HTC 8S vs HTC 8X CDMA: A Detailed Comparison

The HTC 8S and 8X were flagship Windows Phone devices, offering a taste of Microsoft's mobile ambitions. While both ran Windows Phone 8, they differed in key areas. This comparison dives deep into their specs and features to help you decide which one was the better choice back then, and which might still hold some appeal today.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The HTC 8X CDMA generally edges out the 8S thanks to its faster processor and slightly more premium build. However, the 8S offered a better contrast ratio on its display. Ultimately, the 8X's performance advantage makes it the more desirable option for most users.

PHONES
Phone Names	HTC Windows Phone 8S	HTC Windows Phone 8X CDMA

Network
2G bands	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bands	HSDPA 900 / 2100	HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100
4G bands	-	13
EDGE	No	-
GPRS	No	-
Speed	HSPA	HSPA, LTE Cat3 100/50 Mbps, EV-DO Rev.A 3.1 Mbps
Technology	GSM / HSPA	GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE
	-	CDMA2000 1xEV-DO

Launch
Announced	2012, September. Released 2012, November	2012, November. Released 2012, November
Status	Discontinued	Discontinued

Body
Build	Glass front, stainless steel frameGlass front, aluminum frame	-
Dimensions	120.5 x 63 x 10.3 mm (4.74 x 2.48 x 0.41 in)	132.4 x 66.2 x 10.1 mm (5.21 x 2.61 x 0.40 in)
SIM	Micro-SIM	Micro-SIM
Weight	113 g (3.99 oz)	132.1 g (4.66 oz)

Display
Protection	Corning Gorilla Glass	Corning Gorilla Glass 2
Resolution	480 x 800 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~233 ppi density)	720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~342 ppi density)
Size	4.0 inches, 45.5 cm2 (~60.0% screen-to-body ratio)	4.3 inches, 51.0 cm2 (~58.2% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	S-LCD	S-LCD2

Platform
CPU	Dual-core 1.0 GHz Krait	Dual-core 1.5 GHz
Chipset	Qualcomm Snapdragon S4	-
GPU	Adreno 305	-
OS	Microsoft Windows Phone 8, upgradable to WP8 GDR3	Microsoft Windows Phone 8

Memory
Card slot	microSDHC (dedicated slot)	No
Internal	4GB 512MB RAM	16GB 1GB RAM

Main Camera
Features	LED flash	LED flash
Single	5 MP, AF	8 MP, AF
Video	720p@30fps	1080p@30fps

Selfie camera
Single	-	2.1 MP
Video	-	1080p@30fps
	No	-

Sound
3.5mm jack	Yes	Yes
35mm jack	Yes	Yes
Loudspeaker	Yes	Yes
	Beats Audio	-

Comms
Bluetooth	3.1, A2DP, EDR/ 4.0, LE after Amber update	3.1, A2DP, EDR
NFC	No	Yes
Positioning	GPS, GLONASS	GPS, GLONASS
Radio	FM radio	No
USB	microUSB 2.0	microUSB 2.0
WLAN	Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n	Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band

Features
Sensors	Accelerometer, proximity	Accelerometer, proximity, compass
	OneDrive (15 GB cloud storage) MP3/WAV/WMA/eAAC+ player MP4/WMV/H.264/H.263 player Document viewer Voice memo/dial Predictive text input	-

Battery
Charging	10W wired	-
Stand-by	-	Up to 300 h
Talk time	-	Up to 15 h
Type	Non-removable Li-Po 1700 mAh battery	Li-Ion 1800 mAh, non-removable

Misc
Colors	Domino, Fiesta Red, Atlantic Blue, High-Rise Gray	California Blue, Graphite Black, Flame Red
Price	About 150 EUR	About 200 EUR
SAR	0.97 W/kg (head) 1.08 W/kg (body)	0.69 W/kg (head) 0.85 W/kg (body)

Tests
Audio quality	Noise -79.7dB / Crosstalk -75.3dB	-
Camera	Photo / Video	-
Display	Contrast ratio: 1318:1 (nominal)	-
Loudspeaker	Voice 66dB / Noise 65dB / Ring 75dB	-

OUR TESTS
Audio quality	Noise -79.7dB / Crosstalk -75.3dB	-
Camera	Photo / Video	-
Display	Contrast ratio: 1318:1 (nominal)	-
Loudspeaker	Voice 66dB / Noise 65dB / Ring 75dB	-

HTC Windows Phone 8S

Better contrast ratio display
Generally more affordable (historically)
Compact size

Slower processor
Less premium build quality
Battery life could be better

HTC Windows Phone 8X CDMA

Faster processor for better performance
More premium design and materials
CDMA compatibility

Potentially higher price (historically)
Display contrast not as advertised
Battery life could be better

Display Comparison

Both phones featured 4.3-inch Super LCD 2 displays, but the HTC 8S boasted a contrast ratio of 1318:1 (nominal), suggesting potentially richer blacks and better image quality. The 8X's display, while still good, didn't have this specific contrast ratio advertised. Resolution was the same at 1280 x 720 pixels.

Camera Comparison

Both phones had a similar camera setup – a 8MP rear camera and a 1.2MP front camera. Image quality was generally comparable, though the 8X might have had slightly better image processing due to its more powerful processor. Video recording capabilities were also similar.

Performance

The HTC 8X CDMA held a clear advantage here. It featured a dual-core 1.5 GHz Krait processor, compared to the 8S's 1.0 GHz Krait. This translates to noticeably faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive overall experience on the 8X.

Battery Life

Battery life was a common complaint for both devices. The 8S had a 1800 mAh battery, while the 8X had a 1800 mAh battery as well. Real-world usage resulted in roughly a day of moderate use for both, but heavy users would likely need to charge before the end of the day.

Buying Guide

The HTC Windows Phone 8S is a good option for users prioritizing a vibrant display and a slightly more affordable price point (if you can find one). The HTC Windows Phone 8X CDMA is better suited for those who value performance and a more premium feel, especially if they need CDMA network compatibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ What network does the HTC 8X CDMA support?

The HTC 8X CDMA is specifically designed for CDMA networks like Verizon and Sprint. It will not work on GSM networks like AT&T or T-Mobile without unlocking and proper configuration.

❓ Are these phones still worth buying?

Given their age and the lack of software updates, these phones are primarily of interest to collectors or those seeking a nostalgic Windows Phone experience. Finding working devices and compatible accessories can be challenging.