HTC Incredible S Specs Pricing Pros & Cons Unveiled

Design and Build

The HTC Incredible S, released in February 2011, showcases a design that remains a testament to the evolution of smartphone aesthetics. With dimensions of 120 x 64 x 11.7 mm and weighing in at 135.5 g, it offers a sturdy and compact feel perfect for one-handed usage. The device, available in black and red, uses a combination of high-grade materials that contribute to its robustness and premium feel, making it a popular choice at the time of its release.

Display Quality

The device features a 4.0-inch S-LCD display with a resolution of 480 x 800 pixels, achieving a pixel density of approximately 233 ppi. The display size and quality provided users with a clear and vivid viewing experience for browsing and media consumption. Featuring a contrast ratio of 880:1 (nominal), the display performed well for its time, offering satisfactory brightness levels and color accuracy that ensured content appeared vibrant and details were well-rendered.

Performance

Powered by the Qualcomm MSM8255 Snapdragon S2 chipset and a 1.0 GHz Scorpion CPU, the Incredible S delivered reliable performance for everyday tasks. The Adreno 205 GPU provided adequate graphical performance for light gaming and multimedia playback. With 768MB RAM and 1.1GB of internal storage (expandable via a dedicated microSDHC slot), the device handled multitasking with decent efficiency, though it showed some limitations with more resource-intensive applications.

Camera Capabilities

The HTC Incredible S was equipped with an 8 MP autofocus rear camera featuring a dual-LED flash. The camera was capable of capturing detailed images with accurate color reproduction, performing particularly well under well-lit conditions. It could record 720p videos at 30fps, allowing users to capture memorable moments in HD. The 1.3 MP front-facing camera, while modest by current standards, served adequately for video calls and basic selfies.

Battery and Power Management

The removable Li-Ion 1450 mAh battery provided a reasonable standby time of up to 290 hours on 2G and 370 hours on 3G, with talk time of up to 9 hours 40 minutes on 2G and 6 hours 20 minutes on 3G. While not the most enduring battery life by today’s standards, it was adequate for a full day’s moderate use, especially considering the power efficiencies of the Android 2.2 and Android 4.0 operating systems with HTC’s Sense UI 3.6 overlay.

Software and User Interface

Running on Android 2.2 (Froyo) out of the box with the ability to upgrade to Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich), the HTC Incredible S delivered a user-friendly experience accentuated by HTC's custom Sense UI 3.6. The interface provided enhancements such as customizable home screens, various widgets, and smooth transitional animations that improved overall user satisfaction by offering an intuitive navigation experience.

Connectivity Options

The Incredible S supported GSM / HSPA network technologies, with 3G bands of HSDPA 900 / 2100 and speeds up to HSPA 14.4/5.76 Mbps, satisfying most mobile connectivity needs of the era. Additionally, it included options for Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, DLNA, Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP and EDR, GPS with A-GPS support, stereo FM radio, and microUSB 2.0, offering a comprehensive set of communication tools for seamless connectivity.

Audio and Multimedia

With a built-in loudspeaker and a 3.5mm headphone jack, the Incredible S provided decent audio output for on-the-go media consumption. Audio tests revealed a voice level of 66dB, noise at 66dB, and ringing at 76dB, which were competent for general listening needs. The audio quality, quantified with noise at -82.4dB and crosstalk at -71.3dB, delivered an acceptable performance for a pleasurable audio experience.

Additional Features

The smartphone was equipped with essential sensors such as an accelerometer, proximity sensor, and a digital compass, contributing to its functionality and usability in various applications. Browsing capabilities included HTML and Adobe Flash support, providing rich web experience despite the limitations of the time. These features, along with its reliable hardware, made the HTC Incredible S a competent device for both casual and dedicated users during its period.

Market Positioning and Value

Priced at approximately 190 EUR at launch, the HTC Incredible S was positioned as a mid-range smartphone that offered a harmonious balance of design, functionality, and performance. Its impressive feature set, reliable operation, and innovative design ensured it received positive acclaim and adoption among tech enthusiasts and everyday users, marking it as a notable contender in the rapidly evolving mobile market of the early 2010s.

Conclusion

In retrospect, the HTC Incredible S stands as a significant milestone in the history of smartphones. Its careful blend of aesthetics, competent hardware, and intuitive software made it an appealing choice for consumers. Although it has since been discontinued and replaced by more advanced technology, the Incredible S remains a landmark device that reflects the exciting progression of mobile innovation, characterized by HTC’s dedication to quality and user satisfaction at the time.