HTC has launched its new version of the One smartphone, which offers some interesting features.
HTC is operating on a limited market share. Despite having good phones, the company is living in Samsung’s and Apple’s shadows. The latest edition of the HTC One, named the M9, is an improvement from previous models, especially in its major shortcoming: the camera.
The new One offers an elegant, all-metal design with a few twists The power button was moved from the top to the right side to keep the phone from slipping from your hand when pressing. The edges from the back are sharper, also to improve grip, while the M9 screen stays at diagonal of 5 inches.
Advance orders for the HTC One have already started in the U.S. The smartphone will be in stores on April 10, while those who are ordering it now might get it sooner. No-contract prices start from $600 at Verizon and can go up to $709 at AT&T.
Previous One cameras had only 4 megapixels, which is quite low compared to its competitors. The images were often fuzzy, especially when enlarged or cropped. HTC had improved each pixel in order to capture more light, but the phone had problems with indoor and night shots.
The new One has an improved 20-megapixel rear camera. Photos are better when enlarged. The M9 takes quality images even in low light. Nevertheless, the One is still behind the iPhone 6 and Samsung Galaxy S6 in focus, exposure and color.
A new feature of the HTC flagship phone is that it adapts the home screen to your location. At work, for example, you’re shown apps for email, calendar and note-taking. At home, you get YouTube, music and an app store, while when you’re out, you see Maps.
Choices change depending on what you see more often. Location also influences suggestions for new apps. The phone doesn’t figure out automatically whether you’re home or at work. When you’re not home, the phone will periodically suggest nearby places to eat, based on Yelp recommendations.
HTC is giving U.S. customers an enlarged protection plan for one year. You get a free replacement if you break the screen, but also if you drop the phone in the toilet or damage it in other ways. A one replacement only is offered, and the plan doesn’t cover loss or theft. In case you don’t need to replace your phone, HTC will offer $100 credit on your next One.
The One also has excellent sound, through twin front speakers. You can also add storage to the phone, but you can’t replace the battery.
Image Source: Phones Review