HTC One (E8) review: Traveling light

360-degree spin

The HTC One (E8) has virtually identical dimensions to its metal-clad counterpart. At 146.4 x 70.1 x 9.9mm, it has the same height as the M8, while being 0.1mm wider and 0.5mm thicker. More significantly, it weighs in at 145g - 15g lighter than the HTC One (M8).

By and large, the two devices feel very similar in-hand, the weight and finish being the most significant difference.

Design, build quality, and handling

Considering its heritage, the defining characteristic of the One (E8) is its polycarbonate back panel. Previous HTC flagships relied heavily on metal to set them apart (the M8 being a whopping 90% aluminum alloy), so it's a serious change that HTC has undertaken.

Metal aside, the HTC One (E8) takes after the HTC One (M8)

As we said before, polycarbonate construction depends heavily on execution, and in the case of the E8, HTC has done splendidly. The glossy white finish does get its fair share of fingerprint smudges, but that's well compensated for by the very snug fit of the back panel, which wraps around the top and bottom of the device. There are also red and black color options available.

The rounded corners and the rear curvature introduced with the HTC One (M7) are still here. On the sides, the polycarbonate back takes up about half the device.

The HTC One (E8) still has a great design language

With a thickness just shy of 10mm it's a step down from the 9.4mm of the One (M8), but it's not a bulk that you'll necessarily notice or mind, despite competitors' thickness being closer to 8mm.

Like the M8, the height is a bit too much for our liking, but the device certainly still handles well, and one-handed operation is possible except on the very extreme ends of the screen.

Handling the HTC One (E8)

In line with our high expectations, the HTC One (E8) deserves nothing but praise for its design and finish. The smartphone has retained the wonderful visual presence of the original, yet it looks fresh thanks to the new color scheme and updated design.

Controls

On the front, you'll find the same 5-inch 1080p display with Gorilla Glass 3, dual BoomSound speakers, and a 5MP front-facer next to some sensors around the earpiece. Like on the One M8, the capacitive buttons are part of the screen.

The front of the HTC One (E8)

The nano-SIM card slot is located on the left side of the device. The volume rocker and the microSD card slot are on the right side of the smartphone. This is the same positioning as on the HTC One (M8), although the spacing is slightly altered.

The nano-SIM card slot on the left side opposite the volume rocker and microSD card slot

The top houses a centrally-located power/lock button, although it does not double as an IR-port like on the M8. The positioning does take some getting used to, and is less reachable than a button that is off to either side.

The power/lock key on top is centrally-located, unlike on the M8

The microUSB/charging port and the 3.5mm audio jack are located at the bottom.

The 3.5mm audio jack and the microUSB/charging port

The non-removable back panel is where the 13MP shooter sits. The dual-camera setup found on the M8 is gone, with the second camera being replaced by an LED flash on the E8. There is also a secondary microphone pinhole next to the camera.

The back of the HTC One (E8)

The back of the smartphone will also be home to carrier branding.