Key Features
20-hour battery life
Windows 10 S
12.3-inch 1080p display
Detachable keyboard
6.9mm thin
Snapdragon 835 platform
8GB RAM, 256GB SSD
Optimised version of Office 365
What is the HP Envy x2 (2018)?
The HP Envy X2 line is HP’s longstanding 2-in-1 convertible, but the latest version could well be the most interesting yet. The chief reason is that this is one of the first Windows laptops to be powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 835. That chip might sound familiar to anyone interested in smartphones, since it’s powered many of 2017’s flagship Android models from the likes of Samsung, Sony, HTC, LG and OnePlus. So, practically everyone then.
But what the Snapdragon 835 really brings to the table is extended battery life. Having to desperately search for a power outlet is the bane of any mobile worker, or even anyone just trying to get through one more episode on Netflix. HP rates the battery life of the Envy X2 as a staggering ‘up to 22 hours’ – although this is under specific circumstances.
Nevertheless, even with my more realistic testing I was approaching close to 20 hours of juice. Then there’s support for 4G LTE to make it an always-connected device for a more demanding mobile generation.
The HP Envy X2 isn’t without its shortcomings, however. It comes with Windows 10 S out of the box, rather than full fat Windows 10, so this means access to only a limited number of apps from the Windows Store.
Yes, you can upgrade to regular Windows for free, but then you encounter bugs and software incompatibilities, mainly a result of the 32-bit ARM-based chip. It seems there are some teething issues when a new chipset encroaches on a space that’s long been dominated by Intel and AMD. Its performance is also underwhelming, especially for a convertible at this price.
Ultimately, the HP Envy X2 will appeal to a specific subset of mobile users. If you’re prioritising battery life above all else – so that you can browse and stream to your heart’s content – this could well be the convertible for you. For anyone looking for a productivity device, its sluggish performance and software compatibility niggles will prove a hindrance. But that battery life is genuinely staggering.
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