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HTC Sensation Comprehensive Specs Pricing & Performance Review

Release Date
2011, May
Camera
8MP
Battery
1520mAh
Processor
Snapdragon S3
Screen
4.3"
Storage
1GB 768MB RAM , microSDHC slot
Ram
768MB RAM
Operating System
Android 2.3.4, up to 4.0, Sense UI 3

Introduction to HTC Sensation

The HTC Sensation, released in 2011, was considered a high-end smartphone that set a benchmark for performance and design. This smartphone was equipped with a range of features that appealed to tech-savvy consumers and those looking for a robust and stylish device.

Design and Build Quality

The HTC Sensation featured a sleek and solid design with dimensions of 126.1 x 65.4 x 11.3 mm and a weight of 148 grams. It had a modern look with a black and ice-white color scheme, making it both attractive and easy to handle. The use of Corning Gorilla Glass for the display provided additional durability and protection against scratches and minor impacts.

Display

The device sported a 4.3-inch S-LCD display with a resolution of 540 x 960 pixels. This provided clear and vibrant visuals with a pixel density of approximately 256 ppi, making it suitable for watching videos, browsing the web, and playing games. The display offered good contrast and color accuracy, enhancing the overall user experience.

Performance

At the heart of the HTC Sensation was the Qualcomm MSM8260 Snapdragon S3 chipset, featuring a dual-core 1.2 GHz Scorpion processor and an Adreno 220 GPU. This hardware combination offered a smooth and efficient performance, easily handling most tasks and applications. The device operated on Android 2.3.4 Gingerbread, which was upgradable to 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, and was integrated with HTC's Sense UI 3, providing a user-friendly and customizable interface.

Memory and Storage

The smartphone included 768MB of RAM and 1GB of internal storage. Although the internal storage was relatively modest by today's standards, it was typical for the time. Additionally, the microSDHC slot allowed for storage expansion, with an 8GB card included, making it easy for users to store more apps, photos, and other media.

Camera

The HTC Sensation was equipped with an 8 MP rear camera that featured autofocus and a dual-LED flash, capable of capturing high-quality images. It supported 1080p video recording at 30fps with stereo sound, which was impressive for its time. The device also had a VGA front camera, suitable for video calls and basic selfies.

Battery Life

The phone was powered by a removable Li-Ion 1520 mAh battery, which provided a standby time of up to 350 hours on 2G and up to 400 hours on 3G networks. Talk time extended up to 8 hours and 20 minutes on 2G, and up to 6 hours and 40 minutes on 3G, making it sufficient for a full day of regular usage.

Connectivity and Network

HTC Sensation supported GSM and HSPA technologies, with 2G and 3G bands that ensured a wide range of network connectivity options. The device offered HSPA speeds of up to 14.4/5.76 Mbps, allowing for fast data connection. It featured Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, DLNA, and hotspot capabilities, as well as Bluetooth 3.0 with A2DP. The microUSB 2.0 (MHL TV-out) allowed for easy connectivity with other devices and TVs for media output.

Sensors and Additional Features

The phone was equipped with various sensors, including an accelerometer, gyro, proximity sensor, and compass, which enhanced the phone's functionality and user interaction. The device's browser supported HTML and Adobe Flash, making web browsing a comprehensive experience.

Audio and Media

The HTC Sensation provided a good audio experience with a built-in loudspeaker and a 3.5mm headphone jack for personal listening. It also featured stereo FM radio with RDS, allowing users to enjoy music and news on the go. The audio quality was considered good, with low noise and crosstalk levels, making it suitable for both calls and media playback.

Conclusion

The HTC Sensation stood out as a powerful and stylish smartphone with a range of features that made it a favorite choice among users in 2011. Its robust hardware, sharp display, and user-friendly interface paved the way for future innovations in HTC's line of smartphones. Despite being discontinued, it remains a significant part of HTC's smartphone legacy, remembered for its performance and aesthetics.

Key Features of HTC Sensation

  • Network Technology: Supports GSM / HSPA with HSDPA 900 / 2100 bands.
  • Display: 4.3 inches S-LCD with Corning Gorilla Glass protection and a resolution of 540 x 960 pixels.
  • Platform: Runs on Android 2.3.4 (Gingerbread) upgradable to 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) with HTC Sense UI 3.
  • Processor: Powered by Qualcomm MSM8260 Snapdragon S3 Dual-core 1.2 GHz Scorpion CPU and Adreno 220 GPU.
  • Memory: Comes with 8 GB microSDHC card, with internal storage of 1GB and 768MB RAM.
  • Main Camera: 8 MP with autofocus and Dual-LED flash, supports 1080p@30fps video with stereo sound recording.
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, hotspot, DLNA; Bluetooth 3.0, A2DP; GPS, A-GPS; Stereo FM radio with RDS.
  • Battery: Removable Li-Ion 1520 mAh with up to 8 h 20 min (2G) / 6 h 40 min (3G) talk time.
  • Miscellaneous Features: Includes sensors like accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass; microUSB 2.0 (MHL TV-out).
  • Audio: Includes a 3.5mm jack and supports loudspeaker.

HTC Sensation Disadvantages

  • Discontinued status, meaning no official support or updates.
  • Limited RAM of 768MB, which could affect performance with modern applications.
  • Low internal storage of 1GB, requiring reliance on external microSDHC.
  • Older Android version (upgradable only to 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich).
  • VGA front camera, leading to low-quality selfies.
  • Single-core selfie camera with no video recording support.
  • Bluetooth 3.0 is outdated compared to newer versions that offer better performance and efficiency.
  • Removable Li-Ion 1520 mAh battery may not provide enough power for heavy users.
  • Heavier compared to modern smartphones, with a weight of 148 g.
  • Mini-SIM slot, not compatible with smaller micro or nano-SIM cards without an adapter.
Network
Technology GSM / HSPA
2G bands GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bands HSDPA 900 / 2100
Speed HSPA 14.4/5.76 Mbps
Launch
Announced 2011, April. Released 2011, May
Status Discontinued
Body
Dimensions 126.1 x 65.4 x 11.3 mm (4.96 x 2.57 x 0.44 in)
Weight 148 g (5.22 oz)
SIM Mini-SIM
Display
Type S-LCD
Size 4.3 inches, 51.0 cm2 (~61.8% screen-to-body ratio)
Resolution 540 x 960 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~256 ppi density)
Protection Corning Gorilla Glass
Platform
OS Android 2.3.4 (Gingerbread), upgradable to 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich), Sense UI 3
Chipset Qualcomm MSM8260 Snapdragon S3
CPU Dual-core 1.2 GHz Scorpion
GPU Adreno 220
Memory
Card slot microSDHC (dedicated slot), 8 GB included
Internal 1GB 768MB RAM
Main Camera
Single 8 MP, AF
Features Dual-LED flash
Video 1080p@30fps, stereo sound rec.
Selfie camera
Single VGA
Video
Sound
Loudspeaker Yes
3.5mm jack Yes
Comms
WLAN Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, DLNA, hotspot
Bluetooth 3.0, A2DP
Positioning GPS, A-GPS
Radio Stereo FM radio, RDS
USB microUSB 2.0 (MHL TV-out)
Features
Sensors Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Browser HTML, Adobe Flash
Battery
Type Removable Li-Ion 1520 mAh battery
Stand-by Up to 350 h (2G) / Up to 400 h (3G)
Talk time Up to 8 h 20 min (2G) / Up to 6 h 40 min (3G)
Misc
Colors Black, Ice White
SAR 0.61 W/kg (head)     1.29 W/kg (body)
Price About 120 EUR
Tests
Display Contrast ratio: 720:1 (nominal)
Camera Photo / Video
Loudspeaker Voice 66dB / Noise 66dB / Ring 78dB
Audio quality Noise -90.2dB / Crosstalk -91.1dB

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