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Like Samsung's Galaxy S5, the HTC One M8 hasn't suddenly stopped being a good phone just because HTC has launched the updated M9. Indeed the M8 is still a firm favourite with us, thanks to its amazing construction quality and superb design. Some people, though, may prefer to go straight to the HTC One M9 using our HTC One M9 deals and prices but don't dismiss the M8, which is still a good phone with many of the same features as the newer model, at a lower price. HTC did, admittedly have some trouble with the M8 camera. In some ways its sad, because the idea was a good one but the dual-sensor produced images that simply weren't as good as those in rival phones. That was altered in the M9 and a new, single 13-megapixel sensor installed that makes for better images. Most of the other main features are similar though, and that's why we still think that the M8 is an ideal choice for people looking for a cheaper phone, but one which still meets modern smartphone demands.
HTC One M8: Launch Notes
You'll find a slightly larger screen on the new HTC One, with the Taiwanese firm bumping it from 4.7 inches on its predecessor to 5 inches on the latest model.
While screen size has increased, resolution remains the same at 1080 x 1920, which means the HTC One (M8) has a slightly lower pixel density of 441ppi versus the 469ppi on the original One.
That said, you're unlikely to see and real difference between the two handsets in terms of quality and the Super LCD3 technology ensures colors are bright and viewing angles are generous.
HTC One M8 camera
Possibly the most interesting feature on the new HTC One is its camera setup. On the front the snapper has been boosted to a 5MP offering allowing you to capture the ever growing Snapchat and selfie trends.
That's up from 2.1MP on the original One, and it's also capable of recording full HD video and comes equipped with HDR and a wide angle lens to ensure all your buddies can get in too.
It's round the back though where the biggest difference is, with the HTC One (M8) sporting two cameras - dubbed Duo Camera - instead of the traditional one.
The larger, main camera is a 4MP (or 2 ultrapixel if you listen to HTC's marketing) snapper - the same rating as the camera on the HTC One, but the pixels themselves have been enlarged to let in even more light.
For the camera buffs among you the main camera's vital statistics are a sensor size of 1/3", f/2.0 aperture and a 28mm lens.
HTC claims this improves the low-light performance of the One (M8). The second camera is actually a sensor which collects additional information on each shot that you take.
For the fact fans among you, the secondary camera on the rear of the new HTC One is actually the front-facing snapper from the original.
Data such as depth and focus are recorded and this allows for some rather clever post-capture editing.
One of those editing options is U-focus, which allows you to re-focus your image after taking it - allowing you to select a particular object in the near, mid or background to highlight.
There are similar features on the Galaxy S5 and LG G Pro 2, but the new HTC One does it better. That said, Duo Camera has not been a complete success.
HTC One M8 power
HTC hasn't skimped on the power for the new HTC One, and that's a relief as we were rather disappointed when the HTC One Max launched with Qualcomm's aging Snapdragon 600 chip rather than the 800 last year.
The HTC One (M8) falls in line with both the Galaxy S5 and Xperia Z2 as it sports the new 2.3Ghz quad-core Snapdragon 801 chip and 2GB of RAM. There's also an Adreno 330 GPU to provide extra muscle for graphical intensive activities such as gaming.
The knock on effect from the Snapdragon 801 chip inside the new HTC One is a fantastic battery life, with the handset easily able to see out a day and with some more careful usage two days on a single charge isn't out of the question.
HTC One M8 design
We lauded the HTC One last year for its beautiful metal body and the new HTC One has managed to go one better this year with an even more desirable metallic finish.
This time the unibody design hugs the sides of the handsets and meets the sheet of Gorilla Glass 3 on the front of the handset for a really premium finish. HTC carves each One M8 from a block of aluminum, which provides that impressive finish.
HTC has also managed to engineer a microSD slot into the design without the need to break up the unibody design, while the IR blaster remains on top of the One (M8) along with the power key.
The rear of the device is more curved than its predecessor, allowing the new HTC One to sit more snugly in the palm and its corners have been rounded more to give a slight more Galaxy S4-esque finish.
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