HTC One S Review: Fast, Slim and Excellent Camera
Archive note. This story reflects what was known when it was first covered. Prices, availability and carrier offers are historical. For the current picture, start with the topic guides.
Specifications
| Display | 4.3-inch, 960x540, Gorilla Glass |
|---|---|
| Processor | 1.5 GHz dual-core Krait |
| RAM | 1 GB |
| Storage | 16 GB, no microSD slot |
| Cameras | 8 MP rear, 0.3 MP front |
| Software | Sense 4.0 on Android 4.0.3 |
Body and feel
The body is micro-arc oxidized aluminium. It is slim yet has some heft, with a good, non-plastic feel in the hand. There is no removable battery, though battery life was decent. The reviewer did not like the power button position, found taking a screenshot awkward, and noted that the side charging port makes car docks harder.
Software
Sense 4.0 felt different from the vanilla ICS the reviewer was used to, and the menu layout took some adjustment. Anyone who disliked earlier versions of Sense may be impressed now. Highlights:
- Many widgets and live wallpapers, including photo options.
- Animated toggle switches and a nice lock screen, though the bottom tray cannot be customized.
- A card-style recent apps view.
- Built-in account support for Hotmail, Twitter, Facebook and SkyDrive.
- A Swype-style keyboard.
- Beats audio, which made little difference.
The UI stayed snappy, with no lag noticed. The phone still uses soft buttons, which the reviewer disliked, and wished their vibration could be turned off. The menu button also moves between apps, sitting bottom centre in one app and top right in another.
Camera
The camera was the standout. Along with filters, it offers HDR, panorama, macro and depth of field modes. HDR captured its multiple frames about as fast as a normal shot, and overall speed matched the Nexus. The reviewer often used it in place of the Nexus. The 8 MP sensor against the Nexus 5 MP is not a visible difference, but colour reproduction was better. The reviewer felt it handled about 90 percent of everyday shots as well as a micro four thirds camera.
Storage and drawbacks
With no microSD slot, the 16 GB felt limited, though a 23 GB Dropbox bonus for using an HTC phone eased it. Other complaints were the tiny notification light and the moving menu button. The reviewer would also have paid a little more for a bigger, higher-resolution screen and NFC, which they expected to be the direction for phones.
Frequently asked questions
Does the HTC One S have a removable battery?
No. There is also no microSD slot.
What was the Dropbox bonus?
An extra 23 GB of cloud storage for using an HTC phone.
Is the One S still supported?
No. It is a 2012-era phone and no longer receives updates.