HTC One X first look - hands-on with HTC's new smartphones [Video]

Hands-on with the three new HTC One smartphones

by Ben Stevens, Technology Researcher Mobile Phones 27/02/2012

HTC has unveiled three new smartphones at the 2012 Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. Which? Tech gets hands-on with the new flagship HTC One X, the stylish HTC One S and the affordable HTC One V.

HTC One X, S and V First Look video

What are the HTC One X’s most interesting features?

The HTC One X has a powerful quad core processor that, according to HTC, doesn’t drain the battery as quickly as you might expect. The One X runs Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich), which is overlaid with the latest Sense 4 interface from HTC.

It has a 4.7-inch display and a camera that HTC describes as class-leading. The fast continuous shooting mode of the camera and its ability to competently handle low light conditions impressed us in the brief time we spent using it.

Like many HTC smartphones, the build quality and finish of the One X give the handset a premium quality look and feel. Its polycarbonate casing not only keeps the weight down but, with its matte rear and glossy edged finish, looks great. The toughened Gorilla glass is rounded over the edges slightly, which adds to the pleasing aesthetic.

Why would I consider the HTC One S?

The HTC One S is a slightly lower-spec smartphone, but still looks terrific. It has a dual-core processor and an AMOLED screen measuring 4.3-inches diagonally.

It comes in two finishes. The first is described by HTC as having a gradient anodised touch, and the second as having a ceramic finish. Both feel great in the hand, and HTC claims that the latter is incredibly tough.

What’s different about the HTC One V?

The HTC One V is likely to be the most affordable one of the three new Ones. Its screen, at 3.7-inches, is an inch smaller than the display found on the HTC One X. The HTC One V is designed along the same lines as 2010′s HTC Legend with a jutting out base.

The HTC One V that we handled wasn’t operational, but we’ll fully test all of these handsets when they go on sale in the UK.

Are there any other HTC One features I need to know?

HTC One owners will get free access to 25GB of cloud-based storage from Dropbox for two years. This will enable users to store and share photos. Content from the handset, including video and music, can also be shared on TVs wirelessly.

TVs with DLNA support can receive content from the HTC One phones, and dongles will be available for TVs that don’t feature DLNA. A similar technology is also available for in the car, and a wireless stereo clip will enable users to play music from the HTC One through the car radio.