HTC One (M8) for Windows review

The metal chassis wraps around a large 5-inch 1080p IPS LCD. Reviews on the screen were very positive with everyone mentioning how crisp and clear it is. Brightness does not appear to be an issue. However, CNet noted that wearing polarized sunglasses while using the phone could pose some problems. While it might not have the pure blacks of an AMOLED display, reviews give the screen high marks across the board.

Pushing the M8 is a 2.3GHz quad-core Snapdragon 801 processor with 2GB of RAM. Even with the high-resolution display, reviews indicate that performance is stellar. CNet noted that it “handles like greased lightning.” Engadget was less impressed, stating that it “runs well most of the time.” They later elaborate, stating that many delays are simply a cause of animations and other eye candy used by Windows Phone 8.1.1 and not actual issues with performance at all.

With 32GB of internal storage and support for microSD cards up to 128GB, there handset offers plenty of room for your movie collection, music or the latest high-definition games. Reviews also noted that there is very little pre-installed bloatware to take up space on the device out of the box. Combined with the stereo BoomSound speakers and reviews indicate it is an excellent choice for media consumption and gaming. Phone Arena declared, “From its vibrant screen to its stereo speakers, it definitely delivers the goods in this particular area.” CNet added that the speakers “belt out a ton of sound.”

Power users will appreciate the battery life on the phone. While the 2600mAh battery cannot be swapped out, reviews all found the phone to have exceptional battery life. While gaming would tax the battery, most found that average or heavy usage otherwise would still net a full day’s use on a single charge. CNet tested the phone with light mixed use and talking and found they were about to use the phone for 21 hours without searching for a power outlet.

Other features include an IR blaster for controlling your television, the Cortana voice assistant and the interesting UFocus feature. By including two cameras on the back of the device, the UFocus feature allows you to refocus photos after you’ve taken them and add a number of artistic effects and filters not found on other handsets. Unfortunately, overall reviews of the camera are average at best, with many reviews citing lighting issues and overall soft photos. CNet said, “Compared with several Nokia Lumias, this device just isn't up to par.”

At the end of the day, the weakest point of the HTC One (M8) for Windows, according to reviews, isn’t the hardware at all. It’s the Windows software. Pocket Now found the interface unfriendly with some common tasks and all reviews pointed out a lack of app availability compared to Android or iOS.

However, if you’re not concerned about this issue, the phone gets rave reviews. CNet believes the phone will “undoubtedly satisfy your needs -- as only Microsoft's software and HTC's premium hardware can.” Business Insider calls it “a fantastic phone.” Even Engadget declared it “one of the best options” in the Windows Phone lineup.