HTC One M8 Review UK – WholesaleSquad 2025

HTC One M8 Review UK is a detailed guide for UK buyers in 2025 looking for a premium smartphone that still delivers solid performance, sleek design, and reliable camera capabilities. Despite being an older model, the HTC One M8 remains a popular choice for users who want a metal unibody design, strong speakers, and smooth Android experience. In this WholesaleSquad review, we cover the HTC One M8’s design, display, performance, camera, battery, software, and UK pricing to help you make an informed decision.
HTC One M8 Overview – Premium Metal Design
The HTC One M8 was praised for its all-metal unibody design, dual front-facing speakers, and innovative camera features. Even in 2025, UK users value this device for its durability, build quality, and clean Android experience.
Key Highlights
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Aluminium unibody design with premium finish
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Dual front-facing BoomSound speakers
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5-inch Full HD display
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4MP UltraPixel rear camera + 5MP front camera
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Android OS with HTC Sense UI
The HTC One M8 is ideal for UK users who appreciate classic design, strong audio, and a solid smartphone experience without paying modern flagship prices.
Design & Build Quality – Iconic Metal Body
The HTC One M8’s design is one of its strongest points. The all-metal body gives a premium feel, while the curved edges and slim profile make it comfortable to hold.
Design Features
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Build: Aluminium unibody
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Dimensions: 146.4 × 70.6 × 9.35 mm
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Weight: 160g
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Colours: Gunmetal Grey, Glacial Silver, Amber Gold
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Special Feature: Dual front BoomSound speakers
UK users who enjoy media consumption and premium build quality will appreciate the One M8’s metal finish and speaker setup.
Display Review – Crisp and Vibrant
The HTC One M8 features a 5-inch Super LCD3 display with a resolution of 1920 × 1080 pixels, offering clear visuals and sharp text.
Display Highlights
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5-inch Full HD display (1920 × 1080)
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Bright and vibrant colours
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Good viewing angles for videos and photos
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Adequate brightness for outdoor use (~500 nits)
For UK users who stream videos or browse the web regularly, the display remains functional and clear.
Performance Review – Snapdragon 801 Processor
Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 and 2GB RAM, the HTC One M8 still handles basic apps and multitasking smoothly, though it may struggle with modern high-end games.
Performance Features
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Smooth navigation and app launching
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Adequate for social media, emails, and streaming
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Dual speakers enhance media playback experience
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Edge gestures and HTC Sense UI remain responsive
UK users who need a phone for daily tasks will find the One M8 reliable despite its age.
Camera Quality – UltraPixel Innovation
The HTC One M8 features a 4MP UltraPixel rear camera and a 5MP front camera. While not as advanced as modern smartphones, it produces bright images and has some unique features.
Camera Table
| Feature | HTC One M8 |
|---|---|
| Rear Camera | 4MP UltraPixel, f/2.0, OIS |
| Front Camera | 5MP |
| Video | 1080p at 30fps |
| Low-Light Performance | Good for day & moderate low-light |
| Special Feature | Duo Camera with depth effects |
UK Photography Notes:
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UltraPixel sensor captures decent low-light images
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Front camera is suitable for selfies and video calls
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Duo camera allows post-processing depth effects
For casual photography, the One M8 is still usable in 2025 for UK users who don’t need ultra-high megapixels.
Battery Life & Charging
The HTC One M8 comes with a 2600mAh battery that provides moderate battery life. It’s enough for a day of average usage but may need a top-up for heavy users.
Battery Highlights
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2600mAh non-removable battery
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Up to 24 hours talk time
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Moderate endurance for browsing and media
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Quick charging not supported
UK users who rely on moderate daily usage, emails, and social media will find the battery sufficient.
Software & User Experience
The HTC One M8 runs Android 4.4 KitKat, upgradeable unofficially to newer versions via custom ROMs. HTC Sense UI provides a smooth and clean interface.
Software Features
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HTC Sense UI for simple navigation
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Front BoomSound speakers enhance media experience
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Dual camera software allows depth-of-field effects
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Supports popular Google Play apps
UK users will enjoy a smooth experience for everyday tasks, although modern apps may be limited on this older device.
UK Price Comparison – Budget-Friendly Premium Device
Even in 2025, the HTC One M8 is available at very low prices in the UK, making it a budget-friendly option for users who want metal build and classic HTC features.
Price Table (2025 UK Market)
| Model | Average UK Price | Value Rating |
|---|---|---|
| HTC One M8 | £50–£100 | ★★★★☆ |
Summary:
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Affordable premium design
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Strong speakers and decent camera justify the price
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Suitable for users looking for a secondary or budget phone
Pros and Cons
Pros
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Premium aluminium unibody design
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Dual front BoomSound speakers
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UltraPixel rear camera for low-light
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Smooth HTC Sense UI navigation
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Affordable price in UK
Cons
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Outdated software support
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Limited modern app compatibility
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No fast charging
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Lower battery life by 2025 standards
Final Verdict – Is HTC One M8 Worth Buying in 2025 UK?
The HTC One M8 is still a solid choice for UK users who want a premium metal design, excellent audio, and basic smartphone functionality at a budget-friendly price. While it lacks modern features like 5G or high-resolution cameras, it is perfect as a secondary device, a media-friendly phone, or for collectors who appreciate HTC’s iconic design.
WholesaleSquad recommends the HTC One M8 for UK buyers who value design, audio quality, and affordability in 2025.



