Unveiling the HTC One A9s Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Overview

The HTC One A9s, released in November 2016, is a mid-range smartphone that was designed to appeal to consumers looking for a combination of style, performance, and affordability. Though it has been discontinued, the device still attracts attention for its balanced features and classic design. In this article, we'll delve into the specifics of the HTC One A9s, exploring its technical specifications, design features, and overall performance.

Design and Build Quality

The HTC One A9s boasts a sleek and modern design with dimensions of 146.5 x 71.5 x 8 mm and a weight of 149.8 g. The device is encased in a sturdy frame with a Corning Gorilla Glass-protected front, providing a degree of durability against scratches and minor impacts. Available in Black, Silver, and Gold colors, the A9s showcases a minimalist aesthetic that reflects HTC's design ethos.

The device features a front-mounted fingerprint sensor for added security and convenience. The use of a Nano-SIM slot allows for a compact and streamlined design, contributing to the overall appeal of the device's profile.

Display

The HTC One A9s is equipped with a 5.0-inch Super LCD display, offering users a vibrant viewing experience. The screen resolution stands at 720 x 1280 pixels with a 16:9 aspect ratio, delivering a pixel density of approximately 294 PPI. While not the highest resolution available on the market, the display is adequate for everyday tasks and casual media consumption.

Performance

Under the hood, the HTC One A9s is powered by a Mediatek MT6755 Helio P10 chipset, paired with an octa-core processor consisting of 4x1.8 GHz and 4x1.0 GHz Cortex-A53 cores. The device includes a Mali-T860MP2 GPU, which handles graphics processing efficiently.

The smartphone offers two variants based on RAM and storage capacity: one with 2GB RAM and 16GB internal storage, and another with 3GB RAM and 32GB internal storage. The presence of a dedicated microSDXC card slot allows users to expand storage capacity further, providing flexibility for those who need more space for apps, media, and files.

Camera

The HTC One A9s is equipped with a 13 MP rear camera featuring an aperture of f/2.2 and a focal length of 28mm (wide angle). The camera includes features such as autofocus, LED flash, panorama, and HDR, and is capable of recording videos at 1080p@30fps. These features allow users to capture clear and vibrant images in various lighting conditions.

For selfies, the device has a 5 MP front camera with an aperture of f/2.8 and a focal length of 34mm. While the front camera specification is modest, it is sufficient for video calls and basic selfies.

Battery Life

The HTC One A9s houses a Li-Ion 2300 mAh non-removable battery, with a 10W wired charging capability. The battery life is fairly standard for a device in its category, offering up to 432 hours of standby time on 3G and up to 13 hours of talk time. While heavy users may find the battery life limiting, moderate users should find it sufficient for daily use.

Operating System and User Interface

Out of the box, the HTC One A9s runs on Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) with HTC's Sense UI. This combination provides a user-friendly interface with a range of customization options and unique features that enhance the overall Android experience. While the device runs an older version of Android, it still supports a range of applications available on the Google Play Store.

Connectivity and Additional Features

The HTC One A9s supports GSM, HSPA, and LTE networks, offering widespread compatibility with global communication standards. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.2 with A2DP, and GPS with GLONASS for accurate location services. NFC is available for mobile payments, and the device includes an FM radio and a microUSB 2.0 port. A 3.5mm headphone jack ensures compatibility with wired audio devices.

The device is equipped with various sensors, including a fingerprint scanner (front-mounted), accelerometer, proximity sensor, and compass, broadening its usability across different applications.

Conclusion

The HTC One A9s positions itself as a well-balanced mid-range smartphone that caters to users seeking a dependable device with essential features. Its design, combined with solid performance and a competent camera setup, makes it a worthy consideration for those who prioritize aesthetics and functionality without venturing into the high-end smartphone segment. However, potential buyers should be mindful of its discontinued status and its dated operating system when considering it as a daily driver.