HTC One M8

HTC One M8

     

      I did a review on the case for this phone, so I'd might as well do a design review of the phone proper. The HTC One M8 has been called "The iPhone for android users" and I would say that is pretty accurate. This phone is built very solidly, with a full metal body and many material transition techniques akin to Apple's manufacturing process. It comes with a number of features in both hardware and software that are brilliant inclusions while others are a bit underbaked. In the good features corner, the front facing stereo speakers provide amazing sound quality for a phone, and MAN are they loud. With the massive sound system playing in our apartment, these speakers just overpowered them for everyone on the couch. Another feature I've appreciated is the IR Blaster. IT acts as a universal remote, and I mean UNIVERSAL. You can download IR information for any device under the sun, and you can import custom IR information by pressing the button in question on another remote into the IR blaster of the phone, essentially creating a clone of that button. The software of this phone has been streamlined to be snappy and include only what is necessary. HTC Blinkfeed puts all of your social networks, news sites, and calendar info in one spot, acting as a central hub to your life. 

      I have some issues though. The "Duo Camera" on the back....I'm undecided about it. The second camera records depth information of each picture taken by the other camera below it, allowing for some cool effects to happen after. You can refocus after the picture is taken, but this only works about one third of the time. Speaking of hardware, with a phone this tall (5" screen and speakers at both ends results in a lengthy device), putting the lock button at the top wasn't the smartest idea.