By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
TechgoonduTechgoondu
  • Audio-visual
  • Enterprise
    • Software
    • Cybersecurity
  • Gaming
  • Imaging
  • Internet
  • Media
  • Mobile
    • Cellphones
    • Tablets
  • PC
  • Telecom
Search
© 2023 Goondu Media Pte Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
Reading: Hands On: HTC One (M8)
Share
Aa
TechgoonduTechgoondu
Aa
  • Audio-visual
  • Enterprise
  • Gaming
  • Imaging
  • Internet
  • Media
  • Mobile
  • PC
  • Telecom
Search
  • Audio-visual
  • Enterprise
    • Software
    • Cybersecurity
  • Gaming
  • Imaging
  • Internet
  • Media
  • Mobile
    • Cellphones
    • Tablets
  • PC
  • Telecom
Follow US
© 2023 Goondu Media Pte Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
Techgoondu > Blog > Mobile > Cellphones > Hands On: HTC One (M8)
CellphonesMobile

Hands On: HTC One (M8)

Wilson Wong
Last updated: July 28, 2014 at 4:14 AM
Wilson Wong Published March 25, 2014
6 Min Read
SHARE

HTC One (M8) Images

Unveiled in New York just minutes ago, HTC’s newest flagship phone – the new One – is the much-anticipated follow-up to last year’s similarly-named Android gadget from the Taiwanese phone maker.

In keeping with the familiar, it hopes to retain fans of that stunning phone (see our review of 2013’s HTC One), while improving several areas to enhance user experience.

Getting my hands on the new HTC One, also known by its codename M8, the first thing that impresses is its metallic unibody. It also reminds me of the earlier HTC One X, as it is shaped like a pebble with the sides curved in instead of having sharp edges.

You won’t get a plasticky feel either. The phone is encased in an attractive aluminium body. The gun metal colour, coupled with the metallic feel, exudes a sense of class and sturdiness that the One X or even the previous HTC One does not possess.

M8 - tight crop (7)

In terms of sound, the new One has improved on the front facing speakers, which were already one of HTC’s strongest features. With its Boomsound audio management, the new phone produces very good audio compared to other brands. That said, I would still prefer to use a set of earphones to gain a better overall experience.

The 2014 version of the HTC One also keeps things simple. It can be woken up with a double tap so you don’t have to go searching for the power button.

Swipe the screen upwards and the phone will show your last app used. Swiping left will get you to the widget page. Go to the right and HTC’s Blinkfeed – the Taiwanese firm’s amalgamated information hub – would appear.

P_20140318_164555

And there is this new accessory called the Dot Cover. Users of the new phone can easily access simple information such as time and weather or answer a call without lifting the phone’s cover. The cover makes use of a small chip where the phone can sense its use and through its translucent cover, provide the information in dots.

P_20140318_172302

As for other hardware improvements, the HTC One will have the latest Snapdragon 801 processor to power the device. That’s as powerful a chip as you’d likely get on a smartphone, so apps should run smoothly.

The screen’s real estate will also be increased to 5 inches from the previous HTC One’s 4.7 inches, which brings it on par or very close to the likes of Samsung’s Galaxy S5.

In line with the bigger screen, battery capacity has increased from 2400mAh to 2600mAh. With help from the phone’s own power management app, the new HTC One could last the whole day with normal use, going by my early tests with it.

P_20140318_173214

The star feature on the previous HTC One – the UltraPixel camera technology – is built on and becomes even more exciting this time.

The new phone has further pushed the boundaries of its photo capturing capabilities on the mobile by introducing a second camera to sense depth of field in the picture.

This enables a user to enhance the illusion of a focused point by blurring elements in the picture’s fore and background, somewhat similar to Lightfield technology used in Lytro cameras.

P_20140318_164521

The other party trick from the enhanced camera function with the depth of field sensor is the ability to convert images from 2D to 3D without requiring you to view them with any 3D glasses.

HTC has also included a two-LED coloured flash that will introduce a bit of warmth (yellow hue) to make pictures look more natural. Again, a big plus for folks taking selfies and snapshots of holidays.

Generally, the camera app has improved in leaps and bounds, including a slow motion video capture feature, the ability to extract a person and paste in another photo like one would do in Photoshop and other nifty little touches, which make the HTC One such a fun phone to own.

It surely won’t disappoint if you are into photography and image editing. It helps too to have a 5-meg front-facing camera that selfie kings can shoot all day with.

When will the new HTC One be out? From early April, depending on where you are. This new gadget is as solid a phone as HTC has come out with, and it’s worth waiting for.

We’ll have a more in-depth review of the phone coming up after testing it out more extensively.

You Might Also Like

With more foldable phones in 2023, which one should you buy?

Google Pixel 7a review: Smaller, cheaper phone is smart but comes with trade-offs

Singtel starts offering Azure public MEC to all businesses

Google Pixel 7a to cost S$749 in Singapore, but users miss out on Pixel Fold, Pixel Tablet

A Goondu guide to hassle-free overseas mobile data for Singapore travellers

TAGGED: 2014, hands, hands-on, HTC, M8, on, One

Sign up for the TG newsletter

Never miss anything again. Get the latest news and analysis in your inbox.

By signing up, you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe at any time.
Wilson Wong March 25, 2014
Share This Article
Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Whatsapp LinkedIn Copy Link Print
Share
By Wilson Wong
Follow:
Wilson is a self-taught photographer whose passion started with his father’s old Canon L Rangefinder camera. He now leads the 12,000+ strong Singapore Photography & Imaging Network group. His photos have won acclaim from Nikon and Fujifilm, and are featured in various books and exhibitions.
Previous Article Goondu review: TomTom Runner GPS watch
Next Article Commentary: HTC tries again to set itself apart with new One
Leave a comment

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Stay Connected

Facebook Like
Twitter Follow

Latest News

Sony HT-S2000 review: compact soundbar offers Dolby Atmos but falls short
Audio-visual May 28, 2023
Gigabyte Aorus RTX 4090 Gaming Box lets you plug in external watercooled graphics
Gaming PC May 26, 2023
With more foldable phones in 2023, which one should you buy?
Cellphones Mobile May 23, 2023
Audio-Technica ATH-TWX9 review: Earphones with premium build and excellent sound
Audio-visual May 22, 2023
//

Techgoondu.com is published by Goondu Media Pte Ltd, a company registered and based in Singapore.

.

Started in June 2008 by technology journalists and ex-journalists in Singapore who share a common love for all things geeky and digital, the site now includes segments on personal computing, enterprise IT and Internet culture.

banner banner
Everyday DIY
PC needs fixing? Get your hands on with the latest tech tips
READ ON
banner banner
Leaders Q&A
What tomorrow looks like to those at the leading edge today
FIND OUT
banner banner
Advertise with us
Discover unique access and impact with TG custom content
SHOW ME

 

 

POWERED BY READYSPACE
The Techgoondu website is powered by and managed by Readyspace Web Hosting.

TechgoonduTechgoondu
Follow US
© 2023 Goondu Media Pte Ltd. All Rights Reserved | Privacy | Terms of Use | Advertise | About Us | Contact
Join Us!

Never miss anything again. Get the latest news and analysis in your inbox.

Zero spam, Unsubscribe at any time.
 

Loading Comments...
 

    Welcome Back!

    Sign in to your account

    Lost your password?