HTC Exodus 1s Comprehensive Review with Specs Prices Pros & Cons

Introduction to HTC Exodus 1s

The HTC Exodus 1s is a unique smartphone from the well-known Taiwanese manufacturer HTC, with a distinct emphasis on integrating blockchain technology directly into a mobile device. Launched in December 2019, the HTC Exodus 1s is a budget-friendly device that combines practical smartphone features with advanced blockchain capabilities.

Design and Build

The HTC Exodus 1s features a glass front and a plastic back, built around a plastic frame. It measures 154.2 x 72.7 x 8.3 mm and weighs only 150 g, making it compact and lightweight. Despite its budget positioning, the Exodus 1s presents a modern look with its 18:9 aspect ratio and a screen-to-body ratio of approximately 74.8%.

Display

The device sports a 5.7-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 720 x 1440 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of approximately 282 ppi. The screen offers decent color reproduction and viewing angles typical for LCD technology, making it suitable for daily usage like browsing and media consumption.

Performance

Under the hood, the HTC Exodus 1s is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 435 chipset, built on a 28 nm process. It consists of an octa-core Cortex-A53 CPU clocked at 1.4 GHz and is paired with an Adreno 505 GPU. This configuration, supported by 4GB of RAM, is capable of handling basic smartphone operations without significant lag, though it may struggle with more resource-intensive applications and multitasking.

Storage

With 64GB of internal storage, the HTC Exodus 1s offers ample space for storing apps, media, and personal files. However, it lacks a card slot for additional storage, which could be a limitation for some users who require more space.

Camera System

The HTC Exodus 1s features a 13 MP rear camera with phase detection autofocus (PDAF), LED flash, HDR, and panorama mode. It can capture video at 4K@30fps and 1080p@30fps, providing decent quality for a device in its class. The front-facing camera is also 13 MP, comes with an LED flash, HDR, and can record 1080p video at 30fps, suitable for selfies and video calls.

Battery Life

Equipped with a non-removable Li-Ion 3075 mAh battery, the HTC Exodus 1s delivers adequate power for typical usage throughout the day. However, heavy users might find the battery capacity limiting and may need to charge the device more frequently.

Network and Connectivity

The device supports GSM, HSPA, and LTE networks, providing reliable connectivity options. It offers dual SIM capability, making it convenient for those who need multiple numbers. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 5.0, GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, and BDS, although it lacks NFC and radio features.

Audio and Sensors

The HTC Exodus 1s includes a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm headphone jack, catering to traditional audio listening preferences. As for sensors, it comes equipped with a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor, accelerometer, proximity sensor, and compass, providing essential functionalities for everyday use.

Operating System and Software

This smartphone runs on Android 8.1 (Oreo), an older version of Google's operating system. While this may limit some functionalities and access to newer apps, it still provides a stable platform for most users' needs and supports a wide range of applications available on Google Play Store.

Blockchain and Cryptocurrency Features

One of the main selling points of the HTC Exodus 1s is its blockchain capabilities. It allows users to manage cryptocurrencies, including being able to act as a full node for the Bitcoin network. This feature enables users to verify and validate Bitcoin transactions, enhancing the security and privacy of their digital assets, and aligning with HTC’s vision of empowering users with decentralized technologies.

Price and Market Position

Priced at around 220 EUR, the HTC Exodus 1s positions itself in the budget segment of the market. Its unique blockchain features make it an attractive option for individuals interested in cryptocurrency and decentralized technology without investing in high-end devices.

Conclusion

The HTC Exodus 1s stands out as a distinctive offering in the smartphone market. With its blend of essential smartphone features and groundbreaking blockchain technology, it appeals to tech enthusiasts and early adopters of cryptocurrency. Despite its limitations in performance and software, the Exodus 1s provides an accessible entry point into the world of decentralized mobile devices.