HTC’s 2014 flagship steps up design, screen size, camera capabilities and software features
HTC has today unveiled its new flagship smartphone for 2014, the new HTC One — previously known by the codename “M8”. As we’ve been seeing in leaked images for the past several weeks, the new HTC One features a wraparound metal design, a 5-inch display and a dual rear camera setup. The phone comes in three colors at launch — gunmetal gray, glacial silver and amber gold — and thanks to its curved metal sides the chassis is now 90 percent metal versus the previous HTC One’s 70 percent, HTC says.
Boomier BoomSound, a new depth-sensing camera and Zoe sharing features.
The phone features louder “BoomSound” front-facing speakers and an all-new “Duo Camera” setup for photography and video. The main camera is a 4-megapixel “Ultrapixel” unit with f/2.0 lens, while the secondary camera, located above it, is used for capturing depth information for use with the phone’s advanced photo features. For example, you can refocus still images after shooting them, add 3D effects to pictures. As on the previous HTC One, you can also record “Zoe” animated shots and create automatic video highlight reels. 1080p HD video recording is supported, as is HDR video, and there’s also a 5-megapixel BSI (backside illuminated) front facer. And launching soon, the new Zoe social app will allow you to share Zoes and photos — and remix your friends’ highlight videos, too.
Snapdragon 801, 2GB of RAM and microSD expandability.
On the inside, the new HTC One is powered by a Snapdragon 801 processor — a 2.3GHz CPU in Europe and the U.S., while China and other parts of Asia will get a slightly faster 2.5GHz model. That’s backed up by 2GB of RAM, 16 or 32GB of internal storage, and a microSD slot supporting up to 128GB cards. There’s a fixed 2,600mAh fixed battery, and HTC has introduced new battery optimizations including an extreme battery-saving mode which lets you disable all but a few basic apps.
More: HTC One (M8) specs
The new HTC One is powered by Android 4.4.2 KitKat and HTC’s Sense 6 software, an evolution of the design language and feature set HTC introduced with Sense 5 on the M7 a year ago. BlinkFeed still lies at the heart of the home screen experience, bringing news and social updates to your home screen, and it’s been redesigned for a more visual browsing experience. Sense 6 also introduces new themes for HTC’s UI, allowing users to control the color palettes used in apps such as BlinkFeed, Messaging and Gallery.
HTC introduces a long list of gesture-based features.
Another major Sense 6 feature is Motion Launch, which lets you perform a variety of tasks using gestures even when the phone’s display is off. Like LG’s KnockOn, you can double-tap the screen in portrait mode to wake it. And while in portrait orientation you can swipe up to unlock, right to launch BlinkFeed or left to bring up your regular home screen, even when the phone is asleep. Motion Launch also lets you press the volume key in landscape orientation to unlock and launch directly into the camera app.
And for those looking for a “pure” Android experience, the HTC One (M8) will also be available as a Google Play edition device.
As previously revealed by British retailer Carphone Warehouse, the new HTC One will be available to buy in some London stores on the day of announcement. We’ll bring you more information on M8 pricing and availability as we get it. And keep it locked to Android Central for full coverage of HTC’s latest in the next hour.
HTC One (M8) press release
THE BEST JUST GOT BETTER: INTRODUCING THE HTC ONE (M8)
Delivering breakthrough design and packed with the latest HTC SenseTM 6 experience, HTC Duo Camera for advanced imaging, and intuitive Motion LaunchTM, the HTC One (M8) delivers an unparalleled smartphone experience for 2014
London, UK, 25th March 2014 – HTC, a global leader in innovation and design, today unveiled the highly anticipated new HTC One (M8), the ultimate evolution of the award-winning HTC One (M7). Launching in Gunmetal Gray1 with the all-new HTC SenseTM 6, the new HTC One (M8), boasts a high quality metal unibody with a Smart Sensor Hub that anticipates your needs and uses Motion LaunchTM controls to make everyday tasks easier. New Duo Camera technology delivers creative, professional-looking photos and amazing effects, and HTC BoomSoundTM again sets new standards for audio quality on a smartphone.
Peter Chou, CEO, HTC said: “In 2013 we introduced the best smartphone in the world, but we never stopped challenging ourselves and the status quo in this category. As pioneers in mobile innovation, we continue to design and build devices that will dazzle, inspire and transform the smartphone industry. Today I’m proud to launch the most stunning, intuitive and advanced handset that the industry has seen to date, the new HTC One (M8).”
Beautifully designed inside and out
Achieving another breakthrough in design and quality with the new HTC One (M8), the phone’s body has been re-crafted to create an even more stunning yet approachable look. The beautiful, durable, high quality metal unibody flows right up to the 5-inch, full HD (1080p) display, tapering to thinner edges, with softer curves for a smooth, more natural grip.
Supported by the QualcommTM Snapdragon® 801 processor with 2.3 GHz quad-core Krait CPUs and fully integrated 4G LTE, and running Android 4.4, KitKat, the latest version of the Android OS, the new HTC One (M8) features the all-new HTCSenseTM 6, available on the device and as an upgrade from the Google Play store2. Completely redesigned with a cleaner, more striking visual style, HTC SenseTM 6 features bold, customisable colour themes and delivers a more intuitive, personalised user experience. For those who prefer the stock Android experience, the HTC One (M8) Google Play edition will be available for pre-order from today and for purchase on the Google Play store in the coming weeks.
A leap forward in smartphone imaging
The new HTC One (M8) brings a totally different dimension to mobile imaging by combining the world’s first smartphone with a Duo Camera that features HTC’s innovative HTC UltraPixelTM module, a dual flash and full 1080p HD video recording, producing incredible images in all lighting conditions and rich, high-quality video. A 5- MP wide-angle front facing camera also captures superior selfies with ease.
The Duo Camera boasts a depth sensor in addition to the main HTC UltraPixelTM module, capturing detailed depth information from a scene and enabling a range of beautiful and creative effects that allow you to do more with your images than ever before.
Instantly create professional-looking portraits by altering the focus of your image after the photo has been taken with UFocusTM or make your subject stand out in a more surprising way by altering the background with creative effects using Foregrounder. You can also give your best shots a seasonal flavour using the Seasons animations. Copy & Paste3 lets you place your family and friends in a different photo entirely, while Dimension PlusTM presents a unique perspective on your photos by letting you view your image from a different angle by simply tilting the screen.
The advanced camera technology also works behind-the-scenes capturing images right from launch, so that when the shutter is activated, the sharpest possible image is instantly displayed. The camera autofocus operates at a speed of 300mseconds, producing beautifully crisp images of split-second action and when the flash is required, the intelligent LED Dual Flash automatically selects the exact colour tone and light intensity for more natural skin tones and a professional-looking shot.

With so much scope to create exciting imagery, Gallery organisation has also been a priority for the designers of HTC SenseTM, who have introduced Image match, a visual search tool that intuitively moves all the photos containing a particular subject into one album.Finally the new HTC One (M8) has also integrated Slow Motion mode, which lets you shoot HD slo-mo video and then edit that video so you can slow down the action at the part you want – perfect for adding drama or for highlighting a moment.
ZoeTM in the cloud
In 2014, ZoeTM will evolve into a cloud-based service. Upload Zoe Videos for all to see, and invite friends to add their own photos, videos and music to share incredible highlight reels of classic moments. The new Zoe app will be available for download through Google Play in the summer.
Motion LaunchTM – convenient gesture controlled shortcuts
With the introduction of HTC SenseTM 6, the new HTC One (M8) boasts capabilities that give the product a sixth sense. For example, Motion LaunchTM is immediately able to detect its position and movement, thanks to built-in motion sensors that allow you to interact with the phone without turning on the screen. A simple swipe will activate the device, Auto Answer allows you to answer a call by putting the phone to your ear without touching the screen – a handy tool if the phone rings when you are digging the garden or washing the dishes – and a double tap turns the lock screen on and off.
HTC Dot ViewTM case – protect your phone with retro flair
Taking that sixth sense functionality one step further you can extend Motion LaunchTM by double tapping the dot view case, in addition to checking the time, weather, new texts, emails and calls – without touching or revealing the screen.
An outstanding phone deserves a case that protects and extends its innovative design and industry-leading functionality. Optimised by HTC SenseTM 6, the new HTC Dot ViewTM phone case protects the screen, whilst displaying notifications and interactions in a retro, dot-matrix style.Extreme Power Saving Mode – extra standby time at no extra cost
The innovation doesn’t end there, as we are also changing how people use their phone battery. With the original HTC One (M7), HTC optimised power consumption so that you could get the most out of your phone. The new HTC One (M8) takes this to a whole new level making the battery power last 40% longer. Whilst normal power saving mode delivers a great experience, we have also included an Extreme power saving mode that makes your battery last even longer. Fully charged it will deliver 14 days’ worth of battery power, whilst still allowing you to receive calls, texts and emails – perfect for when you are travelling. Activated either manually or automatically, it delivers 60 hours of extra standby time at 20% power, 30 hours at 10% power and 15 hours at 5% power so, whether you are out late at night or hiking in the mountains, you never have to worry about running out of battery again.
HTC BoomSoundTM gets bigger
The new HTC One (M8) again takes the smartphone audio experience to new heights. The latest HTC BoomSoundTM technology creates an immersive, powerful, crystal-clear sound with rich tones from bass through to treble. Delivering sound that is 25% louder than the HTC One (M7), without compromising quality, the new HTC One (M8) has dual frontal stereo speakers with a new amplifier, redesigned speaker chambers and a tailored audio profile for a truly high definition experience.
HTC BlinkFeedTM – Your news direct to your home screen
HTC BlinkFeedTM is now more intuitive, with continuous scrolling for a fluid browsing experience, adaptable tiles and a new layout that presents articles in a clean, easy- to-read way. With the introduction of a new SDK that allows partners to integrate their own content, users can more easily find and subscribe to new media sources, in addition to instantly creating custom feeds on any topic. So whether you are into sports, movies or shopping, this feature ensures that that you will get the information most relevant to you. With News Bundles that bring all articles and tweets on the same topic together for easy reading and over 1000+ content partners now clearly categorised on one page, following the most interesting news couldn’t be simpler4.
Fitness at a glance
With the new HTC One (M8), you can get healthier and stay motivated by combining its power-saving sensor hub with the preloaded Fitbit® app.5 Alternatively, use the phone in conjunction with one of Fitbit’s range of trackers6 to access advanced features such as sleep tracking and smart alarm or to capture data when exercising without your phone. Set your fitness goals and see your achievements brought straight to your HTC BlinkFeedTM home screen with no additional effort. Fitbit is the top downloaded app for connected fitness devices on the Google Play store.
HTC SenseTM TV
The only remote you need on the new HTC One (M8) has been redesigned to provide an interactive second screen. You can follow the conversation about the programme online with integrated official Facebook and Twitter streams along with all the latest fan commentary from your social circles. HTC SenseTM TV now also brings live sports statistics for the 10 most popular sports in the world, with sports fans now able to access the latest scores, match statistics and live updates from unmissable games while they watch another game on the main TV screen.
Ranging
The new HTC One (M8) will be ranged with over 230 operators across the globe:
Europe, Middle East and Africa: 1&1 Germany, A1 Telekom Austria, AB Poland, Action Poland, Allo Ukraine, Amazon Germany, Amazon UK, AMC (Cosmote) Albania, Avea Turkey, Batelco Bahrain, Belcompany Netherlands, BH Telecom Bosnia & Herzegovina, Bibob Denmark, Bite Latvia, Bite Lithuania, Bouygues Telecom France, Brightstar 20:20 mobile, BT UK, Call me Denmark, Carphone Warehouse Ireland, CarphoneWarehouse UK, CBB Denmark, Cell C RSA, Cell C South Africa, Cellcom Israel, Chess Norway, Citrus Ukraine, Cosmote Cyprus, Cosmote Greece, Cosmote Romania& Global Bulgaria, CYTA Cyprus, Digitec Switzerland, Djuice Norway, DT Mobile(TS) Latvia, Du UAE, Dustin Sweden, Eagle Mobile Albania, EE UK, Elisa Estonia, Elisa Finland, Elgiganten Denmark, Elgiganten Sweden, Elkjöb Norway, EMT (TS) Estonia, ERC Ukraine, Etisalat UAE, EuroRtvAGD Poland, Expert Denmark, Gigantii Finland, Go Malta, H3G Austria, H3G Denmark, H3G Italy, H3G Ireland, H3G Sweden, HT Eronet Bosnia & Herzegovina, Ingram Micro Germany, Ingram Micro Poland, Ingram Micro Mobility UK, Interdiscount Switzerland, Irange Poland, Komplett Norway, Komputronik Poland, Komsa Poland, KPN Belgium, KPN Netherlands, Lefdal Norway, LICK France, Life Belarus, LuxGSM Luxembourg, MediaExpert Poland, Media Markt Austria, Media Markt Poland, Media Markt Swizerland, Melita Malta, Meteor Ireland, Mobilcom Debitel Germany, Mobilezone Switzerland, Mobilochka
Ukraine, Mobily KSA, MSH Belgium, MSH Germany, M-Tel Montenegro, M-Tel Bosnia & Herzegovina, MTI Ukraine, MTN Cyprus, MTN RSA, MTN South Africa, MTSBelarus, MTS Russia, Nawras Oman, Neonet Poland, Netcom Norway, Netcom shops Norway, Netshop Norway, (Telefónica) O2 Czech, (Telefónica) O2 Germany, (Telefónica) O2 Ireland, (Telefónica) O2 UK, Omantel Oman, Omnitel Lithuania, One Macedonia, One2Cel Norway, Ooredoo Qatar, Orange France, Orange Moldova, Orange Poland, Orange Romania, Orange Slovakia, Orange Spain, Orange Switzerland, Orange Parteners Israel, Otto Germany, Partner Communications Israel, Pelephone Israel, Perimeter Cyprus, PhoneHouse Germany, PhoneHouse Netherlands, PhoneHouse Sweden, Phones4U UK, Play Poland, Plus Communication Albania, Plus Poland, Polkomtel Poland, Proximus Belgium, Saturn Austria, Saturn Poland, Selfridges UK, SFR France, Siba Norway, SiMobil Slovenia, Space World Norway, STC KSA, Sunrise Switzerland, Svyaznoy Russia, Sveris Poland, Swisscom Switzerland, TDC Denmark, Telcom RSA, Tele2 Croatia, Tele 2 Estonia, Tele2 Latvia, Tele2 Lithuania, Tele2 Norway, Tele2 Sweden, Telia Denmark, Telia Sweden, Telekom Slovenija, Telenet Belgium, Telenor Denmark, Telenor Norway, Telenor Sweden, Telenor Hungary, Telenor Serbia, Telenorbutikken Norway, Telering Norway, Telkom Serbia, Tesco UK, Three UK, TIMItaly, TMD Germany, T-Mobile Austria, T-Mobile Croatia, T-Mobile Czech Republic, T-Mobile Germany, T-Mobile Hungary, T-Mobile Macedonia, T-Mobile Montenegro, T-Mobile Netherlands, T-Mobile Poland, T-Mobile Slovakia, Turkcell Turkey, Tus Mobil Slovenia, Velcom (TAG) Belarus, Ventelo Norway, VIP Operator Macedonia, VIP Mobile Serbia, Vipnet Croatia, Virgin Mobile France, Viva Bahrain, Viva Kuwait, Vivacom Bulgaria, Vodacom RSA, Vodacom South Africa, Vodafone Albania, Vodafone Czech Republic, Vodafone Egypt, Vodafone Germany, Vodafone Greece, Vodafone Hungary, Vodafone Ireland, Vodafone Italy, Vodafone Malta, Vodafone Netherlands, Vodafone Quatar, Vodafone Romania, Vodafone Spain, Vodafone Turkey, Vodafone UK, Wataniya Kuwait, Wind Cyprus, Wind Greece, Wind Italy, Yoigo Spain, Yug Contract Ukraine, Zain Bahrain, Zain KSA, Zain Kuwait.
Asia-Pacific: 2degrees New Zealand, 3 Hong Kong, Celcom Malaysia, China Mobile Hong Kong Ltd, Chunghwa Telecom Taiwan, CSL Ltd Hong Kong, CTM Macau, DiGi Malaysia, dtac Thailand, Far Eastone Taiwan, Indosat Indonesia, M1 Singapore, Maxis Malaysia, Mobifone Vietnam, Optus Australia, PCCW Ltd Hong Kong, SingTel Singapore, Smartone Mobile Communications Ltd Hong Kong, StarHub Singapore, Taiwan Mobile, Telecom New Zealand, Telkomsel Indonesia, Telstra Australia, U Mobile Malaysia, Vibo Taiwan, Vodafone Australia, Vodafone New Zealand, XL Indonesia
China: China Mobile, China Unicom, China Telecom
North America: All major wireless carriers and retailers including Amazon, Appalachian Wireless, AT&T, Best Buy, Bluegrass Cellular, Car Toys, Chat Mobility, Cincinnati Bell Wireless, Costco, Military Exchange, Net10 Wireless, Pioneer Cellular, RadioShack, Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon Wireless and Walmart in the United States, and Airtime, Bell, Rogers, Sasktel, and TELUS in Canada1 Other available colours at launch are Glacial Silver and Amber Gold
2 Certain SenseTM 6 experiences will be made available via an upgrade on the Google Play store in the coming weeks
3 The Copy and Paste feature will be available to download from the Google Play Store soon
4 Following its popularity with HTC users, HTC will now make HTC BlinkFeed available to other Android devices, launching on the Google Play store soon.
5 The Fitbit app is only pre-loaded in certain countries. Please speak to the local market for verification. It is available to download from the Google Play store and tracks your steps / monitors your activity
6 Sold separately