HTC formally announced its new flagship phone, HTC 10 for 2016. The new phone follows last year’s HTC One M9, which is a combination of the M series and the previous A9 that was released last fall. The 10 has everything that is expected from a flagship Android phone, expandable memory, 4GB RAM, powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 processor as well as 32GB of internal memory; all features that have been seen in a few high-end Android phones so far this year.
The 5.2 inch, quad HD Super LCD 5 phone displays 30 percent more color than the previous model released last year, and HTC has optimized the 10’s software and hardware to reach a faster touch response rate of 50 percent compared to its predecessor. HTC claims that the battery is good for two days, with the measurement of 3000mAh, due to optimization of hardware and software in this new model. The 10 also sports a USB Type-C port which supports Quick Charge 3.0.
The design of the device blends the design of the M9 and A9 with the brand’s signature all aluminum construction with large chamfered edges and carefully machined ports. One major change in the new model’s design is that the button below the display is gone, replaced with a fingerprint scanner with two capacitive buttons for back and recent apps. While the design of the phone is evolutionary, it is not groundbreaking in any way and it is still different enough to differentiate itself from iPhone and other Android phones.
One of the major hardware upgrades in this device is its camera. HTC has a long history of trouble with poor camera performance in its flagship phones, and this year, those issues have finally been addressed. The 10’s rear camera has a 12-megapixel sensor behind an optically stabilized f/1.8 lens that will take better quality photos in low light settings compared to its previous models. The camera is also able to capture 4K video along with 24-bit high resolution audio. The back camera is also accompanied with a dual-LED flash module and a second generation laser focus system. The front facing camera has been upgraded to a 5-megapixel sensor with an optically stabilized, f/1.8 wide angle lens, which will help take better selfies in low light. According to HTC this is a feature that is a first for front facing cameras in phones that are currently on the market.
The only feature that is entirely new on the 10 is its high resolution audio system, with the headphone amp that has the ability to output twice as much power as other smartphones on the market. The device is also able to upscale audio to 24-bit quality and the brand has built a customizable audio profile feature to tune the sound specifically for the user’s ears. In addition, HTC has also partnered with JBL to produce a noise cancelling set of headphones that are powered via the device’s USB-C port. The last feature in the audio section of the phone is its new ability to wirelessly play audio through AirPlay-certified speakers, which it is the first Android phone to do so out of box.
However, the biggest changes and feature with the 10 compared to previous models is its software. It is much more similar to Google’s vision of Android than with HTC’s earlier designs. The two companies worked together to reduce duplicative apps, and the 10 uses Google’s apps for key tasks such as calendar, photos and music. However, HTC’s core email, messaging, and camera apps are still present in the 10. The interface was also redesigned to something similar to a Nexus device, however the option to switch to a traditional Android interface is still present.
The HTC 10 will ship next month for $699 and will be available in black and silver in the US. Global markets will see a gold option of the phone and Japan will get a special red color. The brand is offering preorders of unlocked devices through its online store starting today and will be available from Verizon, T-Mobile and Sprint.