Skip to content

HTC One E8 Hands on, Initial Review, Photos and Video

HTC one E8 launched today for 34,990 INR brings the flagship HTC One M8 performance to a lower price range and is perhaps the only phone selling 2.5 GHz Snapdragon 801 chipset at this price range in India. Even Samsung Galaxy S5 selling for the same price after several price cuts offers Exynos octa chipset in India. So what compromises have HTC made to provide flagship experience at subsidized price? Not many.

IMG-20140711-WA0020

HTC One E8 Quick Specs

  • Display Size: 5 Inch Full HD IPS LCD, 1920 x 1080 resolution, 441 PPI, Corning Gorilla Glass 3
  • Processor: 2.5 GHz Quad Core MSM8974AC Snapdragon 801 processor with Adreno 330 GPU clocked at 578 MHz
  • RAM: 2 GB
  • Software Version: Android 4.4 KitKat with HTC Sense 6.0 on top
  • Camera: 13 MP , 1080p video Recording at 30 fps
  • Secondary Camera: 5.0 MP, 1080p recording at 30 fps
  • Internal Storage:  16 GB
  • External Storage: MicroSD support up to 128 GB
  • Battery: 2600 mAh
  • Sensors:  proximity, Compass, Barometer, Accelerometer
  • Connectivity:  4G LTE, HSPA+, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.0 with A2DP, aGPS, GLONASS, NFC, USB OTG

Design, Build and Display

The beautiful brushed metal design in HTC One M8 has been replaced with great quality polycarbonate casing, which makes HTC One E8 look slightly chunky, but its still pleasurable to the eyes. The Grey variant comes with matte finish back while, the white and red color variants will come with a glossy back.

IMG-20140711-WA0008

The rear side with dual curve ergonomic design fits nicely in hand. The front side on the other hand resembles HTC One M8, you won’t be able to tell the difference at first between the two placed side by side. The front is also enhanced by beautiful 5 inch full HD display with great colors, viewing angles and excellent brightness. This is definitely one of the best displays you can ask for in this price range.

Processor and RAM

The Chipset used is the latest Snapdragon 801 with four Krait 400 cores clocked at 2.5 GHz and supported by 2 GB RAM and Adreno 330 GPU. This is perhaps the best smartphone chipset you can buy today and is capable of handling anything that you throw at it.

IMG-20140711-WA0021

Compared to Snapdragon 800, it features significant increase in GPU clock frequency (578 MHz vs 450 MHz), higher ISP frequency. It also replaces 4.5 with eMMC 5 for better memory management.

Camera and Internal Storage

Instead of Ultrapixel Duo Cam, HTC One E8 comes with a 13 MP sensor at the rear, which is a very good performer. The camera performance was similar to what we saw on HTC Desire 816. Compared to HTC One M8, the camera is slightly slower. You can record full HD 1080p videos at 30 fps. The front 5 MP selfie camera can also shoot 1080p full HD videos.

IMG-20140711-WA0019

Internal storage is 16 GB and can be augmented by another 128 GB using MicroSD card slot. This is enough storage to keep everyone happy.

HTC One E8 Camera Samples

IMAG0015IMAG0016IMAG0019

User Interface and Battery

Software is Android 4.4 Kitkat with HTC Sense 6 UI on top. Since HTC has confirmed Android L update for HTC One M8, you can expect the same for HTC One E8 as well as the software is same on both devices. HTC Sense 6 poses a simpler look compared to HTC Sense 5.5, you can douple tap to unlock homescreen, make use of pre-installed fitbit app, pause videos while capture and can also take advanatage of several fun features in HTC Camera app.

IMG-20140711-WA0009

Battery capacity is 2600 mAh and HTC claims 504 hours of 3G standby time and 26 hours of 3G talktime, which If true will suffice for good user experience. We will know for sure after we spend some more time with the device.

HTC One E8 Photo Gallery

IMG-20140711-WA0010IMG-20140711-WA0011IMG-20140711-WA0012IMG-20140711-WA0013IMG-20140711-WA0014

Conclusion

HTC Desire E8 is a decent polycarbonate alternative to HTC One M8 which is one of the best smartphones in present times. HTC hasn’t made any grave compromises with the user experience. Even at the launch price, HTC One E8 looks like a good deal with great display, comfortable Android skin and 2.5 GHz Snapdragon 801 Chipset. HTC One E8 will be available in India by end of July 2014 for 34,990 INR.

Use Enhanced Google Site Search Text Box Below To Find Solution to Your Tech Problems

Deepak Singh

Deepak Singh

The Author spent a significant chunk of his formative years resisting technology. He now keeps an eye on where the world is heading to, and drives a passive pleasure from this indulgence. His passion to write, learn and improve drives him each day. When his day ends, he enjoys the pleasant languor and detoxifies with family. You can connect with him on and TwitterView Author posts