Camera samples from the HP Elite x3 reveal a capable shooter

The HP Elite x3 is the most powerful Windows phone on the market, sporting a Snapdragon 820 Processor with 4GB of RAM and 64GB or internal storage. However, it is a business phone, meaning the camera on it doesn't need to be all that good. Luckily, it is.

The HP Elite x3 is packing a 16MP rear-facing camera and an 8MP front-facing one, and after using the handset for a few days over the weekend, I can say both shooters are pretty good. In ideal lighting conditions, the camera shoots crisp and clear photos, and in low-light conditions, the camera holds up fine.

We've compiled a short sample gallery of photos taken with the front and rear-facing camera's for you to check out and make your judgment calls. We'll be diving into more depth around the camera in our full review in a few weeks, so stay tuned for that.

The only complaints I have right now about the camera is that the app crashes fairly often, although a recent firmware update has improved this, the issue isn't entirely gone. HP is working on fixing this before launch, however, which is good news. The Camera app is also pretty slow at taking photos and sometimes struggles when focusing on a subject. This should also be improved in an upcoming firmware update.

With video, there appear to be some issues with white balancing, as seen in our sample video below. It's continually adjusting the white balance on a noticeable level. The rear camera can shoot at a maximum of 4K at 30fps, no 60fps support here, even at 1080p.

Camera Specifications:

Front:

  • 2x2 Binning for high quality FHD video
  • Record at FHD/30fps
  • Low light capabilities
  • 5P Japanese Lens f/2.2
  • 1.12um pixels - 16:9 Native Format - 3872x2192

Rear:

  • Record 4K/30fps or Full HD/30fps
  • Low light capabilities
  • 6P Japanese Lens f/2.2
  • High output, ultra-high CRI LED flash
  • PDAF (phase detection autofocus)
  • Large 1.31um pixels - 4:3 Native Format - 4608x3456

Let us know below what you think of these camera samples. We'll be following up with more coverage on the HP Elite x3 in the coming days and weeks. Stay tuned.

Need more? Don't miss our other coverage of the Elite x3 including:

Zac Bowden
Senior Editor

Zac Bowden is a Senior Editor at Windows Central. Bringing you exclusive coverage into the world of Windows on PCs, tablets, phones, and more. Also an avid collector of rare Microsoft prototype devices! Keep in touch on Twitter and Threads