Connect smartphone reviews are written with the needs
of photographers in mind. We focus on camera features, performance, and
image quality.
Introduction
The One M8 is HTC's latest flagship smartphone and competing with the Samsung Galaxy S5, Sony Xperia Z2, Nokia Lumia 930, LG G2 and Apple' iPhone 5s for the affection of mobile photographers and other smartphone users alike.
While HTC has stuck with the design language of the original One, the
new model is slightly larger and comes with the usual upgrades, such as
faster processor, more RAM, bigger screen and new software
functions. The most talked about new feature comes in the camera though.
Like its predecessor the One M8 records image information on a 1/3-inch
4MP CMOS sensor but on the new model the main sensor is assisted by a
secondary chip which captures depth information.
This is meant to mimic the stereoscopic view of human eyes and allows
the camera to distinguish between objects in the foreground of the
image and the background. The One M8 then uses this information to apply
blur to the background in an attempt to simulate the narrow
depth-of-field of large sensor/fast lens combinations on digital SLRs
and mirrorless system cameras. There is also a refocus feature that lets
you select the focus point in an image after it has been taken, a
little like using a Lytro light field camera (although
in the HTC, the effect is achieved by shooting a very rapid burst of
focus-bracketed images and then essentially just choosing between them).
Unfortunately the secondary sensor is not compatible with optical
image stabilization which means the One's optical system has been
replaced with a "Smart Stabilization" software solution of which HTC
claims it is as good as the optical variant in the One. We'll find out
if this is true in our comprehensive review on the following pages.
We'll also have a close look at the Duo Cam features and perform an
in-depth analysis of the One M8's image quality. So read on to find out
if the HTC One M8 should be the new smartphone of choice for mobile
photographers.
Key Photographic/Video Specification:
- 4MP 1/3-inch CMOS sensor, 2.0 um pixel pitch
- F2.0 aperture
- 28mm equivalent focal length
- 1080p video
- Slow-motion video
- 5MP, F2.0 front camera
Other Specifications:
- 2.3 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 801, Quad-Core CPU
- Android 4.4 with HTC Sense 6
- 2GB RAM
- 16 or 32GB storage
- microSD card up to 128GB
- 5.0-inch, 1080p display (441 ppi)
- 2600 mAh battery
Our eight-page review
We've considered every aspect of the HTC One M8, with the
photographer in mind. We examined the user interface of the native
camera app and its special features. We experimented with the camera's
performance when taking stills and video. Click any of the links below
for more information of specific functions and continue to our
conclusion for a final summary of our findings.
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