HTC announces mid-range Windows Phone 8 S device

Smartphone looks to challenge Nokia Lumia 820

HTC has announced the second of its new series of Windows Phones, the mid-range Windows Phone 8 S (WP8 S).

The WP8 S follows on from the announcement of the HTC's higher end WP8 X smartphone and is a more mid-tier device that will compete against the likes of Nokia's Lumia 820 phone.

The WP8 S will be powered by a 1GHz dual-core processor and features 512MB of RAM and 4GB of internal storage that can be upgraded via its MicroSD slot.

HTC confirmed the WP8 S will feature a smaller 4in screen than the 4.3in display seen on the higher end WP8 X.

It will also feature a stripped down 5MP rear-facing camera, boasting the same BSI sensor and F2.0 lens seen on HTC's previous One series of Android smartphones. THe WP8 S doesn't feature a front-facing camera, though.

HTC confirmed the WP8 S will feature Beats audio technology, but like the WP8 X, will not be bundled with a set of Beats headphones.

HTC claims that both phones are the new "face of Windows Phone" and will be the platform's flagship handsets.

"Windows Phone 8 will see HTC as the WP8 S and WP8 X as the predominant phones used in its [Microsoft's] marketing campaign," said HTC director Graham Wheeler at an event launching the devices attended by V3.

HTC declined to comment on the WP8 S' or price, simply stating it will be a mid-range device and released on all UK networks in November.

Check back with V3 later for full reviews of the WP8 S and WP8 X.