HTC announces flagship Windows Phone 8X smartphone

TAIWANESE PHONE MAKER HTC announced its flagship Windows Phone 8 smartphone today, the Windows Phone 8X by HTC.

You'd be forgiven for mistaking the phone as a Nokia Lumia device, as the HTC Windows Phone 8X sports a bold colourful plastic chassis available in either blue, black, yellow and red. Users will be greeted with matching coloured tiles when the phone is switched on, HTC told us, but it said that the crimson model won't be coming to the UK.

HTC seems fairly chuffed with the handset's design, telling The INQUIRER that it has "been inspired by Windows Phone 8, and features elements that mimic the operating system", adding that the handset "has received a great reaction from Microsoft for embodying what it's trying to show with Windows Phone 8".

HTC hasn't done much to tweak Microsoft's Windows Phone 8 operating system though, telling us that it won't come with its usual apps such as its Watch on-demand service - and will even come loaded with Nokia Maps. However, HTC has added a custom lock screen to the Windows Phone 8X handset, and said that its HTC Hub app will come preinstalled.

In terms of hardware specifications, the HTC Windows Phone 8X features a 4.3in HD 720p display, as well as a 1.2GHz Qualcomm S4 processor and 1GB of RAM. It also has 16GB of internal storage, integrated NFC tech and Beats Audio, although it won't come with bundled Beats by Dr Dre headphones. It doesn't have 4G connectivity, a move that could put off potential buyers looking to switch to EEs' new LTE network.

Still, HTC was keen to talk up the phone's camera, as if gunning for rival Nokia's Lumia range. There's an 8MP rear-facing camera with a f/2.0 lens and BSI sensor, capable of shooting HD 1080p video.

The front-facing camera can also capture HD 1080p video, despite being just 2.1MP. In a move that's likely to annoy Nokia, HTC told us that its Windows Phone 8X will the poster child of Microsoft's Windows Phone 8 ad campaign, rather than the Nokia Lumia 920.

HTC also announced the affordable Windows Phone 8S handset, which features a unique two-tone design, a 4in WVGA screen and a 5MP rear-facinfg camera.

The HTC Windows Phone 8X will be available in the UK at the beginning of November, and will be available on O2, Orange, T-Mobile, Three and Vodafone Three. Pricing details are still to be announced. µ