TechRadar got early access to the Windows Phone 8X by HTC, and while we admired it's sleek body, it wasn't running a finished version of the OS – we will be updating this review soon as we get hands on with the finished product at HTC's event in New York.
HTC has chosen a new design path for its Windows Phone 8 release date range of
devices and the 8X leads the way with its sleek, unibody chassis
creating an aesthetically pleasing handset.
The phone is furthered enhanced by the blue/purple finish HTC has put on the Windows Phone 8X, and it's nice to see an injection of colour in a market which has been recently dominated by black and white slabs.
HTC will also be offering the 8X in a fetching neon yellow as well as the traditional black, with the US getting treated to a red version via Verizon – which may, or may not, make its way to the UK next year.
At 10.6mm you may be concerned that the Windows Phone 8X is going to feel pretty chunky went put up against the likes of the 7.6mm iPhone 5, 8.6mm Samsung Galaxy S3 and 8.9mm HTC One X, but the tapered edges ensure a deceptively slim appearance.
The slightly rounded back nestles comfortably in the hand, and the
polycarbonate chassis provides a decent level of grip, similar to the
One X, which we prefer over the cheaper feeling and more slippery
plastic back of Galaxy S3.
The Windows Phone 8X is evenly weighted, making it well balanced in the hand, with enough weight to make it feel like a premium handset without being overly heavy.
The right side of the HTC 8X sports a microSIM tray, volume rocker switch and lower down, a dedicated camera shutter button – something we don't see all too often these days, but it is an option which commonly features on Windows Phone devices.
The 4.3-inch Super LCD 2 display, which offers up 720p HD resolution, appears bright and clear, with strong colour reproduction and crisp text all making for a pleasing viewing experience.
We were only able to admire the lock and home screen of Windows Phone 8, as the 8X we got a grip on didn't have a final build of the WP8 software, but in terms of screen quality it's so far, so good.
It's obviously difficult to give a proper early verdict at this point, but once we've had a play with the final device today, we'll update this with a more informed outlook.
However what we can say so far is that we're fans of the new design HTC has brought to the table, and as long as the on-screen performance matches the quality of the body, the HTC Windows Phone 8X is shaping up to be quite a device.
The phone is furthered enhanced by the blue/purple finish HTC has put on the Windows Phone 8X, and it's nice to see an injection of colour in a market which has been recently dominated by black and white slabs.
HTC will also be offering the 8X in a fetching neon yellow as well as the traditional black, with the US getting treated to a red version via Verizon – which may, or may not, make its way to the UK next year.
At 10.6mm you may be concerned that the Windows Phone 8X is going to feel pretty chunky went put up against the likes of the 7.6mm iPhone 5, 8.6mm Samsung Galaxy S3 and 8.9mm HTC One X, but the tapered edges ensure a deceptively slim appearance.
The Windows Phone 8X is evenly weighted, making it well balanced in the hand, with enough weight to make it feel like a premium handset without being overly heavy.
The right side of the HTC 8X sports a microSIM tray, volume rocker switch and lower down, a dedicated camera shutter button – something we don't see all too often these days, but it is an option which commonly features on Windows Phone devices.
The 4.3-inch Super LCD 2 display, which offers up 720p HD resolution, appears bright and clear, with strong colour reproduction and crisp text all making for a pleasing viewing experience.
We were only able to admire the lock and home screen of Windows Phone 8, as the 8X we got a grip on didn't have a final build of the WP8 software, but in terms of screen quality it's so far, so good.
It's obviously difficult to give a proper early verdict at this point, but once we've had a play with the final device today, we'll update this with a more informed outlook.
However what we can say so far is that we're fans of the new design HTC has brought to the table, and as long as the on-screen performance matches the quality of the body, the HTC Windows Phone 8X is shaping up to be quite a device.
Thanks for Techradar
