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HTC One Review!

Marques Brownlee@mkbhd2.4M viewsMay 3, 201311:37
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HTC's biggest flagship of 2013 is finally here. Thumbs up! The HTC One: amzn.to HTC One Ultrapixel, Explained: youtu.be HTC One outdoor camera shot: i.imgur.com HTC One indoor camera shot: i.imgur.com HTC One low light nighttime shot: i.imgur.com Speaker test song: youtu.be Intro Track: ASDF Movie Song Outro Track: "Channel 41" by Deadmau5 ~ twitter.com google.com @MarquesBrownlee @MKBHD @MKBHD

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The HTC One is presented as HTC’s flagship device for 2013 and a make-or-break product for the company, positioning it directly against Samsung’s Galaxy S4. The review opens by noting the phone’s all-metal, aluminum unibody design and sturdy feel, acknowledging that while it isn’t the thinnest or lightest, the build quality is a standout attribute. The reviewer highlights the front facing boom sound speakers and the two-tone front design, praising the visual appeal and the unique audio engineering that HTC labels BoomSound, which delivers rich, stereo sound from the device itself. He also points out some practical design quirks, such as the power button placement and the single, wider camera angle on the back, which influences framing and photo results. Overall, the handset’s hardware strengths are framed as a strong foundation for its performance and media capabilities, with media consumption described as a premier experience on any smartphone to date. The camera is described as capable, especially in low light, with HTC’s UltraPixel approach producing good results in most lighting, though with some trade-offs in detail due to the smaller 4 megapixel sensor and software sharpening. The video then explores the software experience, noting Sense 5 on top of Android 4.1.2, praising the fast, responsive performance, and the excellent keyboard, while calling out a few quirks in the Sense interface like BlinkFeed and the app drawer-dock integration. In summary, the reviewer concludes that the HTC One is fast, capable, and visually appealing, making it a strong daily driver option for those who value build quality and multimedia performance, even as software quirks remain a point of contention for some users. The mid-section of the review digs deeper into the display and camera capabilities, emphasizing a 4.7 inch, near 470 ppi 1080p screen that contributes to an exceptional media experience. The camera discussion centers on Ultrapixel technology with strong low-light performance, while acknowledging some loss of fine detail at full zoom due to the smaller sensor, mitigated somewhat by software enhancements. The reviewer explains the camera’s feature set, including HDR, burst modes, and the HTC Zoe quick video capabilities, as well as the wide-angle lens on both front and back cameras, which broadens framing options. On performance, the Snapdragon 600 and 2 GB of RAM are cited as delivering snappy multitasking and fast app switching, with battery life described as competitive with rivals like the Galaxy S4 thanks to a balanced compromise between clock speed and efficiency. The section closes by reinforcing that the user experience remains very fluid, making everyday use enjoyable and contributing to the overall appeal of the device despite its non idealities. The closing notes focus on the user experience, with a candid admission that while the device may have some design and software quirks, the speed, camera versatility, speaker quality, and display combine to make the HTC One a compelling choice for a flagship handset at the time. In the final assessment, the reviewer emphasizes overall satisfaction with the device, citing fast performance, excellent display and front speakers, and a design that still resonates years later. He notes that the phone represents a high watermark for HTC and a strong argument for the brand in the flagship space, while acknowledging that it isn’t flawless and that Sense 5 brings some unusual UX decisions. The video concludes with a strong recommendation for potential buyers who want a premium, media-friendly device, suggesting that the HTC One could be a viable daily driver for several years if someone values its strengths and can overlook its quirks. The tone remains enthusiastic throughout, underscoring the device’s lasting impact on the brand and its fans, and leaving viewers with a clear impression of what makes the HTC One stand out.

Topics · technology · mobile · smartphones · review · hardware · display · camera · audio

Questions answered

What made the HTC One stand out in its time compared to rivals like the Galaxy S4?
The HTC One stood out due to its all metal unibody build, front facing stereo BoomSound speakers, a high quality 1080p display, and the UltraPixel camera approach which offered strong low light performance and a robust feature set.
How did the software experience affect the overall usability of the HTC One?
Sense 5 on Android 4.1.2 delivered fast and responsive performance, with a strong keyboard experience and several unique features, though it also introduced quirks like BlinkFeed and an integrated app drawer and dock that users found confusing.