HTC 8X Windows Phone 8 UK Sim Free Smartphone - Black

As a fan of Windows Phone from day one over two years ago, it was relatively easy then to pick a Windows Phone handset; I had no difficulty in choosing my first Windows Phone 7 which was HTC HD7 and glad to say it's still as new - thanks to the protective screen cover and soft gel case I put to use upon unpacking my HD7.

With significant improvements made possible with Windows Phone 8, and now more choices from several quarters - not only HTC and Samsung, also Nokia now a big player, and the Chinese getting noticed, for instance with ZTE Tania model - as well as the multi models of the same brand, it may not be that easy to choose one handset over the other. Case in point - Samsung ATIV S and HTC 8X are the two Windows Phones I like most, but really tough to choose one over the other.

Main Reasons why I like Samsung ATIV S over HTC 8X:
- Removable higher capacity 2300mAh Li-Ion battery (versus internally fixed 1800mAh Li-Polymer for HTC 8X)
- Bigger screen size (4.8" versus 4.3")
- Extended memory through microSD/SDHC/SDXC card up to 32GB, means 16GB internal storage + 32GB extended (versus 16GB internal storage only for HTC 8X)
- Talk time up to 13.5 hrs (better by about 2 hours than HTC 8X)
- Latest Bluetooth 4.0 (versus 2.1 for HTC 8X)

Main Reasons why I like HTC 8X over Samsung ATIV S:
- Supports 4G LTE network (versus no 4G support but 3.5G network for ATIV S).
- Very sharp and bright screen quality as widely reported for HTC 8X (but ATIV S also has a better contrast which is as important).
- Marginally better multimedia experiences (pictures, music, video) according to some test labs.
- Less expensive than ATIV S

This is ignoring very minor differences such as 1.9MPix vs 2.1MPix front camera, 135g vs. 130g weight, and subjective factors such as the look and feel of handset body and contour.

While the reasons for ATIV S are all quite significant for me (particularly being able to use spare batteries while on travel, as well as the two important reasons that follow this one), the main sticking point for the HTC 8X is the 4G support which may be regarded as a feature that makes a Windows phone more future-proof.

After some time of indecision I finally opted for the ATIV S, somewhat convinced by the fact that the 3G/3.5G mobile broadband service will be with us for years to come and the 4G LTE is just at the initial pilot launch in major UK cities (by EE and O2) with full coverage estimated beyond 2014. Interestingly, the US and Canadian version of ATIV S does support 4G LTE and not clear why Samsung decided to exclude this feature for the UK version.

This is a Windows Phone 8 handset packed with all desirable features, notably 4G LTE connectivity, but somewhat disappointing that HTC chose to make the battery non-removable. With my HD7 (with removable battery) I had no worries of running out of battery charge on travel (on occasions I carried up to 3 spare batteries although at most and rare occasions I only needed 2 spare batteries). While I love to own this handset, removable battery is one important factor that swayed my choice for Samsung ATIV S. Even the extended 32GB memory is not as important due to the fact that I never needed extra storage memory beyond what my HD7 provided, which is the same capacity as HTC 8X at 16GB. Likewise, even the big screen at 4.8" is not as important as I am well used to the 4.3" for my HTC HD7.

I am reproducing this review for the benefit of those who may want to compare the ATIV S with HTC 8X. If battery charge on long travel is not your main concern, then HTC 8X could be the right choice for you.

Highly Recommended.

I own an I-pad 3. Everyone I know seems to have - and adore- their I-phone. So I understand how an Apple solution could work for me, but I went wth Windows. I have to say the Windows 8 phone experience on the HTC 8X is an absolute delight to use.

I loved my Nokia Lumina 800 and Windows 7 phone. But the cost of repairing a cracked screen made an update the only viable choice. And I agonised over a Lumina 920 or an 8X. I find the size, weight and dimensions of the 8X match my needs far better than the 920. Sorry Nokia, I, literally could not handle the 920.

What is there to like about the 8X?
* fast fluid and responsive controls.
* Brilliant, natural easy to read screen.
* Really comfortable to hold
* Crystal clear sound for calls
* Thin, light and hence, comfortable in a jeans pocket or suit jacket
* Set up took minutes and was simplicity itself - just insert you old micro SIMs card.
* Best sound when playing music I have ever hear from a mobile phone

If you are part of the Microsoft Eco System, a Windows 8 phone makes so much sense. Really tight integration between address books, calendars and messages. Anyone who has not used a Windows phone needs to see the use of hubs and ease of social messaging in action.

If there are regrets it is in the area of apps. DropBox and Spotify are on the way - soon I hope. I do miss Nokia maps.

Bottom line: if you gave me the choice of an I-phone 5 or an HTC 8X, I'd not hesitate: Why? I held my sons's I-phone 5 in my hand yesterday. By comparison, it felt heavy, thick and with way too small a screen.

My opinion: the X 8 every time. Absolutely no buyers regrets.

IMPORTANT .....Nowhere does it mention that you will need a micro sim card, fortunately they are readily available from phone shops.
As for the phone it's a real step up, super-fast, excellent screen, superb sound and great operating system.