HTC One

Overview

HTC's most innovative Android smartphone

Design

Misc

Shades

Overview of HTC One

The HTC One is HTC’s new flagship smartphone, aimed at the higher end of the mobile phone scale and, according to the GSM association, was the best new mobile handset at the 2013 Mobile World Congress.

HTC One Design and Build Quality

With a notably slim profile of only 9.3mm at its thickest point, the HTC One is relatively lightweight as well, weighing in at 143 grams. It features a 4.7 inch Super LCD3 capacitive touch screen with a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels and protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 2.

User Interface and Comfort to Use HTC One

The phone comes bundled with a generous collection of software features, with HTC’s Sense UI version 5 running on Android 4.1.2. There is a deliberate focus on simplicity, with Home and Back soft keys and only two home screens out of the box, though users have the option to add more.

Telephony and Phonebook

The HTC One phonebook is unlimited and has a quick name or number search. The sound on the phone is revolutionary, with twin diaphragms on the microphone, and stereo speakers. The phone also compensates for ambient noise by increasing the volume automatically during calls.

Messaging and Emails

The phone supports SMS and MMS, and provides unlimited message storage, with conversations available in threaded view.

Gallery, Photo Viewer and Video Player

The phone provides powerful tools for smart content editing, cutting and sequencing. It can also create what HTC call a “Zoe”, which is a kind of highlight reel containing images, clips, effects and music that a user can share online via Zoe Share.

HTC One Music Player and FM radio

The phone handles most of the major audio formats well, with excellent sound reproduction thanks to boom sound, a revamped version of HTC’s Beats Tech and the new, forward-facing stereo speakers.

HTC One Camera and Image Quality

Capable of taking shots up to a resolution of 2688 x 1520 pixels, the 4-megapixel ultrapixel camera also features an LED flash and auto focus. It also offers simultaneous HD video and Image capture, with face and smile detection.

Video Camera and Video Quality

The video camera offers 1080p high definition video recording with stereo sound at a frame rate of 30 fps. A new feature unavailable on any of its contemporaries is the Optical Image Stabilization to reduce shaking in videos.

HTC One Connectivity Options

The phone offers comprehensive connectivity options, with support for NFC, Bluetooth, infrared and Wi-Fi with hotspot capability.

Web Browser and Applications

The HTC One comes preloaded with an HTML 5 capable browser and the 4G network connectivity and high-resolution screen provide a fast and satisfying browsing experience.

Google Maps and GPS

The HTC One has a Google Maps application installed, and supports GPS with both A-GPS and GLONASS systems.

Distinctive Features of HTC One

The phone does not contain an SD card slot, but is available with internal storage of either 32 or 64 GB. RSS feeds are available through the innovative Blink Feed feature on the home screen.

Value for Money

Loaded with features and with excellent construction, the price of between Rs 40,000 to 45,000 (approx., may vary) for the HTC One represents excellent value for money.

Verdict

The HTC One is one of the most advanced smartphones in the market and feels slick and fast, with the metal construction likely to appeal to many users. The design is not as exciting as that of similar phones, but in terms of features, it definitely stands head and shoulders above most of its competition.