The HTC one M8 hit the shelves only a month before the Samsung Galaxy S5, making the S5 its closest rival in the race for market domination, followed by the LG G3 and Sony Experia Z3 which are equally worthy rivals within the Android market. Available to the public since March 2014; in this HTC one M8 review we consider whether or not HTC flagship product was a successful offering.

Pros of the HTC One M8

Most notable of the specs are the CPU and chipset which promise a speedy and smooth experience for the most part. In addition to the hardware, the HTC Sense 6 skin interface is simple and fast while other brands have software which in some cases hinders the processing ability of the phone.

Serious Android enthusiasts would do well to opt for the Google Play edition of the HTC one M8. The Android OS on this phone is stripped bare of any unnecessary bloat-ware often associated with the accompanying skins, leaving the phone faster with more internal storage space.

The primary camera is accompanied by a dual flash. This means that there are two flashes, one white LED and one amber LED, to reduce the washed out skin tones often associated with flash use.

The secondary camera has as comparatively high resolution camera, higher than the secondary camera on all of the competitors smartphones. This makes the phone ideal for selfies; which for some is the only actual form of photography they use their phone for.

It must be said that the design of the HTC one M8 is quite possibly the most appealing aspect of the phone. The phone is 90% metal. The aluminium casing gives the phone the premium tactile appeal. Without the plastic rim around the sides and edges though, one has to wonder how the phone will absorb shock in the event of an accidental fall.

 Cons of the HTC One M8

The HTC one M8 does have some glaring downfalls though. The primary camera is only capable of 4MP images. Despite the marketing spin, it still falls short of its rivals which boast images upwards of 8MP. 4MP would not be enough to satisfy the avid photographer.

The HTC one M8 is not water resistant. Other flagships (with the exception of the LG G3) have respectable IP certifications against both water and dust. The drawback here; an expensive device should easily stand up to the rigours of everyday life.

The Verdict

For users looking for an aesthetically appealing phone, who have little need for an impressive camera, the HTC one M8 really does perform. It is more than just a pretty face. Unfortunately, if you need a high resolution camera and you can be clumsy at times, this phone is unlikely to serve you well.