HTC One for 2014: hands-on with the new “M8”

Last week I briefly got the chance to handle HTC’s new “M8” flagship — the HTC One for 2014. My takeaway? This is a beautiful handset, but very much an evolution of last year’s “M7” design. Most updates (5-inch display, Snapdragon 801 processor) are to be expected, and some are welcome (microSD expansion).

The phone features a trick new dual-lens “Duo” camera, pairing a 4MP UltraPixel lens with a 2MP module for depth perception — expect my thoughts (and full review) in the next several days. The new HTC One is available today from multiple carriers ($200-250) along with a Google Play edition ($700).

Here’s my hands-on video, along with some pictures and notes after the break.

Hardware
– Evolution of the existing unibody zero-gap construction
– Metal body wraps around the edges now
– Corners are rounder and softer (I prefer a more square look)
– About 0.5 inches taller than the outgoing model
– On-screen buttons (like Nexus handsets)
– Too much wasted bezel space below the display (where the HTC logo is located)
– Finally, a microSD card push-pin tray (like the Nokia Lumia 1520)
– Uses a nano SIM (or two, for dual-SIM support)
– Headphone jack is relocated to the bottom
– Improved BoomSound (louder, fuller)
– Three colors: silver, grey, gold

Display
– Gorgeous 5-inch 1080p Super LCD 3 panel

Processor
– 2.3GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 processor
– Adreno 330 GPU
– 2GB RAM
– 16/32GB built-in storage plus microSD (up to 128GB)
– More LTE bands

Battery
– Sealed, 2600mAh (vs. 2300 mAh on last year’s version)

Camera
– New dual-lens “Duo” camera
– 4MP UltraPixel main camera (no OIS)
– Additional 2MP module for depth perception
– Brings several new depth-of-field features
– Enables faster and more accurate autofocus
– Dual-color LED flash (similar to iPhone 5s)
– 5MP front-facing camera

Software
– Android 4.4 KitKat
– Sense 6 is completely redesigned: every pixel was touched
– Updated BlinkFeed, Zoe, and Sense TV apps
– Redesigned camera app with full manual controls
– Most Sense apps can now be updated via the Google Play Store

Cases
– Plastic cases available with perforated flip cover
– Time, weather and notifications peek through the flip holes (called Dot View)
– Looks awesome, just like Lite-Brite
– Double tap to activate and deactivate
– Colors: purple, orange, turquoise, grey, blue