Windows-running computers ideally run on Intel's X86 chipset structure but a few manufacturers tried Qualcomm's ARM-based technology, like the $999.99 HP Envy X2.
Earlier this year, during the 2018 CES expo, HP and Asus introduced the Envy X2 and NovaGo respectively. Both companies claim that the chipset, which is usually found on premium Android smartphones, provided better battery life than Intel CPUs. However, consumers should be aware that processing power is sacrificed for longevity, which is one of its caveats.
Price Comparison
Now that the official prices have been officially disclosed, HP's offering stands out due to its price. To compare, the NovaGo from Asus is more reasonably priced at $599 for its 64 GB variant with a 4 GB RAM while the 8 GB RAM with 256 GB internal storage costs $799.
Meanwhile, the Envy X2 entry-level model with 4 GB of RAM and a 128 GB flash storage costs more than what its rival offers. The two competing models reportedly pack almost the same specifications but for some reason, the other has a steeper price tag.
Premium Look But Odd Design Choice
The HP Envy X2 boasts a premium design and build quality, which presumably merits its cost. The enclosure seems to be made of brushed metal for a stylish appeal.
Other than its price tag, what sets it apart from the Asus NovaGo is its configuration. The latter sports a notebook computer design that folds all the way back into a tablet. The former opts to go for a detachable 2-in-1 design made popular by Microsoft's surface series.
Nevertheless, the included keyboard accessory functions both as a protective cover and a kickstand. Industry experts, however, point it out as its disadvantage because it lacks a built-in kickstand, a feature that other similarly-designed models have.
Hardware, Camera, And Battery Life
The front-side is occupied by a 12.3-inch touchscreen with a 1920 x 1280 display resolution. A pair of stereo speakers tuned by audio experts at Bang & Olufsen flanks each side of the screen.
A Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 processor paired with a 4 GB RAM sits at its core alongside a Qualcomm Adreno 540 GPU for graphics. Internal storage is 128 GB with a microSD card slot for optional expansion. Another added feature courtesy of its Qualcomm SoC is a nano-SIM card slot for LTE connectivity.
Its main camera is a 13-megapixel sensor and a 5-megapixel unit acts as its front-facing camera. HP claims the battery life on a single charge can last up to 22 hours depending on use and 19 hours for continuous video playback.
The HP Envy X2 comes with a stylus, a backlit keyboard cover, and a pre-installed Windows 10 OS. The company confirms that users can opt to upgrade to the full Windows 10 OS for free. Interested buyers can now pre-order the device from the manufacturer's website and other retailers.
