Engadget
87
Engadget Review
The new HTC One review: a great phone, even if no longer a game-changer
Summary
The new One looks sharp, performs well, has solid battery life and improves on its predecessor in most categories. It's still at the top of our list, but its slick finish makes it uncomfortable to hold. What's more, we'd like to see some more improvements to the One's display and HTC's UltraPixel technology, which were once among the best in their class.
$299.95+
Pros
- Beautiful all-metal design with brushed-metal finish
- Duo Camera delivers great imagery
- Top of the line performance
- Long battery life
- Motion Launch is a nice touch
Cons
- The phone has a slippery feel that makes it difficult to grip
- No enhancements to the display or HTC's UltraPixel technology
The HTC One was one of our favorite smartphones of 2013. It featured a gorgeous industrial design, a fantastic display, great camera and top-of-the-line performance. HTC poured its heart into it, as evidenced by nearly every aspect of the device. The phone exceeded nearly all of our expectations, but that also left a big problem: We now expect history to repeat itself. After all, if the original One was such a great device, its successor should, in theory, be even better, right?
Of course it should be. But does this year's version of the One have what it takes? On paper, the answer is yes: It has a larger screen, offers two curious-looking rear camera sensors, boasts an improved version of HTC's Sense UI and features a chassis with even more metal. It appears, then, that there's a lot to love here, but it's difficult to take our breath away twice in a row. Here's what impressed -- and what didn't.
