By 
No surprises here: the HTC Sensation has been made official in typical fashion. As with most handset launches, just because we already sniffed out all of the secrets ahead of an official announcement doesn’t mean we can’t get excited. The handset is being positioned as HTC’s new worldwide flagship device, and it features all the specs to get the job done. A dual-core Snapdragon (MSM 8260) clocked at 1.2GHz is the centerpiece of the device sporting 768MB of RAM and a 4.3-inch qHD Super LCD display at 540×960 pixels of 16:9 viewing. For the large screen, the handset remains small and sleek. At its thinnest point it measures 11.54mm thick and an edge to edge screen with glass bezel trims back the width of the handset.
HTC Sense sees some improvements with the release of the Sensation as well, including a redone lock screen that features application icons. Drag the icon to the launch button and the phone unlocks right into the app. Pretty neat for those frequently called up items. Other new Sense items like 3D screen changes might look familiar from the HTC Flyer,
A price hasn’t been announced for the device, but it is said it will match up with what the Desire HD sold for. In other words, your typical new smartphone price. See the full press release below for more info or head over to our Sensation forum at AndroidForums.com to join the discussion.
LONDON – April 12, 2011 – HTC Corporation, a global leader in mobile innovation and design, today introduced the HTC Sensation, a smartphone that shines a spotlight on entertainment with HTC’s new HTC Watch™ video service. Crafted with premium design elements, the HTC Sensation features the company’s latest HTC Sense™ experience that puts people at the center by making their smartphones work in a more simple and natural way.
“Smartphones have evolved into pocket-sized entertainment centers that enable people to take their favorite content with them wherever they go,” said Peter Chou, CEO of HTC Corporation. “The HTC Sensation takes this even further by combining the great new HTC Watch entertainment experience with the latest HTC Sense experience to deliver a powerful, evolved multimedia smartphone to our customers.”
“The HTC Sensation integrates multimedia content with relevant, thoughtful features, bringing an exciting new dimension to Vodafone’s smartphone range. The HTC Sensation will be available first in key Vodafone markets from Q2,” said Patrick Chomet, Vodafone’s Group Terminals Director. “The strength of Vodafone and HTC’s partnership is a marker of our commitment to offer our customers truly compelling and market-leading mobile experiences.”
Premium Design and Materials
Tapping into HTC’s trademark design language, the HTC Sensation’s premium look and feel is enhanced by its rounded edges, aluminum unibody construction and the touch screen surface is protected by a contoured screen that feels more natural as a finger is glided across it. The 4.3-inch qHD display delivers high-resolution widescreen viewing and gives the HTC Sensation slender proportions that feel natural in a person’s hand. At the heart of the HTC Sensation beats a powerful, 1.2-gigahertz dual-core Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ processor, which enables gorgeous graphics and all-around fast performance.
HTC Sense
Complementing the HTC Sensation’s premium design is the latest HTC Sense experience that boasts a host of new features and enhancements, helping people to have more fun and get more done. For instance, HTC Sense introduces a customizable active lockscreen experience that transforms the lockscreen into a real-time window to the most important information and content, such as social updates, photos, weather or stock updates that are viewed by simply turning on the display. In addition, the new active lockscreen becomes a customizable gateway that lets people quickly jump to the most used features, like making a phone call, sending an email, taking a picture or anything else with the same quick gesture usually used to unlock the phone. For instance, the camera can be launched right from the lock screen with a single motion, saving precious seconds when you’re trying to capture the action. Sharper graphics, vibrant animations and new widgets make HTC Sense look better than ever and, by continuing to focus on all of the aspects, both large and small, that make HTC Sense special, HTC introduces a more cinematic and immersive weather experience with stunning imagery and audible weather effects.
HTC Sense also makes it easy to have fun by enabling people to capture and share special moments. The HTC Sensation’s 8-megapixel camera doesn’t just shoot gorgeous photos but, with the new instant capture feature, lets people capture the moments they want without worrying about missing or keeping up with the action. The HTC Sensation also shoots full HD video in 1080p resolution, with full stereo sound, at up to 30 frames a second, giving you smooth video that is better than many other phones. With the new Video Trimmer tool, people can crop their clips to the perfect size for easy sharing with friends and family.
HTC Watch
The HTC Sensation is a smartphone that is built from the ground up for a sophisticated, evolved multimedia experience. The 4.3″ widescreen display means that users can watch movies like they were meant to be seen – in their full cinematic glory, with no cropping or letterboxing. The HTC Sensation is also the first smartphone to feature HTC Watch – an application and service that puts an entire library of the latest, premium movies and TV shows right at your fingertips, letting people discover the latest video content in an easy and visually engaging way. HTC Watch uses progressive download technology that makes it possible to watch videos without waiting for a huge file to finish downloading. HTC Watch offers the choice of renting or buying videos, and if purchased, lets you watch them on up to five different HTC devices.
Availability
The HTC Sensation will be broadly available through Vodafone across major European markets. It will also be available in Asian markets in Q2 2011.
i hope it comes to tmobile.
really? with the tmobile logo right on the top there…really??
joking..kind of lol!
hoping it comes to verizon by july!! :)
lol yeah jayrock has a point. it clearly says T-Mobile on the phone.
You are aware that t-mobile exists outside the US? Perhaps he meant T-Mobile UK?
Although the topic above this one says HTC Sensation 4G for Tmobile in the US. Lol.
so it is between Samsung Galaxy S II and HTC Sensation. I’m still leaning towards S II, but I’m going to thoroughly research and try both phones before I purchase either of them, not going to make the same mistake I did with Xperia X10, terrible phone, left a bad taste.
only problem htc has is their batteries are normally small!
and suck!
Good luck with your updates on your GSII at least I know Ill be in good hands with a high end HTC like the Sensation
Great device, Htc has continued to push the bar I admire that. The Htc Evo 3d is a better device with MSM 8660 Dualcore Processor, 1gig or ram, dedicated camera key, I can go on and on. Htc Sensation will be a great device for tmobile at least they get a choice of the Sensation or Optimus G2x
Once again, Richard is a Sprint troll for the uninformed. There is no difference between the MSM 8260 and 8660 besides CDMA capabilities.
You are correct sir!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snapdragon_(system_on_chip)
search for “MSM8260”. 8660 is right below it.
Only difference between the 2 is in the wireless technologies column. Good job Richard! You demonstrate your ignorance once again!
I’m sure no one cares for your fancy facts and information. 8660 is 400 bigger than 8260 and that’s all that matters.
*poke jost*
Its better than throwing out completely untrue “facts” as Richard has done…
And isn’t facts and the truth the way we educate ourselves? If no one cares for the “fancy facts and information” then why do people complain (or applaud) about processor power, RAM, internal/external storage, etc when they read the spec sheets? Wouldn’t your statement of “8660 is 400 bigger than 8260 and that’s all that matters” also sort of fall under the “fancy facts and information”? I mean, who REALLY looks up the model number of their processor?
Wow. My bad. I really am slow sometimes. Just realized what you meant in that last bit between the **. If I could delete the ^^^ comment, I would. :/
Your dumb but funny
I’m dumb?! Me?! REALLY?! At least I’m not running around telling people their OPINIONS are “misinformed” or flat out wrong.
Sure squiddy20 Mr. think he knows so much SAME OLD SAME OLD WITH YOU AS ALWAYS…Guess we will find out when the comparisons in real life takes place I can’t wait to see the eggs all over your face..
The only reason I “know so much” is because I choose to educate myself on both the good and the bad. Unlike SOMEONE I know who thinks he is always right. I at least have acknowledged that I was wrong. What have you done lately that humbles yourself?
Your USELESS hear why don’t you go find somewhere to troll at that would be nice for all of us…Clearly the MSM 8660 is faster than the MSM 8260 regardless of how small the difference is
Again, learn to spell correctly. “Your USELESS hear why…” SHOULD BE “You’re USELESS. (or !) Here why…” You sound so stupid when you can’t even use correct grammar/punctuation/spelling. And just what the hell do you think you’re doing on this site? NOT trolling? Please. I know I’m trolling. I enjoy trolling. Especially when I’m trolling your illogical ass.
And he’s “useless” for pointing out a very obvious fact? Why don’t you take a look at the link I provided? The 2 model numbers have the EXACT SAME details in every column with the exception of the wireless technologies section. Same max clock speed, cpu, gpu, instruction set, etc. So how can you say which is faster/better if you’ve NEVER SEEN IT! Have you actually seen the speed results yourself? Have you tested both chips in a phone that has yet to be released? If so, enlighten me. I’d LOVE to hear your experiences.
Wow… How do I even… Wow…
G2X available this Friday or wait for it. HELP
Flagship? Really? Then why are the specs inferior to the Evo3D?
How is this inferior to the E3D?
It’s got HSPA +, which we know is faster then Sprint’s WiMax, same speed CPU and the same GPU, it’s got an 8mp rear cam, and the same qHD screen. Yes, it might have slightly less ram, and only a VGA front camera, but I’d take this over the E3D being it doesn’t have 3D, the 8mp rear cam, Gorilla Glass, aluminum unibody chassis, and a better form factor.
When it comes down to the core specs, it’s the same phone. The big difference between this and the E3D is the E3D has a 3D capable setup, which I don’t need or want.
Technically speaking HSPA+ suppose to be faster but most real tests it shows otherwise. Also WiiMax actually leads to 4G with it being upgradeable to WiiMax 2(true 4G) while HSPA+ owners are given the only option to upgrade if they want to experience true 4G. The Evo 3D is slightly better in most things. Dedicated camera button, better front facing camera, more ram amount, more battery, extended battery support and 3D(if you like or not it seems like 3D will become more into technology with movies, consoles and tech moving forward towards it). The design is personal preference, unibody design is nice a good step forward but some things will plague this device and it seems to be battery. With a battery cover that has the antenna attach towards it, extended battery manufacturers are pushed aside and its up to HTC if they can code the software enough to prevent low battery issues or include a 1st party extended battery.
Here’s the speed tests on phonescoop: http://www.phonescoop.com/articles/article.php?a=376&p=all#page2707
You can’t just do one set of data test in one location(Philadelphia). If you did the exact test in New York you would get Sprint higher resulst hitting the 8mbp and Tmobile averaging about 5mbps. Its like the Lte vs Wiimax. The area they took the test had Wiimax scoring lower then 3G values. It depends on location most of the time and most tests based on data speeds fail to recognize it. Its better to take the best speeds of the data and compare it. Because lets be honest Sprint said there highest value will be 8mbps to 10mbps and its true but if Tmobile claim to have up to 21mbp and nobody in real world testing has experience that yet its a bit of a shame since if it did actually do that it would help push forward the cellular industry.
Better yet let me just knock your bozo butt out the box….Htc Evo 3d specs…1.2 dual core MSM 8660 compared to MSM 8260 yes both are agreno 220 gpu but the Evo 3d has 1GB OF RAM compared TO 768 Evo 3d HAS 1.3 megipixel compared to vga camera, 1730 MAH on evo 3d compared to 1520 on Sensation…Evo 3d has dedicated camera button NONE on sensation plus Evo 3d will have baked in integration of google voice the only carrier with that in any of their upcoming devices plus the option of sprint music. Bottom line these are the best devices on the market when they launch along with Samsung Galaxy S2 otherwise you seem hateful that your missing out on the best technology it sure wont be on verizon or at&t. Fall back cheif either get on sprint or tmobile or just STEP TO THE LEFT
AGAIN, just because other people’s opinions differ from yours does NOT give you the right to say theirs are wrong. You don’t see me telling you your opinions are wrong, do you? No. I school your a** on pure facts.
You might like the Evo 3D. Good for you. Others might not. I personally don’t think I will because of the 3D. I could honestly care less about what KIND of front facing camera my next phone will have. I’m not even sure I’ll want one. I’d much rather prefer a hardware keyboard than a front facing camera. But until I try it out, I won’t know for certain. Everyone’s preferences are different, so why don’t you let other people’s OPINIONS alone and stick to the facts?
Is it just me or does anyone else think the back of this phone looks absolutely hideous?
Can’t agree. I think it looks pretty striking (in a good way). Biggest problem is no kickstand (cases don’t count).
I think Sense is hideous
give me an unlocked bootloader and AT&T bands and i will buy this off contract on launch day
Will the screen have a pentile matrix for fake qHD?
Probably.
Idiot its not AMOLED
The Motorola Atrix with a qHD LCD uses a Pentile screen.
The Evo 3D does have more RAM than this, a bigger battery, WiMax capabilities, 3D camera with dedicated buttons but in return they trade away the sleek hardware design I guess.
“At its thinnest point it measures 11.54mm thick and …”
Wow, that’s the thinnest point, how thick does the phone get then?
I imagine this is only because this one has been officially released and the Evo 3D will not be released until the summer. The title will changes hands, many times into the future.
If i do end up getting this phone or staying with tmo for that matter; ill have to look into the EVO3D battery and see if its interchangeable with with this one an just buy that battery for this.
My issue only 1 GB of internal memory. I have had to delete so many apps from my Nexus One 512 MB. I think 1GB will soon pose same problem. Battery might also be a deal breaker. So I will wait on next iteration.
Correction it has 4 GB internal memory. I can work with that. So if battery life is just a little better than my Nexus One. I think I have a new phone.
this device only has 1gb of useable space for applications that is it…Check this out..http://www.htc.com/us/products/sensation4g-tmobile#tech-specs.
S2 has this beat out the door. Why should I buy it? Less RAM less storage space. HTC needs to catch up
Samsung makes shit phones. The SGII is another plastic turd.
agreed samsungs phones are complete trash one fall and they break and touchwiz is just horrible and they are so had to freaking root
Any word on Noise-Cancelling Mic or ‘Notification’ Light…. us Nexus One owners don’t wanna lose any features!! :)
It looks like theres gonna be a notification light… not sure about the noise cancelling… if it doesnt then thats ok… im still gonna get this bad boy
Sorry but SGS II kills this in all aspects.
And omg the thinnest part of the phone is over 11.54mm!!????
how clunky is the thickest part??
bad hardware design. Htc needs to improve. Sorry htc fanboys but looks like Galaxy S II kills this straight outta the box.
Touchwiz. Gg. :/
Not really.
The RAM most likely won’t play a big role, since everything above 512MB should be enough for a long time.
Noone knows how the two SoCs – Exynos vs. Snapdragon DC (with Adreno220) really compare.
The Screen resolution is better on the HTC… It is going to be an interesting comparison between these phones and the Tegra 2 Phones.
But it is too early to say which ones will come on top.
yall stupid, this phone had dual core, 3d capabilities, dual flash, 768 mb which is good, 8 mgp camera, and a foward facing camera, and its a 4.3 inch screen, shit thats all it needs at this point in time, and its go be running htc sence, the best UI for cell phones, and probably 2.3 or 2.4 out the box, DAM, all i can say is why this cant be the inspire for att, why we cant have a htc with a foward faceing camera, AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!! i hate att’s selection of cell phones
This phone does not have 3D on it.
Well the phone inst 3d but the UI has a very 3D interface which may be what he is referring to…. idk in addition it has hdmi out via the micro usb that streams vid/audio while charging it simultaneously, plus its qHD display 4.3 aka… my dream phone
at&t is junk they don’t care about android..
Sweet phone, I just don’t like how it looks. I’m not a fan of the rounded corners. I prefer how my EVO is shaped. I would probably get this if I wasn’t with Sprint though. The 8mp camera is much more important to me than the E3D’s dual 5mp. And wimax sucks of course…
Of course dave your misinformed but i wish you well with your evo 4g I have one too but moving forward is what i will be doing. Evo 3d time we must support the new member of the evo family as we did the evo 4g last june 4th 2010
He’s misinformed… how? IT’S A F*CKING OPINION!!! All his statement is is opinion! It’s a matter of choice!! Who the F*CK are you to say what he THINKS is “misinformed”?! You are bloody ignorant and illogical. Stop being Apple by telling others what to think or feel.
No HDMI. I see by not joining the MHL consortium with Sony, Samsung, LG et al, HTC has firmly decided on sticking with DLNA for video output. Meh.
Oops. Missed the specs. Looks like it does have MHL.
And has 3 hrs battery life just like thunderbolt
You mean 20+ hours. My battery is great. from 100% to 80% moderate usage takes me 12 hours. Double the drain for heavy usage. And there’s people getting even better battery life than me.
you need to stop with these dreams…give details how you are getting all this battery life with that thunderbolt show us what you are talking about
They aren’t “dreams” if he’s actually getting these results you nitwit. Why don’t you give details (real hard evidence since that’s what you’re asking of him) on how you thought the Sprint/Verizon 4G speed tests were a lie, or how you “know” the MSM 8660 is better than the 8260? Please. Show me THOSE details. Maybe you need to stop doubting people so much and have a little more faith in truth. Even when you don’t like the truth you’re being shown.
This just reminds me of a T-bolt just with better specs, a few more curves, and a hidious backside. I would not take this over the EVO 3D or Galaxy S2. Throw it to the worms of Arrakis!
The only thing i hope this phone has over my nexus one is a better battery…
The s2 isn’t close to this phone…touchwiz?really..common man it sucks I mean its a IOS knockoff..htc sense is 10 times better..i think the phone is awesome and I live in Rhode island which I get great reception everywhere..who cares if it has less ram than the evo3d and a smaller battery…the phone is redic and I can’t wait to purchase this on the day it releases
Not really liking the three tones of grey on the back. Would have been neater with just two. Looks slightly over designed. I hope it looks better in real life (I know my current phone – the Desire does) Everything else looks really good! Going to check this out as hoping this’ll be my next phone.
You’d think for a ‘flagship’ phone, there could be some sort of ‘Carl-Zeiss’ lens or something else ‘stand out’… I mean, if Nokia could manage it (and Apple surely will…) then why not HTC…. (if it really is a ‘flagship device’)
I was quite excited by this phone but it does appear from (very) early reviews, Android’s lack of hardware acceleration is holding this baby back… some sort of word from HTC on this would reassure some people… (Android 2.4??)
Sensation, Pyramid and Doubleshot are pretty much same CPU spec.
http://smartphonebenchmarks.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=258