The HTC One M8 was the company's worst kept secret of all times. We've seen countless number of leaks and videos giving us a glimpse of all the things it will offer to its users, including the software, hardware and what not. Yesterday, HTC unveiled the all new HTC One M8 at a press event in New York and London in all its glory, but the truth is, it wasn't as surprising as we thought it would be. Why? Because we had an idea of the majority of things it has to offer ahead of its launch.
If you didn't get a chance to view the event yesterday, and are unaware of the features and specifications the new HTC One M8 has to offer, we'll list down what it has to offer. Dive in to know more.
1. Design
As rumored before, the new HTC One M8 looks strikingly similar to its predecessor, with a few bumps here and there. The handset measures 146.36 x 70.6 x 9.35 mm, and weighs only 160g. The new HTC One M8 comes with a slightly bigger 5-inch display rocking a 1080p resolution. The handset comes with the same premium metal finish as its predecessor, and looks great in hand.
The new HTC One doesn't feature capacitive touch buttons as the previous One, and decided to go with the on-screen buttons. It seems they just improved the look and feel of the original HTC One, and you'll notice that you will use the buttons less frequently due to the double tap to wake and Motion Launch gestures. Motion Launch is a pretty handy feature that allow users to interact with the phone without turning on the screen. A swipe will turn on the screen, and you can answer calls by just putting the phone on your ear, and much more.
2. Android 4.4 KitKat with Sense 6.0
The new HTC One M8 comes with the latest Android 4.4.2 KitKat update running the latest version of Sense 6, or what HTC calls it, the sixth sense. Most of the things remains the same as the software on the HTC One, but the company has improved its look, making it a lot cleaner and better. One of the biggest change might be the addition of motion sensors that allows users to use gestures to perform various tasks such as unlocking screen, answering calls accessing Blinkfeed, and more.
The new version also comes with an improved version of BlinkFeed, bringing together information from social networks and news channels all in one place.
3. Duo Camera
This is one of the most anticipated features of the HTC One M8. The handset boasts Duo camera, which consists of the usual UltraPixel module on the back that can capture excellent images in different lighting conditions, as well as a depth sensor that captures detail depth information from a scene and allows users to add a range of beautiful and creative effects. The camera has a sensor size of 1/3' and f/2.0 aperture.
HTC also introduced UFocus that allow users to capture images, and focus on the part of the image they want to stand out from the rest of the image. Users can also add different background effects to their photos and much more. Users with DSLR might know what I'm talking about, it blurs the image except the focused area.
If you're wondering about the functionality, it works the same and there's no rocket science to capture images - you'd do it as you've always done with a camera app. But, it will provide you with more features, all in one place, which can help you improve your images. It also features a Slow Motion mode, which allow users to capture slow motion videos and edit them.
On the front-side, HTC has bumped things up with a 5MP camera module that allows users to capture impressive selfies and video conferencing.
4. Battery
The new HTC One M8 comes with a slightly bigger 2,600 mAh battery compared to its predecessor, but it has a lot more to offer. HTC claims it can offer users with 40 percent more battery compared to the original HTC One. Additionally, HTC has also introduced a new extreme battery saving mode which can give users a battery time.
When fully charged, the extreme battery saving mode can provide users with a battery time of as long as 14 days, 60 hours of extra standby time at 20% power, 30 hours at 10% power and 15 hours at 5%. The new HTC One also features quick charging technology that offers rapid charging compared to its predecessor.
5. Other specifications, Snapdragon 801 and more
Overall, the new HTC One comes in par with the recently announced flagship devices, such as the Samsung Galaxy S5, but I would prefer it any time over the Galaxy S5 due to it's premium look and feel. That's another story, let's get on with the specifications first. The new HTC One comes with a quad-core Snapdragon 801 chipset clocked at 2.3GHz with Adreno 330 GPU and 2GB of RAM. The handset also comes with 16/32GB storage options with microSD card slot that supports up to 128GB.
It also features a lot of sensors, including Gyro sensor, Accelerometer, Proximity sensor, Ambient light sensor, Barometer. On the connectivity side, it comes with WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.0 with aptX enabled, 3.5mm audio jack, support for various network frequencies to operate in global markets, microUSB port, HDMI connection and support consumer infrared remote control. Lastly, you'll need a nanoSIM card if you are thinking about getting yourself the shiny new HTC One M8.
6. Release Date and Pricing
HTC One went on sale in the US and the UK right after it was announced yesterday from HTC website as well as few big retailers and carriers in the respective countries. HTC also announced the developer and unlocked model of the HTC One M8 which can be purchased directly from HTC for $649.99. What's even more surprising is that there's a Google Play Edition of the HTC One M8 as well which costs a hefty $699.99, $50 higher than the unlocked edition.
Customers interested in the handset can also get the HTC One M8 from the major US carriers including Sprint, AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile. However, T-Mobile will start selling the new HTC One M8 from April 11th on their popular uncarrier plan for $0 down and 24 equal monthly payments of $26.50, amounting to a total of $636 over the period. As for Verizon, AT&T and Sprint, they are offering the device on-contract as well as off-contract. Interested buyers can order it online for $199.99 tied to a two-year contract, while the off-contract price varies for all the three major carriers. Verizon is offering it for $599, AT&T for $639.99 and Sprint is offering it for the normal $649.99 off-contract.
As for the UK, it's available from major retailers and carriers, including Carphone Warehouse, Unlocked Mobiles, Phones 4U, and a few more. Unlocked Mobiles is offering the SIM-Free version for £534.98 including taxes, while Carphone Warehouse and Phones 4U listed it for £529.95.
As for the global roll out, HTC announced it will hit over 100 countries and 230 carriers across the globe next month, and will be available in Gunmetal Gray, Glacial Silver and Amber Gold colors.
7. New Dot View Cases
The new HTC One M8 comes with all new cases to protect the handset, without ruining the looks of this beautiful handset. This unique case extends the functionality of the Motion launch gestures which let users check the time, as well as weather, new texts, emails and calls, without even opening the case. The case is available in different colors, including Warm Black, Imperial Blue, Orange Popsicle, Atlantis and Baton Rouge. The case is available for sale from HTC's website for $49, which is a little pricey.
Wrap Up
The title of the press release from HTC did sound right, the best did got better. HTC One was an amazing handset, and so is the new HTC One M8. HTC One users may not find it too intriguing, but it comes with several bumps in the OS and hardware, with a slightly bigger display. So how many of you are planning to get the new HTC One M8? Let us know in the comments below.
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