HTC Windows Phone 8X

“In the end, the Electrify M isn’t too special. We’ve essentially seen this phone before in the DROID RAZR M on Verizon, obviously, but for those wanting to stick with US Cellular, this is the exact alternative. What makes this phone really stick out from the crowd, though, is its compact size and huge screen. Fitting a 4.3-inch display on roughly the same footprint as the iPhone 4/4S is really impressive, and that’s thanks to Motorola’s “virtually borderless” display that’s one of the main selling points of the handset.”

“If you're eager to try something new Windows Phone 8 is a great place to be, especially, if Android or iOS are on the way of becoming a habit you want to break. There's plenty about the HTC Windows Phone 8X to like. It has that immediate appeal that many buyers will appreciate - it's slim and colorful, a smooth performer and a perfect blend of style and personality. It's a smartphone you'd want to show off. It's a smartphone too that you'd love to use, but one that involves some compromise.We wouldn't go as far as saying that HTC's plan to position it as the premium compact alternative has backfired, but the Windows Phone 8X isn't quite the Windows phone to deliver the best experience on the market.”

“The HTC Windows Phone 8X's sexy hardware makes Microsoft's OS look extra cool, and its three-carrier attack will push it into the spotlight. HTC has carefully crafted the 8X's hardware, giving it an immersive screen, a fast processor, and a fair amount of internal storage. The variable camera could be another decision point between the 8X and, say, the iPhone 5's camera, however, I was very pleased with the 8X's best shots.Ultimately, the phone can only be as strong as its OS, and as a result, you have to live with Windows Phone 8 OS itself. The OS looks sharp and is fun to use, but its continued lack of some crucial apps at launch will hold it back for some people. Rest assured that those will come, especially as more people use Windows Phone. But if the thought of not having an official Reddit app, or CNET app for that matter, makes you cringe, then the 8X absorbs that demerit.I happen to like Windows Phone, and find that the available apps and Internet mostly let me do what I want. I enjoy the easy transition to Microsoft Office documents, the OS' look and feel, and the new NFC features. I also happen to really like the 8X's smooth lines, manageable footprint, and bright colors. I do wish the camera had been a little more consistent in my tests, but taken altogether, I wouldn't hesitate to buy this phone.”

“Windows Phone 8 will provide a fairly consistent software experience across varying hardware. The differentiating bits will be phone design, the camera, and a few built-in apps. This is the first Windows Phone 8 device I’ve tested for an extended period of time, but I can say that the 8X definitely shines in design — from the accented earpiece to the seamless buttons. The camera is good enough, though not at the top of the heap when ranked against other smartphone shooters. And the built-in software is minimal, which is refreshing.”