The HTC Windows Phone 8S is another handset which attempts to make the best of the new Windows Phone 8 operating system for mobile devices by Microsoft.

Our testing model had a four-inch 480x800 screen resolution, a five-megapixel camera, assisted GPS, Beats audio, and 4GB internal memory upgradable to 32GB.

This is another beauty from HTC, which has established a reputation for stylish, yet functional, handsets with the Android operating system. It is not too heavy and feels durable.

This model has an effective touchscreen, the virtual keyboard is large and easy to use and the ample screen has much real estate for web browsing. Internet, both over 3G and Wi-Fi, was quite good.

Windows Phone 8 operating system works like a charm, especially with a Windows 8 computer, but this is not a review of the operating system, therefore we won’t go into detail. However, the biggest disappointment of the HTC 8S is related to software: it has just 4GB of internet memory but this cannot be all used to install new apps. There is no option to install apps on an external SD card. This is a very limiting factor that potential buyers have to keep in mind.

The camera is good but could take better pictures in low light conditions.

Beats audio is very good on this phone and it’s a pleasure to listen to music, though the size of internal storage hardly qualifies this phone as a music player (but you can use the external card).

Overall this is a very good mid-range all-rounder that comes with a decent price tag. If you are happy with the limited internal storage and want Windows Phone rather than any other operating system, then this phone should be on your shortlist.

This HTC Windows Phone 8S was made available for review by Vodafone Malta.