HTC One (M8) review: One and only

Familiar retail package

The HTC One (M8) ships in the exact same retail package as its predecessor. Inside the nicely-looking box, you will find the handset, a charger, microUSB cable, a pin for ejecting the SIM and microSD card, a stereo headset, and the usual printouts.

The retail package has the basics covered

As far as the basics go, the HTC M8 has you covered right out of the box. Additionally, there will be a host of extra accessories at launch. They range from cool-looking cases to a BoomBass mini speaker and others.

Design and build quality

The HTC One (M8) is an absolute stunner in the flesh. Unmistakably related to its predecessor, the new HTC One is even more elegant thanks to a body with even more metal (90% vs. 70% for the first generation).

The HTC One (M8) is a looker

More metal in the M8's construction has resulted in lovely-looking curved metal edges. They offer a massive visual improvement over the polycarbonate frame of the first generation.

Heavier use of metal has further improved the looks of the device

The HTC One (M8) will launch in three colors - Gunmetal Gray, Glacial Silver (the same as in the first generation), as well as Amber Gold.

There are three available colors at launch

Introduced into the HTC One lineup for the first time, Gunmetal Gray is considered the headline color for the device. With brushed metal finish, it looks amazing in person.

Build quality is outstanding. Like its predecessor, the HTC One (M8) is superbly put together. Its finish can easily rival that of much more expensive smartphones from dedicated luxury brands.

The physical measures of the HTC One (M8) are 146 x 70.6 x 9.3mm, and it tips the scales at 160 grams. The smartphone has grown a bit compared to the previous version, which wasn't that compact to begin with. True, the screen is 0.3" bigger now, but there are no keys below it, so we were hoping HTC will manage to fit within the same frame. In comparison, the LG G2 is 7.5mm shorter despite packing an even larger, 5.2", screen.

HTC One (M8) sized up against the Nokia Lumia Icon

With a thickness of 9.3mm, the M8 isn't the slimmest around either, and while we believe the stereo speakers and the metal body are well worth a bit of extra bulk, we can't help but point out that competition is already getting very close to 8mm. It's not that the One (M8) is unwieldy or anything, but more compact size and a slimmer waistline contribute to the high-end feel which is a key ingredient of the flagship experience.

Controls

Above the screen is the front-facing 5MP camera, alongside ambient light and proximity sensors. The top speaker takes the role of an earpiece during calls. It also accommodates the device's status LED.

The view above the display

The bottom speaker and a lonely HTC logo sit below the display. The mouthpiece is likely located within the speaker grille, as its nowhere else to be seen.

A look below the display of the HTC M8

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.

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

The top of the HTC M8 is home to the IR port and the power/lock key and. The latter is more conveniently located and the button itself is more tactile than the overly flush key on the first-gen One.

The power/lock key and the IR port on top

The microUSB/charging port and the 3.5mm audio jack are located at the bottom of the new HTC One. We find the new location of the audio jack quite convenient.

The 3.5mm audio jack and the microUSB/charging port

The HTC M8's back is where the much talked about dual camera sits along a new two-tone dual-LED flash. The lines which cut through the metal are designated for the device's multiple antennas.

The back of the HTC One (M8)

The back of the smartphone will also be home to carrier branding. Its extent will vary depending on the wireless provider.

Handling

Handling the second generation HTC One is an absolute pleasure. The curved back and rounded metal edges deliver a superb feel in hand, while the traditionally placed on-screen navigation buttons are a welcome departure from the awkward dual-key setup of the previous model.

Handling the HTC One (M8) is a pleasure

In line with our high expectations, the HTC One (M8) 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 schemes and evolved design.

Ergonomics have been improved too. Despite growing slightly in size compared to its predecessor, the HTC M8 feels and handles better.