Design and Build
The HTC Sensation XL was released with a sophisticated design that caters to the aesthetic preferences of modern users. With dimensions measuring 132.5 x 70.7 x 9.9 mm and weighing 162.5 g, it strikes a balance between size and portability. The device's sleek white color adds a touch of elegance, making it a desirable choice for those who value style in their gadgets.
Display
The Sensation XL is equipped with a 4.7-inch S-LCD screen, which occupies approximately 67.1% of the front side, offering a resolution of 480 x 800 pixels. Although the pixel density (~199 ppi) is not as high as flagship models of its time, the display's vibrant color reproduction and contrast ratio of 1085:1 (nominal) deliver an enjoyable viewing experience for media consumption and daily use.
Performance
Under the hood, the HTC Sensation XL features the Qualcomm MSM8255 Snapdragon S2 chipset, powered by a 1.5 GHz Scorpion CPU and an Adreno 205 GPU. This combination ensures responsive performance for a broad range of applications, from basic tasks to more demanding activities like gaming and video playback. Although the device comes with only 768MB of RAM, it manages to maintain efficiency in multitasking scenarios.
Storage
The device includes 16GB of internal storage, which may limit the space available for applications, media files, and other data, as there is no provision for memory expansion via card slots. Users must manage their storage wisely or rely on cloud services to compensate for this limitation.
Camera and Photography
The HTC Sensation XL's camera setup comprises a single 8MP rear camera equipped with autofocus, dual-LED flash, and HDR capabilities. The device can capture video at 720p, which was a respectable standard during its release. Furthermore, it includes a 1.3 MP front-facing camera that caters to basic selfies and video calls, though it lacks the sophistication of more contemporary front cameras.
Sound and Audio
Audio quality is a standout feature for the Sensation XL, with built-in sound enhancements and a loudspeaker that registers at 70dB during voice and ring tests. It includes a standard 3.5mm headphone jack, offering compatibility with a wide range of audio peripherals and enhancing the user’s auditory experience. This focus on sound made it a desirable model for those who prioritize music and media playback quality.
Connectivity
The device supports GSM/HSPA technology, with 2G and 3G connectivity options. Users can benefit from HSPA speeds of 14.4/5.76 Mbps, perfect for streaming and downloading content on the go. Further connectivity options include Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, DLNA, a hotspot feature, Bluetooth 3.0 with A2DP, GPS including A-GPS, and a microUSB 2.0 port for versatile connectivity.
Battery Life
Possessing a removable Li-Ion 1600 mAh battery, the HTC Sensation XL offers up to 360 hours of standby time on 2G networks and up to 460 hours on 3G. Talk time is rated at up to 11 hours and 50 minutes on 2G and up to 6 hours and 50 minutes on 3G, facilitating long-lasting usage without frequent recharging needs.
Additional Features
The device runs on Android 2.3 (Gingerbread), with an upgrade path to Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) alongside Sense UI 3.5 from HTC, providing users with custom optimizations for a more polished user experience. The array of sensors includes an accelerometer, gyro, proximity sensor, and compass, enhancing functionality for various applications.
Pricing and Availability
Originally launched in October 2011 and hitting the markets by November 2011, the HTC Sensation XL was priced at approximately 170 EUR at launch. While it has since been discontinued, its legacy continues among enthusiasts of classic smartphones.
Conclusion
Revisiting the HTC Sensation XL provides insight into an era when smartphones began focusing on integrating media capabilities with interactive performance in a stylish package. Despite the limitations seen by today’s standards, it represented an important step in mobile technology evolution, catering to users' multimedia desires and connectivity needs in an elegant design.
Key Features of HTC Sensation XL
- Network Technology: GSM / HSPA
- Large 4.7 inches S-LCD display with a 67.1% screen-to-body ratio
- Upgradable OS from Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) to Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) with Sense UI 3.5
- Powerful 1.5 GHz Scorpion CPU and Adreno 205 GPU
- Ample internal storage of 16GB with 768MB RAM
- 8 MP main camera with Dual-LED flash, HDR and 720p video recording
- 1.3 MP front camera for selfies
- Comprehensive connectivity options: Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, DLNA, hotspot, Bluetooth 3.0, GPS, A-GPS, Stereo FM radio with RDS
- Standard 3.5mm audio jack and loudspeaker
- Removable 1600 mAh battery providing up to 11h 50min talk time on 2G and 6h 50min on 3G
- Includes sensors such as accelerometer, gyro, proximity, and compass
HTC Sensation XL Disadvantages
- Lacks support for 4G/LTE networks, limited to GSM/HSPA.
- Announced and released in 2011, now discontinued and outdated.
- Relatively heavy with a weight of 162.5 g.
- Low screen resolution of 480 x 800 pixels, resulting in ~199 ppi density.
- No expandable storage option, no card slot available.
- Limited internal RAM of 768MB, which may affect performance.
- Front camera is only 1.3 MP, which may not suffice for quality selfies.
- Bluetooth version 3.0, which is older compared to newer standards.
- Average battery capacity of 1600 mAh that may require frequent recharging.
- Limited to removable battery type, which is less common in newer smartphones.
- Only available in a single color (White), providing limited customization.
- Older operating system (Android 2.3, upgradable to 4.0), lacking modern OS features.
View Also
More Phones
All Rights Reserved +13618 Phones © Mobilawy 2025