The HTC One is easily one of the most important devices HTC has ever released as it tries to regain its profitable positions and return it to positive dynamics, and now the One handset to help it achieve those goals has finally become official.
The HTC One brings big improvements in four key areas - camera quality with a new BSI camera with optical image stabilization and UltraPixel technology, a premium metal unibody design, a new simplified HTC Sense Android experience and enhanced stereo sound.
But first, here is a quick recap of the HTC One specs:
- 4.7-inch 1080p full HD screen with 468ppi - Aluminum unibody, 9.3mm thin, 143 grams - 1.7GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 600 - HTC UltraPixel Camera with improved low-light performance - 32GB or 64GB of internal storage, 2GB RAM - Stereo front speakers, HDR microphone - New simplified HTC Sense with BlinkFeed - 4G LTE connectivity - 2,300mAh battery
The HTC One comes with a brand new design, one that reminds us the HTC Droid DNA and the iPhone 5 of course. Dominated by a 4.7-inch 1080p full HD Super LCD3 display protected by Gorilla Glass 2 and with a pixel density of the whopping 468ppi, it features two speakers for stereo sound on the front.
Overall, it looks premium all-around with an aluminum unibody crafted with what would instantly remind you of Apple - starting from the material and down to the two distinct strips where the speakers are located and the rounded chamfered edges. Looking at it, we’re wondering whether Apple is not already gearing up for another lawsuit.
On the inside, the HTC one is running Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean with a brand new and simplified HTC Sense skin. It stands out with the BlinkFeed feature, a home panel filled with large tiles of your latest updates from social networks and apps.
Additionally, HTC has baked in Sense TV turning your HTC One into a TV remote (using an infrared blaster built in the power button). The Sense TV feature also acts as an interactive program guide.
HTC One: the processor and internals
Powered by Snapdragon 600
The HTC One is one of the first devices featuring the Qualcomm Snapdragon 600 with a quad-core 1.7GHz Krait 300 processor. The chip also known as the APQ8064T is the 2013 successor to the Snapdragon S4 Pro, and compared to it, the Snapdragon 600 is expected to improve performance by up to 40%. The Snapdragon 600 has actually already been confirmed to be in the LG Optimus G Pro, and we expect it to arrive in many more devices in the second quarter of the year.
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The handset also features Adreno 320 graphics and 2GB of RAM, a powerful combination that will help for smooth rendering of the millions of pixels on the 4.7-inch 1080p display.
The HTC One comes in two versions with plentiful storage, one of 32GB capacty and a 64GB one. There is no microSD card slot to further expand on-board storage.
In terms of connectivity, the HTC One, of course, supports 4G LTE, but it also has an NFC chip and Bluetooth 4.0, along with the standard Wi-Fi a/ac/b/g/n and GPS with Glonass.
HTC One: UltraPixel Camera and improved BoomSound
A new HTC UltraPixel Camera
Probably the biggest innovation in the HTC One however we saved for last - the HTC UltraPixel Camera. HTC does not name the official megapixel count, but what matters is not the pixels here, it is how HTC is using them.
With ultrapixels HTC dares put an end to the megapixel race and instead to the sensible thing of increasing pixel size, and thus the amount of captured light. The end result is drastically better low-light images as the new and larger ⅓” image sensor captures 300% more light than previously possible with conventional smartphone cameras.
The sensor itself is a 4-megapixel backside-illuminated (BSI) with f/2.0 aperture and a 28mm wide-angle lens. The camera is also relying on a new dedicated HTC ImageChip 2 for fast image processing.
Additionally, HTC is bringing a ton of little tweaks to the camera with new features HTC Zoe that creates 3-second animated short clips making your memories come alive.
Finally, sound is also given a boot with HTC BoomSound, the dual front stereo speaker setup (the speakers come with built-in amps) and Beats Audio support. Recording in videos is clearer with an HDR microphone.
HTC One price and release date: is it the One?
HTC has really improved every important aspect of the phone’s experience with the HTC One. At first sight, it is an absolutely brilliant phone with a gorgeous design. But last year HTC had a similarly brilliant One X as its flagship (truth is it had sub-par battery life), with a best-in-class screen and a beautiful design, and it still couldn’t make a dent in the Samsung-Apple duopoly.
The HTC One will be released in March on a whopping 185 carriers in over 80 markets. In the United States it will launch on AT&T, Sprint and T-Mobile, with Verizon notably missing from that list.
And this year, HTC will hopefully market the new One enough to give it a chance against Samsung and Apple.
How do you like the new HTC One?
INTRODUCING THE NEW HTC ONE®, A NEW PERSPECTIVE ON SMARTPHONES
HTC BlinkFeedTM, HTC ZoeTM and HTC BoomSoundTM Deliver HTC One’s Unprecedented New Smartphone Experience
London and New York City, February 19, 2013 — HTC, a global leader in mobile innovation and design, today announced its new flagship smartphone, the new HTC One. Crafted with a distinct zero-gap aluminium unibody, the new HTC One introduces HTC BlinkFeedTM, HTC ZoeTM and HTC BoomSoundTM, key new HTC Sense® innovations that reinvent the mobile experience and set a new standard for smartphones.
“People today immerse themselves in a constant stream of updates, news and information. Although smartphones are one of the main ways we stay in touch with the people and information we care about, conventional designs have failed to keep pace with how people are actually using them,” said Peter Chou, CEO of HTC Corporation. “A new, exciting approach to the smartphone is needed and with the new HTC One, we have re-imagined the mobile experience from the ground up to reflect this new reality.” HTC BlinkFeed: A personal live stream right on the home screen
At the centre of the new HTC One experience is HTC BlinkFeed. HTC BlinkFeed is a bold new experience that transforms the home screen into a single live stream of personally relevant information such as social updates, entertainment and lifestyle updates, news and photos with immersive images so that people no longer need to go to separate applications to find out what’s happening. HTC BlinkFeed aggregates the freshest content from the most relevant and interesting sources, giving it to people at a glance, all in one place, without the need to jump between multiple applications and web sites.
To enable this new dynamic approach to the smartphone, HTC will provide both local and global content from more than 1,400 media sources with more than 10,000 articles per day from some of the most innovative media companies, such as the AOL family of media properties, ESPN, MTV, Vice Media, CoolHunting, Reuters and many others. For more information on HTC BlinkFeed’s content partners, visit the HTC Blog.
HTC UltraPixel Camera with HTC Zoe
The breakthrough HTC UltraPixel Camera redefines how people capture, relive and share their most precious moments. HTC Zoe gives people the ability to shoot high-res photos that come to life in three-second snippets. These Zoes, photos and videos are then displayed in a unique way that brings the gallery to life and transforms the traditional photo gallery of still images into a motion gallery of memories. It also automatically creates integrated highlight films from each event comprised of Zoes, photos and videos set to music with professionally designed cuts, transitions and effects.
These highlight videos can be remixed or set to different themes, and can be easily shared on social networks, email and other services.
To enable this innovative camera experience, HTC developed a custom camera that includes a best-in-class f/2.0 aperture lens and a breakthrough sensor with UltraPixels that gather 300 percent more light than traditional smartphone camera sensors. This new approach also delivers astounding low-light performance and a variety of other improvements to photos and videos. In addition, the perfect self-portrait or video is just a tap away with an ultra-wide angle front-facing camera which supports 1080p video capture. Multi-axis optical image stabilisation for both the front and rear cameras also helps ensure video footage smoother whether stationary or on the move. HTC UltraPixel camera adds many other features and effects such as enhanced 360' panorama, time sequencing and object removal.
HTC BoomSound
The new HTC One offers the best audio experience of any mobile phone available today. HTC BoomSound introduces for the first time on a phone, front-facing stereo speakers with a dedicated amplifier and an amazing full HD display that immerses people in music, videos, games and the YouTubeTM clips they love. BeatsTM Audio integration is enabled across the entire experience for rich, authentic sound whether you’re listening to your favorite music, watching a YouTube video or playing a game. HDR recording uses advanced dual microphones and audio processing to capture clean, rich sound that is worthy of high-definition video footage. Phone calls sound great on HTC One thanks to the addition of HTC Sense VoiceTM, which boosts the call volume and quality in noisy environments so that conversations come through loud and clear.
HTC Sense TVTM
HTC Sense TV transforms the new HTC One into an interactive program guide and remote control for most TVs, set-top boxes and receivers. Tapping the power of the cloud, Sense TV makes it simple and intuitive to see what’s on and find that favourite show.
Metal Unibody Design
Wrapped in a zero-gap aluminium unibody and sporting a brilliant 4.7”, Full HD (1080p) screen, the new HTC One features the latest Android Jelly Bean operating system and LTE network technology to offer blazingly-fast browsing in a package that combines premium design with breakthrough build quality.
Available in stunning silver and beautiful black, the sleek and crafted aluminium unibody sits comfortably in the hand and showcases HTC’s unique antenna technology, which helps people achieve a crystal clear signal. The display also resists scratches and reduces glare, whilst offering incredible 468ppi resolution and rich, natural colours.
Global Availability
The new HTC One will be available globally through more than 185 mobile operators and major retailers in more than 80 regions and countries beginning in March. For more information and to pre-register for the new HTC One, visit www.htc.com. Europe, Middle East and Africa: 1&1 Germany, A1 Telekom Austria, AB Poland, Allo Ukraine, AMC (Cosmote) Albania, Avea Turkey, Beeline Kazakhstan, Belcompany Netherlands, BH Telecom Bosnia & Herzegovina, Bite Latvia, Bite Lithuania, Bouygues Telecom France, Carphone Warehouse UK, Cell C RSA, Citrus Ukraine, Cosmote Greece, Cosmote Romania & Global Bulgaria, Cyta, DT Mobile(TS) Latvia, Du UAE, Dustin Sweden, Eagle Mobile Albania, EE UK, Elisa Estonia, Elisa Finland, El-Giganten Denmark, El-Giganten Sweden, Elkjöb Norway, EMT (TS) Estonia, E-Plus Germany, ERC Ukraine, Euroset Russia, Gigantii Finland, Go Malta, H3G Austria, H3G Denmark, H3G Italy, H3G Sweden, H3G UK, HT Eronet Bosnia & Herzegovina, K-Cell Kazakhstan, KPN Belgium, KPN Netherlands, Life Belarus, LuxGSM Luxembourg, Megafon Russia, Melita Malta, Meteor Ireland, Mobilezone Switzerland, Mobilochka Ukraine, Mobily KSA, MSH Belgium, MSH Germany, M-Tel Montenegro, M-Tel Bosnia & Herzegovina, MTI Ukraine, MTN Cyprus, MTS Belarus, MTS Russia, Netcom Norway, (Telefónica) O2 Czech, (Telefónica) O2 Germany, (Telefónica) O2 Ireland, (Telefónica) O2 UK, Omnitel Lithuania, One Macedonia, Optimus Portugal, Orange France, Orange Maldova, Orange Poland, Orange Romania, Orange Slovakia, Orange Spain, Orange Switzerland, Partner Communications Israel, PhoneHouse France, PhoneHouse Germany, PhoneHouse Netherlands, PhoneHouse Sweden, Phones4U UK, Play Poland, Plus Communication Albania, Polkomtel Poland, Proximus Belgium, SFR France, SiMobil Slovenia, STC KSA, Sunrise Switzerland, Svyaznoy Russia, Swisscom Switzerland, TDC Denmark, Tele2 Croatia, Tele 2 Estonia, Tele2 Latvia, Tele2 Lithuania, Tele2 Russia, Telia Denmark, Telia Sweden, Telekom Slovenija, Telenet Belgium, Telenor Denmark, Telenor Norway, Telenor Sweden, Telenor Hungary, Telenor Serbia, Telkom Serbia, TIM Italy, TMN Portugal, T-Mobile Austria, T-Mobile Croatia, T-Mobile Czech Republic, T-Mobile Germany, T-Mobile Hungary, T-Mobile Macedonia, T-Mobile Montenegro, T-Mobile Netherlands, T-Mobile Poland, T-Mobile Slovakia, Turkcell Turkey, Tus Mobil Slovenia, Velcom (TAG) Belarus, VIP Operator Macedonia, VIP Mobile Serbia, Vipnet Croatia, Vivacom Bulgaria, Vodacom RSA, Vodafone Albania, Vodafone Czech Republic, Vodafone Egypt, Vodafone Germany, Vodafone Greece, Vodafone Hungary, Vodafone Ireland, Vodafone Italy, Vodafone Malta, Vodafone Netherlands, Vodafone Portugal, Vodafone Romania, Vodafone Spain, Vodafone Turkey, Vodafone UK, Wind Greece, Wind Italy, Yoigo Spain, Yug Contract Ukraine, Zain KSA. Asia-Pacific: China Mobile Hong Kong Company Ltd., ChungHwa Telecom, 3HK, CSL, Fareastone, M1, Mobifone, Optus, PCCW mobile, Reliance Communications, Singapore Telecommunications Ltd., SmarTone, StarHub, Taiwan Mobile, Telecom New Zealand, Telstra, Vodafone Australia, Vodafone New Zealand. China: China Mobile, China Unicom, China Telecom North America: AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, Cincinnati Bell and Best Buy in the United States and in Canada with Rogers Communications, Bell Mobility, TELUS and Virgin Mobile Canada. Latin America: Claro Argentina (América Movil), Telecom Personal Argentina, Entel Chile, Iusacell México, Telcel México (América Movil), Claro Perú (América Movil), Claro Puerto Rico (América Movil), Movistar Venezuela (Telefonica)
About HTC
Founded in 1997, HTC Corp. (HTC) is the creator of many award-winning mobile devices and industry firsts. By putting people at the center of everything it does, HTC pushes the boundaries of design and technology to create innovative and personal experiences for consumers around the globe. HTC's portfolio includes smartphones and tablets powered by the HTC Sense® user experience. HTC is listed on the Taiwan Stock Exchange (TWSE: 2498). For more information, please visit www.htc.com.
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Victor, a seasoned mobile technology expert, has spent over a decade at PhoneArena, exploring the depths of mobile photography and reviewing hundreds of smartphones across Android and iOS ecosystems. His passion for technology, coupled with his extensive knowledge of smartphone cameras and battery life, has positioned him as a leading voice in the mobile tech industry.
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