HTC One X+ first Review

HTC One X+ first Review

Processor: Nvidia Tegra 3 1.7GHz quad core RAM: 1GB Graphics: ULP GeForce 2 Display: 4.7-inches (1280 x 720 pixels) Storage: 64GB Camera: 8MP Platform: Android 4.1 Jelly Bean Battery: 2100mAh...

Summary

The HTC One X+ is clearly what the One X should have been in the first place. On a rather interesting note, the One X+ pips the Samsung Galaxy S III in most of the system performance benchmarks. But the pricing of the device is a bit of a downer. The price of Rs. 40,190 that HTC has shared with us makes the Galaxy S III a bit more attractive, since it is currently retailing for considerably less money, at around Rs. 36,000.

In a season full of refreshes, the One X+ follows up to the One X, much like how the Sony Xperia SL came as a fresher version of the Xperia S. And truly, this is what the One X should have been in the first place.

If you remember, we had recently done a first impressions story of the One X+ at an event recently, and at time, we got the black version to play with. The test unit we have received is the same white one as the One X.

Build & Design

The HTC One X was a looker, and the One X+ looks exactly the same from the outside. Except for the slight difference – the red color on the touch sensitive keys and a red ring around the camera. The One X+ is a very much a premium phone to feel, hold and use. The polycarbonate finish on the unibody design is pretty much worth the time and effort.

By carrying forward the exact same looks as the One X, what HTC have managed to do is line this up as a refresh. There are some positives to this, without doubt. The slight curve on the rear panel is immensely helpful when you are typing out an SMS with the fingers of the same hand that is holding the phone. While the battery cover isn’t exactly matte or rubberized, the One X+ is perfectly designed for single-hand operation.

On the front is the 4.7-inch display, accompanied by three touch sensitive keys below it – return, home and task manager. The tinge of red marking these keys looks very cool – the slight sporty touch to a phone that otherwise looks very classy and understated, for the most part. The bezel is very thin, and the display sits slightly higher than the unibody for quite some while, thanks to the outward curve towards the middle at the back. The display glass kind of flows over on the two sides like water down a cliff, and feels brilliant when you are swiping your finger across the screen.

Above the display is the nicely chiseled out earpiece grille, on the white portion. Next to it is the front facing camera. Switch over to the sides, and the left spine first. This has the microUSB port. The right spine has the volume rocker that blends brilliantly with the rest of the design. Two observations regarding the rocker – it has the perfect height for use without looking at it and the same colour as the rest of the phone makes this go almost unnoticed the rest of the time. The top has the power key, while the 3.5mm headphone jack utilizes the dual curve on the top and the rear panel to fit in seamlessly.