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In our most recent lab reviews of smart phones, we finally got our hands on some of the newest Windows 8 devices. While we were all excited to put the new operating system through its paces in our labs, we noticed something before we even turned some of the phones on: Several of them not only looked sleek but also really felt comfortable to hold.
The most comfortable-feeling phones to join our latest smart-phone Ratings were made by HTC (the Windows Phone 8X for Verizon and AT&T and HTC One X+ for AT&T). Each of these devices has a smooth, rounded polycarbonate chassis that blends seamlessly with the display. They are not only nicely contoured, but somewhat soft and tacky, making them feel secure in the hand. There are no hard edges or corners to be found on these devices; they all feel comfortable both in the hand and when held up to the ear to make a call. In addition to being sleek, they are also quite thin and light.
Also worth mentioning are the newest Windows 8 phones from Nokia (Lumia 920 for AT&T and Lumia 822 for Verizon). These phones also have polycarbonate chassis with nicely rounded sides. They feel great in the hand, but they're not as comfortable against the face as the HTC phones. And both phones have a rather hard edge at the top front that can be uncomfortable against the ear, especially on long calls. The biggest downside for the Lumia 920, though, is its heft: At 6.6 ounces, it's one of the heaviest phones in our Ratings.
If you find that your phone is not as comfortable in your hand or against your face as you'd like, consider putting it in a case. Many cases wrap around the outside edge of the phone to provide some padding for the ear when on a call. Silicone cases tend to be the softest, but you might need to experiment to find the one that is best for you.
—David Toner
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