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Hands-on with HP's new Windows phone

The Elite X3 is a high-end Windows 10 phone with some unique tricks.

Dan Graziano
Dan Graziano is an associate editor for CNET. His work has appeared on BGR, Fox News, Fox Business, and Yahoo News, among other publications. When he isn't tinkering with the latest gadgets and gizmos, he can be found enjoying the sights and sounds of New York City.
Dan Graziano
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HP Elite X3

The HP Elite X3 isn't like other phones.

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It features a 5.96-inch Quad HD display with a quad core Snapdragon 820 processor, 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage.

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Other specs include a 16-megapixel rear camera, 8-megapixel front camera, a rear fingerprint sensor, and a microSD card slot for up to 2TB of additional space.

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There's also an iris scanner and wireless charging.

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What makes it special is this, the HP Desk Dock.

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The phone connects to it through the USB-C port. You can then connect a mouse and keyboard and use the phone as a Windows PC.

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The dock features an Ethernet adapter, two USB ports, a USB Type-C port, and a DisplayPort.

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But there's no HDMI port...

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Then there's also the Lap Dock.

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It's essentially a laptop with no internals, but that changes when you connect the Elite X3.

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The Lap Dock features a 12.5-inch Full HD display and a full keyboard. There's also two USB Type-C ports on the right side.

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And a Micro-HDMI and a third USB Type-C port on the left.

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The phone performs well, but is limited by the Windows operating system.

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It's still missing some key apps.

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It features dual front-facing speakers from Bang & Olufsen.

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While the Elite X3 is an interesting concept, you're better off using an iPhone or Android phone with a Surface Pro or another portable laptop.

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Plus, a USB Type-C port at the bottom.

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The phone is available now for $699 (AU$1,100). HP is also offering the phone bundled with the desk dock for $799 (£706, AU$1,200), while a bundle with the phone, desk dock and lap dock will be available after October 21 for $1,299.

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