Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.
Specs
The HP Envy x2 is available with 256GB of solid state storage. It runs at 2.7 GHz with Turbo Boost Technology and offers 8GB of RAM. It is supported by Wi-Fi 802.11 ac to connect to long-range devices via Bluetooth v4.0, HDMI, USB and LTE.
Unlike the original model, which required an attachable keyboard for inputs, the new Envy x2 features two USB 3.0 ports and an HDMI input. This is extremely important for those of you who plan to use this device as your primary laptop and require an external storage device.
As I mentioned earlier, the processing speed is impeccable. You'll hardly notice any lag as you flip from application to application. One of the unit's biggest pluses is how well it performs and how quietly it will run. With up to 7 hours and 30 minutes battery life (according to HP), you should have more than enough juice to make it through the day.
The display
I'm not sure why HP decided to go with such the pedestrian 1920 x 1080 display. The Yoga Pro 3, which features a staggering 3200 x 1800 display and the Galaxy Note Pro, which features a 2560 X 1900 resolution, crush all other competition. I don't expect HP to surpass either of these devices, but I can't understand the merit of creating a powerful device that produces dark images that lack depth.
I'm also not a fan of the front-facing speakers that line the outer sides of the display. I think they take away from the aesthetic quality of the device. Not to mention the sound quality was pretty awful, especially for something that so proudly advertises its Beats craftsmanship. This was also a major problem for the previous model.
Because it has been watched more than 600 million times on YouTube, I like to test Lady Gaga's "Bad Romance" video on all of the speakers I use. With most other devices I've tested, the speakers provide solid support for the heavy bass that blasts in at the 0:38 second mark. Unfortunately, the new HP Envy x2 couldn't handle the power of Gaga - the bass produced a rattling that reminds me of the speakers on a My First Sony.
'A whole new generation of displays': researchers develop RGB LED out of miracle material perovskite, paving the way for self sensing, solar powered displays — but its hour-long service life needs to be improved first
Quordle today – hints and answers for Sunday, April 21 (game #818)
NYT Strands today — hints, answers and spangram for Sunday, April 21 (game #49)
