There's no doubt that HTC's Windows Phone 8X is a worthy flagship. It combines phenomenal looks, solid construction and high-end specs in a relatively compact and delightfully colorful package. We're impressed with the speedy Qualcomm dual-core Snapdragon S4, great battery life, beautiful 4.3-inch 341ppi Super LCD 2 screen and strong 8-megapixel camera. Yes, the 8X is a fantastic ambassador to Windows Phone 8, but after using it for several days, we're longing for a similar phone from HTC running Android -- at least until a stronger app ecosystem develops for Microsoft's latest mobile OS. Still, if you're betting on Windows Phone 8 it really comes down to the 8X's exquisite design and reduced footprint versus the Lumia 920's better camera, larger screen and wireless charging. Which one's right for you? Stay tuned for our upcoming review of Nokia's flagship. Read more...
The HTC Windows Phone 8X's sexy hardware makes Microsoft's OS look extra cool, and its three-carrier attack will push it into the spotlight. HTC has carefully crafted the 8X's hardware, giving it an immersive screen, a fast processor, and a fair amount of internal storage. The variable camera could be another decision point between the 8X and, say, the iPhone 5's camera; however, I was very pleased with the 8X's best shots.
Ultimately, the phone can only be as strong as its OS, and as a result, you have to live with Windows Phone 8 OS itself. The OS looks sharp and is fun to use, but its continued lack of some crucial apps at launch will hold it back for some people. Rest assured that those will come, especially as more people use Windows Phone. But if the thought of not having an official Reddit app, or CNET app for that matter, makes you cringe, then the 8X absorbs that demerit. Read more...
Do you want a Windows Phone? Are you on a carrier other than AT&T? Then yes, this will probably be the best you're going to get. But if you're on the fence about making the switch, you probably want to hang back and see what the Lumia 920 looks like. Then, maybe wait a bit longer to see if the ecosystem actually manages to populate itself. But for the Windows Phone faithful, this is a hell of a makeup present from HTC. Read more...
At the end of the day Windows Phone 8 is a tough sell just like Windows Phone 7.5, which was a tough sell just like Windows Phone 7. It’s not for lack of trying, and it certainly doesn’t speak to the quality of the software or the devices that carry it. HTC’s Windows Phone 8X is a gorgeous, elegant smartphone with a unique design and solid performance.
The sad truth is that there is still no compelling argument for Windows Phone over one of the market leaders.
The optimist in me wants to tell you that can change. The app situation will improve now that Windows 8 and Windows Phone 8 share code, the third-party app performance situation will improve now that Windows Phone has a new core and new options for developers, and the visibility situation will improve now that Microsoft and Nokia are both dumping serious dollars into marketing. But the pessimist in me isn’t quite convinced. There are still too many ifs. Read more...
By all means, the Windows Phone 8X is the best Windows Phone 8 device I’ve ever used at length. But that’s also because it’s the first one I’ve come across. Nokia and Samsung also have compelling devices coming down the pipeline.
The experience isn’t all that much different than before. It’s just much faster and you can customize it a bit more. That’s fine, however, because I already love Windows Phone and think it’s a compelling and attractive third platform with iOS and Android. It’s just missing a few compelling apps and games at this point, but I have no doubt Microsoft will continue to deliver on that front soon.
I showed the Windows Phone 8X to a few people, including my fiancé, who absolutely loved the phone’s design. It’s thin, powerful and attractive. The colors at launch from HTC are also unlike any smartphone in recent memory, which is a total win for HTC on store shelves. Seriously, try going into a store and not picking up a neon yellow smartphone just to look at it. Read more...
The HTC Windows Phone 8X is set to go head-to-head against Nokia’s Lumia 920 and Samsung’s ATIV S in the Windows Phone marketplace. Windows Phone 8 shines on the 8X and the phone is a pleasure to both hold and carry around. It will be interesting to see how the handset stacks up against the competition as additional Windows Phone 8 handsets are released in the coming weeks. Read more...
When we reviewed earlier Windows Phone handsets, we were told the platform needed time to bed in. It's had that and it's evolved but we can't help feeling there are still a few areas it really is left lacking. Things like the poor media support are inexcusable and these are places where Microsoft is to blame more than HTC.
We're sure it will be fixed but it takes the gloss off a new purchase when things like this don't work flawlessly.
And the sad fact is that even though Redmond provides an OS that HTC can hardly tinker with in the way it can with Android, the buck stops with the Taiwanese here in punters' eyes.
The HTC 8X promised so much on paper and the excitement leading to it arriving was building up for us. Yet when it arrived, we found it to be a mediocre handset and this is the best of the two WP8 phones HTC is launching. Which means it's not even the best value. We recommend it for those looking for something different – but if you have the money to spend, we'd hold out for the Nokia Lumia 920. Read more...
As a piece of hardware the HTC 8X is a lovely phone. The screen is larger than the iPhone but not as overbearing as the Samsung Galaxy S III or the Nokia Lumia 920. The polycarbonate shell gives you a lovely feeling and for us the dimensions work really well.
Disappointingly, the camera isn't as good as we'd hoped and while we're complaining, neither is the depth and breath of the app choice. As we've said, that will change over the next 6 months, but it is an issue on day one in this brave new world. Read more...
With the 8X from HTC the Windows Phone platform has a new leader, being called the “signature handset” of Windows Phone 8 — and it delivers just the qualities that Microsoft was looking for. This embodies their OS’ style and design. It’s elegant, sleek, and powerful! Without a doubt the all new Windows Phone 8X by HTC is one of, if not the absolute best WP device we’ve tested to date. Offering the newest OS with it’s sleek new personalized features, an impressive HD display, powerful dual-core performance and more this phone is everything we’ve been waiting for in the world of Windows Phone. Read more...
One of the first phones to feature Microsoft's new Windows Phone 8 operating system, the HTC 8X makes a good impression. Its design is sturdy yet sexy, and, like the OS itself, is clearly differentiated from Android and iOS devices. The biggest limitation, the Windows Phone Store, still trails Apple and Google, but Microsoft has obviously worked hard with developers to fill in many of the gaps. Our only beef with this handset is its relatively short battery life.
Based on our hands-on impressions, the Nokia Lumia 920 is the Windows Phone to beat because of its groundbreaking Pure View camera, bigger display and nifty features like wireless charging. But if you want a Windows Phone that's slimmer and lighter that's also feature packed, the HTC Windows Phone 8X is a very good choice. Read more...
So, can the HTC Windows Phone 8X make an impact? Well, if spectacular design, awesome hardware, and a snappy operating system can’t, then the smartphone market is doomed to being a two-party system. I think the 8X stands a chance. Everyone I know who has picked it up has marveled about the UI, the display, and the hardware.
To its credit, Windows Phone 8 is an entirely different experience than an Apple handset—something that may please users who are no longer happy with the offerings from the Cupertino giant. However, like every other Windows Phone 8 handset, the 8X will suffer if the app ecosystem stalls out, something Microsoft seems ready to address. While the 8X has some drawbacks—only 16GB of storage, no notification center—it also has many advantages, including displaying social media updates on one screen and running legit Office programs. With the 8X, the hardware has finally arrived, and with Windows Phone 8, the software is finally closing the gaps. All it needs now is users. The 8X is a breath of fresh air for smartphone users. Read more...