HTC One (M8) – Best phone of 2014

[yellowarse]

<header class="title" id="articleContent" style="display: block; ">Hard to improve on the best phone of 2013, but HTC has done it again with the M8.

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HTC One (M8) review

Stunning design, loads of power and some big upgrades; HTC's done it again

</header>By Gareth Beavis <time class="datePublished" datetime="2014-03-31T13:34:00Z" style="font-weight: normal; "> March 31st</time>

Editor's Choice award


TechRadar's rating

Introduction and design
I'd hate to be a phone designer these days, trying to achieve unique and exciting features in a jaw dropping package for what is essentially a screen with some extra bits and pieces surrounding it.

• Compare the latest HTC One (M8) deals

So it's all the more impressive that HTC, fresh from making the best-looking phone of 2013, has managed to make the HTC One (M8), a phone crammed full of power and great features while improving the design that won it so many accolades.
The poor naming aside, the One (M8) is a phone that takes the superb DNA of last year's device, improves it in nearly every area and then packs it full of all the latest technology...and still finds space to pack in a microSD card slot.
On top of that the chassis has been retooled to now be made of 90% metal, up from around 70% last year, and the result is a brushed aluminium design that seems compelling the second you lay eyes on it.
<figure style="display: block; margin-top: -1px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 20px; margin-left: 0px; position: relative; border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(178, 178, 178); border-right-color: rgb(178, 178, 178); border-bottom-color: rgb(178, 178, 178); border-left-color: rgb(178, 178, 178); overflow-x: hidden; clear: both; cursor: pointer; ">

</figure>Let's go back in time a little bit here: when it launched the HTC One X - let's not get into the fact that this company needs to employ a whole new team dedicated to naming products - the company was in a nosedive.
<figure style="display: block; margin-top: -1px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 20px; margin-left: 0px; position: relative; border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(178, 178, 178); border-right-color: rgb(178, 178, 178); border-bottom-color: rgb(178, 178, 178); border-left-color: rgb(178, 178, 178); overflow-x: hidden; clear: both; cursor: pointer; ">

</figure>From the heights of the HTC Desire, the world's first true iPhone competitor, it had fallen dramatically, and sales were in the toilet.

The brand needed a reboot, and the HTC One was just that. It wasn't a commercial success in the same vein as the iPhone 5S or the Samsung Galaxy S4, but it was critically superior.
So HTC had a tough choice: make a sequel that was mere evolution, an HTC One S (wait... that's been done) if you will, which would make the world realise it truly believed in its design trajectory, or reinvent the wheel again, try and different kind of impressive phone and run the risk of offering up a flop?
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</figure>Somehow the company has managed to navigate these choppy waters and create something that stands astride both categories.
The HTC One (M8) is an even better designed device that takes the principles of the original One, expands them in the right places and adds in some more HTC sauce here and there.
The result offers up something that can compete with Samsung on the technological front yet still stand toe-to-toe with Apple, arguably the producer of some of the best-looking devices of all time.
Of course, the One (M8) isn't a phone that's going to be to everyone's tastes. It's expensive, coming in at least £500 SIM free (AU$899, around US$820), but that's to be expected from a flagship phone like this.
<figure style="display: block; margin-top: -1px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 20px; margin-left: 0px; position: relative; border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(178, 178, 178); border-right-color: rgb(178, 178, 178); border-bottom-color: rgb(178, 178, 178); border-left-color: rgb(178, 178, 178); overflow-x: hidden; clear: both; cursor: pointer; ">

</figure>You'll need to be ready to pay top dollar for the HTC One (M8), but once you hold it you'll accept that it deserves to command such a premium.
There are other things that will put off some too: the fact that the screen is now 5 inches mean this is a larger device, one that can take two hands to operate at times, and it's even bigger than the 2013 version as a result.
HTC needs to sort out its efforts in the mid-to-low smartphone arena, but that's a topic for a different day. The HTC One (M8) is a phone that's supposed to offer the best of the smartphone market, one that will survive the onslaught of the iPhone 6 and the Galaxy S5, while preserving HTC's heritage and bringing the bottom line closer to something more healthy.
Through a clever combination of technology and design, it appears the company has managed to just do that - and in today's impossibly congested smartphone market (especially at the high end) that's something to be applauded.
Design

As you can guess from the introduction, the HTC One (M8) is a phone that is as much about premium design as it is about packing in the latest version of Android and a decent processor.
The brand took great pains to point out that the One (M8) is a phone that builds on the heritage of last year's One, but improves in just about every arena. The metal chassis is still there, and the aluminium casing now makes up 90% of the frame, up from about 70% previously.
<figure style="display: block; margin-top: -1px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 20px; margin-left: 0px; position: relative; border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(178, 178, 178); border-right-color: rgb(178, 178, 178); border-bottom-color: rgb(178, 178, 178); border-left-color: rgb(178, 178, 178); overflow-x: hidden; clear: both; cursor: pointer; ">

</figure>This is probably the most significant change, along with the fact the back and sides are now more curved, as it brings a really impressive feel in the hand. If the original One was characterised by first-time users saying 'Wow, that feels lovely' the next iteration takes that message further.
There will be very few brand-agnostic people that wander into their local phone emporium, pick up the HTC One (M8) and a couple of competitors, and find that the Taiwanese brand's new device is streets ahead in the design stakes - and I'd bet that most would be unable to resist a purchase after that.
<figure style="display: block; margin-top: -1px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 20px; margin-left: 0px; position: relative; border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(178, 178, 178); border-right-color: rgb(178, 178, 178); border-bottom-color: rgb(178, 178, 178); border-left-color: rgb(178, 178, 178); overflow-x: hidden; clear: both; cursor: pointer; ">

</figure>The difference here between the One (M8) and the iPhone 5S - the two phones that lead the way in the design stakes - is weight and screen size. Having something that feels premium is incredibly important when you're spending so much on a phone per month, and while the iPhone is beautiful in its metal casing, it's too light to feel like you're getting something really premium.
There's a subconscious reaction when you pick up something for the first time, a natural expectation of how it might feel in the hand, and the HTC One (M8), with its 9.35mm thickness and 160g weight, marries those two very well.
It's no coincidence that smartphones are packing on the grams a little bit these days. Where around 120g was the fashion a couple of years ago, now we're seeing heavier phones as designers try to meet a new paradigm (plus all that new technology needs to go somewhere, after all).
<figure style="display: block; margin-top: -1px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 20px; margin-left: 0px; position: relative; border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(178, 178, 178); border-right-color: rgb(178, 178, 178); border-bottom-color: rgb(178, 178, 178); border-left-color: rgb(178, 178, 178); overflow-x: hidden; clear: both; cursor: pointer; ">

</figure>Let's look at the actual design of the HTC One (M8) - and it's definitely equal parts evolution and revolution.
The flagship version will be this metallic grey, although a silver version that evokes the previous model and a champagne / rose gold option will be both available too. However, this brushed metal effect is stunning, and helps distance the One (M8) from its predecessor.
<figure style="display: block; margin-top: -1px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 20px; margin-left: 0px; position: relative; border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(178, 178, 178); border-right-color: rgb(178, 178, 178); border-bottom-color: rgb(178, 178, 178); border-left-color: rgb(178, 178, 178); overflow-x: hidden; clear: both; cursor: pointer; ">

</figure>Holding it in the hand is a really pleasant experience, one that makes you feel like you're holding something you should spend a lot of money on.
Quite rightly some will baulk at the larger chassis, mostly down to the decision to include the Boomsound speakers above and below the screen, but once you've heard them in action you'll struggle not to agree that they're not a worthy trade-off.
<figure style="display: block; margin-top: -1px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 20px; margin-left: 0px; position: relative; border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(178, 178, 178); border-right-color: rgb(178, 178, 178); border-bottom-color: rgb(178, 178, 178); border-left-color: rgb(178, 178, 178); overflow-x: hidden; clear: both; cursor: pointer; ">

</figure>The iPhone 5S and even the Galaxy S4 / Galaxy S5 have a more compact design language than the One (M8), which is larger thanks to the speaker addition, but overall I don't think this detracts from the overall effect.
The headphone jack has been moved to the bottom of the phone, which will anger some users. I still think this is an unintuitive place to add the port, as I've become used to having it at the top. Arguments that it makes it easier to slip in and out of the pocket don't hold water, and it makes the phone hard to hold in portrait when listening to music.
<figure style="display: block; margin-top: -1px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 20px; margin-left: 0px; position: relative; border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(178, 178, 178); border-right-color: rgb(178, 178, 178); border-bottom-color: rgb(178, 178, 178); border-left-color: rgb(178, 178, 178); overflow-x: hidden; clear: both; cursor: pointer; ">

</figure>But I've got some really good news for you phone-lovers out there: the HTC One (M8) comes with a microSD slot! I thought this would never happen after the brand did away with the expansion last year, citing design reasons and a general lack of need thanks to the ubiquity of cloud storage (which is clearly still not true).
<figure style="display: block; margin-top: -1px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 20px; margin-left: 0px; position: relative; border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(178, 178, 178); border-right-color: rgb(178, 178, 178); border-bottom-color: rgb(178, 178, 178); border-left-color: rgb(178, 178, 178); overflow-x: hidden; clear: both; cursor: pointer; ">

</figure>To hammer home that last point, HTC told me that it re-introduced the expandable memory as it was a) able to do so without compromising the design and b) it had heard from so many consumers that this was a real sticking point for not buying the original One.
It's always good to see a brand climb down when consumers ask for something, and now this means that there are no issues about filling your phone up with photos and home videos as well as music and movies.
<figure style="display: block; margin-top: -1px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 20px; margin-left: 0px; position: relative; border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(178, 178, 178); border-right-color: rgb(178, 178, 178); border-bottom-color: rgb(178, 178, 178); border-left-color: rgb(178, 178, 178); overflow-x: hidden; clear: both; cursor: pointer; ">

</figure>The slot isn't that easy to access on the fly, as like the nanoSIM port it needs a small tool to pop open the drawer. That might be annoying for the more hardcore photographer, but most people will rarely, if ever, hot swap cards, so it just offers a cheap and easy way to increase the 16GB / 32GB onboard storage by up to 128GB.
The top of the phone is all plastic still, and this is to with antenna technology as well as allowing the infrared signal to control home theatre devices.
This, combined with the thin plastic strips on the rear of the phone, allow for phone and Wi-Fi signal to permeate through the chassis... when you hear engineers talk about how hard it is to make a metal phone that can still connect to other devices, the design language of the One is even more impressive.
<figure style="display: block; margin-top: -1px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 20px; margin-left: 0px; position: relative; border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(178, 178, 178); border-right-color: rgb(178, 178, 178); border-bottom-color: rgb(178, 178, 178); border-left-color: rgb(178, 178, 178); overflow-x: hidden; clear: both; cursor: pointer; ">

</figure>The phone isn't perfect on the One (M8) though - although the following points are more little irritations than anything that undoes the work of the overall design ethos.
One area I'm really happy about is the button travel, as the original One has very flat keys that were hard to find and press. The One (M8) improves on that massively, making everything easier to find in the pocket or bag and tap.
<figure style="display: block; margin-top: -1px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 20px; margin-left: 0px; position: relative; border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(178, 178, 178); border-right-color: rgb(178, 178, 178); border-bottom-color: rgb(178, 178, 178); border-left-color: rgb(178, 178, 178); overflow-x: hidden; clear: both; cursor: pointer; ">

</figure>However, the keys still feel a little plastic and have a little bit of wiggle when rocked back and forth. This is the same criticism I had with the first One, and it got sorted after a couple of months, but I'd expect a phone of this calibre to have every part of the device locked into place - a rattle ruins things a little bit.
The power button is still on the top of the phone, which I can live with, but it's been moved from the left to the right side. I've argued with a few people about this, as it seems that some people prefer this orientation where others find it incredibly hard to hit.
I'm in the latter camp, as my finger naturally sits on the left of the phone and I found it very easy to unlock the first One. Now not only do I have to shuffle along to find the power button, but whenever I do so I accidentally engage the volume key, meaning I always keep turning the ringtone up and down.
<figure style="display: block; margin-top: -1px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 20px; margin-left: 0px; position: relative; border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(178, 178, 178); border-right-color: rgb(178, 178, 178); border-bottom-color: rgb(178, 178, 178); border-left-color: rgb(178, 178, 178); overflow-x: hidden; clear: both; cursor: pointer; ">

</figure>This was probably the most infuriating part of the HTC One (M8) - which isn't a bad thing to have at all, but is a poor thing to happen over and over again.
I'm also a bit perplexed about the fast HTC decided to drop the capacitive buttons (understandable given Android 4.4 KitKat's love of on-screen keys) yet keep the same big black bar that contains the HTC logo. This feels like a lot of wasted real estate on the front of the phone, and could have allowed the brand to keep the same footprint as the previous model if it had found another place to chuck its name.
The reason for this is probably due to the need to pack in the necessary internal components while maintaining the Boomsound speakers, but given the level of intelligence on show here when it comes to packaging the device, it seems like a missed trick.
<figure style="display: block; margin-top: -1px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 20px; margin-left: 0px; position: relative; border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(178, 178, 178); border-right-color: rgb(178, 178, 178); border-bottom-color: rgb(178, 178, 178); border-left-color: rgb(178, 178, 178); overflow-x: hidden; clear: both; cursor: pointer; ">

</figure>But before you get too downhearted, here's the upshot: the HTC One (M8) is one of the most beautiful phones ever made, and that's a statement that's even more impressive given we were saying the same thing about the device this time last year.
The improved use of metal in the chassis really works, and the shape is updated without losing any of the heritage of last year's popular model. The addition of a microSD slot is inspired, and while I can't say I'll ever get on board with the headphone jack being on the bottom, it's something that you can live with.
In short, if you want a phone that looks the absolute business in the smartphone world, AND builds in some top-end components, I'd wager you won't do much better in 2014 unless Sir Jony Ive has something absolutely spectacular up his sleeve.

 

[Scrooball (clone)]

Cannot replace battery.

No fingerprint scanner.

 

[laksaboy]

Cannot replace battery.

No fingerprint scanner.

Neither of them are deal breakers.

The problem with the HTC One M8 is the very mediocre camera.

Its quality might be acceptable in 2010, but it's unacceptable for a flagship device in 2014 and your rivals' offerings are constantly improving.

 

[yellowarse]

Cannot replace battery.

No fingerprint scanner.

Fingerprint scanner is gimmicky - the technology is not perfected yet and false negatives approaching 50% are seen in the iPhone. HTC put it in the One Max, but took it out of the M8. Why let immature tech bloat the phone's software?

As for non-removable battery, not a big deal. When it's time to change the battery, it's time to change the phone.

 

[yellowarse]

The problem with the HTC One M8 is the very mediocre camera.

Its quality might be acceptable in 2010, but it's unacceptable for a flagship device in 2014 and your rivals' offerings are constantly improving.

It's the obsession with megapixel count - the more the merrier the better. Lens quality and sensor size and technology may be more important.

I actually compared the HTC One with the Galaxy S4, shooting under normal daylight conditions - no perceptible diff. when viewed on my laptop. But the One came out noticeably better in indoor and low-light situations. Also better shadow detail in high-contrast situations.

 

[sochi2014]

Get this!!

http://sammyboy.com/showthread.php?178642-Latest-Phone-Model!!-Good-or-not

 

[sukhoi-30]

HTC is producing super good Android phones, much better than any other brands. They are extremely durable and can be used for many years esp for those who aren't particular gadget savvy. It is also very well made. It is the Apple of Android is not without reasons.

Unfortunately, it is spending very little on marketing and has its products all buried by Samsung which is clearly inferior compare to HTC. Even Sony & LG now is bugging up its marketing to win over consumers.

 

[laksaboy]

It's the obsession with megapixel count - the more the merrier the better. Lens quality and sensor size and technology may be more important.

I actually compared the HTC One with the Galaxy S4, shooting under normal daylight conditions - no perceptible diff. when viewed on my laptop. But the One came out noticeably better in indoor and low-light situations. Also better shadow detail in high-contrast situations.

I saw the camera photo samples online. HTC One M8's photos are washed out, lacking detail. Hardly a surprise when you only have 4MP to work with.

The M8 also does not have OIS, so it may be a problem for people with shaky hands.

http://www.imore.com/htc-one-m8-vs-iphone-5s-camera-comparison

 

[yellowarse]

Windows sucks. Android rules.

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HTC One (M8) Review: The New Best Android Smartphone

[FONT=alright_sansmediumitalic]Posted [/FONT]<time datetime="2014-03-31" class="timestamp" style="font-family: alright_sansmediumitalic, HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; box-sizing: border-box; ">Mar 31, 2014</time>[FONT=alright_sansmediumitalic] by [/FONT]Darrell Etherington[FONT=alright_sansmediumitalic]([/FONT]@drizzled[FONT=alright_sansmediumitalic])[/FONT]

There’s a new contender for Android top dog on the market, and it’s the HTC One (M8), the latest from the Taiwanese firm. This metal-clad unibody slab inherits the good looks of its predecessor, last year’s HTC One (retroactively referred to as the M7), but refines the look and adds a lot of significant software changes, too. It makes the new One a great device, and well worth a look as your next device.

[FONT=open_sansregular]

[/FONT][FONT=alright_sansblack]
Basics[/FONT]

• 5.0-inch, 1080p display
• 2.3GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 quad-core processor
• 2GB RAM, 32GB storage
• MicroSD expandable storage
• 5MP front camera, HTC UltraPixel rear camera
• 802.11ac, Bluetooth 4.0
• MSRP: $649 off contract, $249.99 on 2-year agreement
• Product info page

Pros

• Best design of any Android phone
• Screen is just at the upper end of size/usability ratio

Cons

• Some accidental touch on far side interactions
• New Motion Launch feature makes for accidental unlocking

Design

The HTC One (M8)’s best feature is its design. No other company does a better job of highlighting, and distancing itself from the sameness of the plastic rectangle take on the Android smartphone than HTC. It has more in common with Apple than with any other Android OEM when it comes to the look and feel of its latest phones, and the new M8 is no exception. But it also manages to distinguish itself enough to avoid any accusations that it’s simply “copying” the iPhone maker.

The version I reviewed came in the new gunmetal gray finish, which features a faintly striated finish not unlike those you’ll find on many stainless steel home appliances. It’s a good look that stands out from other metal finish devices, and it feels nice and smooth in the hand without being overly so and prone to slipping. The new all metal enclosure includes wraparound sides, which is an improvement both visually and in terms of ergonomics to the plastic border on the M7 from last year. Kudos, too, to HTC on integrating a removable microSD card storage tray without making sacrifices in terms of the unibody metal enclosure.
Despite the fact that the M8 is quite a bit larger than the M7, more rounded edges make the newer phone still feel fairly pocketable and hand-holdable. Overall, this phone’s design is an impressive achievement, right down to the absence of the annoying Beats Audio logo that cluttered up the back of last year’s HTC One in the interest of hollow marketing rhetoric.
Features

The HTC One (M8) launch was as much about Sense 6.0 as it was about new hardware. The latest version of Sense, HTC’s UI customization of Android, offers improved BlinkFeed, new unlocking features for the phone, a better, more social integrated TV remote and more. It’s an improvement to one of the better third-party Android customizations out there, and it actually makes using the One more pleasant, which is saying a lot considering I generally prefer stock Android.


Whereas stock Android KitKat 4.4′s launch brings up Google Now when you swipe to the far left screen, BlinkFeed comes up on the One (M8). I thought that would bother me, but actually I find myself using the social and news stream more often than I thought I ever would. It provides a good, Flipboard-style overview of highlights from all of your sources, including connected Facebook, Twitter and other accounts, and it’s a nice replacement for typical waiting room fodder like newspapers and magazines.
Motion Gestures are also new to the One (M8), but these are more of a mixed bag. I love being able to swipe up to unlock the device, and double-tap to view the lock screen, rather than using the hardware sleep/wake/power button exclusively. But I also find that it’s sometimes possible to accidentally trigger the screen when removing the phone from a pocket or bag, making potential modern equivalents of butt dials a real possibility.
Motion Gestures also turns the volume down button into a dedicated camera button, launching directly into that app when the phone is lifted up and held in landscape mode. This is also handy, but I’d rather it was more consistent in terms of how it’s triggered (like any time the volume button is held down, not just when held in landscape after lifting).

Speaking of the camera, that’s another big new area of improvement for HTC with this device. They’ve changed the hardware, and introduced the ‘Duo Camera’ twin imaging sensor. This allows it to perform some neat trips determining background from foreground, and applying filters to different parts of the image. There’s also the ability to refocus images after they’re taken.
These features are neat, but mostly just that; few feel like definitive advantages that provide a reason to use the One above any other devices. Images from the rear camera are good, too, and look great on the phone, but they don’t have very high resolution (the images are combined from two 4 megapixel sensors into one, roughly 4 megapixel composite) compared to the rest of the competition. HTC says it’s not focusing on the megapixel race, however, and so long as you’re looking for social and digital sharing, the camera should suit you very well.
Performance

First of all, it’s true that some have called out HTC for doing some tricks around benchmarking tests. But let me say right away, I could not care less about benchmarks. They provide a number that’s useless to most smartphone buyers, and abstract in the extreme. Instead, I’ll judge the M8 on its performance in apps and on websites I use regularly.
Simply said, the One (M8) is a top-notch performer relative to other Android devices, and handles home screen UI navigation as well as apps and image-rich websites with ease. Animations are smooth, media playback is good, and HD resolution video looks great on the smartphone. For your average smartphone buyer, there’s nothing in terms of performance that will give anyone any reason for pause.
The speakers on the One (M8) are HTC’s trademark BoomSound audio devices, and they work well. I spent a fair amount of time watching Netflix on the HTC One (M8) at my desk while working on other things, and found both video and audio quality surprisingly enjoyable, given that these are built-in smartphone speakers we’re talking about. I still think there’s no real reason to listen to audio on a device’s built-in speakers, but if you have to, HTC is leading the field.
Call quality was excellent, even when used with the Dot View case, and the included headphones are also good, and better than the stock iPhone ones. Network performance was strong, both on Telus’ LTE network in Toronto which is what I was using to test, and on Wi-Fi. The M8 fares especially well on 802.11ac networks, which my home network is, and I experienced speeds comparable to those on my workstation Mac for Wi-Fi communication.
Display

The screen on the HTC One (M8) is a 5-inch, 1920 x 1080 screen, with 441 pixel density. It’s absolutely one of the best smartphone screens in the business. HTC’s screens are generally my favorite in terms of color balance, tone, contrast and other key display metrics, and this one is no exception. Tones are very slightly cool, and the rendering of text and graphics is absolutely crisp.

HD quality video looks terrific on the 1080p Full HD screen, which makes the One a great device for watching video while you wait or during the commute. The one problem in this regard is that its edge-to-edge design creates some issues with respect to one-handed use. When reaching across the screen to hit touch points on the far side, I found the meat of my palm would accidentally trigger the touch sensor on the other edge, making it miss detection of the actual intended input on a few occasions.
Battery

The HTC One (M8) offers a special extended battery life mode for drawing out those last remaining bits of power for as long as is possible. In practice, this does offer a bump, and a considerable one, by intelligently and selectively disabling and enabling services on your phone as needed; it’s a little like the difference between a conscientious home owner and one who values convenience above all else – Extreme Power Saving Mode is the diligent one, happy to turn things on only when they want to use them, and the standard operating mode is the power glutton, who’d rather have everything on and ready to use at all times.
Even without the special mode, battery life on the HTC One (M8) is strong, and lasts about as long as a full charge on its predecessor. The mode was included for a reason, however, and if you’re using it heavily throughout the day, you’ll appreciate the extra juice you get from flicking it on with say, 10 percent remaining.
Dot View Case

The HTC One (M8) debuted alongside a special new case for the smartphone, the Dot View case; this accessory offers a rubberized, perforated cover connected to a back shell for whole phone protection. The front cover offers passthrough touch input support, and displays notifications, time and weather using a dot matrix-style point display lit up by the phone’s LED.

It’s a cool accessory, and you can even answer phone calls through it without ever opening the cover, but it’s not without its flaws; using the phone with the case on and the cover open can be a challenge, especially if you want to do anything one-handed, as the front flap doesn’t fold snugly to the back. It’s virtually impossible to thumb type in this manner, but if you’re happy two-handing, and you appreciate the retro-chic, it’s a fun and original add-on.
Bottom Line

The HTC One (M8) is currently my favorite Android smartphone. It replaces the Nexus 5 and HTC One in that spot, as both of last year’s phones jockeyed for top billing as my preferred device before. Why does the new One unseat them? The screen, for one, but also the industrial design; Android phones can dance with specs and software all they want, but they’re strikingly similar when you get right down to it. HTC, and its peers, have nailed the basic smartphone experience, and design is one of the few places where extra effort really shows; HTC has put in that effort, and deserves the reward of high praise for having done so.

 

[yellowarse]

I saw the camera photo samples online. HTC One M8's photos are washed out, lacking detail. Hardly a surprise when you only have 4MP to work with.

The M8 also does not have OIS, so it may be a problem for people with shaky hands.

http://www.imore.com/htc-one-m8-vs-iphone-5s-camera-comparison

Haven't checked out the M8 camera, but took a look at your linked article. Seems like they haven't got algorithm for exposure down pat. A huge sensor cuts both ways: more sensitive to light, but harder to nail down exposure compensation. White balance seems superb in the M8, as in the M7.

 

[Rogue Trader]

Good to see Htc back in the Android phone makers game. 5 years ago they were the forerunners of android phone makers... until they went mad and started releasing one new model per month (like Samsung is doing now). Then Htc totally missed out on the tablet game when they gambled on Windows phones.

I hope they have finally found their feet and give Samsung a good run for their money. Their flipchart clock display is a classic!

 

[sochi2014]

Look at the mess!! How could disorganized people make good phones?

 

[tonychat]

THat's fuck up when you can't take out your battery.

 

[virus]

tat's one hell of ugly fone..

soursoup galaxy S5 will bury it.

 

[Midway]

no thanks and no for Lumia after acquisition by Microsoft.

 

[kingrant]

My fren was raving about the LG G2, says it is better value - has all that HTC One has but at a lower price..maybe even better camera.

Any one can double cfm?

 

[sochi2014]

My fren was raving about the LG G2, says it is better value - has all that HTC One has but at a lower price..maybe even better camera.

Any one can double cfm?

LG G2 got one hump at the back. Like Mr. 驼背。that is why i din buy.

every phone is not perfect and has flaws. Why????

 

[yellowarse]

My fren was raving about the LG G2, says it is better value - has all that HTC One has but at a lower price..maybe even better camera.

LG G2 is one ugly, plasticky phone.

---

HTC One (M8) vs LG G2

Introduction


LG might’ve been the last major smartphone maker to announce its 2013 flagship smartphone last year, but the wait was well worth it – partly due to the fact that it trumped many of its rivals in several categories. As for HTC, they were actually one of the first on the scene to deliver a top contender smartphone last year – the HTC One M7. Now that 2014 is upon us, we’re seeing the same trend from before, where HTC is one of the first to globally launch its flagship device.

In our next comparison, we’re pitting the newly outedHTC One (M8) against the formidable LG G2. We know that there’s a significant difference between the two, as one is the regarded as a last-generation model – while the other is a part of the current crop. Naturally, there are going to be some advantages with the newer HTC One M8 (think hardware), but that doesn’t mean that the LG G2 can’t stand its ground and give it a good run for its money.

Design


Even before we’re able to hold each device in our hand, our eyes can instantly tell us from afar which of the two handsets in question is flaunting the more attractive design. At the core here, it’s plastic versus metal – so we know where this one is heading already. With its body comprised out of 90% brushed aluminum, the HTC One (M8) radiates strongly with that premium touch that we desperately desire in a high-end phone. In comparison, the LG G2’s polished plastic casing just can’t compare, since it lacks the sturdy and solid feel of its competitor.

Metal just screams premium, so there’s no hiding the obvious here people. Not only does the HTC One has the superior build quality, but the metallic casing enables the phone to look cleaner – while also repelling nasty dirt and debris. Due to its polished look, the plastic frame of the LG G2 is more prone to being dirtied by those unwanted baddies. Then again, the advantage with going with a plastic casing is that the LG G2 is both the lighter and more streamlined device.

Highly touted for its stylish and stunning design, the HTC One M8 makes the LG G2 look dated, boring, and downright conventional. If you want to raise a few eyebrows as you’re putting your phone to your ear, you’ll surely get more of it with the HTC One in your hand.

Alien at first, the LG G2’s placement for its power button and volume control is something learned over time – thus becoming more natural. Still, they don’t compare to the more accessible set of buttons on the HTC One, which are more distinct to the touch and responsive. Looking around their trims, they sport several common ports. Specifically, they include the 3.5mm headset jack, microUSB port, and IR blaster. However, the HTC One M8 benefits by offering us a microSD card slot for storage expansion and dual front-firing speakers.

Conclusion


Two flagship Android smartphones, two fantastic performances amongst them in several key areas. There’s just no going around the obvious here people, they have nearly all the elements we want to find in a smartphone that would cement their statuses as being flagship things. Making a logical decision in what to choose is tough no doubt, especially when each device has their unique characteristics to pull in certain consumers.
Consequently, pricing is a driving factor that can fine tune a decision for some. Taking into account that it’s been out for a longer period of time, the LG G2 naturally benefits from having a lower price point than the HTC One (M8). Depending on where you shop, you can even snag it for as low as free with a 2-year contract – or $465 outright if you prefer not being stuck with an agreement. Meanwhile, the HTC One M8 is priced at $200 on-contract, or $650 outright through several carriers. Savings is something you’ll get more sticking with the LG G2.

Overall, the decision will mainly hinge on what you like – and pricing too if that matters to you. Pick up the LG G2 if you want an inexpensive smartphone that can still hold its own ground by offering us a ton of software features, and being the superior phone when it comes to snapping photos and videos. However, if you want a phone that can stand out from the crowd for its beautiful design, produce some cool post photo effects, boasts a long lasting battery life, and has an excellent call quality performance, then the HTC One M8 is going to be the device for you.

 

[johnny333]

Fingerprint scanner is gimmicky - the technology is not perfected yet and false negatives approaching 50% are seen in the iPhone. ....

I also thought it was a gimmick until I got an iPhone 5s. It's pretty good. If it fails to detect your finger print correctly the 1st time, just keep your finger on the sensor & it'll eventually detect it.

Nice thing about it is that you can make multiple fingerprint records of your right & left hand. This is useful because you never know which hand or finger you have free.