What the HP Elite X3 Windows 10 Handset Brings to Enterprise Buyers

The HP Elite x3, a Windows 10-based smartphone with a high-end processor and large display, is designed to keep users working in a PC-like fashion.

Windows 10 doesn’t have the kind of market share Apple’s iOS or Google’s Android has, but Microsoft isn’t worried. The company believes that Windows 10 is a superior operating system, since it makes it easy to share content and data files across different device types. In addition, it comes with outstanding app support, and Cortana, its built-in virtual personal assistant, is better than anything offered by the competition. As a result, Windows 10 might not be a negative issue for the HP Elite x3, which is being marketed to enterprise users.

To appeal to the enterprise, a device needs to be able to handle resource-intensive tasks. The HP Elite x3 can do that. The smartphone runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 processor, which is one of the more powerful chips on the market. Users should have no trouble working on any number of apps on the relatively compact Windows 10 Mobile OS,

The HP Elite x3 comes with a 6-inch multi-touch display, which the company says, is “scratch-resistant,” thanks to Corning’s Gorilla Glass. In addition, the screen is both water- and dust-resistant and has been designed to pass rigorous military-grade longevity testing.

The rear-facing camera in the HP Elite x3 comes in at 16 megapixels and is capable of taking full, high-resolution photos to capture PDFs or to record any work-related scene. In addition, the front-facing camera has a whopping 8 megapixels that HP says, was designed for video conferencing.

The combination of support for Windows Continuum as well as docks sold separately to connect the Elite x3 with external accessories could be a major selling point for companies. With Windows Continuum, users will be able to work on the smartphone and then transition to a PC-like experience when they’re back in the office where the mouse and keyboard are waiting. That’s something Android and iOS alternatives just don’t offer—and companies know it.

Dual SIM support could be another way for HP and Windows 10 Mobile to find their way into the enterprise. Thanks to the two SIM cards, users can talk and text with separate work and personal profiles. One SIM could handle all work-related communication while another would be used for personal use. It’s a nice security firewall that will keep work contacts and other information away from personal data.

HP was quick to note that its smartphone comes with front-facing audio speakers to improve sound quality on conference calls. In addition, the device comes with noise-canceling omni-directional microphones that it says make it a “go-to” conferencing tool. If the sound quality on both ends of the conversation is as good as promised, it might be right.

HP has been surprisingly coy about the hardware security features it’s bundled with the Elite x3. However, the company said that the device has built-in, hardware-based security features that “lock down access to your device and data.” HP also noted that Windows 10 is the most secure version of Windows yet—something corporate customers like to hear.

The HP Elite x3 is designed for wireless charging. So, unlike some of the other top smartphones on the market (we’re looking at you, iPhone 6s), it won’t need to be tethered to a wall outlet to be charged. For busy professionals just trying to get through the day on a non-removable battery, that’s a nice feature.

As noted, the HP Elite x3 will launch on Aug. 29. While the smartphone itself will cost $699 unlocked, customers hoping to get the Elite x3 and HP’s Desk Dock, which allows it to take advantage of Windows Continuum, will need to spend $799. This is essentially a high-end device with high-end prices.