I feel like I’ve reviewed a ton of Windows Phones, though in truth it has only been four - the Lumia 900, Lumia 920, now the HTC 8S, and soon the HTC 8X. But it still feels like I’ve played with a lot of Windows Phones, probably because they all feel the same.

That is both a positive and negative for Microsoft and Windows Phone OEM’s. Since Microsoft controls the look and feel of the software, they are able to get updates pushed out in a timely manner, much like Apple can with iOS. On the other hand, the sameness of the software across devices makes it much harder for companies like HTC to differentiate their phones from those of Nokia, Samsung, and others.

That’s the biggest challenge I encounter when reviewing Windows Phones: sameness. I’ve said almost everything I have to say about Windows Phone before, now it just feels like I’m regurgitating the same information and complaints.

Still, with their latest Windows Phones, the 8S and 8X, HTC has managed to differentiate in an important way: hardware. I’m a gadget nerd, so to me, hardware is extremely important. It’s the first thing I notice about a device; the thing that attracts me to a phone. And HTC has done a remarkable job with the hardware of the Windows Phone 8S.

I absolutely love this form factor. It is, dare I say, better than both of the Lumia’s I’ve used. Unlike the Lumia 920, my most recent experience with Windows Phone, the 8S is a thin and light device; it measures just 10.28mm thin and weighs 113 grams. HTC has opted for smooth, rounded edges across the entire device, which make this phone a joy to hold and an extreme departure from the sharp edges I’m used to on my iPhone. Likewise, the back of the device is curved, and made from a smooth, rubbery plastic that feels great in hand. Colour seems to be the new name of HTC’s game, as all of their new Windows Phones come in gorgeous colours to match the colourful modern UI of the software; my review unit is a beautiful bright blue. All of the hardware buttons - the volume rocker, sleep/wake, and camera buttons - are nearly flush with the body, but are still easy to press, with a reassuring “click”.

The display is a relatively sore spot, a paltry 800X480 WVGA display. It’s not the worst screen I’ve ever seen, but it’s definitely no Retina display. The 8S is, however, a low-end device, so the customers this is aimed at likely won’t care about specs, and to the non-nerd eye, the screen will satisfy.

Another low point is the camera which, despite being a 5-megapixel shooter, is not great. Photos are unmistakably “phone photos”, so this definitely won’t replace a dedicated camera on your next vacation. Also of note: the 8S does not have a front-facing camera, so you won’t be able to use Skype, or pollute your social networking profiles with selfies.

Oh yeah, it also makes phone calls.

As I mentioned before, I don’t have much left to say about Windows Phone. I still love the UI, which both looks great and provides a level of personality unmatched by iOS and even Android. However, as a power user, I still find it hard to get things done using Windows Phone. I can’t say I love any of the available Twitter apps for Windows Phone, which is huge for me because I spend far too much time each day using Twitter. The same can be said for Facebook, not to mention the apps I love using that I can’t on Windows Phone (Sparrow, Instagram, Netbot, Google Maps, and Tumblr, to name a few).

But I also understand that the 8S is not being marketed at power users like myself, and for the casual user this phone is aimed at, I believe they won’t see many of the faults of Windows Phone. The core smartphone functionality - calling, texting, emailing, browsing, etc. - work pretty well. The UI is simple to understand and use, which is pivotal for attracting users.

As much as I’m a fan of the UI-formerly-known-as-Metro, I stand by my previous opinion that it is stifling app innovation and ecosystem growth on Windows Phone. Developers are struggling to adapt their apps to the modern UI - just look at Facebook and Twitter, both of which offer much better official apps on competitive platforms.

As a power user, I never know how to judge a mid-range or low-end phone, because they don’t really suit me. However, looking at the HTC 8S from the point of view of a budget minded consumer, this is a great little device. It hits all the major hardware points, with a thin, light, and stylish body. While the display and camera aren’t the greatest, the target audience likely isn’t too concerned about these features. Likewise with the software, which still doesn’t meet power-user demands, but provides a simple, easy to understand, and good looking UI for users. I know Microsoft was shooting for the stars with Windows Phone 8, but the truth is that the modern UI can be quite “clunky” for getting real work done, but it’s great for a “casual” smartphone user.

Bottom line, the HTC 8S is a great little smartphone for the entry-level, budget-minded consumer. The HTC Windows Phone 8S is available now from Virgin Mobile for $79.99 on a 3-year term or SuperTab.

Tweet