HTC Windows Phone 8X review

The HTC Windows Phone 8X handset is the firm's first to arrive running Microsoft's latest mobile platform, Windows Phone 8.

The X8 handset features a quirky, vibrant albeit Lumia-like body, and takes advantage of the Microsoft mobile operating system's support for multi-core processors, high screen resolution and NFC support.

However, Windows Phone 8 is still struggling to fight off iOS and Android due to its lack of apps and unfamiliar interface, so can the HTC Windows Phone 8X really hack it in the ultra-competitive smartphone market?

Design
HTC has been keen to talk up the design of its Windows Phone 8X handset, thanks to the way its unique design mimics the look and feel of the newly launched mobile operating system.

We couldn't agree more. The design of the HTC Windows Phone 8X is gorgeous and reflects the quirky user interface of Microsoft's Windows Phone operating system. Sure, Nokia's Lumia handsets are beautifully designed too, but there's something special about the design of the HTC Windows Phone 8X handset.

We got our hands on the "blue" but quite clearly purple version of the HTC Windows Phone 8X handset, and it immediately wowed us with its striking design. Although unlikely to appeal to a male audience, the phone's vibrant casing will no doubt turn heads on the street, a task that Apple and Samsung now struggle to do with their continual stream of lookalike handsets. Not so keen on the "blue" version? The HTC Windows Phone 8X will also be available in Graphite Black, Flame Red and Limelight Yellow flavours.

It's one of the most comfortable handsets we've used too. Don't get us wrong, it's by no means tiny at 132x66x10.1mm, but the handset's tapered edges make it feel a lot slimmer than it actually is, while its toughened plastic chassis means it feels like it can withstand a bit of rough and tumble, despite weighing just 130g.

Our only issue with the handset's design is that it picks up greasy fingerprints too readily, but its plastic casing means these are easily wiped off.

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