Windows Phone flagship comparison: HP Elite x3 vs Lumia 950 XL
Which one to buy? HP Elite x3 or the Lumia 950 XL?
Pre-orders for the HP Elite x3 have started this month, so if you are interested in having one of the fastest devices for 2016, you may consider the Elite x3 for your next smartphone. However, users with Lumia 950/950 XL range should be fine with their choice for now, as these 9-months old devices still have great specs and performance for day to day use.
But the HP Elite x3 is different. With a business focus in mind, HP has produced a real superphone that may not only attract corporate users with its Continuum capabilities, but possibly many regular consumers who want the best in the class. Here is how the HP Elite x3 compares against the Lumia 950 XL in terms of specs and features:
HP Elite x3 |
Microsoft Lumia 950 XL |
Winner |
|
Design |
Policarbonate, sealed |
Policarbonate, removable back |
– |
Size |
162 x 83 x 8mm, 195g |
|
– |
Display |
5.96″AMOLED QHD |
5.7″ AMOLED QHD |
– |
Processor |
Snapdragon 820, 2.2GHz, quad-core |
Snapdragon 810 |
HP Elite x3 |
RAM |
4GB |
3GB |
HP Elite x3 |
Internal Storage |
64GB |
32GB |
HP Elite x3 |
MicroSD |
Yes |
Yes |
– |
Main camera |
16MP, f/2.2, single LED, FullHD video |
20MP, f/1.9 |
*Microsoft Lumia 950 XL |
Front camera |
8MP |
5MP |
– *no info |
USB Type-C |
Yes |
Yes |
– |
Wireless Charging |
Qi, PMA |
Qi |
HP Elite x3 |
Battery |
4150mAh |
3300mAh |
HP Elite x3 |
Speaker |
Bang & Olufson, front stereo speaker |
Rear mono speaker |
HP Elite x3 |
Durability |
IP67, protection against water and dust |
No |
HP Elite x3 |
Biometrics |
Iris Scanner, Fingerprint reader |
Iris Scanner |
HP Elite x3 |
Special Features |
Continuum-ready, optional accessories – Laptop Dock, Stylus |
Continuum-ready |
– |
Price | Around $699 at launch (August 2016) | $449.00 (9 months after launch) | Microsoft Lumia 950 XL |
Conclusion
It’s obvious that the Elite x3 is the new King of Window Phone. The device not only offers the latest and fastest processor on the market, but also has an IP67 protection, fingerprint scanner, front-facing B&O speaker, bigger battery and much more. The only area where the Lumia 950 XL wins is the camera department and the price
* Early tests have revealed that Elite x3’s camera is doing a relatively good job, but it can’t match the excellent photo, audio & video quality of the PureView technology.
If you already have a Lumia 950 XL, then you don’t need to buy the Elite x3, especially for $699, unless you want to have the best possible Windows phone on the market. A better Continuum with the HP, and access to Win32 apps via virtualization, could also be your main motivation for getting the Elite x3.