HTC One S9 Specs Pricing Pros & Cons Unveiled

Introduction to HTC One S9

The HTC One S9 is a smartphone that was introduced in April 2016, with its release occurring in June of the same year. Although this device is now discontinued, it was quite popular during its time due to its sleek design and reasonable specifications. Let's delve into the various features and specifications of this device to understand why it captured the attention of many tech enthusiasts.

Design and Build

The HTC One S9 features a classic design with dimensions of 144.6 x 69.7 x 10.1 mm and a weight of 158 grams. It's crafted to fit comfortably in the hand, making it easy to operate with a single hand. The build quality is commendable, with a metal body that exudes a premium feel. It also comes equipped with a Nano-SIM slot.

Display

The device sports a 5.0 inches Super LCD display with a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels, offering a screen-to-body ratio of approximately 68.4%. The pixel density of ~441 PPI ensures that the display is sharp and vibrant, suitable for media consumption and gaming. It comes protected by Corning Gorilla Glass, though the version is unspecified, providing a level of durability against scratches and minor impacts.

Performance and Platform

Under the hood, the HTC One S9 runs on the Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) operating system, layered with HTC's Sense UI for a customized user experience. It is powered by a Mediatek MT6795 Helio X10 chipset built on a 28 nm process. The processor is an Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53, paired with a PowerVR G6200 GPU. This combination provides decent performance for everyday tasks and moderate gaming.

Memory

In terms of storage, the HTC One S9 comes with 16GB of internal storage, which might seem limited by today's standards but was quite average at the time of its release. However, it does offer a dedicated slot for microSDXC cards, allowing users to expand storage as per their needs. The device is equipped with 2GB RAM, sufficient for handling basic multitasking and app usage.

Camera Capabilities

Main Camera

The main camera on the HTC One S9 is a 13 MP shooter featuring an f/2.0 aperture, 28mm wide lens, autofocus, and optical image stabilization (OIS). It includes features such as Dual-LED dual-tone flash, panorama, and HDR, enabling users to capture high-quality images in various conditions. The camera can record videos at 1080p@30fps and 720p@120fps.

Selfie Camera

The front-facing camera is a 4 MP wide shooter with an f/2.0 aperture and 1/3" sensor size, capable of capturing decently detailed selfies. It also supports HDR mode and can shoot videos at 1080p@30fps.

Sound and Audio

When it comes to sound, the HTC One S9 does not disappoint. It is equipped with stereo speakers, ensuring an enhanced audio experience for music and video playback. Additionally, it retains the 3.5mm headphone jack, allowing users to connect their favorite wired headphones without any adapters.

Connectivity and Network

The HTC One S9 offers a variety of connectivity options. It supports GSM, HSPA, and LTE technologies, making it compatible with a wide range of network bands, including 2G, 3G, and multiple 4G LTE bands. The device provides speeds of up to 42.2 Mbps on HSPA and up to 150 Mbps on LTE Cat4.

For local connectivity, it includes Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, and DLNA support. Bluetooth 4.1 with A2DP ensures seamless wireless audio streaming and data transfer. The phone features GPS with A-GPS, GLONASS, and BDS for accurate positioning. It also supports NFC and FM radio, rounding out its connectivity suite. The device uses a microUSB 2.0 port for charging and data transfer.

Sensors and Additional Features

The HTC One S9 is equipped with essential sensors such as accelerometer, gyro, proximity, and compass. These sensors contribute to enhancing the user experience by enabling features like auto-rotation, augmented reality applications, and more.

Battery Life

The device is powered by a non-removable Li-Ion 2840 mAh battery. According to HTC, the phone can last up to 658 hours on standby and up to 13 hours of talk time on 3G networks, indicating a satisfactory battery performance that can get most users through a typical day without needing a recharge.

Price and Availability

At launch, the HTC One S9 was priced around 210 EUR, positioning it as a mid-range smartphone. Initially available in shades of Silver and Gold, it appealed to users looking for a stylish device with decent specifications at a reasonable price point. However, as the device is now discontinued, it might be harder to find in the market.

Conclusion

The HTC One S9 is a testament to HTC's ability to blend design and functionality in a mid-range package. With its solid build, decent performance, and reliable camera capabilities, it represented a valuable option for users during its time. While technology has since advanced, pushing the HTC One S9 into obsolescence, it remains a noteworthy chapter in the history of HTC's smartphone offerings.