HTC announce 'One' series, with One X, One S and One V

[Guest PaulOBrien]

HTC have just announced their much rumoured 'One' series at a launch event at Mobile World Congress 2012 in Barcelona.

A response to their fantastic 2011 which only tailed off towards the end of the year amidst stiff competition, the new devices represent a significant simplification of HTC's confusing device portfolio (something i've said is needed for a long time) with a signature product range that will be available worldwide.

The launch encompasses 3 devices - the HTC One X high end device, the HTC One S mid range device and the HTC One V value device. I'll take you through my thoughts about the launch and each device (i've been lucky enough to use all 3 devices in person!) after which i've posted the full specifications below.

The One series is a family of devices and all of them share something in common, so i'll talk about those features first.

As you'd expect all of the new devices run Android 4.0 and atop this sits Sense 4.0. I haven't had a huge amount of time to delve deeply into this as yet, but as you'd expect it all feels very familiar for Sense users of old, while HTC have also tried to 'lighten' Sense a little more to feel better for power users and with a more integrated feel. Sense 4 includes integration with Dropbox, with all devices including a free 25GB Dropbox offer that is valid for 2 years (not-so-coincidentally the length of the longest phone contracts right? Perhaps after you upgrade again in 2 years that Dropbox deal will get renewed). Despite using Android 4.0, all devices have opted for physical buttons for back / home / recent apps, which is fine by me. It means all the real estate is available for other content! :) What's not clear yet is how the legacy menu button is handled in this scenario.

Another stand out feature of the new devices is the camera. HTC have developed their own silicon - the ImageSense chip - which is designed to provide a second to none camera experience when paired with the F2.0 aperture and 28mm lens found on all devices. As well as the 1080P video recording you'd expect (where processor allows, the lower end One V records in 720P), HTC have reduced the time taken to snap a picture to ridiculously short levels (0.7 seconds total, 0.2 seconds to autofocus!). This allows continuous shooting at a very fast pace. Another unique feature is the ability to grab high quality stills while recording video without affecting the recorded in progress, as far as I know a first for a phone. Add in some very funky real time effects and you have a very compelling camera experience!

All of the devices are pretty thin. The One X is 8.99mm thick, the One S is a very very svelte 7.8mm thick and the One V comes in at a comparatively chunky 9.24mm. All the devices feel good in the hand - the X feels thin especially given it's size, the S is just plain ridiculous in it's thinness and construction and the V feels super-solid in it's construction, very similar to the Legend of old.

All of the devices incorporate 'Beats', the premium audio experience which HTC invested so heavily in last year. This means a beats headset in box and beats enhanced audio right across the device. If you like your bass, you'll like this. This is coupled with a new and much improved HTC Sync application to make getting music onto your device easier. A new 'HTC Car Stereo Clip' makes it easier to get music into your car if you don't have Bluetooth support (this is an optional accessory).

The One X is the new flagship with it's 4.7" SLCD2 720P screen with contoured Corning Gorilla Glass.. The screen is, frankly, insane. Compared to my Galaxy Nexus it was embarrasing. The brightness and clarity is shocking and the viewing angles are quite unbelievable. The screen reminded me in a lot of ways of the Lumia 800 in that the image feels like it's 'painted on the surface of the device'. It's breathtaking and for me it was love at first sight. ;) The device is made using a new process frompolycarbonate and feels solid in the hand with a nice texture. It will be available in white or piano black depending on territory, of course I love the white. :) Such a slim device with powerful internals means some compromises and in the case of the One X it means no microSD (although you have 32GB on board), microSIM (get the cutters ready) and the 1800mAh battery is non-removable. Not show stoppers for me personally, but I know for some it's going to be an issue. Talking of internals, the version of the One X shipped in most places will feature the Tegra 3 '4+1' 'quad-core-ish' chipset clocked at 1.5GHz with 1GB of RAM. The exception to this is the AT&T version which uses a Qualcomm S4 processor... exact details on this are pretty scant at the moment but insiders tell me it's smokin'. We have the usual range of sensors, Bluetooth 4.0, NFC, WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n, DLNA support and compatability with HTC's new 'Media Link HD' accessory (more on that shortly).

Moving on to the One S, this is the new mid range device but I know it'll appeal to a low of power users too who are put off my the 4.7" screen of the One X. The screen on the S is of an AMOLED variety rather than SLCD2 on the X and it is QHD resolution, again with Gorilla Glass. The screen looks good, better than the similar screen on the Motorola RAZR, which is very much a relief. The device is extremely thin and has metal unibody construction, which makes it feel exceptionally solid despite it's it's dimensions. The device will be available with two finishes - the first is an matte black Ceramic Metal surface that is the result of a microarc oxidation (MAO) process originally developed for use in satellites. It transforms the surface of the aluminum unibody into a ceramic, super-dense crystalline structure that is four times harder than anodized aluminum, enabling the HTC One S to look great over time. The second finish for the One S takes anodizing to a new level with a new patented process that creates a light-to-dark gradient fade. I've seen both in the flesh and they both look great! Again microSD is missing (there's 16GB onboard with this one) and the SIM slot is microSIM. The 1650mAh battery is non removable. The CPU is a 1.5GHz Qualcomm S4 which, again, insiders tell me is running riot in the benchmarks! As with the X, we have the usual range of sensors, Bluetooth 4.0, WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n, DLNA support and compatability with HTC's new 'Media Link HD' accessory (more on that shortly). No NFC here.

Finally, the One V. This is the new entry level device and is very much a spiritual successor to the Legend, one of my favourite HTC devices of all time. Unlike the Legend, the One V has a WVGA 3.7" screen (technology TBC) which in itself makes the device desirable amongst other entry level competitors. Much of the rest of the specification is fairly standard fare - 1GHz CPU, 512MB RAM, 4GB ROM, 1500mAh battery. This time a microSD slot is present. The stand out story here for me is that if priced right, the camera should be quite a selling point. Although it is a 5 Megapixel item, it still has as a F2.0 aperture and 28mm lens together with HTC's trick new ImageSense chip.

I mentioned previously a new 'Media Link HD' accessory. This supercedes HTC's previous 'Media Link' DLNA adaptor. It provides similar functionality, but rather than using DLNA to display music / photo / video files, it beams a live image of your phone device onto a HDMI equipped TV. This means you're not limited to particular apps or file types, you can do anything on your TV you can do on your phone. This is pretty interesting as it opens up the potential for gaming and the link via your phone, on your big screen.

There's so much to talk about the new devices I'm not sure i've got everything in, and I definitely have more thoughts to share with you over the coming days! Post your questions below and i'll do my best to answer then, and if I don't have the answer i'll pester HTC for it! I do feel like this is a definite step in the right direction and these are nice devices with some very desirable features, and perhaps some not so desirable ones. The real test of HTC's mettle is arguably how they go from here - if they avoid updating their devices every month, releasing a thousand different versions all over the place, providing timely updater to users etc... if they can do it, hats off to them.

The One X and S are expected to be available in 60 days, with the One V to follow at a later date. All UK networks are expected to carry One series devices.

HTC One X

• (LxWxT) 134.36 x 69.9 x 8.9 mm

• 130g

• 4.7 inch HD 720p SLCD2 touch screen (1280 x 720 resolution)

• 1.5 GHz, quad-core (Tegra 3 for worldwide, Qualcomm S4 for AT&T US)

• Android 4.0 with HTC Sense 4

• 32 GB ROM / 1GB RAM

• HSPA/WCDMA: Europe/Asia: 850/900/1900/2100 MHz

• GSM/GPRS/EDGE: 850/900/1800/1900 MHz

• Gyro sensor

• G-Sensor

• Digital compass

• Proximity sensor

• Ambient light sensor

• 3.5 mm stereo audio jack

• NFC

• Bluetooth with aptX® enabled (Bluetooth® 4.0)

• Wi-Fi®: IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n

• DLNA® for wirelessly streaming media from the phone to a compatible TV or computer

• micro-USB 2.0 (5-pin) port with mobile high-definition video link (MHL) for USB or HDMI connection (Special cable required for HDMI connection.)

• 8 megapixel ImageSense camera with auto focus, smart LED flash, and BSI sensor (for better low-light captures)

• F2.0 aperture and 28mm lens

• 1080p HD video recording

• 1.3 megapixel front camera (720p for video chat)

• Dedicated imaging chip, including ability to capture a photo in the midst of recording HD video, continuous shooting mode captures multiple snapshots, auto flash smartly determined by distance from your subject, video stabilization feature removes annoying, shaky motion, high quality slow motion video capture and playback

• Beats Audio

• 1800 mAh battery

HTC One S

• (LxWxT) 130.9 x 65 x 7.8 mm

• 119.5 grams with battery

• 4.3 inch Super-AMOLED touch screen with 540 x 960 resolution (QHD)

• 1.5 GHz, dual core processor

• Android 4.0 with HTC Sense 4

• microSIM

• 16 GB ROM / 1 GB RAM

• HSPA/WCDMA: Europe/Asia: 850/900/2100 MHz

• GSM/GPRS/EDGE: 850/900/1800/1900 MHz

• Gyro sensor

• G-Sensor

• Digital compass

• Proximity sensor

• Ambient light sensor

• 3.5 mm stereo audio jack

• Bluetooth with aptX® enabled (Bluetooth® 4.0)

• Wi-Fi®: IEEE 802.11b/g/n

• DLNA® for wirelessly streaming media from the phone to a compatible TV or computer

• micro-USB 2.0 (5-pin) port with mobile high-definition video link (MHL) for USB or HDMI connection (Special cable required for HDMI connection.)

• 8 megapixel ImageSeense camera with auto focus, smart LED flash, and BSI sensor (for better low-light captures)

• f2.0 aperture 28mm lens

• 1080p HD video recording • 1.3 megapixel front camera (720p for video chat)

• Dedicated imaging chip, including ability to capture a photo in the midst of recording HD video, continuous shooting mode captures multiple snapshots, auto flash smartly determined by distance from your subject, video stabilization feature removes annoying, shaky motion, high quality slow motion video capture and playback

• Beats Audio

• 1650 mAh battery

HTC One V

• (LxWxT) 120.3 x 59.7 x 9.24 mm

• 115 grams with battery

• 3.7 inch touch screen 480 x 800 resolution

• 1 GHz CPU

• Android 4.0 with HTC Sense 4

• 4 GB ROM / 512 MB RAM

• microSD memory card slot (SD 2.0 compatible)

• HSPA/WCDMA: 850/900/2100 MHz

• GSM/GPRS/EDGE: 850/900/1800/1900 MHz

• G-Sensor

• Proximity sensor

• Ambient light sensor

• 3.5 mm stereo audio jack

• Bluetooth with aptX® enabled (Bluetooth® 4.0)

• Wi-Fi®: IEEE 802.11b/g/n

• Standard micro-USB (5-pin micro-USB 2.0)

• 5 megapixel ImageSense camera with auto focus, smart LED flash, and BSI sensor (for better low-light captures) • F2.0 aperture and 28mm lens

• 720p HD video recording

• Dedicated imaging chip, including ability to capture a photo in the midst of recording HD video, continuous shooting mode captures multiple snapshots, auto flash smartly determined by distance from your subject, video stabilization feature removes annoying, shaky motion, high quality slow motion video capture and playback

• 1500 mAh battery

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[Guest dajmeister]

Any word on how they will deal with legacy apps which need the virtual menu button in ICS?

[Guest DanWilson]

Any idea on the actual CPU of the One V?

And the obvious how did you get to play before even MWC and etc. :P

Oh yeah, ROM leaks would be deeeelightful. Just sayin'.

[Guest Ran Sagy]

Wanted to comment on twitter, but im pretty sure you blocked me one day ages ago :P

Anyway, Questions:

1) Screen comparison to SGS2's SAMOLED+ ?

2) Any word on pricing/availability dates?

[Guest PaulOBrien]

Any word on how they will deal with legacy apps which need the virtual menu button in ICS?

Not entirely sure, I will find out!

P

[Guest PaulOBrien]

Any idea on the actual CPU of the One V?

And the obvious how did you get to play before even MWC and etc. :P

Oh yeah, ROM leaks would be deeeelightful. Just sayin'.

Unconfirmed, again i'll find out! :)

P

[Guest PaulOBrien]

Wanted to comment on twitter, but im pretty sure you blocked me one day ages ago :P

Anyway, Questions:

1) Screen comparison to SGS2's SAMOLED+ ?

2) Any word on pricing/availability dates?

Which device?

The only information I have on availability is the X and S within 30 days.

P

[Guest k0nrad]

Ok, so how does the One V perform in comparison to 2010/11 1GHz single-core devices (i.e. the likes of the original SGS, 2011 Xperia line esp. Neo/V, LG Optimus Black etc)?

I mean general performance, as I take the camera's superiority for granted, even with lack of dedicated shutter button.

Is the Sense 4.0 as 'all over the place' as previous versions, or does the genuine ICS Holo visage peek out in some places?

[Guest svyat]

One X will be my next phone, no doubt. Still a little skeptical about the non-removable battery (will 1800mAh be enough for a quad core CPU?), lack of MicroSD and the legacy menu button issue.

[Guest BashyUK]

@PaulOBrien That looks like a range to provide valid upgrade options this year. Had been thinking it was Samsung only. Very large screen on the X though, might have to be the S for me. But that leaves me with 16GB max. Gah.

[Guest PaulOBrien]

@PaulOBrien That looks like a range to provide valid upgrade options this year. Had been thinking it was Samsung only. Very large screen on the X though, might have to be the S for me. But that leaves me with 16GB max. Gah.

No 720P for you either then...

P

[Guest vfrvulcan]

Any news on Carrier availability yet as in who's going to be carrying what?

Reckon I'll end up with the X

Upgrade just clicked-in on T-Mo

[Guest iwomack]

Due to the screen size I'm tempted by the S. But although you mention it has NFC... It doesn't.

And that is the biggest shame of it all.

[Guest vfrvulcan]

Should have said 'UK Carriers'!

[Guest flegg]

As the X will have quad core and a HDMI out via MHL. Is there any plans on HTC providing the Ubuntu for Android at release or at a later date?

[Guest nikosrs4]

How is the feature to take still picture while video recording different from the same feature that galaxy nexus has?

Also, Paul you won't have the ability to incorporate a search button in the capacitive area :)

[Guest vfrvulcan]

How much space would be available for apps? If there's 26GB usable storage space on the X, is the other 4GB'ish available for installing apps or will we run out of space pretty quickly like on the original Desire?

[Guest Victor von Zeppelin]

A worthwhile thing to note is that, in pure dimensions the One X is only 4mm x 4mm bigger than the One S. Very impressive, considering the screen size.

[Guest Sgt. Slaughter]

Read a lot of conflicting stuff about the V some saying it has sense 3.6 and others say it has sense4.0 but a trimmed version of it some.....since you have used all the devices as you stated, what did the V show on it?

[Guest Tim]

Disappointed that it looks like I'm going to be leaving HTC for the first time since the Orange SPV. I want a high spec device with a small to medium screen, at least 32gb storage or an sd card and removable battery. Are these the only phones HTC will be bringing out this year?

[Guest ratcom]

after a few months using my galaxy nexus I will be jumping back to htc in a heart beat. I still dont have a car dock samsung!!!

[Guest Webreaper]

Does the X have microSd? And any news whether it'll be possible to disable Sense? Hardware sounds lovely afbut after the Desire I don't ever want a carrier-fettled Android OS again. :-/

[Guest iLevi]

Any word on boot times?

[Guest Zarch1972]

Any word on non-contract pricing? :)

[Guest Zarch1972]

Notification LEDs across the range?