HTC is known for making stylish and powerful handsets, and with their latest flagship device, the HTC One, they've not failed to impress.
Experts have praised the "premium feel" of the curved aluminum backplate and the phone's 4.7-inch display which one reviewer calls the "highest screen resolutions ever seen on a smartphone".
The One also earns high marks for its fast, 1.7GHz quad-core processor with 2GB of RAM which helps ensure the HTC Sense 5.0 user interface, with its new BlinkFeed homescreen - which works like the Flipboard app or Windows Phone devices' Live Tiles, runs without a hitch.
One thing that really stands out is the already controversial 4-megapixel camera. While other device-makers have been engaged in a race to increase megapixels, reviewers are applauding HTC for choosing quality over quantity. The HTC One touts the innovative UltraPixels, which improves overall quality and sharpness of images by using larger pixels to capture 300% more light and avoid the high signal-to-noise ratio generated by high-megapixel sensors.
Earning mixed reaction is the 2,300 mAH battery: several reviews say that the higher capacity battery is an improvement over the one found on the One X while others suggest that the battery's still relatively small given the screen size or should at least have been removable to allow for a spare. Another often used criticism for the device was its lack of a microSD card slot. Although, 32 or 64 GB of on-board storage is likely sufficient for most.
Thanks to its sleek design, sheer power, and innovative features, the general consensus is that this Android Jelly Bean-running device stands out from its rivals and should win back Android fans for struggling HTC.
Need to Know: HTC One
1. Great industrial design, a sharp screen and an overhauled Sense 5.0 overlay offer real eye candy. (The Good)
2. Ultrapixel technology trumps rivals when it comes to low-light photography. (The Good)
3. Battery life. (The Bad)
4. Lack of a microSD slot and removable or bigger battery. (The Bad)
What the Critics Are Saying...
- Chris Finnamore, Expert ReviewsHTC has pulled off a blinder with the HTC One. It’s a gorgeous phone with a beautiful screen, and we think it's a more desirable handset than the Sony Xperia Z.Given you can move BlinkFeed out of view, the HTC should appeal to everyone. It will be especially tempting to those who crave the low...
- Mike Norris, BitBitByteThe HTC One is still a device worthy of my praise and your hard earned money. Despite not being the newest (or fastest) kid on the block any longer, HTC really pushed for the very best device. It may have cost more to design and manufacture and it may have put more stress on their employees than eve...
- Josh Smith, GottaBeMobileThe Verizon HTC One is one of the best smartphones on the market, pairing a sharp-looking design and great build quality with an excellent mix of software features that the average user will actually use on a daily or weekly basis.
- Gareth Beavis and Alex Roth, TechRadarThe Galaxy S4 is sleeker, the iPhone 5 is, well, Apple-ier, and the Nexus 4 is cheaper. But for the overall package of smartphone design and functionality, the HTC One stands head and shoulders above the rest.
- Eric, Droid LifeIf you are looking to upgrade from your aging Galaxy Nexus or any other older device, the HTC One is a great choice. It’s as simple as that. HTC’s sales numbers might not reflect it, but they have put together one of the best smartphones of 2013 in the One. If your phone’s camera i...
Prices (Where to Buy)
Common Questions
HTC One prices will vary depending on retailer, age, special offers and whether or not it's purchased with a service plan. If purchased with a 2 year service contract for example, you would likely pay much less for the phone itself up front. HTC's suggested retail price is $574.99. You can compare One prices from around the web here on The Informr.
We've got you covered! Download a free PDF copy of the HTC One user manual here.
HTC backs up the One with a 1 Year parts & labour warranty.
If your One has problems and is still within its warranty period, you could contact HTC support or the retailer you purchased the phone from. You'll find HTC's contact information here. If your phone is off warranty and needs repair for a physical problem such as a broken screen or bad battery, you should visit an authorized service centre or a local phone repair shop. You can also connect with others in The Informr Community Forum to find and share answers to questions.
Ask the Community
Resources
Manuals / User Guides
- HTC One Quick Start Guide (PDF)
- HTC One Manual (PDF)
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