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HP Elite x2 1011 G1 Convertible Review

Limited performance. HP advertises its new business detachable as: "The one device you need...". In fact, the Elite x2 is a versatile multi-talent, but it ultimately misses a better rating due to minor flaws in details.

For the original German review, see here.

Ultrabook or tablet? The formerly clear difference between both sectors has been becoming more and more indistinct ever since an increasing number of manufacturers started launching 2-in-1 laptops on the market. These versatile devices are also growing in popularity in the high-end business division: Following Lenovo (ThinkPad Helix 2) and Toshiba (Portégé Z20t), Hewlett Packard expands its portfolio with a corresponding model - the HP Elite x2 1011 G1.

Just like the competition, Intel's particularly frugal Core M platform is used in the Elite x2. In conjunction with up to 8 GB of working memory and a 256 GB SSD, it is to ensure appealing performance rates alongside low consumption. The entire hardware, which also includes an integrated LTE module depending on the model, is inside an 11.6-inch, detachable Full HD touchscreen with digitizer support.

The price of the detachable presently ranges from 1400 Euros, ~$1558 (Core M-5Y10c, 4 GB RAM, 128 GB SSD) and 1900 Euros, ~$2115 (Core M-Y51, 8 GB RAM, 256 GB SSD, LTE), which is on par with the offerings from Lenovo and Toshiba. Our review sample corresponds to the latter configuration with exception of the WWAN module and is available for a price starting at approximately 1800 Euros (~$2004).

HP Elite x2 1011 G1 (Elite x2 Series)
Processor
Intel Core M-5Y51 2 x 1.1 - 2.6 GHz, Broadwell
Graphics adapter
Intel HD Graphics 5300, Core: 900 MHz, Memory: 800 MHz, 10.18.10.4013
Memory
8 GB 
, LPDDR3-1600, dual-channel, soldered
Display
11.60 inch 16:9, 1920 x 1080 pixel, Samsung SDC4153, IPS screen, LED backlight, Corning Gorilla Glass 3, glossy: yes
Mainboard
Intel Broadwell-Y PCH-LP (Premium)
Storage
Samsung SSD PM851 256 GB MZNTE256HMHP, 256 GB 
, 194 GB free
Soundcard
Intel Broadwell PCH-LP - High Definition Audio Controller
Connections
2 USB 3.0 / 3.1 Gen1, 1 DisplayPort, Audio Connections: headset jack (3.5 millimeter), Card Reader: micro-SD, 1 SmartCard, 1 Fingerprint Reader, Sensors: compass, gyroscope, accelerometer, light sensor, NFC
Networking
Intel Wireless-N 7265 (b/g/n = Wi-Fi 4/), Bluetooth 4.0
Size
height x width x depth (in mm): 20.8 x 298 x 206 ( = 0.82 x 11.73 x 8.11 in)
Battery
54 Wh Lithium-Polymer, 33 Wh (tablet) + 21 Wh (dock)
Operating System
Microsoft Windows 8.1 Pro 64 Bit
Camera
Webcam: 5 MP (rear) + 2 MP (front)
Additional features
Speakers: stereo, Keyboard: chiclet, Keyboard Light: yes, 45 watt power supply, stylus, 36 Months Warranty
Weight
1.65 kg ( = 58.2 oz / 3.64 pounds), Power Supply: 184 g ( = 6.49 oz / 0.41 pounds)
Price
1800 Euro
Note: The manufacturer may use components from different suppliers including display panels, drives or memory sticks with similar specifications.

 

Case

We will start with the tablet. Although its exterior is only composed of simple, matte-gray painted plastic on the outside, the whole construction proves to be impeccably built and extremely stable. Regardless whether pin-point pressure or warping attempts, the chassis could not be deformed anywhere and did not produce any disconcerting cracking or creaking noises. The Elite x2 also had to prove that in US military standard tests (MIL-STD 810G). The downside of the solid build is seen in the dimensions and weight: The tablet is much bulkier with 870 grams and a height of 10.7 mm than a ThinkPad Helix 2 (790 grams, 9.6 millimeters) or Portégé Z20t (739 grams, 8.8 millimeters).

The aluminum dock that HP also calls "power keyboard" proves to be just as stable but even higher in quality subjectively. In addition to the keyboard and diverse interfaces (more about that below), it also sports a small secondary battery that boosts the weight to 780 grams. The Elite x2 thus achieves a total weight of 1.65 kilograms - that is roughly 300 grams more than comparable subnotebooks like the EliteBook 820 G2.

The tablet and the dock are coupled via a stable plug connection, which has considerably less play than Toshiba's counterpart. Since the display hinges are agreeably stiff and accurate, the lid does not rock excessively even during hefty vibrations.

Connectivity

The tablet unit only has a headset jack and a micro-SD reader, and thus other peripherals have to be connected via the dock. The user will find a full-sized DisplayPort that allows using 4K 60 Hz monitors besides two USB 3.0 ports here. Beyond that, an additional docking station for expanding the interface options can be connected on a side.

A SmartCard reader and fingerprint scanner, soldered TPM from Infineon, and HP's Client Security software solution (hard drive encryption, password manager, safe data reduction) belong to the standard security configuration, among other things.

Communication

While the approximately 100 Euros (~$111) more expensive top model of the Elite lineup features integrated LTE and WiGig 802.11 ac (Intel tri-band Wireless-AC 17265), our review sample has to be satisfied with a somewhat more basic wireless adapter in the form of Intel's Dual-Band Wireless-N 7265. In addition to Bluetooth 4.0, this module only supports the older 802.11 a/b/g/n Wi-Fi standards (2.5 and 5 GHz bands) and manages maximum gross data rates of 300 Mbit/s via dual-stream technology. The range and connection stability was impeccable in our real-world test.

Cameras

The front-facing camera intended for video chats has a somewhat higher resolution, with 2.0 megapixels, than most laptops. However, it can only conditionally produce a better image quality. Although the colors look quite natural, the photos lack sharpness and richness in details. The rear-facing, primary camera does a better job here but cannot compete with a relatively modern smartphone.

Accessories

The only included accessories found are a compact 45-watt power supply, and some brochures and leaflets.

Warranty

HP includes a 3-year manufacturer warranty (bring-in) that can be extended up to 5 years for a surcharge. The available packages, aka Care Packs, also allow various service upgrades, such as worldwide onsite support on the next business day.

Input Devices

Keyboard

We can reassure that the keyboard dock is not an inferior stopgap after a short familiarization period. The quality of the backlit chiclet keyboard (key size: 15 x 15 millimeters) is just as good as the input devices of the EliteBook lineup and shines with an equally crisp and accurate stroke. Compared with the highly praised ThinkPad keyboard in the Helix 2, the pressure point and drop are a bit softer and shorter, but this does not have to be a drawback depending on personal preferences.

Touchpad, Touchscreen and Digitizer

The touchpad is not exceedingly big with a size of 5.0 x 8.8 centimeters, especially since a part of the sleek glass surface replaces the omitted mouse keys. Synaptics only simulates them acoustically in the "ForcePad." A physical switch or at least tactile feedback like in a MacBook is not present. Therefore, the pad cannot really be used without looking. We would like to highlight the sensitive responsiveness for multitouch gestures positively.

Alternatively, the touchscreen can be controlled with both a finger and the Wacom digitizer (can be stowed into a compartment in the tablet). Input latencies and accuracy are overall acceptable. The pen's tip is approximately one millimeter beside the target only at the outermost edge of the screen.

Keyboard
Keyboard
Touchpad and digitizer
Touchpad and digitizer

Display

HP does not offer other screen options and sells the Elite x2 only with an 11.6-inch, glare-type Full HD display (1920x1080 pixels). Just like in the ThinkPad Helix 2, that leads to a pixel density of 190 ppi. In contrast, the marginally bigger Portégé Z20t (12.5-inches, 1920x1080 pixels) achieves 176 ppi. Photos and fine fonts particularly benefit from the high resolution, but the reproduction sometimes looks quite small without additional scaling (Windows 8.1: 100% screen size). 

A strong LED backlight lets our review sample reach an impressive maximum brightness of 331 cd/m², which is also distributed very homogeneously over the entire screen. We did not discover adverse effects like clouding or conspicuous backlight flickering.

319
cd/m²
338
cd/m²
338
cd/m²
308
cd/m²
364
cd/m²
337
cd/m²
307
cd/m²
343
cd/m²
324
cd/m²
Distribution of brightness
Samsung SDC4153 tested with X-Rite i1Pro 2
Maximum: 364 cd/m² (Nits) Average: 330.9 cd/m²
Brightness Distribution: 84 %
Center on Battery: 364 cd/m²
Contrast: 827:1 (Black: 0.44 cd/m²)
ΔE Color 7.32 | 0.5-29.43 Ø5
ΔE Greyscale 7.37 | 0.57-98 Ø5.3
66.1% sRGB (Argyll 1.6.3 3D)
42.2% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 1.6.3 3D)
45.91% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
66.4% sRGB (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
44.4% Display P3 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
Gamma: 2.03
HP Elite x2 1011 G1
1.920 x 1.080 Pixel (IPS)
Lenovo ThinkPad Helix 2
1.920 x 1.080 Pixel (IPS)
Toshiba Portege Z20t-B-10C
1.920 x 1.080 Pixel (IPS)
Dell Venue 11 Pro 7140
1.920 x 1.080 Pixel (IPS)
Display
-4%
Display P3 Coverage
44.4
42.63
-4%
sRGB Coverage
66.4
63.6
-4%
AdobeRGB 1998 Coverage
45.91
44.1
-4%
Screen
24%
-9%
17%
Brightness middle
364
365
0%
342
-6%
386
6%
Brightness
331
342
3%
301
-9%
357
8%
Brightness Distribution
84
86
2%
76
-10%
84
0%
Black Level *
0.44
0.329
25%
0.393
11%
0.4
9%
Contrast
827
1109
34%
870
5%
965
17%
Colorchecker dE 2000 *
7.32
4.37
40%
9.69
-32%
3.71
49%
Greyscale dE 2000 *
7.37
2.8
62%
9.27
-26%
5.4
27%
Gamma
2.03 108%
2.3 96%
2.95 75%
2.33 94%
CCT
6479 100%
6595 99%
6010 108%
6666 98%
Color Space (Percent of AdobeRGB 1998)
42.2
40.4
-4%
Color Space (Percent of sRGB)
66.1
Total Average (Program / Settings)
24% / 24%
-7% / -8%
17% / 17%

* ... smaller is better

AdobeRGB (42.2%)
AdobeRGB (42.2%)
sRGB (66.1%)
sRGB (66.1%)

As expected, the Elite x2 is shipped with a high-quality IPS screen - a model from Samsung in our case. The black level (0.44 cd/m²) and contrast ratio (827:1) are on a common level for this display technology; the marginally better rates of the direct competition are not visible to the naked eye and are within the range of normal processing and measurement fluctuations. The image also looks extremely rich and vivid in conjunction with the glare-type surface subjectively.

The screen displays a light greenish tint in delivery state, which has an adverse effect on color and grayscale reproduction (DeltaE greater than 7.3 in both cases). After successful calibration - our optimized ICC profile is ready for downloading above - the DeltaE shifts drop to satisfactory rates of 3.3 (colors) and 1.3 (grayscale). That is absolutely sufficient for basic application situations in the photo and graphics sector. The very limited color-space coverage of only 66.1% in sRGB and 42.2% in AdobeRGB will likely bother professionals.

ColorChecker (pre-calibration)
ColorChecker (pre-calibration)
Saturation Sweeps (pre-calibration)
Saturation Sweeps (pre-calibration)
Grayscale (pre-calibration)
Grayscale (pre-calibration)
ColorChecker (calibrated)
ColorChecker (calibrated)
Saturation Sweeps (calibrated)
Saturation Sweeps (calibrated)
Grayscale (calibrated)
Grayscale (calibrated)

Although the screen offers pleasingly high brightness reserves with far over 300 cd/m², some restrictions have to be reckoned with outdoors. Like on every non-AR coated screen, reflections are a permanent issue especially in direct sunlight, and a somewhat more shadowy place should be found for work.

Outdoors

Unlike TN screens, the installed IPS display also tolerates extremely slanted viewing angles without excessively affecting the image quality. Although the contrast visibly decreases with increasing shifts from a straight position, the user will not struggle with inverting colors and extreme gamma shifts. Even several users can look at the content simultaneously. Furthermore, the device does not have to be aligned exactly with the viewer's eyes particularly in tablet mode.

Viewing angles: HP Elite x2 1011 G1
Viewing angles: HP Elite x2 1011 G1

Performance

2.6 GHz maximum Turbo clock rate
2.6 GHz maximum Turbo clock rate

Intel launched a new CPU lineup dubbed Core M in late 2014. It can be installed in ultra-portable 2-in-1 devices owing to its particularly low TDP of just 4.5 watts. The Core M-5Y51 HP opted for is presently the second-fastest model of the line. Both Broadwell cores built in the 14 nanometer technology with Hyper-Threading support clock at up to 1.1 to 2.6 GHz. The size of the L3 cache is 4 MB like in all Core M members.

All graphics calculations are performed by the SoC-integrated HD Graphics 5300 with 24 Shader cluster, also called Execution Units (EUs) by Intel. Technically, the GPU exactly corresponds to the HD Graphics 5500 (found in ULV models of the 15-watt category). However, its clock headroom of 300 to 900 MHz is usually not utilized as well due to the far lower TDP. On the API side, the HD 5300 supports the latest DirectX 12 standard but only in feature level 11.1, among others things.

A soldered down LPDDR3 RAM (LPDDR3-1600, dual-channel) and a 256 GB SSD are part of our review sample's configuration. The buyer will not find any potential upgrade possibilities due to the lack of a maintenance hatch - the lower-priced entry-level configuration (4 GB RAM, 128 GB SSD) does not seem very future-proof, making it only conditionally recommendable in our opinion.

Processor

Single-threading
Single-threading
Multithreading
Multithreading

A short note about the TDP of the Core M lineup: As said, it is 4.5 watts, but laptop builders can adjust it to 6 watts providing the cooling is sufficient. That is the case, for example, in the Helix 2 and Portégé Z20t, and consequently the Turbo is utilized more often and strongly.

Surprisingly, HP does not use this just as simple as effective method to boost the performance in either AC mode or battery mode. The Core M-5Y51 is limited to just below 6 watts even for a short period, only to resettle to the aforesaid 4.5 watts. In real world use that means: Just the single-thread test of Cinebench R15 is processed at only 1.9 GHz (briefly at 1.7 GHz). The performance is correspondingly mediocre. The Elite x2 has to place itself behind the Dell Venue 11 Pro with a nominally weaker CPU (Core M-5Y10a, 800 - 2000 MHz) by as much as 20%. Even if the manufacturer intended that for thermal reasons - why did it not install a smaller, lower-priced Core M model to start with?

Cinebench R11.5
CPU Single 64Bit (sort by value)
HP Elite x2 1011 G1
Intel Core M-5Y51
0.99 Points
Lenovo ThinkPad Helix 2
Intel Core M-5Y71
1.13 Points +14%
Toshiba Portege Z20t-B-10C
Intel Core M-5Y71
1.15 Points +16%
Dell Venue 11 Pro 7140
Intel Core M-5Y10a
0.94 Points -5%
Microsoft Surface Pro 3
Intel Core i5-4300U
1.12 Points +13%
CPU Multi 64Bit (sort by value)
HP Elite x2 1011 G1
Intel Core M-5Y51
1.72 Points
Lenovo ThinkPad Helix 2
Intel Core M-5Y71
2.04 Points +19%
Toshiba Portege Z20t-B-10C
Intel Core M-5Y71
2.14 Points +24%
Dell Venue 11 Pro 7140
Intel Core M-5Y10a
2.01 Points +17%
Microsoft Surface Pro 3
Intel Core i5-4300U
2.77 Points +61%
Cinebench R15
CPU Single 64Bit (sort by value)
HP Elite x2 1011 G1
Intel Core M-5Y51
84 Points
Lenovo ThinkPad Helix 2
Intel Core M-5Y71
95 Points +13%
Toshiba Portege Z20t-B-10C
Intel Core M-5Y71
97 Points +15%
Dell Venue 11 Pro 7140
Intel Core M-5Y10a
83 Points -1%
CPU Multi 64Bit (sort by value)
HP Elite x2 1011 G1
Intel Core M-5Y51
153 Points
Lenovo ThinkPad Helix 2
Intel Core M-5Y71
184 Points +20%
Toshiba Portege Z20t-B-10C
Intel Core M-5Y71
190 Points +24%
Dell Venue 11 Pro 7140
Intel Core M-5Y10a
190 Points +24%
X264 HD Benchmark 4.0
Pass 1 (sort by value)
HP Elite x2 1011 G1
Intel Core M-5Y51
59.7 fps
Lenovo ThinkPad Helix 2
Intel Core M-5Y71
91.2 fps +53%
Toshiba Portege Z20t-B-10C
Intel Core M-5Y71
85.1 fps +43%
Microsoft Surface Pro 3
Intel Core i5-4300U
75.5 fps +26%
Pass 2 (sort by value)
HP Elite x2 1011 G1
Intel Core M-5Y51
9.43 fps
Lenovo ThinkPad Helix 2
Intel Core M-5Y71
11.13 fps +18%
Toshiba Portege Z20t-B-10C
Intel Core M-5Y71
11.47 fps +22%
Microsoft Surface Pro 3
Intel Core i5-4300U
13.47 fps +43%
Cinebench R10 Rendering Single 32Bit
3276
Cinebench R10 Rendering Multiple CPUs 32Bit
5370
Cinebench R10 Shading 32Bit
3958
Cinebench R11.5 CPU Single 64Bit
0.99 Points
Cinebench R11.5 OpenGL 64Bit
15.94 fps
Cinebench R11.5 CPU Multi 64Bit
1.72 Points
Cinebench R15 CPU Single 64Bit
84 Points
Cinebench R15 CPU Multi 64Bit
153 Points
Cinebench R15 OpenGL 64Bit
17.91 fps
Cinebench R15 Ref. Match 64Bit
98 %
Help

Storage Device

AS SSD benchmark
AS SSD benchmark

HP has opted for a 256 GB SSD from Samsung. To be more precise, it is the MZNTE256HMHP model from the popular PM851 line in an M.2 2280 size. Besides its solid performance that, however, cannot quite match the Toshiba Portege Z20t (especially in write), we would like to particularly highlight the integrated 256-bit AES encryption and the high energy efficiency of this series. On top of that, Samsung drives have been known for years for their extraordinary reliability - which is perhaps the most important feature especially in a business laptop.

HP Elite x2 1011 G1
Samsung SSD PM851 256 GB MZNTE256HMHP
Lenovo ThinkPad Helix 2
Toshiba THNSFJ256GDNU 256 GB
Toshiba Portege Z20t-B-10C
Toshiba HG6 THNSNJ256GVNU
Dell Venue 11 Pro 7140
Sandisk X110 M.2 SD6SP1M-128G
AS SSD
-3%
23%
-26%
Seq Read
480
473.9
-1%
513
7%
405.4
-16%
Seq Write
250
216.4
-13%
457.2
83%
134.7
-46%
4K Read
19.48
14.63
-25%
21.4
10%
19.3
-1%
4K Write
48.29
41.14
-15%
76.8
59%
33.22
-31%
4K-64 Read
366.5
544
48%
355.3
-3%
242
-34%
4K-64 Write
217.3
186.1
-14%
182.1
-16%
152.5
-30%
Samsung SSD PM851 256 GB MZNTE256HMHP
Transfer Rate Minimum: 48.7 MB/s
Transfer Rate Maximum: 380.9 MB/s
Transfer Rate Average: 278.3 MB/s
Access Time: 0.1 ms
Burst Rate: 20.3 MB/s
CPU Usage: 5.8 %

System Performance

Not only single CPU benchmarks suffer under the only limited Turbo Boost, but the entire system performance as well. The Elite x2 lags behind the models from Lenovo and Toshiba by 10 to 20%, which is also in line with our subjective impression. We sometimes wished for somewhat higher performance reserves when opening and scrolling through complex websites, multitasking or installations, even if this is complaining on a relatively high level here. The system does not at all respond slowly or sluggishly - it is only too bad that the conservative BIOS programming wastes a part of the existing performance potential.

PCMark 8
Home Score Accelerated v2 (sort by value)
HP Elite x2 1011 G1
Intel Core M-5Y51, Intel HD Graphics 5300
2397 Points
Lenovo ThinkPad Helix 2
Intel Core M-5Y71, Intel HD Graphics 5300
2690 Points +12%
Toshiba Portege Z20t-B-10C
Intel Core M-5Y71, Intel HD Graphics 5300
2816 Points +17%
Dell Venue 11 Pro 7140
Intel Core M-5Y10a, Intel HD Graphics 5300
2480 Points +3%
Work Score Accelerated v2 (sort by value)
HP Elite x2 1011 G1
Intel Core M-5Y51, Intel HD Graphics 5300
3480 Points
Lenovo ThinkPad Helix 2
Intel Core M-5Y71, Intel HD Graphics 5300
3806 Points +9%
Toshiba Portege Z20t-B-10C
Intel Core M-5Y71, Intel HD Graphics 5300
3936 Points +13%
Dell Venue 11 Pro 7140
Intel Core M-5Y10a, Intel HD Graphics 5300
3291 Points -5%
Creative Score Accelerated v2 (sort by value)
HP Elite x2 1011 G1
Intel Core M-5Y51, Intel HD Graphics 5300
2705 Points
Lenovo ThinkPad Helix 2
Intel Core M-5Y71, Intel HD Graphics 5300
3090 Points +14%
Toshiba Portege Z20t-B-10C
Intel Core M-5Y71, Intel HD Graphics 5300
3263 Points +21%
PCMark 7 - Score (sort by value)
HP Elite x2 1011 G1
Intel Core M-5Y51, Intel HD Graphics 5300
4087 Points
Lenovo ThinkPad Helix 2
Intel Core M-5Y71, Intel HD Graphics 5300
4602 Points +13%
Toshiba Portege Z20t-B-10C
Intel Core M-5Y71, Intel HD Graphics 5300
4421 Points +8%
Dell Venue 11 Pro 7140
Intel Core M-5Y10a, Intel HD Graphics 5300
4135 Points +1%
Microsoft Surface Pro 3
Intel Core i5-4300U, Intel HD Graphics 4400
5066 Points +24%
PCMark 7 Score
4087 points
PCMark 8 Home Score Accelerated v2
2397 points
PCMark 8 Creative Score Accelerated v2
2705 points
PCMark 8 Work Score Accelerated v2
3480 points
Help

Graphics Card

H.265 playback
H.265 playback

In addition to the CPU, the TDP limitation also has an impact on the integrated HD Graphics 5300 graphics card, which falls behind similarly configured contenders evidently in 3DMark. Unlike in the processor part, we do not see a major problem here - the GPU is too slow for sophisticated 3D software anyway. However, the Windows desktop is accelerated smoothly even on an external 4K monitor. The Broadwell chip also easily renders H.264 videos (4K, 100 Mbit/s); only H.265/HEVC forces the hybrid decoder to its knees with increasing resolution and bit rate (single frame drops in 4K and 2.6 Mbit/s). Intel's upcoming Skylake CPU generation will first feature dedicated Fixed-Function hardware for processing the still quite new video codecs.

3DMark 11
1280x720 Performance (sort by value)
HP Elite x2 1011 G1
HD Graphics 5300, 5Y51, Samsung SSD PM851 256 GB MZNTE256HMHP
625 Points
Lenovo ThinkPad Helix 2
HD Graphics 5300, 5Y71, Toshiba THNSFJ256GDNU 256 GB
753 Points +20%
Toshiba Portege Z20t-B-10C
HD Graphics 5300, 5Y71, Toshiba HG6 THNSNJ256GVNU
775 Points +24%
Dell Venue 11 Pro 7140
HD Graphics 5300, 5Y10a, Sandisk X110 M.2 SD6SP1M-128G
883 Points +41%
Microsoft Surface Pro 3
HD Graphics 4400, 4300U, Hynix HFS128G3MNM
877 Points +40%
1280x720 Performance GPU (sort by value)
HP Elite x2 1011 G1
HD Graphics 5300, 5Y51, Samsung SSD PM851 256 GB MZNTE256HMHP
555 Points
Lenovo ThinkPad Helix 2
HD Graphics 5300, 5Y71, Toshiba THNSFJ256GDNU 256 GB
669 Points +21%
Toshiba Portege Z20t-B-10C
HD Graphics 5300, 5Y71, Toshiba HG6 THNSNJ256GVNU
693 Points +25%
Dell Venue 11 Pro 7140
HD Graphics 5300, 5Y10a, Sandisk X110 M.2 SD6SP1M-128G
795 Points +43%
Microsoft Surface Pro 3
HD Graphics 4400, 4300U, Hynix HFS128G3MNM
791 Points +43%
3DMark
1280x720 Ice Storm Standard Score (sort by value)
HP Elite x2 1011 G1
HD Graphics 5300, 5Y51, Samsung SSD PM851 256 GB MZNTE256HMHP
29336 Points
Lenovo ThinkPad Helix 2
HD Graphics 5300, 5Y71, Toshiba THNSFJ256GDNU 256 GB
35119 Points +20%
Toshiba Portege Z20t-B-10C
HD Graphics 5300, 5Y71, Toshiba HG6 THNSNJ256GVNU
35835 Points +22%
Dell Venue 11 Pro 7140
HD Graphics 5300, 5Y10a, Sandisk X110 M.2 SD6SP1M-128G
38912 Points +33%
Microsoft Surface Pro 3
HD Graphics 4400, 4300U, Hynix HFS128G3MNM
29229 Points 0%
1280x720 Cloud Gate Standard Score (sort by value)
HP Elite x2 1011 G1
HD Graphics 5300, 5Y51, Samsung SSD PM851 256 GB MZNTE256HMHP
2946 Points
Lenovo ThinkPad Helix 2
HD Graphics 5300, 5Y71, Toshiba THNSFJ256GDNU 256 GB
3522 Points +20%
Toshiba Portege Z20t-B-10C
HD Graphics 5300, 5Y71, Toshiba HG6 THNSNJ256GVNU
3585 Points +22%
Dell Venue 11 Pro 7140
HD Graphics 5300, 5Y10a, Sandisk X110 M.2 SD6SP1M-128G
3484 Points +18%
Microsoft Surface Pro 3
HD Graphics 4400, 4300U, Hynix HFS128G3MNM
4146 Points +41%
1920x1080 Fire Strike Score (sort by value)
HP Elite x2 1011 G1
HD Graphics 5300, 5Y51, Samsung SSD PM851 256 GB MZNTE256HMHP
371 Points
Lenovo ThinkPad Helix 2
HD Graphics 5300, 5Y71, Toshiba THNSFJ256GDNU 256 GB
450 Points +21%
Toshiba Portege Z20t-B-10C
HD Graphics 5300, 5Y71, Toshiba HG6 THNSNJ256GVNU
453 Points +22%
Dell Venue 11 Pro 7140
HD Graphics 5300, 5Y10a, Sandisk X110 M.2 SD6SP1M-128G
466 Points +26%
Microsoft Surface Pro 3
HD Graphics 4400, 4300U, Hynix HFS128G3MNM
483 Points +30%
3DMark 06 Standard Score
4144 points
3DMark 11 Performance
625 points
3DMark Ice Storm Standard Score
29336 points
3DMark Cloud Gate Standard Score
2946 points
3DMark Fire Strike Score
371 points
Help

Gaming Performance

Due to the limited graphics performance, the convertible only manages to render a few games from the recent past in acceptable frame rates. Among them, for example, we find games like Tomb Raider or Dota 2, but also the very undemanding Dirt Rally in minimum settings. Far Cry 4, Evolve or The Witcher 3 should not be installed from the outset - even 1024x768 pixels and lowest settings usually result in single digit frame rates.

low med. high ultra
Tomb Raider (2013) 31 16.2 9.8
BioShock Infinite (2013) 12.3 10.6
Dota 2 (2013) 33.1 21.4 9.8
Dirt Rally (2015) 41 12.5
The Witcher 3 (2015) 6.2 3.7
Batman: Arkham Knight (2015) 5 4

Emissions

System Noise

At first glance, the narrow grilles on the tablet's rear remind us of speaker openings - however, they conceal a small fan that is to dissipate the processor's waste heat outward. That surprises us somewhat - if Lenovo and Toshiba can passively cool a Core M tuned to 6 watts, why can't HP accomplish that with only 4.5 watts?

We can say: If the user does not place his ear directly on the vent he will unlikely hear the little fan. It is mostly inactive in routine use, and even permanent full load rarely pushes the noise level to over 30 - 31 dB(A). That corresponds to the quiet noise of an idling, mechanical hard drive.

Noise Level

Idle
29.1 / 29.1 / 29.1 dB(A)
Load
30.1 / 31 dB(A)
  red to green bar
 
 
30 dB
silent
40 dB(A)
audible
50 dB(A)
loud
 
min: dark, med: mid, max: light   Voltcraft SL-451 (15 cm distance)

Temperature

Stress test
Stress test
Prime95
Prime95

Everyone who considers the additional fan as unnecessary from the outset will be proved wrong: Unlike the ThinkPad Helix 2 or Portégé Z20t, the Elite x2 stays pleasantly cool even in extreme situations. The casing did not surpass 37 °C even in our stress test performed in summer-like conditions; the contenders sometimes clearly exceeded 40 °C.

The hardware is also spared from critical temperatures, and rates of around 60 °C were recorded when the device was loaded via Prime95 and FurMark. Unfortunately, the limitation of the low TDP lets the Core M throttle strongly and it has to reduce its clock rates to 500 MHz (CPU) and 300 MHz (GPU). Too bad that HP did not install an optional "power mode" that provides more performance while accepting a somewhat higher power consumption - the convertible would offer plenty of reserves thermally thanks to its active cooling.

Thermal image under full load
Thermal image under full load

We also examined the temperature development of the Elite x2 visually via the thermal imaging camera Therm App from Opgal Optronic. The vent in the device's upper right is particularly striking during full hardware load in our picture, and it is the device's only noteworthy hot spot. Otherwise, the chassis does not show signs of significant temperature increases, as described above.

 28.1 °C
83 F
28.3 °C
83 F
27.9 °C
82 F
 
 28.6 °C
83 F
28.7 °C
84 F
28 °C
82 F
 
 28.2 °C
83 F
30.5 °C
87 F
28.4 °C
83 F
 
Maximum: 30.5 °C = 87 F
Average: 28.5 °C = 83 F
27.9 °C
82 F
29.9 °C
86 F
28.5 °C
83 F
28 °C
82 F
29 °C
84 F
28.6 °C
83 F
28.3 °C
83 F
28.7 °C
84 F
29 °C
84 F
Maximum: 29.9 °C = 86 F
Average: 28.7 °C = 84 F
Power Supply (max.)  33 °C = 91 F | Room Temperature 24.4 °C = 76 F | Fluke 62 Max
(±) The average temperature for the upper side under maximal load is 34 °C / 93 F, compared to the average of 30.2 °C / 86 F for the devices in the class Convertible.
(+) The maximum temperature on the upper side is 36.6 °C / 98 F, compared to the average of 35.3 °C / 96 F, ranging from 19.6 to 55.7 °C for the class Convertible.
(+) The bottom heats up to a maximum of 37.3 °C / 99 F, compared to the average of 36.7 °C / 98 F
(+) In idle usage, the average temperature for the upper side is 28.5 °C / 83 F, compared to the device average of 30.2 °C / 86 F.
(+) The palmrests and touchpad are reaching skin temperature as a maximum (35.7 °C / 96.3 F) and are therefore not hot.
(-) The average temperature of the palmrest area of similar devices was 28.1 °C / 82.6 F (-7.6 °C / -13.7 F).

Speakers

HP installs two stereo speakers under the screen, which directly radiate toward the user. The brilliant high-pitch range opposes relatively low volume reserves and virtually non-existent bass. Thus, we can only speak of a middling overall presentation. Therefore, connecting external speakers via the 3.5 millimeter jack or DisplayPort (if necessary via adapter to HDMI) is recommendable for videos or music.

Energy Management

Power Consumption

The Elite x2 drains a record-breaking low 1.5 watts from the outlet when the Windows desktop is idle in minimum screen brightness and the wireless modules are disabled. Impressive evidence for the energy-saving capabilities of the Core M platform. The consumption climbs up to 4.0 watts in maximum screen brightness, and the Wi-Fi adapter treats itself to an extra watt.

The convertible also remains extremely modest during load. Our instruments measured peak rates of just below 17 watts directly after starting the stress test. A maximum of 13 to 14 watts could be observed over a longer time. The included 45-watt power supply almost seems too big for that.

Power Consumption
Idledarkmidlight 1.5 / 4 / 5 Watt
Load midlight 13.9 / 16.9 Watt
 color bar
Key: min: dark, med: mid, max: light        Extech Power Analyzer 380803
Currently we use the Metrahit Energy, a professional single phase power quality and energy measurement digital multimeter, for our measurements. Find out more about it here. All of our test methods can be found here.

Battery Runtime

In addition to the 33 Wh battery in the tablet, HP also installed another battery in the keyboard dock that adds another 21 Wh. The device thus achieves a total of 54 Wh - more than the Helix 2 (35 Wh) or Venue 11 Pro (38 Wh), which were both tested without a second battery. However, that is no competition for the 72 Wh in the Portégé Z20t.

In conjunction with the low power consumption, the Elite x2 manages very stately runtimes. In real-world use, i.e. adapted screen brightness (approximately 150 cd/m²) and browsing via Wi-Fi, 11 hours and more is possible. The only drawback: The batteries need an extremely long time for recharging despite the strong power supply - each needs about two-and-a-half hours, and consequently they need a whole 5 hours in total due to the sequential recharging strategy.

Reader's test
Reader's test
Wi-Fi test
Wi-Fi test
H.264 test
H.264 test
Classic test
Classic test
Charging
Charging
HP Elite x2 1011 G1
54 Wh
Lenovo ThinkPad Helix 2
35 Wh
Toshiba Portege Z20t-B-10C
72 Wh
Dell Venue 11 Pro 7140
38 Wh
Microsoft Surface Pro 3
42 Wh
Battery Runtime
-29%
27%
-21%
-27%
Reader / Idle
1063
964
-9%
1616
52%
777
-27%
1096
3%
H.264
658
360
-45%
787
20%
WiFi v1.3
675
760
13%
Load
288
197
-32%
348
21%
244
-15%
124
-57%
WiFi
396
562
504
Battery Runtime
Idle (without WLAN, min brightness)
17h 43min
WiFi Websurfing
11h 15min
Big Buck Bunny H.264 1080p
10h 58min
Load (maximum brightness)
4h 48min

Pros

+ Solid, well-built casing
+ DisplayPort (4K @ 60 Hz)
+ Outstanding keyboard and digitizer
+ Bright and viewing angle Full HD screen
+ Low noise and temperature development
+ Long battery life
+ 3-year warranty

Cons

- No ac Wi-Fi
- Middling cameras
- Mouse pad with sensor keys
- Limited CPU performance
- Slow battery charging
- High price

Verdict

HP Elite x2 1011 G1
HP Elite x2 1011 G1

The competition was first: Models like the Lenovo ThinkPad Helix 2 and the Toshiba Portégé Z20t show just what can be expected of a modern business detachable. However, HP has managed to set its own highlights with the Elite x2 1011 G1 - some positive, and others more in a negative sense.

We would like to expressly praise the throughout high quality standard of the entire device, the crisp keyboard, and the bright and viewing-angle stable IPS screen. If the latter is not enough in the odd case, 4K 60 Hz monitors can be connected via the DisplayPort - a big plus point over many contenders. Real-world battery runtimes of over 11 hours and low emissions (despite or just because of the integrated fan) finish off the presentation.

We see room for improvement in other aspects, though. High-speed ac Wi-Fi, decent camera sensors and a touchpad with physical keys should actually be a matter of course in this price range and device category. The middling performance of the expensive Core M-5Y51 that could achieve a much higher performance with adapted energy settings is particularly disappointing. Although all that does not turn the Elite x2 into a bad product, a comparing glance at the mentioned rivals would seem recommendable in any case.

HP Elite x2 1011 G1 - 08/16/2015 v4(old)
Till Schönborn

Chassis
88 / 98 → 90%
Keyboard
88%
Pointing Device
75%
Connectivity
60 / 80 → 75%
Weight
67 / 35-78 → 74%
Battery
93%
Display
80%
Games Performance
58 / 68 → 85%
Application Performance
71 / 87 → 82%
Temperature
93%
Noise
97%
Audio
63 / 91 → 69%
Camera
61 / 85 → 72%
Average
76%
81%
Convertible - Weighted Average

Pricecompare

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Till Schönborn, 2015-09- 3 (Update: 2018-05-15)