of network technologies, including GSM, HSPA, and LTE, making it suitable for global connectivity. It includes Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac for fast internet access, Bluetooth 4.0 for seamless device connections, and NFC for mobile payment options. The device is equipped with USB Type-C 3.0 for fast data transfer and charging. Positioning services include GPS, GLONASS, and BDS for accurate navigation.

Security and Additional Features

Security is a priority for the Elite x3, featuring both an iris scanner and a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor. It includes a set of sensors like accelerometer, gyroscope, proximity, compass, and barometer for a more enhanced user experience. Although it lacks a radio, it compensates for high-quality audio with its stereo speakers and has a 3.5mm jack for an immersive audio experience.

Conclusion

The HP Elite x3 is a powerful device designed for business professionals seeking a mobile solution that bridges the gap between a smartphone and a PC. Discontinued in its production, it still holds value for its robust performance, premium design, and versatile features. While priced at approximately 700 EUR at launch, it offered advanced mobile computing capabilities that possible buyers may still find attractive in the used market today.