Ask Me Anything: HP Elite x3 with Anniversary Update

[lancelin2k7]

Zac, forgetting about apps for a minute, how does this stack up against flagships on other platforms? I'm talking about build quality, call quality, photos, etc. We already know it doesn't poke any mons or snap any chats, so as far as the device goes, is it worth 8 Benjamins?

Call quality for me has been stellar, no issues with reception or data. Bluetooth works greatand doesn't crash (unlike the 950xl).

 

[Indistinguishable]

It seems that most of the basic questions have already been asked and answered. Now for the serious stuff.

The HP Elite x3 - Will it blend?

 

[Martin Kariuki]

Hi Zack,
Can we expect a 'lite' elite x3 version or even mid range versions from HP in the coming future?

 

[Ryan Smith23]

It seems that most of the basic questions have already been asked and answered. Now for the serious stuff.

The HP Elite x3 - Will it blend?

Post #46/47. Asked and answered.

 

[Rasahi]

Glance screen is exclusive to Microsoft devices, so no it doesn't.

I am happy with the Glance Screen. But if i am going to buy this phone, i have to live without it.

 

[anon(9163873)]

Any complaints so far?

 

[Aye_Kye]

Do you have an idea which networks will support this phone?

 

[Egelke]

Right now, no. The Elite x3 works only with its specific Desk Dock, and doesn't come with a USB-C to USB-C cable.

I also have an X3 and it came with a USB-C extensions cable (male-female) and it is oddly shaped because it is designed for the desk dock. I don't own a display doc, so I don`t know if it fits.

 

[Indistinguishable]

Post #46/47. Asked and answered.

I don't know how I missed it!

 

[Simwanza Liswaniso]

regardless of the HP specs, how does the camera compare to 950/XL? is it a deal breaker?

 

[Zac Bowden]

Does it have a removable battery?

It does not.

 

[Zac Bowden]

regardless of the HP specs, how does the camera compare to 950/XL? is it a deal breaker?

Camera is okay, if you ignore the software issues currently. Takes good photos, crisp and clear. Not as good as the Lumia series though, this should be obvious however.

 

[Zac Bowden]

Do you have an idea which networks will support this phone?

GSM carriers like AT&T. Not CDMA like Verizon.

 

[Zac Bowden]

Hi Zack,
Can we expect a 'lite' elite x3 version or even mid range versions from HP in the coming future?

Unlikely. HP is only here with a device running Windows 10 Mobile because their device is aimed at businesses. No need for a lite/mid range version. If they were, they'd likely go Android.

 

[kristalsoldier]

Hi Zac...

This is very cool of you to do!!! Thanks!

My question:

You have now had your grubby paws on both the X3 and the 950XL. Together they - at least to me - appear to represent the best of the best that the Windows Mobile space can offer currently. You have used them both and as you have pointed out, in some ways, the 950XL is better (cam, for eg.) while in others, the X3 shines. Pending the updates, the software experience on the X3 you have mentioned is not very good but that should change soon enough.

So, what more do you think MS can do - considering where their mobile OS currently is and where it may be by May 2017 and of the app situation now and then - that they can market as an iconic Surface Phone (all unsubstantiated rumours at this point)?

A phone that combines the strengths of the X3 and the 950XL would be a damn good device and with a great design, it would be a very desirable thing. But would that be enough to warrant what a (as of yet hypothetical) Surface Phone could be - something that would provide that critical impetus to Microsoft's efforts in the mobile sector?

Thanks in advance!

 

[newsletters4me]

Does this phone support T-Mobile VoLTE and Band 12

 

[Krystianpants]

In my experience, this was very apparent in earlier insider builds of WP10, while I hardly see it now at all. Since my 950xl died (and is being warranty returned), I switched to my 1520. I found that dog slow compared to the 950xl. I'm now using my One M8, on the slow ring build and hardly see any "loading" except for Audible while running Waze and connected to my car's bluetooth.

I haven't had it happen even once since anniversary update. Maybe sometimes when I switch to instagram, but it's not a resuming screen just the instagram logo quickly shows up before the app fully loads. It's like a flash.

 

[Zac Bowden]

Hi Zac...

This is very cool of you to do!!! Thanks!

My question:

You have now had your grubby paws on both the X3 and the 950XL. Together they - at least to me - appear to represent the best of the best that the Windows Mobile space can offer currently. You have used them both and as you have pointed out, in some ways, the 950XL is better (cam, for eg.) while in others, the X3 shines. Pending the updates, the software experience on the X3 you have mentioned is not very good but that should change soon enough.

So, what more do you think MS can do - considering where their mobile OS currently is and where it may be by May 2017 and of the app situation now and then - that they can market as an iconic Surface Phone (all unsubstantiated rumours at this point)?

A phone that combines the strengths of the X3 and the 950XL would be a damn good device and with a great design, it would be a very desirable thing. But would that be enough to warrant what a (as of yet hypothetical) Surface Phone could be - something that would provide that critical impetus to Microsoft's efforts in the mobile sector?

Thanks in advance!

I think the Surface Phone needs to WOW to be a hit. I think digitizer support, Continuum enhancements and an actually "nice" feeling and looking handset need to play a part. The Elite x3 is good because of it's RAW power, and design is pretty cool tool. The 950 XL doesn't stand out much other than it having Iris, which now isn't even a huge deal since other platforms are picking it up too.

 

[PerfectReign]

I haven't had it happen even once since anniversary update. Maybe sometimes when I switch to instagram, but it's not a resuming screen just the instagram logo quickly shows up before the app fully loads. It's like a flash.

That's fantastic to know! Anniversary build is 14393.105, correct? (For some reason, I had to backtrack to 10586.545 on my One M8, and it won't download the latest insider build on Fast Ring.)

 

[Zac Bowden]

Any complaints so far?

Not really, apart from some of the software issues. Hopefully they get fixed soon.