HTC’s bold attempt to match the Samsung Galaxy S2 comes through the Sensation. As the name suggests, the phone is in fact sensational. A true HD display, high-tech audio systems and other unique features give this phone a thumps up. Hardware wise, the phone has a 1.2GHz dual-core processor to provide seamless speed.
What is it?
Let us break through the basic aspects of this beautiful device. Some years ago, HTC was not considered seriously to be fair. But, now the company has stepped up its antic to produce some brilliant devices. The HTC desire was a land mark in the company’s history. The new Sensation is a clarified, refined version of the Desire. HTC has realized that if a phone has to succeed, it has to have better hardware.
So, the company has packed the phone with the best possible hardware available in the market. A 8MP camera, 1.2 GHz processor with dual core, qHD screen with 4.3 inches and 1080 p HD recording make the phone a dominating force against the biggies iPhone 4S and the Samsung Galaxy S2.
The phone is slightly thicker with 11.3 inches and the back panel is made with aluminum. So, the phone is very thick and solid. Four touch sensitive buttons are at the bottom of the massive touch screen, a power button on top and a 3.5mm jack on top.
Key features
The operation of the phone is the major facility. It is lightning quick and absolutely seamless and that is the major talking point of the mobile phone. The phone operates on Android 2.3.3 Gingerbread and it also has HTC Sense 3.0.
If you have used HTC in the past, you would know about the Sense. It is a brilliant feature that will allow you to modify almost all the display features relating to your phone. You can change the animations in the home screen and you can rotate from side to side. The weather application is also improved and it gives you real time display.
HTC have also worked lavishly on the lock screen. You can even change the wallpaper of the lock screen and you can automatically invoke applications on unlocking.
You can also integrate features like Twitter, Facebook into your Sense 3.0 providing real time update.
What’s innovative
Though the device is another Android, HTC has added its very own touch to many areas. For instance, watching movies is one area where the Sensation scores perfect points.
‘Watch’ is an application developed by HTC which enables you to download, watch and organize your videos. It is not free but it is cheap at a rate of $9.99. Similarly, the Gallery app too is brilliant.
The keyboard is another area where the Sensation scores perfect points. It comes with loads of details, special characters on top of all keys and predictive text. Unlike other phones, the typing was quick in both landscape as well as portrait modes.
Price and availability
The HTC Sensation has been released all around the world with positive reviews. Without a contract, you can buy the phone for around $630. But, AT & T as well as Verizon are offering some great deals in the United States for this phone. You can also buy the unlocked version in many online stores.
Accessories
Like most 4G phones, the phone offers good accessories. With the package you will get a 3.5mm headset which has great clarity. You can buy a Bluetooth headset for the device but it will deplete your battery life. You can also get an audio dock with the device in the market.
The upside
The build is the greatest asset of the device. It is solid and looks just amazing. The aluminum back panel will make your jaws drop. The operation of the phone is of course a big plus. The phone is faster than most others in the same league. You also get brilliant animations with Sense 3.0
The downside
The phone’s display under direct sun light is just awful. You will get better display than that in a basic phone. Again, just like the other Android phones, the battery backup is poor. The shutter speed of the camera is slow and it could have been better.
The bottom line
With the massive price tag, you will not experience any major faults. The phone is smooth, the browsing blistering fast and videos play without stammering. The phone is worthy and surely the best product from HTC. It is a great rival to the Galaxy S2 and some people might prefer it over Samsung. We would give it 4 stars out of 5.
