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HTC Windows Phone 8S review

6.9/10 AVG.
RATING
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HTC Windows Phone 8S
HTC Windows Phone 8S
HTC Windows Phone 8S
HTC Windows Phone 8S
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6.9/10
Informr score
The HTC Windows Phone 8S currently has an Informr score of 6.9 out of 10. This score is based on our evaluation of 23 sources including reviews from users and the web's most trusted critics.


Windows Phone
Operating system
Operating system
Windows Phone
1 GHz
Processor
Processor
1 GHz
4"
Screen Size
Screen Size
4"
5+ MP
Camera
Camera
5+ MP
1700 mAh
Battery


What the Critics Are Saying...


What Hi-Fi
What Hi-Fi

While it won’t match pricier smartphones such as the Apple iPhone 5 for outright sharpness and subtlety, the HTC 8S is a decent video-player for a budget handset. That SD card slot is crucial if you want to watch a lot of videos, though – the limited 4GB storage space on board meant tha...

- KobMon, What Hi-Fi
GSM Dome
GSM Dome

We give the HTC 8S an 8.7 for design, a 7.9 for hardware and a 7 for OS and UI. The final grade is 7.86 out of 10 and this phone is pretty mediocre on the software and even hardware side, but that price you can compromise I guess.

- James A., GSM Dome
Tech Ticker
Tech Ticker

In terms of real-life performance, the 8S passes the test with flying colours, the live tiles, smoothness of the UI and switching between apps is a breeze. If you are looking for a phone that does not cost more, can make you stay connected with good app support and love flashy colours, the 8S is a p...

- Anish, Tech Ticker
Fone Arena
Fone Arena

The HTC Windows Phone 8S is a great looking smartphone for those on a budget. Behind all that beauty are guts that are able to deliver a smooth experience for the most part. We did experience the odd lag or stuck screen which we expect to be resolved via subsequent OTA updates.Check out the HTC 8S i...

- Dhruv Bhutani, Fone Arena
Tech Advisor
Tech Advisor

The HTC Windows Phone 8S is the first Windows Phone 8 handset to fit into the mid-range price category. As such it's not quite the performer of the high-end Windows Phone 8 devices, but it's not so poor as to make it a bad deal. It offers solid performance and features for a reasonable price. Whethe...

- Matt Egan, Tech Advisor


Prices (Where to Buy)




Common Questions


We've got you covered! Download a free PDF copy of the HTC Windows Phone 8S user manual here.


HTC backs up the Windows Phone 8S with a 1 Year parts & labour warranty.


If your Windows Phone 8S has problems and is still within its warranty period, you could contact HTC support or the retailer you purchased the phone from. You'll find HTC's contact information here. If your phone is off warranty and needs repair for a physical problem such as a broken screen or bad battery, you should visit an authorized service centre or a local phone repair shop. You can also connect with others in The Informr Community Forum to find and share answers to questions.




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Screen Size
4"

The HTC Windows Phone 8S's screen size is 4 inches with x pixels resolution.

Processor
1 GHz

There is a Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 1 GHz processor (CPU).

OS

The phone runs on proprietary operating system firmware.

Camera
5+ MP

You can take photos or capture video with the phone's onboard 5+ MP camera.

There's no secondary front camera.

Storage
4 GB

Internal memory is 4 GB. An external, MicroSD, MicroSDHC (up to 32 GB) expansion slot is available for increased storage capacity.

Battery
1700mAh

The phone is powered by a Lithium Polymer (Li-Pol), 1700 mAh battery. HTC's performance ratings are 13.8 days standby time.

Windows Phone 8S Specs

Overview
Release Date December 8, 2012
Regions Available Canada, United Kingdom
Operating System No

Compare Windows Phone Smartphones

Processor Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 1 GHz
Internal Storage 4 GB
RAM 512 MB
Hearing Aid Compatible Yes
TTY/TDD Yes
Noise Cancellation No
SAR Head: 0.71 W/kg
Body: 1.53 W/kg
Manufacturer Warranty 1 Year
Accessories Included AC Charger, Data Cable, Manual
Cellular
Networks
GPRS, EDGE, HSDPA
Mobile / Cellular Data
Push-to-talk (PTT) No
Wi-Fi Calling No
Voice over LTE (VoLTE) No
SIM card size
Micro-SIM
Dual SIM No
Connectivity
USB Micro-USB 2.0
USB OTG Support No
GPS Type A-GPS
Infrared No
Bluetooth 3.0
Bluetooth Profiles A2DP, AVRCP, OPP/FTP, HFP, HSP
Bluetooth Audio Codecs SBC
Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n
Mobile Hotspot Yes
Memory Expansion Slot Yes
Expansion Slot Info MicroSD, MicroSDHC (up to 32 GB)
NFC No
Data Tethering Compatibility Yes
Camera
Main Camera
Resolution / Aperture
5+ Megapixels
Zoom
Yes
Flash
Yes (LED)
Additional Rear Camera Info
Auto focus, Geotagging
Video Recording Formats
3GP / 3GPP, 3G2 / 3GPP2, MPEG-4, WMV, ASF
Video Recording Parameters
HD (1280 x 720 pixels), 30 fps
Front Camera
Resolution / Aperture
Additional Front Camera Info
No
Video Recording Parameters
Display / Screen
Type Color
Technology LCD
Colors 16.7 million
Resolution x pixels
Pixel Density 233 pixels
Size 4 inches
Secondary Display No
Sensors Ambient Light, Proximity, Motion / Accelerometer
Multi-Touch Yes
Fingerprint-Resistant Coating No
Additional Display Features Capacitive touch screen
Power & Battery
Battery Type Lithium Polymer (Li-Pol)
Battery Capacity 1700 mAh
Removable Battery No
Wireless Charging No
Fast Charging No
Video Playback Time Unknown
Internet Use (Wi-Fi) Unknown
Internet Use (Cellular) Unknown
Talk Time Unknown
Standby Time Up to 13.8 days
Mixed Usage
Physical Characteristics
Design Type Bar
Material Plastic
Colors Atlantic Blue, Domino, High Rise Gray, Fiesta Red
Dimensions [H x W x D] 12.1 x 6.3 x 1.0 cm (4.8 x 2.5 x 0.4 in)
Weight 113 grams
Water Resistant / Waterproof Unknown
Rugged design No
IP Rating No
Headset Jack 3.5mm
External Speakers Yes
Input / Navigation
Sleep / Wake Key No
Home Key Yes
Input / Keyboard Type Touchscreen
Navigation Type Touchscreen
External Volume Control Yes
Fingerprint Sensor No
More
Additional Information Messaging: SMS, MMS, MSN, Windows Live
Multi-Use Smart Phone / PDA: Yes
Graphics: Yes
Themes: Yes
Backlit Illumination: Yes
Zoom / Magnification: Yes
Screen Orientation Lock: Yes
Predictive Text Entry: Yes
Voice Commands: Yes
Keypad/Screen Lock: Yes
Multiple Numbers Per Contact: Email address, Other fields
Contact Groups: Yes
Voice Activated Dialing: Yes
Photo Caller ID: Yes
Web Browser: Yes
Email Client: Yes
Email Protocols: POP3, IMAP, SMTP, Microsoft Exchange
PC Synchronization: Yes
Audio Formats: MP3, AAC, AMR, WMA, WAV, M4A
Video Playback Formats: 3GP / 3GPP, 3G2 / 3GPP2, MPEG-4, WMV, ASF
Streaming Video: Yes
Custom Ringtones: No
Vibration Alert: Yes
Downloadable Ringtones: Yes
Ringer ID: Yes
Speakerphone: Yes
Haptic Feedback: Yes
Data Tethering: Yes
Mobile Hotspot: Yes
Viewable document types: DOC, DOCX, PPT, PPTX, RTF, TXT, XLS
Games: Downloadable
Apps: Downloadable
Included Software / Apps: -
To-Do / Task List, Calendar, World Clock, Alarm, Calculator, Weather, Stocks, Maps, Voice Memos / Recorder

Other Names (AKA): HTC 8S, HTC Zenith, HTC A620
Related Links Quick Start Guide (PDF)
Manual (PDF)
HTC Windows Phone 8S Reviews
Where to buy HTC Windows Phone 8S
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