HTC Windows Phone 8X Specs Prices Features & Flaws Unveiled

Design and Build

The HTC Windows Phone 8X is noted for its sleek and colorful design, which was a fresh take on smartphone aesthetics back in 2012. With a body dimension of 132.4 x 66.2 x 10.1 mm and weighing just 130 grams, the device is remarkably slim and lightweight. The phone sports a unibody design made from polycarbonate material that provides durability and a comfortable grip. Available in vibrant colors such as California Blue, Graphite Black, Flame Red, and Limelight Yellow, the device stands out in a crowd and appeals to those looking for a device that reflects personality and style.

Display

The HTC 8X features a 4.3-inch S-LCD2 display with a resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels, resulting in a sharp density of approximately 342 pixels per inch. The screen is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 2, safeguarding it against scratches and minor impacts. This display setup offers a good balance between size and visibility, making it quite effective for multimedia consumption such as watching videos or browsing the web. It provides vibrant colors and wide viewing angles, enhancing the overall user experience.

Hardware and Performance

Under the hood, the HTC 8X is powered by the Qualcomm MSM8960 Snapdragon S4 Plus chipset, featuring a dual-core 1.5 GHz Krait CPU and Adreno 225 GPU. This combination ensures smooth operation of the Windows Phone 8 OS, which is upgradable to 8.1.1. With 1GB of RAM and 16GB of internal storage, the 8X handles multitasking with ease, although the lack of expandable storage might be a downside for users who require more space for apps and media.

Camera

The device is equipped with an 8 MP rear camera with autofocus and LED flash, capable of capturing vivid images and videos at 1080p@30fps. The camera app is straightforward, allowing users to take quick and easy shots. The front-facing camera caters to video calls and selfies with its 2.1 MP sensor, also supporting 1080p video recording. The camera quality is adequate for everyday use, providing sharpness and reasonable detail in various lighting conditions.

Battery Life

The HTC Windows Phone 8X houses a non-removable Li-Ion 1800 mAh battery, which provides a decent endurance rating. For moderate users, the battery can last through an entire day on a single charge. However, power users might find themselves charging the phone by late afternoon. Given its time of release, this battery capacity was fairly typical, yet a potential area for improvement in future iterations.

Network and Connectivity

This smartphone supports GSM, HSPA, and LTE networks, ensuring wide compatibility with cellular networks globally. The Internet experience on LTE offers fast browsing and downloading speeds, making it a great choice for those who rely on their mobile data. Additionally, it comes with a range of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi a/b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0 (after software update), GPS with A-GPS and GLONASS support, NFC, FM radio, and a microUSB 2.0 port.

Operating System

The HTC 8X operates on Microsoft Windows Phone 8, with an update path to 8.1.1. The interface is clean and intuitive, involving a dynamic tile system which was well-regarded for its aesthetic and functionality. This OS ensures seamless integration with Microsoft’s services, making it ideal for users who are invested in the Microsoft ecosystem. The platform is reliable, although the app availability is limited compared to Android and iOS.

Audio & Multimedia

Featuring a built-in Beats Audio amplifier, the HTC Windows Phone 8X delivers enhanced sound quality for music lovers. The loudspeaker is effective, with voice and noise levels at 66dB and ring at 75dB. The presence of a 3.5mm audio jack allows users to connect standard headphones, which is ideal for private listening experiences. The device shows strong performance in audio clarity with noise levels measured at -83.2dB and crosstalk at -74.8dB.

Sensors and Additional Features

The smartphone comes equipped with essential sensors such as an accelerometer, proximity sensor, and compass, aiding in navigation and daily tasks. Despite being a device from 2012, the inclusion of NFC functionality demonstrates foresight in catering to emerging contactless technologies.

Conclusion

The HTC Windows Phone 8X was a pioneering device in Microsoft's mobile strategy, combining unique design elements with robust hardware. It carved a niche for itself among Windows Phone enthusiasts and remains a notable mention in the history of mobile technology innovations. While it lacks some modern smartphone features, it presented a cohesive and satisfying experience during its time.