HTC 8XT for Sprint to receive Windows Phone 8.1 update this summer

If you're a Sprint customer owning a HTC 8XT, you should be able to get a taste of Windows Phone 8.1 "this summer" according to Sprint.

Microsoft earlier today confirmed that current WP8 devices would be updated to the brand new Windows Phone 8.1 "in the coming months". Of course, this doesn't mean that all Windows Phone 8 handsets will get the update at the same time.

HTC 8XT for Sprint receives Windows Phone 8 GDR3 update

The HTC 8XT for Sprint is now receiving the Windows Phone Update 3 (GDR3) which brings several improvements and enhancements to the device. This is the first update for the HTC 8XT since the handset was launched back on July 19th of this year.

The main purpose of the GDR3 update for Windows Phone is the inclusion of support for 1080p displays, larger display sizes and quad-core processors. But the current generation Windows Phones also get some new features

HTC 8XT - Video Review

The HTC 8XT is the first and only Windows Phone 8 device on Sprint's network, but now takes Microsoft's mobile platform across all four major carriers in the United States. The 8XT which is a mash-up for the  HTC 8X and the HTC 8S features a 4.3 inch touch display, 8GB of internal storage which can be expanded through microSD, an 8 megapixel camera capable of 1080p HD video capture, a secondary 1.6 megapixel camera for video calls and is powered by a 1.4GHz dual-core processor with 1GB of RAM.

If you are on the lookout for a mid-range smartphone and Sprint is the carrier of your choice, the HTC 8XT is definitely worth checking out.

HTC 8XT - Unboxing Video

The HTC 8XT is a combination of the HTC 8X and the HTC 8S headed as an exclusive to Sprint. It features a larger 4.3 inch display like the one on the 8X but with a lower 480 by 800 pixel resolution. Other features include 8GB of internal storage which can be expanded through microSD, an 8 megapixel camera capable of 1080p HD video capture, a secondary 1.6 megapixel camera for video calls and a 1.4GHz dual-core processor with 1GB of RAM.

On the software side you have Windows Phone 8 coupled with HTC exclusive apps and BoomSound, but it sadly doesn't live up to the requirements of a Windows Phone flagship leaving Sprint users with the Samsung ATIV S Neo as their only other option.

Sprint receives HTC 8XT and Samsung ATIV S Neo with Windows Phone 8

Sprint customers are now set to receive their first Windows Phone 8 devices in the form of the HTC 8XT and the Samsung ATIV S Neo. These are the first Windows Phone handsets offered by Sprint since the HTC Arrive.

The carrier hasn't revealed when the handsets will arrive but have stated that customers can expect them in the third quarter of 2013.