First Look: HTC One S [MWC 2012]
Have you ever held the result of thousands of tiny lightening bolts in your hand? That’s exactly what you get with the HTC One S. Rather than apply a finish to the phone’s exterior to protect it from scratches and dings, HTC used a process first invented for the production of satellite components to create a uniquely textured casing. It’s called plasma electrolytic oxidation and it superheats the metal unibody case with a blast of plasma energy, physically transforming it into a ceramic. The result is a resilient body that looks and feels great.
So why else is the HTC One S worth our time? How about the fact that it’s the thinnest phone ever produced by HTC? It measures in at only 7.6mm thick. What about the 1.5GHz Snapdragon S4 dual-core chip inside? Sure, it isn’t quad-core but I challenge you to show me where it underperforms. But above all, the One S utilizes HTC Sense 4, a new take on company’s custom Android skin that simplifies the user experience and adds in amazing new camera functionality and some booming Beats Audio.
As a member of the One family, the One S shares lot in common with its big brother the One X (see our hands-on). How do they compare? It’s mostly a matter of preference. HTC is touting the superior style of the One S, calling it the sort of phone you’d take out for a night on the town. While we’re not sure many people own multiple phones and accessorize depending on their outfit, we can see where they are coming from. The One S definitely appeals to those looking for a beautiful phone (not to take anything away from the One X). The One X does boast more power under the hood, but it will come at an added price.
With the introduction of the HTC One line of phones the Taiwanese manufacturer is making good on their promise to focus on quality over quantity. There will still be devices that fall outside the category, but if its premium you can bet it will sport the One name. The One S definitely lives up to the standards as HTC has set them forth and exemplifies the marriage of style and function.