HTC 10 The Ultimate Guide to Specs Prices Pros & Cons

Introduction to HTC 10

The HTC 10 was launched in April 2016 and is known for its robust build, powerful performance, and excellent camera capabilities. With its flagship-level specifications at the time, HTC aimed to give tough competition to other high-end smartphones of its era. The device was eventually discontinued, but it remains a noteworthy device due to its high performance and design aspects.

Design and Build

The design of the HTC 10 exhibits a premium feel with its full metal unibody made from aluminum, weighing 161 grams. The device has dimensions of 145.9 x 71.9 x 9 mm, which provides a compact and durable feel. The phone's glass front is protected with Corning Gorilla Glass 3, ensuring resistance to daily scratches and drops. The ergonomically designed chamfered edges, coupled with a slight curve on the back, make it comfortable to hold.

Display

The HTC 10 features a 5.2-inch Super LCD5 display with a resolution of 1440 x 2560 pixels, offering a pixel density of approximately 565 ppi. The high resolution and pixel density ensure sharpness in images and text, making it ideal for media consumption. The display supports a 16:9 aspect ratio, and the Corning Gorilla Glass 3 protection adds to the durability while maintaining touchscreen sensitivity.

Performance

Under the hood, the HTC 10 is powered by the Qualcomm MSM8996 Snapdragon 820 chipset, with a quad-core CPU comprising two Kryo cores clocked at 2.15 GHz and two at 1.6 GHz. The Adreno 530 GPU handles the graphical performance, making the device capable of handling graphically intensive applications and games. The phone comes with 4GB of RAM, providing smooth multitasking and efficient handling of applications.

Storage Options

HTC 10 is available in two internal storage variants: 32GB and 64GB, both paired with 4GB RAM. Additionally, the device supports storage expansion via a microSDXC card, utilizing a dedicated slot. This flexibility allows users to store more multimedia files and applications without worrying about space constraints.

Camera Capabilities

The HTC 10 was praised for its impressive camera features. It is equipped with a 12 MP rear camera with an f/1.8 aperture, 26mm width, dual-tone LED flash, laser autofocus, and optical image stabilization (OIS). These features combined allow for high-quality photo capturing in various lighting conditions. The camera supports 4K video recording and can capture slow-motion videos at 720p@120fps. For selfies, the HTC 10 sports a 5 MP camera with an f/1.8 aperture, OIS, and autofocus, capable of recording up to 1080p video — a rare feature at the time.

Battery and Charging

The HTC 10 is powered by a non-removable Li-Ion 3000 mAh battery, offering a decent battery life with up to 456 hours on standby and up to 27 hours of talk time on 3G. The device supports Qualcomm's Quick Charge 3.0 technology, which can charge the battery up to 50% in just 30 minutes, providing a convenient solution for users who need to quickly top up their battery.

Software and User Interface

At launch, the HTC 10 ran on Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow with HTC's Sense UI overlay. It has since been upgraded to Android 8.0 (Oreo). The Sense UI was known for its cleaner interface compared to contemporaries, offering a balance between stock Android experiences and additional features, such as customization options and enhanced app functionality.

Audio and Sound Quality

The audio experience on the HTC 10 was enhanced with HTC BoomSound Hi-Fi edition speakers, which featured a two-way speaker system — a woofer and tweeter — each with its own dedicated amplifier. This setup resulted in superior sound quality for media playback. The device also supports Hi-Res audio, and users can enjoy audio through a 3.5mm jack.

Connectivity and Network

HTC 10 supports comprehensive network bands, covering GSM / HSPA / LTE technologies. It includes Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac for high-speed internet connectivity, Bluetooth 4.2 with aptX for high-quality wireless audio streaming, and GPS with GLONASS/BDS for precise location tracking. The device is also NFC-enabled, allowing for convenient contactless transactions.

Additional Features

Other notable features include a front-mounted fingerprint sensor providing quick and secure device access, alongside sensors like an accelerometer, gyro, proximity, and compass. Despite lacking an FM radio, the HTC 10 accommodates USB Type-C 3.1 for fast data transfer and charging.

Color Variants and Models

The device was offered in a variety of colors — Carbon Gray, Topaz Gold, Glacier Silver, and Camellia Red, catering to varied aesthetic preferences. The phone came in multiple model numbers, including 10, M10h, HTC6545LVW, HTV32, 2PS64, and 2PS6200, each tailored to different market specifications and networks.

Pricing and Market Positioning

Initially priced at approximately 300 EUR, the HTC 10 positioned itself firmly in the high-end smartphone market, offering flagship-level features and performance at a competitive price point.

Conclusion

The HTC 10 remains a highly regarded device in the smartphone community for its premium design, excellent camera performance, robust build, and impressive performance. It encapsulates HTC's commitment to delivering a top-notch user experience with its thoughtful combination of features and distinctive design elements. Although the device has been discontinued, its legacy continues to influence the design and technological advancements in the smartphone industry.