HTC unveils the Sensation XL

[Guest brinkley1988]

HTC has confirmed the impending launch of a second Beats Audio-equipped Android handset, dubbed the HTC Sensation XL.

As the name implies, the Sensation XL is pretty hefty: the front of the device is dominated by a 4.7-inch Super LCD screen running at a WVGA 800x480 resolution. Despite this, HTC has managed to keep the thickness of the handset to a reasonable 9.9mm, meaning that it shouldn't feel too bulky.

Behind the screen is a powerful single-core Qualcomm Snapdragon processor running at 1.5GHz, and a slightly odd choice of 768MB of system memory - a disappointing figure when many of HTC's rival handsets feature 1GB. 16GB of flash-based storage is included, which is sadly non-upgradable thanks to the handset's lack of microSD card slot.

At the rear of the device is an eight megapixel camera with an f2.2 lens and dual-LED flash, while the software shipped is Android 2.3 'Gingerbread' with HTC's custom Sense UI 3.5 - the latest version so far released for smartphone devices.

HTC continues to promote its use of Beats Audio technology: the company has confirmed that it will be releasing two bundles in the UK, with either a pair of Ur Betas in-ear headphones or Solo over-ear versions. Both models feature Beats technology, which apparently ensures the maximum sound quality possible, though we've been less than impressed with laptop-based implementations in the past.

While the specifications are remarkably similar to HTC's Titan Windows Phone handset - leading some to conclude that it's the same device with a different operating system - HTC is clearly hoping to target Android enthusiasts who care about the quality of their audio.

HTC has confirmed a November launch for the UK, but has yet to discuss pricing.