HTC Windows Phone 8X Review
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Continuing to be an appreciated feature amongst all Windows Phones, it’s undeniably great having the ability to launch the camera app on the HTC 8X by long-pressing the physical shutter key at any moment – even when it’s locked! Not surprisingly, the interface hasn’t changed much with this latest version of the platform. At the same time, we continue to see the same set of useful manual settings and shooting modes we’ve come to see previously. Also included with the camera UI, certain apps offer support to the new “lenses” feature – like Bing Vision for camera-based searching. Noticeably absent, however, is the lack of contemporary features like multi-burst mode and the ability to snap a photo while simultaneously shooting video.
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Camera interface | |||
Talking the talk, HTC made sure to place a lot of emphasis regarding the performance of the 8X’s 8-megapixel auto-focus rear camera, which features HTC’s exclusive ImageSense technology and an f/2.0 aperture lens. However, when it comes down to it, there’s nothing worthwhile that would catapult it over other highly esteemed smartphones. Indeed, the results are pleasant looking for the most part, as photos are filled with so-so details and natural colors. In low lighting situations, however, the biggest distractions we find are the poor details and its inability to handle dynamic range, but to its credit, it’s not heavily flawed by the unprecedented amount of noise that other devices exhibit. In dark environment, images tend to appear out of focus because the flash doesn’t turn on prior to taking the shot – plus, the hard lighting casts a noticeable amount of over-saturation with colors.
Sample images taken with HTC Windows Phone 8X Fullscreen
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The 1080p video recording quality fares a bit better, but its exposure adjustment is on the slow side. Exhibiting very few instances of artfacing with its quality, some of its highlights include its crisp details and smooth capture rate of 29 frames per second. However, there’s an apparent distortion with recording audio when heavy wind is present, but it’s not something that’s evidenced in calm environments.
HTC Windows Phone 8X Sample Video:
Multimedia:
Checkout the Photos Hub to preview some of our captured images, there’s nothing out of place with its layout or functionality. Of course, we’re presented with the usual sharing and minor editing functions in the Photos Hub, but there’s also HTC’s “Photo Enhancer” app that merely applies various filters. Even though the 8X is only able to use the “Tap + Share” function to send photos and videos between other NFC enabled Windows Phone 8 devices, we’re able to share them with Android devices via Bluetooth.
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The Photos Hub | |||
Being a familiar occurrence at this point, there’s nothing new in terms of visual presentation with the music player of the HTC 8X. Still, it’s something we view as modern looking – complementing the overall styling of the platform. Conversely, since it has Beats Audio support when using a pair of headphones, its bass and treble levels are cranked up tremendously to give it a heavier quality. HTC touts the built-in amplifier, for better and more powerful sound with various headphones. It should also improve the loudspeaker sound, but it is lacking any serious firepower; its quality has a neutral tone to it, but it drowns out very easily in noisy environments.
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Music player of the HTC Windows Phone 8X | |||
Beautiful display? Check. Fast dual-core processor? Check. Well then, considering it has those two specific items in tow, it’s the correct recipe in garnering a wonderful video watching experience. Better yet, the HTC 8X has support for a wide-array of video codecs out of the box – meaning, it’s able to play our 1080p videos encoded in DivX, H264, MPEG-4, and XviD. With its smooth playback, vibrant colors, and modest real-estate, it coughs up one fine experience, but then again, it’s lacking the comprehensive nature of other rival offerings – like the ability to wirelessly share videos with other devices.
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Music+Videos Hub | |||
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Video player | |
Software:
Sadly, this is where the platform misses out greatly As much as Microsoft claims to have a healthy amount of over 100,000 apps in the Windows Phone Store, the platform is still lagging behind with quality third-party apps – there’s just no comparison! For example, the official YouTube app for Windows Phone does nothing more than open IE10 and redirects us to the mobile friendly version of the site. Worst yet, the HTC Hub is reduced to nothing more than aggregating the weather, news, and stocks – it’s the same thing we’ve seen already in the past! And as for the Bing Maps experience, don’t get us started, namely because it’s sorely lagging behind the competition in terms of comprehensive features that are essential in today’s world. However, we’ll give it credit for being a great device if you’re tied intimately to Microsoft Office.
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Preinstalled apps | |||
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66 Comments
1. sadaivadai posted on 29 Oct 2012, 14:11 18 8
Good one .. but still would go with Lumia 920 ..
2. Muhannad posted on 29 Oct 2012, 14:13 3 3
I feel the same here too, I love it but there something better around the corner, this doesn't mean I'm saying it's a bad phone.
27. MeoCao (unregistered) posted on 29 Oct 2012, 23:26 1 11
This is a ugly phone: too thick and looks like a toy not a serious device.
31. SuperMaoriBro posted on 30 Oct 2012, 04:43 0 2
why such a thick bezel HTC? It makes it look a bit dated,
43. dexter_jdr posted on 30 Oct 2012, 10:01 0 1
8x as videocam is s**t.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RgUzVEB6Ud8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MyPd32rO-90
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8hbl1fud3dg
48. GMC626 posted on 30 Oct 2012, 14:41 0 0
The bezels seem about the same size as those on the iPhone 5.
32. StreetNerd posted on 30 Oct 2012, 04:45 0 0
thn just take a black 8X
35. thephonedude posted on 30 Oct 2012, 04:53 1 0
It is not ugly.. its targeted for the younger crowd. Older business men and middle aged adults are not welcome.
58. thephonedude posted on 04 Nov 2012, 02:54 1 0
This HTC has similar looks to the Nokia Lumia range... hate this design? hate nokia lumias.
59. nooraldeen posted on 04 Nov 2012, 03:59 0 1
no 1 can hate this design or the Lumia's design , it's true that HTC copied the nokia deign but for some people it's a good thing cuz if some1 hates nokia and likes the lumia design then this is a perfect choice hhhhh :P
65. fredje posted on 06 Nov 2012, 07:17 0 0
I have one and I like the design and the material. it may be 1 cm thick but I feels perfect in the hand and looks and feels like a 0.8 cm device.
It doesn't look or feel cheap
10. OptimusOne posted on 29 Oct 2012, 14:45 3 0
this one is pretty good too. I like it
Ill wait until the lumia 920 to make my decision on which one is better
22. PotDragon posted on 29 Oct 2012, 21:02 0 6
So...you must be on at&t. Good for you. Hope you enjoy the terrible coverage, horrible reception, and worst customer service in history on your 920.
28. johnny9000 posted on 30 Oct 2012, 00:30 3 0
I love how anyone who has ever been burned by a company can make blanket statements like that. I've been a customer of AT&T, Verizon, and Sprint. I have talked to great customer service reps on all 3 networks, and horrible ones. From what everyone tells me, there is a "best" customer service (US Cellular), but there is no way AT&T is the worst, not by a long shot. And network reception is all relative and depends on where you live.
66. vzwapple83 posted on 06 Nov 2012, 08:18 0 0
Actually...
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/12/06/consumer-reports-att-verizon_n_1132220.html
39. -box- posted on 30 Oct 2012, 09:36 2 0
In short, the phone is exactly as expected: a good, solid product, which runs a good, solid OS with a few small gaps like app count (which isn't that important if the good ones that last a while are there), and it's priced very well to match. There wasn't anything broken, so nothing to fix, thus no sweeping huge UI changes. It's a OneX+ running WP8 with a slightly different body. If this were an iphone it would have gotten a 9.
42. dexter_jdr posted on 30 Oct 2012, 10:01 0 2
8x as videocam is s**t.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RgUzVEB6Ud8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MyPd32rO-90
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8hbl1fud3dg
13. OptimusOne posted on 29 Oct 2012, 14:52 8 3
not all nokias have good cameras... my 3310 just gives me black screen
40. -box- posted on 30 Oct 2012, 09:38 3 0
...you're seriously comparing a 3310 with a 920? Might as well be comparing a disposable camera with a Leica...
62. bayusuputra posted on 05 Nov 2012, 00:00 0 0
/saaaaarrrrrrccccaaaaaasssssssmmmmmmmm.......
4. _Bone_ posted on 29 Oct 2012, 14:17 7 0
Damn, tech news are STORMING today. Hope everybody will be all right.
5. pookiewood posted on 29 Oct 2012, 14:28 6 1
You forgot about the Live Wallpaper/Lock Screen function.
12. shirtlessrabbit4 posted on 29 Oct 2012, 14:49 0 0
Amen! I knew there was quite a bit more that pa left out!
14. Mobile-X-Pert posted on 29 Oct 2012, 15:16 7 0
Not only that, They forgot about Xbox music, The Wallet, the new Skype, Skydrive, the new Office 2013, Smart glass......etc.
23. snowgator posted on 29 Oct 2012, 21:11 3 0
Thank you both. WP 8 devices getting reviewed the day of the announcement? Not buying they spent a ton of time understanding it.
I truly do not expect an Android set of features yet. I am betting it is vastly better then WP 7, and that developers will be happier to develop for the wallet hub, the family hub, the new camera capabilities, ect.
I enjoy the WP experience. I just want improvements. And there are a TON.
24. pookiewood posted on 29 Oct 2012, 21:50 2 0
Yeah I don't get it! Spend some time with it before making a decision on it. Very weird.
6. smallworld posted on 29 Oct 2012, 14:29 8 1
"Few worthwhile improvements with WP8" I expect the same cons for the Lumia 920.
8. Mobile-X-Pert posted on 29 Oct 2012, 14:31 2 1
Good review, but there are many things missing.
9. Vikranth posted on 29 Oct 2012, 14:31 4 4
Rock on Buddy..The Hero of Windows Phone Ecosystem is Lumia 920...
15. GoBears posted on 29 Oct 2012, 15:54 2 4
Not a bad device but I think the Nokia 920 is much better. I really hope MS does some fast upgrades to this OS. If this is the OS that Nokia is betting the bank on, then they are in bigger trouble than I thought.
16. Schmao posted on 29 Oct 2012, 16:19 0 0
Whatever happened to the special audio amplifier? Doesn't seem like it is anything useful...
18. papss posted on 29 Oct 2012, 17:22 1 2
What others have said.. If its not the 920 it's not worth the Upgrade
19. lzsbleach posted on 29 Oct 2012, 17:58 1 0
I thought the windows 8 UI was going to better; maybe the Nokia 920 will get a 9
25. lubba posted on 29 Oct 2012, 22:34 0 0
How? His review will be the same across the board. If it's not customizable or has an Apple logo, no WP will ever get a 9 plus. You see these people don't pay attention to Joe b. when he does his presentations. All they care about is "where is the phone? What does it have in it?"
20. darac posted on 29 Oct 2012, 18:32 2 7
Best design out there.. beats the 920 convincingly.
That said, the screen should be bigger and the phone should be thinner to make this look really shine.
33. StreetNerd posted on 30 Oct 2012, 04:50 1 0
bigger? 4-4.3 inch perfect.... bigger is like a brick in ur pocket
29. psysect posted on 30 Oct 2012, 02:26 1 0
like it..good spc..It has Mini amplifire..
im waiting for it ..lumia too expensive.
34. StreetNerd posted on 30 Oct 2012, 04:52 0 0
yea true story.... i just sold my Lumia 800 for 200 euros and pre-ordered the 8S for 270 euros off contract.
my contract will be till march 2013, by thn i will get a real high end WP8 device(surface phone maybe?)
30. dblue45 posted on 30 Oct 2012, 04:21 1 0
I believe this is the first Windows Phone to get 7.5+ from Phonearena. Hats off to HTC! Great job.
38. snowgator posted on 30 Oct 2012, 08:06 1 0
Both the Focus S and the 900 got "8". I am waiting for the first WP to break that barrier.
36. pikapowerize (banned) posted on 30 Oct 2012, 06:30 1 0
this is already available?!
wow so early!! but still would go for lumia 920 instead!
37. MitchellSheehan posted on 30 Oct 2012, 06:32 1 0
Mr John. Kindly tell me what features are lacking. Id like to know. Please be specific. Coz from where I see it, Its a winning platform here.
41. Joshing4fun posted on 30 Oct 2012, 09:47 0 0
Don't be upset, he also says it can't take good pictures in the dark and has a "blah" internal speaker... like every other phone in the history of everdom.
44. b1acktiger posted on 30 Oct 2012, 11:59 0 0
The Display and the Camera makes the difference with 8x. the light weighted design and beats audio amplifier is +1 for 8X. I see the 920 wave is hitting the whole WP8 devices. The range of colours and light weighted of 8X impressed me.
49. dexter_jdr posted on 31 Oct 2012, 04:15 1 0
the audio amplifier has a catch on 8x..coz it only works through headphones..
on the other note, nokia lumia 920 has dolby digital software. i saw it on the settings. its for headphones aswell.. so they are tie on headphones.
lumia 920 built in speaker is louder... reason? because its bigger than htc since thinner phones cant put better speaker inside...
so the +1 is for nokia here.
46. Seanburns posted on 30 Oct 2012, 14:14 0 0
Phone Arena,you talk rubbish. Windows 8 & iOS non of these OS need quad core. We don't need quad core in a mobile phone. Android is so resource heavy and laggy even the GS3 lags. Android is the only one that needs quad core. You talk crap reviews
51. picassimo posted on 31 Oct 2012, 06:28 0 0
The area of Township, NJ that the reviewer took pictures of, I'm wondering how the streets look right now after Sandy.
https://maps.google.com/maps?q=%09150+Quakerbridge+Mall++Law rence+Township,+NJ+08648&hl=en &ll=40.212441,-73.943481&spn=2.240029,4.93835 4&sll=42.062327,-87.932094&sspn=0.136111,0.3086 47&hq=150+Quakerbridge+Mall++L awrence+Township,+NJ+08648&rad ius=15000&t=m&z=8
52. Altair posted on 31 Oct 2012, 12:11 0 3
Only thing you need to know about this HTC device is:
Cheap copycat -> see how long you can throw it or puke on it!
53. Aslam posted on 01 Nov 2012, 13:10 0 0
HTC WP phone will build a competitive with Nokia Lumia 920 or Samsung Galaxy Note 2 !http://www.gsmsouth.com/
56. nooraldeen posted on 02 Nov 2012, 09:41 0 0
the htc 8x already lost the fight against Lumia 920 , im not saying it's a bad phone. it's good but not enough to beat the Lumia 920
57. GMC626 posted on 03 Nov 2012, 10:09 0 0
The initial reviews of the Nokia 920 haven't been decisive over the 8x.
http://www.engadget.com/2012/11/02/nokia-lumia-920-review/
http://www.pocket-lint.com/review/6042/nokia-lumia-920-windows-phone-review
60. nooraldeen posted on 04 Nov 2012, 04:15 0 0
the specs sheet is a thing and the performance is another thing , it's true that there is not a big difference between the 2 but the lumia is better
both have 8MP camera but the lumia's camera is better and the screen is better (u cant tell the difference between the 768 or 720 in res or the 332/342 ppi) but it's considered better and also the lumia got a faster refresh rate so there is reduced blur when moving the UI ir the text . both don't have a SDcard slot . so the lumia is better with it's 32 gigs , the 8x is 16 gigs . so if some1 will have to choose between the Lumia or the 8x the Lumia is a better choice unless that 1 didn't want a bulky phone :)
54. adrikfog posted on 02 Nov 2012, 06:22 0 0
The design is absolutely wonderful. Love HTC and can't wait to try out WP8 for myself!
http://www.agorabiz.com/annonces/immobilier-d-entreprise/boutique/location
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