HTC One M9 Specs Prices Pros & Cons Unveiled

Design and Build

The HTC One M9 is a testament to HTC's commitment to exquisite design and build quality. Encased in a full metal body, the device exudes a premium feel that rivals any modern smartphone. The dimensions of the phone are 144.6 x 69.7 x 9.6 mm, and it weighs 157 grams. It features a glass front protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3, ensuring durability against daily wear and tear. The aluminum back and frame not only provide strength but also an element of sophistication. The device is available in a range of colors, including Gunmetal Gray, Amber Gold, Silver/Rose gold, Gold/Pink, and Pink, allowing users a choice of aesthetic that suits their personality.

Display

The HTC One M9 boasts a 5-inch Super LCD3 display with a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels. This provides a pixel density of approximately 441 ppi, which ensures sharp and vibrant visuals. The screen's color reproduction is remarkable, making it ideal for browsing, gaming, or watching videos. Protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3, the display is designed to withstand scratches and minor impacts. The screen-to-body ratio of around 68.4% ensures that the device remains compact yet immersive, providing an enjoyable viewing experience in various lighting conditions.

Performance and Hardware

Powering the HTC One M9 is the Qualcomm MSM8994 Snapdragon 810 chipset. This octa-core processor is divided into two quad-core units: one Cortex-A57 clocked at 2.0 GHz and another Cortex-A53 clocked at 1.5 GHz. This configuration delivers smooth and efficient performance whether you're handling everyday tasks or engaging in more demanding applications. The Adreno 430 GPU further enhances the device's graphical capabilities, making it competent in handling graphic-intensive games and applications.

The device comes with 3GB of RAM, which ensures efficient multitasking and smooth operation even when multiple apps are in use. It includes 32GB of internal storage, with the option to expand via the dedicated microSDXC card slot. This flexibility means users can comfortably store apps, media, and data without worrying about running out of space.

Camera Capabilities

The HTC One M9 is equipped with a 20 MP main camera featuring an aperture of f/2.2 and a 28mm wide lens. This powerful setup is capable of capturing stunning images with impressive detail. The addition of Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, and panorama modes enhances the camera's versatility under various lighting conditions. The main camera supports video recording up to 4K at 30fps, and it also offers 1080p at 60fps and 720p at 120fps, with HDR and stereo sound recording.

The front-facing camera is a 4 MP unit with an f/2.0, 27mm wide lens, designed for quality selfies and video calls. It supports HDR mode and can record videos at 1080p at 30fps. This camera configuration ensures that both photos and videos are clear and vibrant, catering to the needs of photography enthusiasts and casual users alike.

Software and User Interface

The HTC One M9 initially ships with Android 5.0 Lollipop and is upgradeable to Android 7.0 Nougat, along with HTC's Sense UI 7. HTC Sense UI is known for its user-friendly interface and rich customization options which enhance the overall user experience. From personalized themes to custom widgets, the interface allows users to customize the look and feel of their device to suit their preferences.

Battery Life

The device is powered by a 2840 mAh non-removable Li-Po battery. It supports Quick Charge 2.0 with a wired output of 18W, meaning you can quickly recharge the device and minimize downtime. The HTC One M9 offers impressive standby and talk time, with up to 391 hours on 2G or 402 hours on 3G. Talk time can reach up to 25 hours and 20 minutes on 2G, or about 21 hours and 50 minutes on 3G, making it reliable for users who need extended battery life throughout the day.

Connectivity and Additional Features

The HTC One M9 is equipped with a variety of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.1, NFC, GPS, and GLONASS. It also includes an infrared port and supports microUSB 2.0 with MHL 3.0 for TV-out and OTG compatibility. The device encompasses GSM, HSPA, and LTE network technologies, supporting a comprehensive range of bands for global connectivity and fast data speeds.

The presence of stereo FM radio with RDS adds a touch of nostalgia for radio enthusiasts, while audio features such as stereo speakers and a 3.5 mm headphone jack enhance the multimedia experience. Equipped with essential sensors like accelerometer, gyro, proximity, and compass, the device covers the basic needs for seamless interactivity.

Price and Market Positioning

Originally released in March 2015, the HTC One M9 made a significant impact on the smartphone market with its price point of approximately 360 EUR. Although discontinued, it remains a valuable choice for users seeking a balance of performance, design, and features in a pre-owned device. Its availability in various colors and models caters to different tastes and brand preferences, making it a unique standout in the saturated smartphone landscape.

Conclusion

The HTC One M9 represents a well-rounded smartphone that seamlessly integrates design excellence, powerful hardware, and versatile features. Despite being a product from 2015, it continues to hold relevance for those seeking a reliable, aesthetically pleasing phone with substantial capabilities. Its design and performance make it a worthy consideration for users valuing both style and functionality in a mobile device.