HTC One Mini Complete Specs Prices Pros & Cons Unveiled

Overview of the HTC One mini

The HTC One mini, released in 2013, marked a significant point in HTC's portfolio. It was designed as a smaller and more affordable version of HTC's flagship, the HTC One. Despite its size and cost reduction, the HTC One mini preserved several key features that made the larger device popular. Let us delve into the details of this compact smartphone and explore its hardware, display, camera capabilities, and other elements that defined its user experience.

Design and Build Quality

The HTC One mini sports an elegant design, exuding a premium feel. Its dimensions, 132 x 63.2 x 9.3 mm, and weight of 122 grams make it a compact and lightweight device, easily manageable with one hand. The device features a robust aluminum body available in colors like Glacial Silver, Stealth Black, and Blue, contributing to its sophisticated appearance. Moreover, the use of Corning Gorilla Glass 3 on the display adds a layer of durability, protecting it against scratches and moderate impacts.

Display

The HTC One mini boasts a 4.3-inch Super LCD2 display with a resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels, achieving a pixel density of approximately 342 ppi. This resolution, for its size, delivers sharp and vibrant visuals with excellent viewing angles, making it suitable for various media consumption. With a contrast ratio of 1361:1, it provides rich contrasts, although visibility under direct sunlight could have been better, which is common among devices in its class.

Performance and Software

Under the hood, the HTC One mini features the Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 chipset, characterized by a 28 nm architecture. It includes a dual-core 1.4 GHz Krait 200 CPU and an Adreno 305 GPU. Performance-wise, this combination is sufficient for daily tasks such as browsing, social media, and light gaming. The device was originally shipped with Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean, upgradable to Android 5.0 Lollipop, with HTC's Sense UI. This customization delivered a unique user interface experience, enhancing both aesthetics and functionality.

Memory and Storage

The HTC One mini comes equipped with 1 GB of RAM and 16 GB of internal storage. However, it does not support expandable storage via microSD cards, which might be a limitation for users requiring more storage space for apps, music, and photos. Nevertheless, the built-in storage should suffice for average users with moderate storage usage.

Camera Capabilities

One of the unique selling points of the HTC One mini was its camera. The device features a 4 MP rear camera with a 1/3.0" sensor size and 2μm pixel size. This technology aimed to capture more light and produce better low-light images. The camera supports 1080p video recording at 30fps and comes with an LED flash and HDR feature. The front-facing camera, on the other hand, is 1.6 MP, capable of 720p video recording, catering to selfies and video calls.

Sound and Audio

The HTC One mini is notable for its sound quality, equipped with stereo speakers providing a rich audio experience, especially during media playback. It features a 3.5 mm audio jack, a standard inclusion in smartphones of its time, offering flexibility for users who prefer wired audio connections.

Connectivity and Network

In terms of connectivity, the HTC One mini supports a range of network technologies including GSM, HSPA, and LTE, offering users seamless cellular connectivity. For wireless connectivity, it includes features like Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n with dual-band and DLNA, Bluetooth 4.0 with A2DP and aptX support, and microUSB 2.0 for charging and data transfer. Notably absent is NFC support, which might be a drawback for users interested in using mobile wallets and similar applications.

Battery Life

The device is powered by a 1800 mAh Li-Po non-removable battery, offering standby times of up to 500 hours on 2G and 692 hours on 3G, alongside talk times of up to 20 hours and 40 minutes on 2G and 13 hours and 20 minutes on 3G. While these numbers suggest reasonable battery performance, heavy users might find the battery life limiting, given the non-removable nature of the battery, restricting easy replacement or upgrade.

Sensors and Features

The HTC One mini includes a set of basic sensors such as an accelerometer, gyro, proximity sensor, and compass. These sensors enhance the usability of the device through functions like screen rotation, step counting, and navigation support. However, advanced sensor features common in newer devices are not present.

Conclusion

The HTC One mini was a compelling choice for users seeking a compact yet feature-rich smartphone. While it might not rival the latest smartphones in terms of raw power or cutting-edge features, it offered a balanced blend of performance, design, and usability in its time. For fans of HTC, the One mini provided an accessible entry point to the brand's design ethics and user experience without breaking the bank.