HTC One (M8) smartphone

Photo: Maurizio Pesce from Milan, Italia via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)

HTC

HTC One (M8)

March 2014 8/10 Rating Updated
In brief: The HTC One (M8) is a premium Android smartphone released in March 2014, celebrated for its distinctive all-aluminum unibody design and powerful dual front-facing BoomSound speakers. It featured a 5-inch Full HD display and was powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 processor, offering a refined user experience.
Display5.0" Full HD Super LCD3
ChipsetQualcomm Snapdragon 801
Main Camera4 MP UltraPixel Duo Camera
Battery2600 mAh Li-Po
Starting from $378

💰 HTC One (M8) Price

The HTC One (M8) lowest price is $378, based on current retailer listings.

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📌 Full Specifications

Display

TypeSuper LCD3
Size5.0 inches
Resolution1080 x 1920 pixels
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 3

Platform

ChipsetQualcomm Snapdragon 801 (MSM8974AC)
CPUQuad-core 2.3 GHz Krait 400
GPUAdreno 330

Memory

Internal16GB, 32GB
RAM2GB
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot), up to 128GB

Main Camera

Dual4 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide), 1/3", 2µm, AF (UltraPixel); 2 MP, depth sensor
FeaturesDual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama
Video1080p@30fps, 720p@60fps, HDR, stereo sound rec.

Selfie Camera

Single5 MP, f/2.0, 28mm (wide)
Video1080p@30fps

Battery

TypeLi-Po 2600 mAh, non-removable
Charging18W wired, Quick Charge 2.0

Body

Dimensions146.4 x 70.6 x 9.4 mm
Weight160 g
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum back, aluminum frame
SIMNano-SIM

Comms

WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA, hotspot
Bluetooth4.0, A2DP, aptX
PositioningGPS, GLONASS
NFCYes (market/region dependent)
Infrared portYes
RadioStereo FM radio, RDS
USBmicroUSB 2.0 (MHL TV-out, USB Host)

Launch

AnnouncedMarch 25, 2014
ReleasedMarch 2014
Operating SystemAndroid 4.4.2 (KitKat), upgradable to 6.0 (Marshmallow), HTC Sense UI 6

⚖ Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Stunning premium metal design
  • Excellent BoomSound stereo speakers
  • Smooth performance with Snapdragon 801
  • Good display quality
  • MicroSD card slot for expandable storage

Cons

  • UltraPixel camera resolution was lower than competitors (4MP)
  • Battery life, while improved, was not class-leading compared to some rivals
  • Slightly slippery feel on some color variants
  • Large bezels for its time
  • Non-removable battery
★ Our Verdict

The HTC One (M8) received high praise for its premium design, powerful performance, and exceptional audio experience, despite its camera's lower resolution compared to rivals.

The HTC One (M8), while a flagship in its time, is now an older device. If you're considering purchasing one, it's likely for nostalgic reasons, as a collector's item, or for very basic smartphone functions. Expect limited software support, as it's stuck on Android 6.0 Marshmallow, meaning many modern apps may not function optimally or at all. The battery, being non-removable and several years old, will likely have significantly degraded capacity. Performance for everyday tasks like browsing and messaging should still be adequate, but don't expect it to handle demanding apps or games. Ensure any unit you buy is unlocked and compatible with your carrier's network, as 3G/4G network support might be limited in some regions today. Consider it a piece of smartphone history rather than a daily driver.

📦 In The Box & Warranty

  • HTC One (M8) smartphone
  • USB charging/data cable
  • Wall adapter/charger
  • SIM ejector tool
  • Documentation
  • Earbuds

Standard manufacturer's warranty typically covered defects for one year from the date of purchase.

❓ Questions & Answers

When was the HTC One (M8) released?

The HTC One (M8) was officially unveiled and released on March 25, 2014.

What operating system did the HTC One (M8) run?

It originally launched with Android 4.4.2 KitKat and was upgradable to Android 6.0 Marshmallow, featuring HTC's Sense UI 6.

What was unique about the HTC One (M8)'s camera?

The HTC One (M8) featured an innovative "Duo Camera" setup with a 4 MP UltraPixel main sensor and a secondary 2 MP depth sensor, allowing for unique post-capture effects like refocusing.

Does the HTC One (M8) have expandable storage?

Yes, the HTC One (M8) includes a dedicated microSDXC card slot, allowing for storage expansion up to 128GB.

What kind of design did the HTC One (M8) have?

The phone was renowned for its premium all-aluminum unibody design, which made up 90% of its exterior, giving it a very solid and high-quality feel.

What are "BoomSound" speakers on the HTC One (M8)?

BoomSound refers to the HTC One (M8)'s dual front-facing stereo speakers, which were praised for delivering loud, clear, and rich audio quality.