HTC One M8 Google Play Edition Review!

The video provides a concise comparison between the HTC One M8 Google Play Edition and the standard HTC One M8, focusing on how the Google Play Edition delivers a stock Android experience while preserving the hardware design and core specs. The host highlights that the external hardware remains essentially identical, with the notable exception of the absence of carrier branding on the Google Play Edition. The software difference is emphasized: the Play Edition runs stock Android 4.4.2 KitKat (with likely updates to newer Android versions) and leverages Google Play Store updates for HTC apps, which means users get a Nexus-like experience without HTC Sense enhancements. The camera setup is discussed in the context of the Google camera app and the Lens Blur feature, which mimics shallow depth of field effects though with some caveats like slower about to capture motion video in certain modes. Additional features such as Motion Launch gestures and the ability to wake the device with a double tap are noted as convenient Android 4.4 era niceties that coexist with the familiar metal unibody design. In summary, the Google Play Edition M8 offers a clean stock Android experience with compatible HTC apps, solid performance, and a few trade-offs like the camera app experience and limited color options or carrier availability. The host concludes that, for those seeking a daily driver with stock Android and strong build quality, the Google Play Edition remains a compelling option within its constraints, and hints at future reviews of other devices to come.

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