We knew it was only a matter of time until HTC threw its hat into the Windows Phone 8 ring, following Nokia's Lumia 920 and 820 with high-end and mid-range devices of its own.
I've already been hands-on with both phones, so examine our in-depth previews of both the HTC 8X and HTC 8S for everything you need to know. Don't forget to hit play on our hands-on videos as well.
The HTC 8X (top), which the company is promoting as the Windows Phone 8X by HTC -- we know which name we'll stick with -- is the top-of-the-line option, and has a 4.3-inch 720p display.
It's powered by a 1.5GHz dual-core processor, backed up by 1GB of RAM. Take a peek around the back and you'll spy an 8-megapixel camera, while a 2.1-megapixel snapper resides on the phone's face. Both cameras are technically capable of recording 1080p video.
The 8S (above), meanwhile, is a smaller 4-inch option, and is powered by a 1GHz dual-core chip and 512MB of RAM. It has a 5-megapixel camera but no front-facing option -- HTC told me that was a space-saving measure.
Both phones come in a range of bright colours and have Beats audio tech built-in, though unlike other HTC phones these blowers won't come with a pair of Beats headphones in the box -- just a pair of HTC-branded 'buds.
Expect to see these phones lining shop shelves in about a month and a half, once Microsoft has properly lifted the lid on Windows Phone 8. For my money, I was satisfied with the design of both mobiles, but with few stand-out features I wonder if these good-looking smart phones can compete with Nokia's new Lumia gadgets and fend off competition from the Galaxy S3 and iPhone 5.
What do you think? Are you a Lumia lover tempted to stray by these beauties? Or is HTC falling further behind? Put Xs, Ss and any other letters you like in the comments below, or over on our charming Facebook page.
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anonymous 19 September, 2012 18:25
I have a HTC HD7 Windows phone, and yes unlike all the iphone crap HTC do what they say on the box, and they do it for a low price. I don't think i'll be upgrading to the 8X yet as I'm still very happy with my HD7. Speed wise and screen wise it still gives my sons iphone 4s a good run for half the price and; ------- No fan boy stupidity!
hazaman88 19 September, 2012 22:31
Can anyone who has used an HTC for a while, or any phone with 'Beats Audio' incorporated into it, explain if it should be a positive/negative deciding factor when considering the HTC? or if its performance is negligible?
Many thanks in advance...
anonymous 20 September, 2012 07:53
SONY XPERIA NXT range copy!!!
billfred 20 September, 2012 14:56
@ hazaman88: It's not positive or negative really, just a total non-fator. Just never turn the crappy Beats equaliser on and the sound is good.
anonymous 6 October, 2012 09:40
I am indeed a Lumia owner who may stray to HTC. I love my Lumia 710 and was until recently very likely to get the new Lumia 820 at some point, but after seeing the HTC 8S, there's a good chance I'll go for one of those now, especially as it seems they will be cheaper too. I can't help thinking that HTC are about to put a big dent in Nokia's comeback, which until now although slow, seemed to be progressing reasonably well.