Note: We may earn commissions (at no cost to you) if you buy through links on our site. Learn more.
HTC One (M8) for Windows
HTC One (M8) for Windows
HTC One (M8) for Windows
...


8.2/10
Informr score
The HTC One (M8) for Windows currently has an Informr score of 8.2 out of 10. This score is based on our evaluation of 19 sources including reviews from users and the web's most trusted critics.

What's good

  • Great performance
  • Plenty of storage space
  • All-metal design
  • Bright, crisp display
  • XLTE and GSM support
  • MicroSD card support

What's bad

  • Lack of app availability
  • Average camera
  • Windows phone interface

With its stylish design and flagship specs, the M8 is a very popular option on the Android market. While the brand was once synonymous with Windows phones, it has been a while since anyone has seen an HTC phone running anything but Android. The HTC One (M8) for Windows looks to get them back in the game. Does it live up to the hype? Let’s dive into the reviews.

If you’ve looked at the Android M8, there really isn’t much new to see on the hardware front. It’s the same device, with an extra logo on the back. However, if you haven’t seen the M8 before, you’ll either love or hate its all-metal unibody design. While reviews are positive on the look of the phone and build quality, a tall design and a smooth back make for a slippery grip according to many reviews. PC World noted its “solid, professional construction” while CNet hailed it as “handsome and opulent.”

The metal chassis wraps around a large 5-inch 1080p IPS LCD. Reviews on the screen were very positive with everyone mentioning how crisp and clear it is. Brightness does not appear to be an issue. However, CNet noted that wearing polarized sunglasses while using the phone could pose some problems. While it might not have the pure blacks of an AMOLED display, reviews give the screen high marks across the board.

Pushing the M8 is a 2.3GHz quad-core Snapdragon 801 processor with 2GB of RAM. Even with the high-resolution display, reviews indicate that performance is stellar. CNet noted that it “handles like greased lightning.” Engadget was less impressed, stating that it “runs well most of the time.” They later elaborate, stating that many delays are simply a cause of animations and other eye candy used by Windows Phone 8.1.1 and not actual issues with performance at all.

With 32GB of internal storage and support for microSD cards up to 128GB, there handset offers plenty of room for your movie collection, music or the latest high-definition games. Reviews also noted that there is very little pre-installed bloatware to take up space on the device out of the box. Combined with the stereo BoomSound speakers and reviews indicate it is an excellent choice for media consumption and gaming. Phone Arena declared, “From its vibrant screen to its stereo speakers, it definitely delivers the goods in this particular area.” CNet added that the speakers “belt out a ton of sound.”

Power users will appreciate the battery life on the phone. While the 2600mAh battery cannot be swapped out, reviews all found the phone to have exceptional battery life. While gaming would tax the battery, most found that average or heavy usage otherwise would still net a full day’s use on a single charge. CNet tested the phone with light mixed use and talking and found they were about to use the phone for 21 hours without searching for a power outlet.

Other features include an IR blaster for controlling your television, the Cortana voice assistant and the interesting UFocus feature. By including two cameras on the back of the device, the UFocus feature allows you to refocus photos after you’ve taken them and add a number of artistic effects and filters not found on other handsets. Unfortunately, overall reviews of the camera are average at best, with many reviews citing lighting issues and overall soft photos. CNet said, “Compared with several Nokia Lumias, this device just isn't up to par.”

At the end of the day, the weakest point of the HTC One (M8) for Windows, according to reviews, isn’t the hardware at all. It’s the Windows software. Pocket Now found the interface unfriendly with some common tasks and all reviews pointed out a lack of app availability compared to Android or iOS.

However, if you’re not concerned about this issue, the phone gets rave reviews. CNet believes the phone will “undoubtedly satisfy your needs -- as only Microsoft's software and HTC's premium hardware can.” Business Insider calls it “a fantastic phone.” Even Engadget declared it “one of the best options” in the Windows Phone lineup.


Windows Phone
Operating system
Operating system
Windows Phone
2.3 GHz
Processor
Processor
2.3 GHz
5"
Screen Size
Screen Size
5"
4+ MP
Camera
Camera
4+ MP
2600 mAh
Battery


What the Critics Are Saying...


Beta News
Beta News

The HTC One (M8) for Windows is a wonderful smartphone that should appeal greatly to the Windows Phone crowd. However, the Nokia Lumia Icon is the better all-around phone, and camera-lovers should look at it instead. Still, if you put a premium on listening to music and overall craftsmanship, the HT...

- Brian Fagioli, Beta News
Brighthand
Brighthand

So who should want an HTC One (M8) for Windows? Well, the same kind of people who would want a Windows Phone in general. Relative to other phones that run Microsoft’s platform, this is one of the top options on the market. It’s still a wonderful piece of machinery, with a great display,...

- Jeff Dunn, Brighthand
PC Magazine
PC Magazine

When the M8 for Windows originally debuted on Verizon, I was hopeful that it would be the first of many Android-to-Windows conversions. Despite Microsoft's free licensing policy, though, that hope has failed to come to fruition. And with Microsoft itself strictly focusing on the low-to-midrange mark...

- Eugene Kim, PC Magazine
Softpedia
Softpedia

The most appealing trait of the HTC One M8 for Windows is design. The smartphone is the best looking on the market and the fact that it’s made of aluminum is another plus. Hardware-wise, HTC’s device should be the most powerful smartphone, at least on paper, running the Windows Phone pla...

- Cosmin Vasile, Softpedia
Pocket-lint
Pocket-lint

There's a lot to love about the HTC One M8 for Windows - it's the device that proves the importance of a premium build and construction, irrelevant of software platform. We love the M8 design because it enhances the overall experience. The things that work really well on the Android device from a ha...

- Chris Hall, Pocket-lint


Prices (Where to Buy)




Common Questions



HTC backs up the One (M8) for Windows with a 1 Year parts & labour warranty.


If your One (M8) for Windows 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.



Ask the Community



Resources


Manuals / User Guides Helpful Links Share / Embed

Maybe one of your friends will find this review helpful? Please help us spread the word.


Quick view

Screen Size
5"

The HTC One (M8) for Windows's screen size is 5 inches with x pixels resolution.

Processor
2.3 GHz

There is a Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 Quad core 2.3 GHz processor (CPU).

OS

The phone runs on proprietary operating system firmware.

Camera
4+ MP

You can take photos or capture video with the phone's onboard 4+ MP camera.

There is also a secondary front facing camera with 5+ megapixels resolution.

Storage
32 GB

Internal memory is 32 GB. An external, MicroSD, MicroSDHC (up to 128 GB) expansion slot is available for increased storage capacity.

Battery
2600mAh

The phone is powered by a Lithium Polymer (Li-Pol), 2600 mAh battery. HTC's performance ratings are 22 days standby time, 1320 minutes, 980 minutes Wi-Fi surfing.

One (M8) for Windows Specs

Overview
Release Date August 19, 2014
Regions Available USA
Operating System No

Compare Windows Phone Smartphones

Processor Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 Quad core 2.3 GHz
Internal Storage 32 GB
RAM 2 GB
Hearing Aid Compatible Yes
TTY/TDD Yes
Noise Cancellation Yes
SAR Head: 0.83 W/kg
Body: 1.17 W/kg
Manufacturer Warranty 1 Year
Accessories Included AC Charger, Manual, Standard Battery
Cellular
Networks
GPRS, EDGE, 1xRTT, EV-DO Rev. A, HSUPA, HSPA+, LTE
Mobile / Cellular Data
4G/LTE
Push-to-talk (PTT) No
Wi-Fi Calling No
Voice over LTE (VoLTE) No
SIM card size
Nano-SIM
Dual SIM No
Connectivity
USB Micro-USB 2.0
USB OTG Support No
GPS Type A-GPS
Infrared Yes
Bluetooth 4.0
Bluetooth Profiles A2DP, AVRCP, OPP/FTP, HID, HFP, HSP, PAN
Bluetooth Audio Codecs SBC
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n
Mobile Hotspot Yes
Memory Expansion Slot Yes
Expansion Slot Info MicroSD, MicroSDHC (up to 128 GB)
NFC Yes
Data Tethering Compatibility Yes
Camera
Main Camera
Resolution / Aperture
4+ Megapixels
Zoom
Yes
Flash
Yes (Dual LED)
Additional Rear Camera Info
Auto focus, Effects, Face detection, Geotagging, ISO, Multi-shot, Night mode, Panorama, Self-timer, Exposure value, HDR, Twin-sensor
Video Recording Formats
3GP / 3GPP, 3G2 / 3GPP2, MPEG-4, WMV, AVI
Video Recording Parameters
Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels)
Front Camera
Resolution / Aperture
5+ Megapixels
Additional Front Camera Info
Self-portrait
Video Recording Parameters
Display / Screen
Type Color
Technology S-LCD
Colors 16.7 million
Resolution x pixels
Pixel Density 441 pixels
Size 5 inches
Secondary Display No
Sensors Ambient Light, Proximity, Motion / Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Digital Compass
Multi-Touch Yes
Fingerprint-Resistant Coating No
Additional Display Features Capacitive touch screen
Power & Battery
Battery Type Lithium Polymer (Li-Pol)
Battery Capacity 2600 mAh
Removable Battery No
Wireless Charging No
Fast Charging No
Video Playback Time Up to 600 minutes
Internet Use (Wi-Fi) Up to 980 minutes
Internet Use (Cellular) Unknown
Talk Time Up to 1320 minutes
Standby Time Up to 22 days
Mixed Usage
Physical Characteristics
Design Type Bar
Material Aluminium
Colors Black
Dimensions [H x W x D] 14.6 x 7.1 x 0.9 cm (5.8 x 2.8 x 0.4 in)
Weight 160 grams
Water Resistant / Waterproof Unknown
Rugged design No
IP Rating No
Headset Jack 3.5mm
External Speakers Stereo
Input / Navigation
Sleep / Wake Key Yes
Home Key No
Input / Keyboard Type Touchscreen
Navigation Type Touchscreen
External Volume Control Yes
Fingerprint Sensor No
More
Additional Information Other Names (AKA):
Related Links Quick Start Guide (PDF)
Manual (PDF)
HTC One (M8) for Windows Reviews
Where to buy HTC One (M8) for Windows
Suggest a correction