HTC One (M8) for Windows review: Tinker, Tailor

The usual HTC retail package

The HTC One (M8) for Windows ships in the exact same retail package as its Android counterpart. 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

Design and build quality

Save for the small Windows Phone sign under the HTC logo on the back, HTC One (M8) for Windows is a carbon copy of the Android version. As a matter of fact, you can easily take one of the devices for the other when looking even at their lockscreens.

HTC One (M8) for Windows sports a familiar unibody shell made out of aluminum with small polycarbonate accents here and there on the all-metal rear. Its construction has resulted in lovely-looking curved metal edges, a signature for the second generation One series.

HTC One (M8) for Windows

Of course, the BoomSound stereo speakers are onboard as well as the criticized, but iconic UltraPixel dual-camera at the back. There is really not a single feature or element missing in the One (M8) for Windows. And it is still one of the best looking device even if its design and shell are more than six-month-old now.

HTC One (M8) for Windows

Just as before, the HTC One (M8) is a real pleasure to handle. It might not be a compact smartphone, nor is a light one, but it offers a rather solid feel and amazing build quality. The premium factor is all over the HTC One (M8) for Windows and the phone is really likable, even prettier than the new iPhone 6 duo (which undeniably shares a lot of the design traits).

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.

A peek above and below the display

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

The nano-SIM card slot is on the left side of the One (M8), while the volume rocker and the microSD card slot are on the right side of the smartphone.

The nanoSIM tray is on the left side • the microSD slot and the volume rocker

The top of the HTC One (M8) for Windows 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 top has the power key and IR blaster • the microUSB port and the mic are on the bottom

The microUSB/charging port and the 3.5mm audio jack are located at the bottom of the HTC One (M8) for Windows.

The HTC M8's back is where the dual camera sits along a two-tone dual-LED flash. The polycarbonate lines which cut through the metal are most probably needed for the device's multiple antennas but they don't spoil the high-end impression at all.

The back of the HTC One (M8) for Windows

The back of the One (M8) for Windows will also be home to carrier branding. Its extent will vary depending on the wireless provider. You can notice the Windows Phone logo just below the HTC's.