The XOLO 8X-1000 was chosen to debut the company's in-house HIVE UI - a custom user interface built in house. Apart from the unique software features, the device also boasts impressive specs, like a 5-inch HD display, octa-core processor, 2GB of RAM, 16GB of internal expandable storage and 8MP/2MP cameras. We've given you a glimpse of the device's capabilities during our first impressions and camera review. Here's a quick review in pictures.

1. XOLO 8X-1000
Review in pictures

2. A design that’s all glass and geometry
• The XOLO 8X-1000 sports a
unibody sandwich design,
with sloping edges and a
slim 7.9mm frame
• The back panel is made of
glass, and is protected by
Gorilla Glass 3, making it
look ultra-premium
• There are Android
capacitive buttons below
the display, which are
represented by three backlit
dots

3. Vibrant display with good viewing angles
• Sports a 5-inch IPS HD display
(~294ppi), which is protected by
a layer of Asahi Dragontrail glass
• The screen offers ample
brightness levels and is legible
even in bright sunlight
• Colours are vibrant, and viewing
angles are good too
• While the screen was mostly
responsive, it wasn’t the
smoothest for scrolling or
swiping

4. The cameras look good on paper
• The 8X-1000 sports an 8MP
primary camera with a Sony
Exmor R sensor and LED
flash
• In front, it gets a 2MP
snapper for video calls and
selfies
• The camera offers a range of
modes like HDR, Panorama,
Gesture Shot, Pro and more
• There are also a variety of
effects to choose from, like
Mono, Sepia, Negative, etc

5. …but the results are a mixed bag
• The primary camera can take
decent daylight and macro
shots
• In low light, it utilises the
ambient light well to create
bright images
• However, grain is an issue,
and there’s significant loss of
detail when images are
zoomed into
• The front camera produces
hazy results, and is only
acceptable for video calls

6. HIVE UI offers tons of custom features
• The smartphone runs XOLO’s
custom built HIVE UI, which
runs on top of Android 4.4.2
KitKat
• HIVE completely changes the
look and feel of Android, and
offers a range of themes,
wallpapers and ringtones that
can be downloaded from a
dedicated store called Edge
• A platform called Connect lets
users interact with the HIVE
team, offer feedback and vote
for suggestions

7. And a complete design overhaul too
• HIVE features several
cosmetic changes as well
• The app drawer lets you view
apps alphabetically, by
recently installed first or
category, with a dedicated tab
to access the Play Store
• The Quick Settings menu
displays circular sliders for
brightness and screen timeout
• A dynamic “Chameleon
Widget” on the homescreen
displays missed notifications,
weather, date and time

8. A smooth performer, but the heavy UI takes its toll
• The device is powered by an octa-core MediaTek MT6592 processor
clocked at 1.4GHz, mated to 2GB of RAM and Mali 450-MP4 graphics
• Day-to-day performance was fine, although some of the heavier themes
can cause lags and freezes
• Intensive games play without a hitch, but the device tends to heat up
• Out of the 16GB of internal storage, around 13GB is available to use

9. Battery life isn’t the greatest
• The 8X-1000 is powered by
a 1,920mAh battery
• The device lasts less than a
day with regular use,
usually requiring a
recharge by the evening
• In our video loop battery
drain test, it gave us
around 5 hours and 30
minutes of playback
• There’s a Power saving
mode you can enable to
prolong usage

10. At a glance
• 5-inch, 1,280 x 720 pixels,
294ppi
• 1.4GHz octa-core MediaTek
MT6592 processor
• Mali 450 MP4 GPU
• 2GB RAM
• 16GB storage with microSD
slot
• 8MP primary, 2MP front
camera
• HIVE UI on top of Android
4.4.2 KitKat
• 1,920mAh battery
• Dual-SIM (3G+3G), Wi-Fi,
Bluetooth, GPS

11. -
• Performance can be
sluggish depending on
the theme
• Average camera duo
• Battery life barely last a
day
Pros and cons
+
• Classy design and
flagship-quality build
• Bright display with good
viewing angles
• HIVE adds an interesting
software twist

12. Pricing and verdict
Rs 13,999
“The XOLO 8X-1000 is a
compelling device, but will face a
tough time with the competition.
Apart from domestic rivals like the
Karbonn Titanium Octane and
Micromax Canvas Nitro, the new
Moto G and Zenfone 5 are also
worthy competitors. The
smartphone’s main attraction is
the HIVE UI, but this still a work in
progress, and will require a some
polishing before it becomes an
attractive proposition for potential
buyers.”