HTC M8 Review

Posted on Latest In Blogs
HTC M8
108

HTC M8 Review

The HTC One M8, released in March 2014, marked a significant step in HTC’s smartphone design and functionality. With its premium build quality, innovative features, and a focus on audio and photography, the One M8 aimed to capture the attention of users looking for a flagship device that stood out from the competition. In this review, we will explore its specifications, pros, cons, and overall performance to determine if the HTC One M8 still holds value in today’s market.

Specifications

  • Display:
    • 5.0-inch Super LCD3
    • Resolution: 1080 x 1920 pixels (Full HD)
    • Pixel Density: 441 ppi
    • Corning Gorilla Glass 3
  • Processor:
    • Qualcomm Snapdragon 801
    • Quad-core 2.3 GHz Krait 400
  • RAM:
    • 2GB
  • Storage:
    • 16GB or 32GB (expandable via microSD up to 128GB)
  • Camera:
    • Rear: Dual-camera setup
      • 4 MP (UltraPixel) with f/2.0 aperture
      • 2 MP (depth sensor)
    • Front: 5 MP
  • Battery:
    • 2600 mAh
    • Non-removable
  • Operating System:
    • Android 4.4.2 (KitKat) with HTC Sense UI (upgradable to Android 6.0 Marshmallow)
  • Connectivity:
    • 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.0, NFC, USB 2.0
  • Sensors:
    • Fingerprint (front-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
  • Dimensions:
    • 146.4 x 70.6 x 9.4 mm
  • Weight:
    • 160 grams
  • Colors:
    • Gunmetal Gray, Glacial Silver, Amber Gold

Pros of HTC One M8

  1. Premium Build Quality:
    • The HTC One M8 features an all-aluminum unibody construction, giving it a premium feel and aesthetic appeal. The design is sleek and modern, with a beautiful finish that is still attractive today.
  2. Vibrant Display:
    • The 5.0-inch Super LCD3 display offers vibrant colors and excellent viewing angles. The Full HD resolution ensures sharp visuals, making it ideal for media consumption and gaming.
  3. Innovative Camera Setup:
    • The dual-camera system, featuring a 4 MP UltraPixel sensor and a 2 MP depth sensor, allows for creative photography options, including depth-of-field effects and enhanced low-light performance.
  4. BoomSound Speakers:
    • One of the standout features of the One M8 is its front-facing BoomSound speakers, which deliver rich, immersive audio quality. This makes for an excellent media experience when watching videos or listening to music.
  5. Expandable Storage:
    • The inclusion of a microSD card slot allows users to expand storage easily, providing flexibility for media and apps.
  6. Good Performance:
    • The Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 processor, paired with 2GB of RAM, provides solid performance for most tasks, including multitasking, gaming, and browsing.
  7. HTC Sense UI:
    • HTC’s Sense UI offers a user-friendly experience with a clean interface, customizable themes, and useful features, enhancing the overall Android experience.
  8. Software Updates:
    • Although the device launched with Android 4.4.2, it received updates up to Android 6.0 Marshmallow, allowing users to enjoy newer features and security enhancements.

Cons of HTC One M8

  1. Camera Limitations:
    • While the dual-camera setup offers unique features, the 4 MP UltraPixel camera struggles with detail compared to competitors with higher megapixel counts. In bright conditions, the photos can sometimes lack sharpness.
  2. Battery Life:
    • The 2600 mAh battery may not be sufficient for heavy users, especially given the device’s performance capabilities. Users may find themselves needing to charge the device more frequently, especially with heavy media usage.
  3. No Water Resistance:
    • The HTC One M8 lacks an official IP rating for water and dust resistance, which may be a downside for users looking for a durable smartphone.
  4. Older Hardware:
    • Released in 2014, the One M8’s hardware specifications are now dated compared to modern smartphones, which may affect performance with demanding applications and games.
  5. Software Bloatware:
    • Some users may find the pre-installed apps and bloatware excessive, affecting storage space and overall user experience.
  6. Limited RAM:
    • With only 2GB of RAM, the device may struggle with multitasking and running more demanding applications compared to newer models with higher RAM options.
  7. Lack of Quick Charging:
    • The One M8 does not support quick charging, which may be inconvenient for users who require fast charging capabilities.

Conclusion

The HTC One M8 was a well-crafted smartphone that delivered an impressive combination of design, performance, and audio quality when it was launched. Its premium build, vibrant display, and innovative camera features made it a strong contender in the smartphone market of its time.

However, given its age, potential buyers should be aware of its limitations, including the dated camera performance and battery life. While it may still appeal to users looking for a stylish device with solid performance for basic tasks, those seeking the latest features, enhanced camera capabilities, and longer battery life may want to consider more recent models.

In summary, the HTC One M8 remains a notable device in HTC’s history, but prospective buyers should evaluate their needs against its capabilities, especially in today’s rapidly evolving smartphone landscape.