HTC and Samsung have launched their respective Windows Phone 8 (WP8) smartphones, the HTC 8X and Samsung ATIV S, and the handsets are due to hit shelves soon. Here is a specifications round-up of the HTC 8X and Samsung ATIV S.

Processor
A Qualcomm S4 Snapdragon dual-core chip clocked at 1.5GHz powers both the Samsung ATIV S and HTC 8X. Both devices have 1GB of RAM.

Display
The HTC 8X features a 4.3-inch HD touch screen. The Samsung ATIV S sports a 4.8-inch HD Super AMOLED display. Resolution on both smartphones is 1,280 x 720 pixels. However, the HTC 8X has a slight edge with its higher pixel density of 342 ppi versus the ATIV S' 306 ppi. Additionally, the HTC 8X possesses scratch-resistant glass.

Camera
Both phones boast an 8-megapixel rear-facing camera with autofocus and LED flash. However, the HTC 8X includes a slightly improved 2-megapixel front-facing camera as opposed to the 1.9-megapixel one of the ATIV S.

Storage
The ATIV S will offer 16/32 GB on-board storage with the option to expand to a further 32GB using a microSD card. The 8X has only 16GB on-board storage, without the option to expand using a microSD card.

Battery
An 1800mAh battery will power the HTC 8X. A much more powerful 2300mAh battery will power the Samsung ATIV S.

Dimensions
At 4.59 ounces, the HTC 8X is lighter than the ATIV S, which weighs 4.76 ounces. The HTC 8X is 0.40 inches thick, compared to the ATIV S with its 0.34-inch thickness. The ATIV S measures 5.40 x 2.78 inches, compared to the HTC smartphone's 5.21 x 2.61 inches.

Colors
The HTC 8X is available in California Blue, Graphite Black, Flame Red, and Limelight Yellow colors. Not much is known about the colors of ATIV S, but the Samsung Web site shows a gray model.

Availability
Neither Samsung nor HTC have confirmed the release date of the smartphones. Time will tell which device appeals more to the consumers in the long run.