With Microsoft’s next generation mobile operating system set to launch next month, HTC announced two new smartphones to add to their 2012 collection. Introducing the HTC Windows Phone 8X and HTC Windows Phone 8S, here’s everything you need to know about the latest HTC smartphones on WP8.

Overview

To coexist with their successful line up of Android handsets, the Windows Phone HTC devices use the same letters to denote the tier of handset. As with the Android loving HTC One X, the HTC Windows Phone 8X stands as premium device. Likewise the HTC One S and Windows Phone S still offer great smartphone specs and enhanced features but run lighter processors with smaller screen displays.

HTC Windows Phone 8X

With a pixel density of 342ppi the 4.3 inch display of the HTC 8X crams in more pixels than an iPhone 5 Retina display. Not only does this make the watching movie content on your smartphone a joy, the vibrant colours of the WP8 tiled interface will look fantastic. In built with NFC, the 8X is kitted out to assist the future of mobile transactions using Microsoft’s Wallet Hub. Learn more the operating system in our Guide to Windows Phone 8 Features.

The most impressive feature of the Windows Phone 8X however is the front and main camera with f/2.0 apertures to let even more light into your photographs. With wide angle lenses, you can capture more picture in your memories. As with the HTC One X, the 8X contains a dedicated HTC ImageChip to help you take intelligent photos. Both the 8 megapixel main and 5 megapixel front cameras capture video in glorious 1080p high definition. As Windows Phone 8 will embed Skype within its operating system, the high quality of the front facing camera will ensure your video calls are worth remembering.

As with all premium HTC One phones, Beats Audio integration makes its debut for a Windows Phone 8 device and will be available on the 8X and 8S. Beats Audio is great for enhancing the sound quality of your music, streamed videos and games available from Xbox Live.

HTC Windows Phone 8S

As baby brother to the 8X, the Windows Phone 8S still offers a great user experience. With two-toned designs, the bold colours continue to capture attention. The 4 inch display offers plenty of space for live tiles. The 1GHz dual-core processor may be smaller, but includes Qualcomm’s latest range of S4 chips, which are more efficient with battery life.

The 5 megapixel is a similar resolution to those found on great affordable HTC handsets such as the Desire X. You can still record in 720p HD too! No front facing camera on the Windows Phone 8S though unfortunately. With a physical camera button however, the 8S lets you point and shoot instantly from the lock screen to make sure you don’t miss those quick fire moments.

HTC Windows Phone 8 vs Nokia Lumia range

In comparison to other Windows Phone 8 handsets on the market, the HTC Windows Phone 8X appears to lack LTE 4G connectivity. Whilst a key selling point within the Nokia Lumia 920 features, 4G connectivity is only just starting to roll out across the United Kingdom and it may be up to 2 years before everyone has access to the faster internet speeds. On the plus side, both of HTC’s latest WP8 handsets give you expandable memory via microSD card up to 32GB; a feature the latest Nokia 920 and 820 handsets opt out of.

Expect to see the latest HTC Windows Phone 8X and 8S available to purchase from shops in the UK early November, shortly after the official launch of Windows Phone 8 OS. If you can’t wait, here’s the best HTC smartphone deals.

So there’s an overview of the latest from HTC. Let us know what you think of the Windows Phone 8S and 8X on our Facebook page.

HTC Windows Phone 8X summary

Display – 4.3 inch (720p)
Operating System – Windows Phone 8 OS
Processor – Qualcomm S4 1.5GHz Dual-core
Memory – 16GB internal storage, SD card slot.
Camera – 5 megapixel, 720p video
Other Features – Beats Audio integration, NFC
Size – 120.5 x 63 x 10.28mm
Weight – 113 grams

HTC Windows Phone 8S summary

Display – 4 inch
Operating System – Windows Phone 8 OS
Processor – Qualcomm S4 1GHz Dual-core
Memory – 16GB internal storage, SD card slot.
Main Camera – 8 megapixel, 1080p video
Front Camera – 2.1 megapixel, 1080p video
Sound – Beats Audio integration
Size – 132.35 x 66.2 x 10.12 mm
Weight – 130 grams