HTC One M9+ Full Review of Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Introduction to HTC One M9+

The HTC One M9+ is a distinguished member of the HTC One series, launched in April 2015. This model features advanced specifications and a sleek design, making it a notable contender in the smartphone market at the time. It combines high performance with beautiful aesthetics, and despite being discontinued, it remains a classic example of HTC's design philosophy.

Network and Connectivity

The HTC One M9+ supports GSM, HSPA, and LTE technologies, ensuring comprehensive coverage and fast data speeds. It offers support for 2G bands (GSM 850/900/1800/1900), 3G bands (HSDPA 850/900/1900/2100), and 4G bands (1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41), thus promising wide-ranging compatibility with network providers. The device is equipped to handle mobile internet speeds with HSPA 42.2/21.1 Mbps and LTE (2CA) Cat6 300/50 Mbps, ideal for streaming and browsing.

Launch Details

Announced in April 2015 and released in May of the same year, the HTC One M9+ quickly became a sought-after device. Although it is now discontinued, it left a significant mark on the smartphone landscape with its robust features and competitive pricing.

Design and Build

The device boasts dimensions of 151 x 72 x 9.6 mm and a weight of 168 grams, making it both comfortable to hold and substantial. It utilizes a Nano-SIM and impresses with its metallic finish available in various colors, including Gunmetal Gray, Silver Gold, and Amber Gold, providing users with elegant choices.

Display Features

The HTC One M9+ comes with a Super LCD3 display, measuring 5.2 inches with a screen-to-body ratio of approximately 68.6%, providing users with an immersive visual experience. The screen resolution of 1440 x 2560 pixels offers stunning clarity and vibrant colors, with an impressive pixel density of 565 ppi. The screen is also reported to offer some degree of protection, ensuring durability.

Performance and Software

Powered by the Mediatek MT6795T Helio X10 chipset, the HTC One M9+ delivers efficient performance through its octa-core 2.2 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU and PowerVR G6200 GPU. Initially running on Android 5.2 (Lollipop), the device is upgradable to Android 6 (Marshmallow), layered with HTC’s intuitive Sense UI 7, enhancing the overall user experience.

Memory and Storage

The smartphone is equipped with 3GB of RAM and 32GB of internal storage, offering ample space for applications and media. For additional storage, it includes a dedicated microSDXC slot, enabling users to expand storage capacity to accommodate more files and apps.

Camera Capabilities

The HTC One M9+ excels in the camera department with a dual main camera setup consisting of a 20 MP primary sensor with an aperture of f/2.2, supported by a secondary 2.1 MP sensor. It features a Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, and panorama modes, allowing users to capture high-quality images and 4K videos at 30fps. In addition, the 4 MP front-facing camera with an f/2.0 aperture is well-suited for detailed selfies and video calls, capturing 1080p videos at 30fps.

Audio and Multimedia

This model offers stereo speakers for an impressive audio output, along with a standard 3.5mm audio jack for personal listening. The presence of stereo FM radio with RDS adds to its multimedia appeal, providing users with more entertainment options.

Connectivity Features

The device supports Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac with dual-band and Wi-Fi Direct, ensuring strong connectivity and hotspot functionality. Bluetooth 4.1 with A2DP and aptX enhances wireless audio streaming. It also provides GPS, GLONASS, and BDS for accurate location services. Notably, NFC capabilities vary based on market and operator, adding a layer of convenience for payment solutions. The infrared port and microUSB 2.0 (MHL 2 TV-out) feature enhance its connectivity spectrum.

Sensors and Special Features

The HTC One M9+ is equipped with a fingerprint sensor mounted on the front for security and convenience. It also includes essential sensors such as an accelerometer, gyro, proximity sensor, and compass, enhancing its functionality across various applications.

Battery Life

The device is powered by a non-removable Li-Po 2840 mAh battery, offering decent longevity. It provides a standby time of up to 598 hours on 2G and up to 626 hours on 3G, with talk time extending up to 23 hours on 2G and up to 13 hours on 3G, making it reliable for daily use.

Pricing and Availability

At the time of its release, the HTC One M9+ was priced at approximately 300 EUR, offering a competitive option in the market for users seeking a blend of style and functionality. While it is discontinued now, this pricing was considered fair given the array of features it provided.

Conclusion

The HTC One M9+ remains a landmark smartphone for its innovative features and beautiful design during its time. It embodies the HTC commitment to quality and user satisfaction, delivering a comprehensive mobile experience. Whether for photography, multimedia, or productivity, the HTC One M9+ stood well against its peers, making it a beloved device among many tech enthusiasts.