Concluding Thoughts

HTC didn't need to reinvent the smartphone with the all new HTC Ane. The handset that preceded information technology established the company as the maker of high-end, premium Android devices, then all that was needed was to build on this solid base of operations. And that's exactly what HTC did in creating the I M8; this is a smartphone filled with improvements.

The pattern of the One M8 may not exist equally striking as the original One, merely HTC has put in some serious polish to how it feels. The polished gunmetal grey aluminium, which now covers ninety% of the non-screen surface surface area, non only looks fantastic, merely it makes the One experience like a flagship product in your manus. A more than curved blueprint also makes the M8 more ergonomic than before.

A Super LCD 3 display, at present five inches in size, is once again the centerpoint of the M8'southward front panel, and it'due south one of the all-time. Viewing angles are truly magnificent from the panel, as is color saturation, plus its 1080p resolution makes images wait sharp and text look printed. HTC is facing increased contest in the display infinite, peculiarly from LG, simply the Ane M8'south display is all the same one of the best.

The biggest addition to the HTC One M8's feature listing is undoubtedly the Duo Camera. The addition of a depth sensor adds some cool effects, especially Ufocus which simulates depth-of-field to give photos an impressive DSLR-like feel. Bated from the great manual mode, other additions are less useful, simply buyers will likely detect a lot of pleasure in refocusing images they've taken.

Using the aforementioned 'Ultrapixel' sensor is an interesting one, and while the quality of images has improved, the resolution of each image withal proves to be disappointing. In a future HTC flagship I'd love to see a larger sensor with a higher megapixel count, hopefully with OIS back in the mix. The five megapixel front end-facing camera is great for selfies, merely don't be fooled by its on-paper specifications: the rear camera is still better.

Qualcomm'due south Snapdragon 801 SoC is a sizable improvement over the Snapdragon 600 used in the original HTC One, simply it's only a small-scale step in a higher place the Snapdragon 800. Simply any functioning improvement is ever welcome, and the 801 proves to be massively powerful in both CPU and GPU. Let's not forget the inclusion of a microSD bill of fare slot either, which provides a inexpensive method of expanding upon the device's 16 GB of internal retentivity.

Sense 6.0 is less of a major characteristic upgrade than a visual improvement, and it finally has adopted a fashion as awesome as Android 4.4 itself. BlinkFeed is nevertheless a great way to keep upwards with the globe, and Motion Launch makes the One M8 piece of cake to option upward and start using. Combined with the Extreme Power Salvage way and a generally decent bombardment life, the HTC One M8 is a wonderful package.

Buying this package won't be cheap though, as you tend to look from a flagship product. HTC is selling the device factory unlocked for $699, and it's also available for $199 on a two-twelvemonth contract in u.s.. In the Britain and the residual of Europe you'll need to fork out £530 and €660 (including tax) respectively, and in Commonwealth of australia the M8 sells for AU$850. Upcoming smartphones such as the Samsung Galaxy S5 and Sony Xperia Z2 volition set up you dorsum a like amount, and the iPhone 5s sells for similar amount currently, then the M8 isn't prohibitively expensive.

The HTC 1 M8 is a truly fantastic smartphone, and its few shortcomings can easily be overlooked in favor of a solid characteristic set in a premium body. Well done to HTC for once once more showing what its engineers can practice.

Pros: Astonishing aluminium build is both attractive and ergonomic. Snapdragon 801 SoC is immensely powerful. Duo Photographic camera brings cool features and improved epitome quality. Great display from all angles. Sense 6.0 is better than ever before.

Cons: Camera resolution can be prohibitive.