HTC 10

Into Droid Hardware

The HTC 10 was HTC’s flagship offering for 2016, aiming to bring the company back to the forefront of the smartphone market. It was a device that emphasized build quality, audio experience, and a streamlined software approach. Here’s an in-depth review of the HTC 10:

Overview:

The HTC 10 was a culmination of HTC’s design and engineering prowess, offering a solid metal unibody design with chamfered edges. It aimed to address criticisms of previous HTC devices while emphasizing areas where HTC traditionally excelled, such as audio.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Initially shipped with Android 6.0.1 (Marshmallow) and later received updates.
  2. Display: 5.2-inch Quad HD Super LCD5 with a resolution of 1440 x 2560 pixels.
  3. Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 820.
  4. Memory: 4 GB RAM with options of 32/64 GB internal storage, expandable via microSD.
  5. Camera: 12 MP rear sensor (HTC UltraPixel 2) with an f/1.8 aperture, OIS, and laser autofocus. The front camera is a 5 MP shooter with OIS.
  6. Battery: A 3000 mAh non-removable battery with Quick Charge 3.0.
  7. Other Features: USB Type-C, front-mounted fingerprint sensor, and HTC BoomSound Hi-Fi edition speakers.

Pros:

  1. Build Quality: The metal unibody design with chamfered edges gave the phone a premium and robust feel.
  2. Audio Experience: With its BoomSound Hi-Fi edition speakers and 24-bit DAC, the HTC 10 offered one of the best audio experiences on a smartphone.
  3. Camera: The UltraPixel 2 camera provided good low-light performance and the inclusion of OIS in the front camera was a unique touch.
  4. Software: HTC’s approach to software was more streamlined with the 10, reducing bloat and working closely with Google to offer a near-stock Android experience.

Cons:

  1. Battery Life: While decent, the battery life wasn’t standout, especially when compared to some competitors.
  2. Price: The HTC 10 was priced similarly to other flagships, but some felt that it didn’t offer as much value.
  3. Heat: The device could get warm during intensive tasks, a common trait with Snapdragon 820 devices.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its price bracket, the HTC 10 faced competition from:

  • Samsung Galaxy S7: Offering a 5.1-inch Quad HD Super AMOLED display, Snapdragon 820/Exynos 8890, and a premium glass/metal design.
  • LG G5: With its 5.3-inch Quad HD IPS LCD display, Snapdragon 820, and a unique modular design.
  • iPhone 6s: Apple’s offering with a 4.7-inch Retina display, Apple A9 chip, and a premium metal design.

Launch Date:

The HTC 10 was announced in April 2016 and became available in various markets shortly after.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Battery Degradation: Over time, some users reported a significant decrease in battery performance.
  2. Software Updates: While HTC started strong with software support for the 10, updates became less frequent over time.
  3. Camera Stability: Some users experienced occasional crashes with the camera app.

Conclusion:

The HTC 10 was a solid attempt by HTC to reclaim its position in the flagship smartphone market. It offered a robust build, excellent audio experience, and a more refined software approach. For users who prioritized build quality and audio, the HTC 10 was a compelling choice. However, in a highly competitive market, some felt that it didn’t stand out enough in other areas to justify its premium price. While it had its strengths, the HTC 10 faced stiff competition from other brands offering unique features and innovations.

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