Top HTC One

HTC One Is a Winner

The actual HTC One flaunts a shocking metal style, a strong quad-core processor, and also a lovely 4. 7-inch, 1080p screen. It runs Android Jelly Bean, takes nice pictures, and also has a feature-packed camera app. The actual sealed case style suggests that no SD expansion slot or user-replaceable battery. The actual BlinkFeed software program is not totally removed. A couple of quibbles notwithstanding, the actual powerhouse HTC One is really a beautifully crafted, near-ideal smartphone.

As HTC's new flagship smartphone, the actual HTC One is packed towards the rafters along with top-notch elements and technologies as well as many of the latest processing gear from Qualcomm. Along with becoming state-of-the-art, the actual successor to 2012's HTC One X is lovingly crafted from premium metals, leaving little question the Taiwanese smartphone manufacturer has place a considerable level of blood, sweat, and tears into this handset.

HTC undoubtedly introduced the A game, and it also wants to to defeat the archrival, the actual Samsung Galaxy S4. Such as all some other smartphones even if, the actual One is not good -- it lacks an SD card slot for additional storage expansion along with a removable battery. The actual camera is not quite as revolutionary as advertised. Android purists might not adore HTC's Feeling UI skin, and also the One's nonremovable BlinkFeed information reader is not notably welcome.

Quibbles aside, even if, the actual HTC One ought to be in or close to the highest of possibilities for anybody attempting to find a telephone on Sprint, T-Mobile, AT&T, or Verizon -- exactly in which it is heading head-to-head using the Galaxy S4. Sure, it is a game of inches in among each of these big-screen Android superphones (scan our tale to discover how they stack up, function for function). However I will simply say the actual HTC One is that the fastest, most lovely telephone I have at any time used, and it'll sway anybody attempting to find a worthy various towards the Samsung GS4.

Pricing and availability
The actual HTC One is nowadays becoming offered by all the four significant U. S. mobile providers. A Google Play Expertise from the HTC One running stock Android is likewise accessible unlocked.

Here is how the actual numerous versions from the HTC One stack up against every carrier :

AT&T HTC One (32GB, $199. 99 or 64GB, $299. 99 along with two-year contract) : 4G LTE ; simultaneous voice and knowledge ; black and silver colour options

Sprint HTC One (32GB, $199. 99 along with two-year contract) : 4G LTE ; black and silver colour options

T-Mobile HTC One (32GB, $99. 99 down and $20 for each month for 24 months) : 4G LTE

Verizon HTC One (32GB, $199. 99 along with two-year contract) : 4G LTE ; silver color

HTC One Google Play Edition (32GB, $599, offered inside the Google Play store) : 4G LTE ; stock Android OS ; unlocked

HTC One Developer Edition (64GB, $649, offered by HTC) : 4G LTE ; unlocked SIM and bootloader

We used the actual silver 32GB version of AT&T's, Sprint's, and Verizon's HTC One for our particular evaluation, along with an unlocked international design.

Design
Rectangular, flat, and extremely skinny, the actual HTC One is practically all screen. The 4. 7-inch (1080p) LCD show uses what the corporate calls SoLux technologies for enhanced picture quality and generates 468 pixels for each inches (ppi). This, states HTC, helps the actual One's screen boast the foremost impressive viewing expertise of any telephone it's at any time produced. Because the show is somewhat smaller in a similar resolution, the actual One's screen has a denser pixel count number compared to the Droid DNA (5-inch, 440ppi). A similar goes to the Samsung Galaxy S4, that uses a bigger 5-inch OLED screen (441ppi).

I will certainly verify the One's show has impact, along with vibrant colours, wide viewing angles, and many of brightness. Particulars additionally look extremely crisp, that makes me wanting to compare the actual One's show against which from the Galaxy S4. I suspect which Samsung's latest monster can supply greater distinction and brighter colours, however the actual jury remains out till I location each handsets aspect by aspect.

HTC additionally makes an enormous offer in regards to the One's all-aluminum chassis, describing it as employing a zero-gap unibody style. Indeed, accessible in black and silver, the actual handset feels sturdy, along with reassuring heft, and the swish, metallic skin exudes high-end craftsmanship. HTC additionally took pains to purpose out which whilst the actual skinny, white trim encircling the actual silver design I manhandled seems to become plastic, it's, actually, metal.

Measuring 5. 4 inches tall by 2. 7 inches wide by 0. 37 inches thick, the actual HTC One is certainly a couple. Tipping the actual scales in 5. 04 ounces, it is by no suggests that light-weight both. I recommend stuffing the actual One into giant, at least secure, pockets to tote about city.

In an additional fascinating distort, dual speakers (one on every aspect from the screen) act in unison to provide a livelier audio expertise for watching movies or hearing music. Paired along with an onboard amplifier and Beats technologies, HTC has offered the method the actual rather unfortunate name BoomSound. It jogs my memory of the type of cheesy trademark Philips designed to plaster all more than the recent boom boxes.

Which mentioned, the actual One's speakers perform pack a hefty punch, manufacturing rich audio having a satisfying serving to of bass. The actual phone's audio method has wide stereo separation also, and a shocking level of volume.

Actually I found which I can rely upon the One's speakers inside a pinch when my transmoveable Bluetooth speakers weren't handy. Whilst nowhere close to as loud as, say, a Jawbone Jambox or Jabra Solemate, the actual telephone gives sufficient audio oomph for tiny teams in quiet rooms.

Higher than the actual show sit a 2. 1MP front-facing camera and also a notification light-weight. Beneath are simply 2 capacitive Android buttons, as a headphone jack and volume button are up prime. What is very fascinating is how the ability button additionally doubles being an IR blaster to management home theater gear. A volume rocker is published the ideal aspect, and also a SIM card slot holds court upon the still remaining. Upon the bottom side sits the actual phone's Micro-USB port. About back again is that the 4MP primary camera along with LED flash, that additionally uses HTC's UltraPixel sensor.

The actual HTC One has all the ability of contemporary Android 4. 1. 2 Jelly Bean in the disposal. It might not function as the freshest Jelly Bean flavor accessible, nowadays 4. 2, however you are doing obtain all of the tight integration along with Google's wide choice of software program and solutions which contemporary Android phones enjoy. These embrace Gmail, Google+ social networking, Google Talk, Google Drive, etc, and admittance to more than 700, 000 apps for download with the Google Play store.

Layered on prime of Android is yet an additional version of HTC's Feeling UI. As is common of the kind of additional interface, the newest version of Feeling provides a lot of enhancements you'll or might not discover useful.

The very first is a thing HTC calls the actual BlinkFeed, a primary home screen consisting of dynamic tiles which show content material given by a wide sort of information outlets, blogs, and Internet sites (as well as CNET). If you are acquainted with well liked information aggregators for example Flipboard and Pulse, you then obtain the thought.

There will be drawbacks to BlinkFeed that you ought to concentrate on, most notably which you can't flip the actual function off, a minimum of not totally. Naturally the actual BlinkFeed screen is placed like the phone's main home screen. You are able to, but, choose any one of the actual HTC One's home screens as the beginning purpose.

An additional annoyance I ran into is BlinkFeed pulls content material given by a stable of vetted sources. Whilst that is good for casual information viewing, you will likely operate into roadblocks attempting to tweak it to show more-targeted outlets.

I confess which I such as the revamped Feeling consumer interface. Besides BlinkFeed, the actual skin has a cleaner look along with icons which are less crowded across and inside the app tray. Additionally odd is unlike in stock Android Jelly Bean, the actual app tray does not side-scroll ; it scrolls vertically. The actual scrolling motion additionally jumps through icons from the page, not smoothly in a group rate, that takes obtaining designed to.

Gone is HTC's iconic climate clock widget, that has graced the phones because method in the times of Windows Mobile. You'll still discover info concerning time and climate forecasts in the highest from the home screen, however displayed inside a a lot more low-key style. An icon right listed below and upon the lock screen shows current conditions if you take the form of the sun, clouds, etc. It'll even blink on you along with eye-catching animations for example falling rain or snow.

Confirming the line in among tablets and smartphones is blurring a lot of daily, the actual HTC One additionally attributes an IR blaster on the prime side. In combination using the HTC Feeling TV app and HTC Remote software program, the actual HTC One can be utilized to management a TV using the telephone whilst keeping tabs on native programs.

I've to mention, this function is available in handy greater than I might have originally believed. When heading with the straightforward, in case rather lengthy, setup method, that asks one to lay out the actual TV channels you obtain in detail, I was capable of to management my home theater established effectively. Which meant switching channels by way of my cable box, adjusting volume givenfor my Onkyo receiver, and starting the actual guide to sift through accessible programs.

What is additionally fairly slick is how I can tap icons of shows I had marked as my favorites to instantly start watching all of these in the event that they were nowadays on.

Some other useful software program resources you will discover upon the HTC One embrace an activity checklisting maker, a voice recorder (some thing several phones lack), and Kid Method. Kid Method locks the actual handset up tight, together with all of your apps and solutions, and just lets tykes accessibility a special kiddie read total along with age-appropriate games and distractions.

Handling media duties are common Android apps for example Play Music and Play Movies, and HTC Watch, that provides HTC's personal choice of video and TV content material to rent or purchase. The actual totally free of charge Tune-In app (a private favorite) streams Internet radio, however the actual telephone also offers an FM tuner. I prefer HTC's homegrown music participant, as well ; it is intuitive and simple to use, and it features a slick visualization purpose in case you are into which kind of factor.

Sprint simply couldn't resist adding the personal smattering of bloatware towards the HTC One. SprintZone rolls up accessibility within your Sprint account and the personal software program, video, and music storefront in one area. A separate Sprint TV & Movie app hawks reside programming coming from the likes of Fox Information, Disney, and ABC together with video from companions for example Crackle and mFlix. Sorry, however I am going to pass.

AT&T additionally throws inside a sizable chunk of the branded software program. These embrace AT&T DriveMode that will put the actual kibosh on texts whilst traveling, AT&T FamilyMap to stay tabs on family members, and AT&T Navigator for GPS directions, simply to name a couple of. Thankfully they are all tucked away inside a folder, each inside the app tray and upon the home screen naturally.

Upon the Verizon version from the telephone you will discover the usual choice of irremovable bloatware and carrier apps. These embrace NFL Mobile, Verizon Tones, VZ Navigator, and also the VZ Security software.

A flagship smartphone would not be worth the salt if this weren't backed up using a bevy of screaming elements. You will be glad to understand the HTC One does not disappoint. Beating within the guts of the regal device is really a 1. 7GHz quad-core Snapdragon 600 processor, recent off of Qualcomm's factory floor. It is the first device I do know of to officially function the actual new silicon. As a result of of the, I'm certain lots of smartphone addicts out there will certainly be itching to obtain their hands all more than this gadget.

The actual HTC One can ship in 2 memory configurations, a stock 32GB (internal storage) design and also a tricked-out 64GB version. Bear in mind, even if, which Sprint can solely sell a 32GB version. Each devices can function a full 2GB complement of RAM. The actual One attributes wireless radios for Bluetooth 4. 0 and 802. 11 a/b/c/g/n Wi-Fi, and NFC connectivity, as well.

Performance
Quick benchmark tests confirmed the actual HTC One's processing energy. My Sprint HTC One unit turned in a powerful Linpack score of 696. 97 MFLOPs (multithread) that the actual telephone completed inside a brief 0. 24 second. Additionally, the actual device managed an astronomically higher Quadrant score of 12, 194. Each outcomes will be the fastest I have at any time measured on an Android smartphone and show the actual One is greater than a match to the HTC Droid DNA (401. 6 Linpack, 8, one hundred sixty five Quadrant).

Anecdotal use backed up my impression the HTC One is really a seriously nimble device. The actual device smoothly flipped through menu screens, launched apps, and fired up Webpages along with no hiccups or stutters to speak of.

Contact quality
I tested the actual HTC One on Sprint's and Verizon's CDMA network and AT&T's GSM network in New York. Givenfor my Sprint check calls, I enjoyed fairly clean audio quality along with terribly very little distortion. Callers explained my voice as distinct in case just a little flat, and will simply perceive the lyrics I spoke. They did notice a slight crackle in the beginning of phrases and will certainly inform I referred to as given by a mobile link.

Voice quality more than an AT&T link was nearly identical, in case somewhat much better. Callers couldn't detect any crackling, even if once more they did say my voice had a set quality. Chatting more than Verizon's network was the smallest amount pleasing, along with individuals on another finish describing my voice as sounding robotic and compressed.

Givenfor my finish, voices arrived through loudly regardless of that carrier's network conversed through. Which mentioned I did listen to a touch of robotic flatness. Callers, but, mentioned the actual speakerphone dealt with audio nicely and transmitted what I mentioned clearly. I'd been surprised even if the speakerphone did not manufacture a powerful level of volume regardless of the HTC One's giant speakers.

Knowledge speeds
Whilst the actual Sprint HTC One is compatible using the carrier's 4G LTE network, the fast knowledge service is merely accessible inside a handful of areas. Sadly, New York -- exactly in which I tested the actual telephone -- is not yet part of them. Consequently I clocked slow knowledge throughput speeds which were pokey even for 3G. Average download pace arrived in in simply 0. 45Mbps and upload pace in an identical 0. 46Mbps.

Knowledge speeds enhanced greatly when I tested the actual AT&T version from the HTC One more than AT&T's 4G LTE network. Performance was dramatically faster. I logged downloads in an average blistering clip of 24. 6Mbps whilst uploads topped out in a powerful 12. 6Mbps.

Compared along with what I saw on AT&T, but, throughput more than Verizon's 4G LTE network in New York was a lot slower. Downloads averaged a decent not blazing 7. 9Mbps, and uploads reached an unimpressive average of 4. 3Mbps.

Battery life
An embedded 2, 300mAh battery serves like the One's energy supply, that I confess does not sound such as a lot on paper, particularly compared along with phones along with ultra-high-capacity batteries this kind of like the Motorola Droid Razr Maxx HD (3, 300mAh). In fact the actual HTC Droid DNA managed an extended 8 hours and 43 minutes upon the CNET Labs video battery drain check having a smaller 2, 020mAh battery.

In terms of longevity, even if, the actual HTC One did not disappoint. The actual telephone beat out the actual Droid DNA on a similar check, lasting a full 9 hours and 37 minutes when subjected towards the official CNET Labs video battery drain benchmark.

Camera
The actual HTC One continues the actual company's powerful concentrate on telephone camera abilities. The actual new One handset attributes an up to date ImageSense method and new ImageChip 2 hardware, together with a revamped light-weight sensor. Known as UltraPixel Sensor, it technically has the capacity to seize a resolution of simply 4 megapixels. Still, HTC states, the particular size from the sensor is larger and also the pixels it creates are a lot more detailed. HTC claims which finished result is really a camera able to seize three hundredunited nations monitors. the unarmed observers have % a lot of light-weight than competing camera phones.

Using the telephone in hand, I will confirm which the camera is very fast, capturing shots virtually immediately.

Colour was additionally correct in each my indoor still-life shots, in case a little dark. Outdoors in powerful sunlight I did notice a few heavy-handed image processing, that tended to blur background particulars, particularly with complicated forms this kind of like the branches of timber along with other foliage. Additionally, whilst the actual HTC One might consider images rapidly in dark environs, because of onboard hardware image stabilization, the actual ISO was bumped up thus higher which colour noise became rampant.

How will the One's camera compare towards the competition? Once more, verify out our comparison from the HTC One and also the Galaxy S4. Additionally, my CNET Asia colleague Jacqueline Seng previously added the actual HTC One inside a four-way smartphone camera shootout using the Nokia Lumia 920, iPhone 5, and Samsung Galaxy S3.

I of that sort the actual camera can record a brief 3-second video, what HTC has labeled the actual Zoe (impressed by 19th-century Zoetrope movie devices). The thought is for users to shoot these temporary clips, much like by using the Vine app for iOS, and discuss all of them with friends and family members by way of a special camera method inside the HTC One's camera app.

Another unlocked option, and better one in my opinion, is the HTC One Google Play Edition. For $599, this device merges the outstanding build quality of the standard One with pure Android 4.3 Jelly Bean plus 32GB of internal storage.

Conclusion
In the One, HTC has created a premium phone that's fast and thin, and which flaunts a drop-dead gorgeous design. In my experience, the phone's screen and its camera largely live up to the hype, though the camera's low-light performance is a bit oversold.

I was surprised, however, by how much fun I found the phone's Highlight video function to be. Sure, shooting Zoe videos is limited because it uses a proprietary file format. The Highlight movies, on the other hand, are convertible and much easier to share. It also resulted in me capturing one of my best phone videos ever, but new parents are a subjective bunch.

My personal favorite camera function could be that the HTC One can immediately stitch along highlight reels based mostly on several the actual video, pictures, and Zoes you've got snapped every day. Every highlight film is placed to canned HTC music, that I confess is not which poor, and you've the choice to save lots of all of these as MP4 files locally or discuss all of these by way of Facebook or email. Frankly, it is a cool very little instrument for keeping family inside the loop in regards to the kids' latest shenanigans or providing a polished spin to every day activities.

Even during this Galaxy S4-dominated world, there isn't any doubt inside my thoughts the HTC One is among the very greatest Android choices on Sprint. As luck would have it, even if, that could function as the weakest carrier on that to obtain the One, because of Sprint's poor 3G infrastructure and scarce 4G LTE accessibility.

I recommend One fans go along with AT&T in case blazing 4G is the things you crave. At this time, AT&T's 4G LTE network is really a recognized quantity and it also truly is available, as well as in significant metro locations for example New York and San Francisco.

Opt for a T-Mobile HTC One when the carrier's no-contract plans and lower costs attract you. And though T-Mobile's LTE network has barely gotten off the bottom, the 3. 5G HSPA+ speeds approach actual 4G in quickness.

Verizon's version from the HTC One is persuasive as well particularly if you want a a lot bigger 4G LTE footprint on that to rely. Which mentioned, the actual carrier's knowledge speeds do not seem to become as fast as AT&T's service -- a minimum of inside the congested NYC metro space.

Not dedicated to any carrier simply yet? Maybe the actual special HTC One Developer Edition has your variety. Whilst the steep $649 unsubsidized worth could be a challenge to swallow, the undeniable fact that the actual device attributes an unlocked SIM card slot and bootloader created for tweaking is tempting. Constructed to labor on U. S. carriers, the actual telephone supports GSM, CDMA, and LTE signals.

Thoughts on manufacturer-specific Android skins differ, using the general consensus becoming which deviating from Google's stock Android interface typically leads to a lot of harm than great. Whilst it is as subjective as anything, I liked the actual new, subtler Feeling UI found upon the One. The actual BlinkFeed function, at the same time, can be exciting for Android newbies however is not extremely helpful for smartphone veterans -- then it's annoying which you can't uninstall it.

If you re able to obtain past the actual few drawbacks, the actual HTC One is while not a doubt worth shopping for. But, using the Samsung Galaxy S4 competing head-to-head using the One on T-Mobile, Sprint, AT&T, and Verizon, Android lovers possess a robust choice on the hands. Selecting is most hard on Verizon, even if, using the entrance from the $299. 99 Motorola Droid Max. It is expensive however the battery lifestyle is not beat.

Instantly, there is one distinct distinction involving the One and Galaxy S4. For $200, the actual AT&T and Sprint versions from the HTC One can net you 32GB of storage, whilst the actual $200 GS4 has half as a lot (16GB). On T-Mobile, it is a good a lot of superb offer : the actual 32GB HTC One could be had for $100 early on (and $20 for each month for 24 months upon the carrier's new no-contract arrange).

Which mentioned, the actual HTC One's lack in an SD card slot and removable battery are positive to stick inside the craw of a couple smartphone shoppers, and also the image quality from the One's camera is not very greatest in category. In case these are offer breakers, you will wish to choose the actual Galaxy S4 rather.

Ultimately, I kinda feel the actual Galaxy S4 ekes out the actual thinnest sliver of the victory more than the nemesis. (Here is a full play-by-play from the epic battle.) However all of it comes right all the way down to priorities. The actual HTC One trumps the actual GS4 in physical and interface style, along with bang to the buck. It continues to be perhaps one of the very greatest phones we have at any time laid our hands on. And that's the reason it earns an enthusiastic Editors' Selection Award and also a heat and fuzzy place inside my heart.