HTC One X review

The flagship Android handset comes with a 4.7in screen, revamped Sense overlay and 8-megapixel camera. Khidr Suleman finds out whether HTC has done enough to overtake its rivals.

IT Pro Verdict

The One X is an excellent device that comes with a great screen and multimedia features. The Sense 4 interface makes it one of the best Android devices on the market from user experience standpoint. However, business users may still find battery life to be an issue especially as you can't swap out the battery.

Having released a flurry of devices during 2011, HTC appears to be taking a more measured approach this year - focusing on quality rather than quantity.

The firm debuted its One' range during MWC in February and the flagship handset - the One X - is now available.

HTC has tried to improve a number of areas including the processor, display, camera, interface and, perhaps most importantly, battery life. We take a look to see if the One X can unseat the Galaxy S II as king of the Android handsets.

Design

HTC One X - front

With a thickness of 8.9mm, the smartphone is a shade thinner than the iPhone 4S (9.3mm), but not quite as slim as the Samsung Galaxy S II (8.5mm). Despite the large size, the device easily fits into the palm of your hand, and the soft back makes it very comfortable to hold.

Volume rockers are on the right hand edge and a solitary micro-USB port is on the left hand side. HTC has opted to use a micro-SIM, so some users may have to get a new SIM from their operator when they upgrade. The firm also provides a handy little tool to get access to the pop out the tray. There is also a 5-pin connection on the back so the device can be slotted into a dock.

HTC One X - back

There are two colours available black and white. Our review unit came with white trim and back, which is our preferred choice.

The only real source of disappointment is the fact the back cover is sealed. We would have liked to have the option to replace the battery and extend the longevity of the device.

Khidr Suleman is the Technical Editor at IT Pro, a role he has fulfilled since March 2012. He is responsible for the reviews section on the site  - so get in touch if you have a product you think might be of interest to the business world. He also covers the hardware and operating systems beats. Prior to joining IT Pro, Khidr worked as a reporter at Incisive Media. He studied law at the University of Reading and completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Magazine Journalism and Online Writing at PMA Training.