HTC’s flagship HTC One (M8) smartphone is the best in the business, but it’s also a bit pricey thanks to its metal housing and unique Duo Camera. Thankfully, those looking for similar styling at a cheaper price point will soon have a new option in the HTC One (E8).
Announced in China on Tuesday morning, the all new HTC One (E8) has the potential to fill a big gap in HTC’s 2014 lineup quite nicely. It’s not quite as premium as the M8, but it features modern specs and a beautiful 5-inch full HD display, making it a more attractive option than the HTC One mini 2 for power users.
Beyond the 1080p display, the new HTC One (E8)’s specs include a quad-core Snapdragon 801 processor, Android 4.4 KitKat, Sense 6.0 with Motion Launch support, a 13-megapixel rear camera, a 5-megapixel front-facing camera, 2GB of RAM, 16GB of storage, microSDXC support for up to 128GB of removable storage, BoomSound speakers and a 2,600 mAh battery.
The HTC One (E8) will launch later this month in select markets including China, and it will be available in black, white and red. No launch plans have been announced for the U.S. market or for Europe.
UPDATE: HTC has priced the E8 at 2,799 RMB in China, which works out to about $448.
HTC’s full press release follows below.
HTC EXTENDS THE BEST SMARTPHONE FAMILY WITH THE HTC ONE (E8)
Make a fashion statement with the vibrant and curvaceous HTC One (E8), packed with the latest HTC SenseTM 6 experience
Beijing, 03 June 2014 – HTC, a global leader in innovation and design, today unveiled the HTC One (E8), a gorgeous, lightweight device, designed to attract the fashion pack. A vibrant twist on HTC’s iconic flagship design, The HTC One (E8) introduces new materials and bold, stylish colours to the award-winning One family. Complete with Motion LaunchTM, HTC BoomSoundTM, and incredible imaging capabilities, thanks to the 5MP front-facing and 13MP rear-facing cameras, the HTC One (E8) exudes originality without compromise.
Peter Chou, CEO, HTC said: “The HTC One (M8) sets a new smartphone standard and now we’re taking it in another exciting direction. Combining style and substance, the HTC One (E8) represents the incredible experience people expect from a HTC One device with a look and feel that’s unlike anything else out there today. If you’re looking for the best flagship smartphone experience, but want to stand out from the crowd, this is the phone for you.”
Break the mold with a fashion-forward smartphone
The HTC One (E8)’s distinctive design aesthetic makes it the perfect companion for the fashion-conscious, with an elegant dual curve design that looks great and sits perfectly in your palm no matter how you hold it. The beautiful 5-inch device features a full HD, borderless display for a cleaner viewing experience. Encased in a light yet robust polycarbonate unibody, the HTC One (E8) comes in a vibrant range of colours and finishes for those looking for a trend-setting smartphone.
Elegant design, inside and out
The new HTC One (E8) takes the entire smartphone experience to new heights. The dual front-facing speakers and latest HTC BoomSoundTM technology creates unrivalled sound, with rich tones, powerful bass and crystal-clear treble, combining to create a rounded, immersive sound.
An on-board sensor hub underpins HTC’s acclaimed Motion LaunchTM, enabling the HTC One (E8) to detect position and movement, allowing you to interact with the phone and perform popular functions without turning on the screen.
Enjoy the freedom of having two phones in one thanks to the HTC One (E8)’s dual SIM card holders. Easily switch between multiple mobile accounts and stay up to date with work and social circles simultaneously. Complete with a 2,600 mAh battery, 2GB of RAM and 16GB of onboard memory and expandable SD storage capacity, the HTC One (E8) is the perfect companion to a busy life. And now with HTC’s extreme power saver mode, the device will keep you functional even when the huge battery is running low.
Stunning selfies
With a superb 5MP front-facing, wide-angle camera and HTC Sense 6’s intuitive camera experience, take the perfect selfie every time. Activate the auto self-timer by a simple tap of the screen and switch seamlessly between selfie mode and the HTC’s 13MP rear-facing camera with a single swipe. With both cameras supporting full 1080p HD video recording, the HTC One (E8) delivers a truly superior imaging package.
HTC Dot ViewTM case – the most stylish accessory around
Combining retro fashion with stylish function, HTC’s innovative HTC Dot ViewTM case displays notifications and interactions on a colourful dot-matrix effect that makes every update a visually stunning statement. Combined with Motion LaunchTM you can check the latest information and receive calls in style without needing to uncover the screen, keeping you on-trend and on the go.
Global Availability
The HTC One (E8) will be available from early June in select markets.
