First Impression: HTC One M8 smartphone

HTC introduced its flagship device for 2014 in the form of One M8 that succeeds the HTC One M7 smartphone across the globe. Already available in markets like US and Europe, the phone will make its bow in India around third week of April. We managed to spend some quality time with the One M8 recently during which we were able to understand the ergonomics factor, build quality, camera output and other features and the following will explain our observation in detail:

Built and design: HTC may not be getting the numbers but when it comes to building and designing a smartphone, these is no one better than the Taiwan-based company, which lauded for HTC One as best designed phone last year. With One M8, the phone has gone up a notch with full metal body covering 90% of the device ( which excludes the display) and brushed metallic finish with gentle curve, makes the One M8 an easy to hold and handle 5 inch device. The device feels really solid, offers the premium quality that HTC preaches in a simplistic manner. Verdict: Nothing to complain and a standout device for its looks, built and design.

Display: The phone sports a 5 inch 1920x1080 pixels full HD display that is coated with Corning Glass 3 for screen protection. The color reproduction and viewing angles are reasonably good and the brightness levels match that of other flagship devices. Thin bezels on the size enable the display to offer wider viewing experience. Verdict: It may not be as bright as the Galaxy S5 but equally good for a flagship device.

Processor: This is where HTC has taken a step up from its rivals. The company has launched the One M8 that packs Snapdragon 801 chipset clubbed with 2 GB that remains the only variant in the market. With this, the phone will support India-based 2300 MHz LTE connectivity along with global LTE bandwidth. Verdict: We like the fact that, One M8 will support LTE in India which makes the device future-proof.

Camera: The biggest letdown as far as the One M8 is concerned. One M8 features the same 4 Ultra Pixel rear camera and 5 MP front snapper. Probably for the first time, we've come across front camera being bigger than the back one. HTC has added dual-color LED flash and the most prominent addition is the small sensor above the camera that enables to click better detailed pictures and allows part image-focus selection. The front camera is good enough for video calling and quick selfies. Verdict: The camera has no major improvement but improved dual-color flash the colors look vibrant and the depth sensor adds impetus to image and enables pre/post image editing.

Others: HTC has informed that dual-SIM variant of One M8 will not come to India and first launch the 16 GB model only. The phone is powered by Sense 6 UI which comes with subject-based colored themes, new font and simples interface. It weighs 160 grams and doubles up as fitness tracker device via Fit Bit as well. The phone offers 10 GB usable space and expandable up to 128 GB via microSD (Note: apps cannot be installed on card). It supports Nano-SIM card. Verdict: Expandable storage is a good sign, new Sense 6 UI looks refreshed but no option of saving apps on SD card is a bummer.