Smartphones are improving every year, and manufacturers do not get tired of offering more and more new models. However, the old ones should also not be written off, because they can still be suitable for performing specific tasks for those people who do not pursue performance, but at the same time want to get a branded device at an affordable price. One of these models is HTC One S. The characteristics of this gadget, despite the release in 2012, can still be compared with modern state employees from Chinese manufacturers. But the signature quality of a well-known brand and a pleasant design can make you opt for it.
Market positioning
Back in 2012, the manufacturer released three models in one line at once, each of which was intended for a certain circle of customers. At that time, it could be called a confident middle class. A nice design with a metal case, high quality display and sensor, small thickness - all this spoke of a certain status of its owner.
Operating system
On the smartphone at the time of sale, the standard software for devices of that time was installed - this is Android 4.1 with the manufacturer's proprietary interface. And although this operating system is now considered obsolete, with certain skills, it can be updated to the more current version 5.1 using custom (custom) assemblies. It is not necessary to do this, because most of the programs used in everyday life work quite confidently on the factory firmware version, especially since the characteristics of HTC One S allow them to be used without brakes and freezes.
Display
One of the most expensive parts in the production of this device was a high-quality Super AMOLED screen. Thanks to the use of this technology, it was possible to achieve rich colors, and the brightness of the backlight is enough for comfortable use of the gadget even on bright sunny days.
A 4.3-inch diagonal is quite rare in modern devices, and lovers of compact smartphones can see a good alternative to large "shovels" in this model. It is worth noting that the company has experimented with small sizes before, releasing HTC Wildfire S. The characteristics of its display were very modest - the diagonal was 3.2 inches. But at the same time, it was comfortable to use due to the high quality of the sensor. The same feature is inherent in the model under consideration.
Cameras
Smartphones manufactured by HTC are almost alwaysreceived good camera modules, as a result of which they were famous for their excellent image quality. This time the rules have not changed, and the gadget received an 8-megapixel main camera with autofocus and good optics, equipped with a powerful LED flash. Such a set made it possible at one time to replace digital “soap dishes” with a smartphone, because the shots taken with its help often turned out to be of better quality than a photo on a cheap camera, albeit with a higher resolution.
This effect was achieved thanks not only to a good matrix, but also to well-thought-out image post-processing algorithms. For example, the same technology is used in other models such as the HTC S A510e. Its camera characteristics are much weaker, but the pictures are also good due to software enhancement of photos.
The frontal matrix is significantly inferior in quality and has a low resolution, which, however, is enough to perform basic tasks. It can be used to make video calls or take self-portrait photos.
Autonomy
You have to pay for the small thickness of the device. Sometimes performance, sometimes autonomy. In this case, the manufacturer chose the second option, installing a small battery with a capacity of only 1650 mAh. However, one should not immediately conclude that this is not enough. Considering not the most productive hardware, this amount of charge is enough for the phone to be able to work all day in active mode at medium brightness. For comparison, the one released in 2011HTC Incredible S, the battery performance was even more modest, but users did not complain about the rapid battery drain.
Features
Perhaps the biggest concern of a user's old device is performance. Indeed, the relevance of the acquisition depends on whether modern programs will be launched on it or not. Looking ahead, we can say that the HTC One S, the characteristics of which we will now consider, will not have problems with this.
Partly contributing to good performance is the top 2-core processor Qualcomm MSM8260A. Its advantage lies in the high frequency of the cores, which reaches 1.5 GHz. In conjunction with 1 GB of RAM, it may well give odds to modern state employees, on board of which the MTK6580 is conceived, which, despite its 4-core structure, will lose to this “old man” in many tasks. What can I say, even the budget HTC Desire S has enough characteristics to make it quite comfortable to use today, and the model in question was practically a flagship at one time.
Memory
In terms of file storage, this model can be called a disappointment, especially for those who are used to carrying a large music collection with them. The fact is that the smartphone has only 16 GB of internal memory without the possibility of installing an additional card. And if you take away the space occupied by the operating system, then the user is left with only 11 GB, which needs to fit everythingnecessary programs and personal files. But if you take the device purely as a working option, this will be more than enough.
It's only surprising that in a fairly productive smartphone, the manufacturer did not take care of the presence of a slot for memory expansion cards. In the same HTC Wildfire S A510e, whose characteristics are much more modest, such a possibility is present.
Wireless modules and communications
Because the model is quite old, it does not have the ability to connect to modern LTE networks. However, frequencies are provided for using high-speed data transfer via HSDPA technology, so the user will definitely not be left without high-quality Internet.
You can connect various accessories, such as a wireless headset or a fitness bracelet, using the Bluetooth version 4.0 module. It supports stereo audio transmission, which can be useful for music lovers who constantly tear wired headphones.
You can connect to Wi-Fi networks without problems using the built-in module that supports all modern technologies, including 802.11N. If necessary, it will also be used to distribute mobile Internet to other devices by switching the smartphone to work as an access point.
User reviews of the smartphone
For a long time that has passed since the release, users have left a lot of feedback and reviews about this model. Among its main positive aspects are the following:
- Good performance. The smoothness of operation and the sophistication of the interface of the operating system make it comfortable to use a smartphone, despite its venerable age.
- High quality picture. The use of an expensive screen, although it increased the cost of the gadget itself, but at the same time increased comfort and positive feelings from its use.
- Resistant to damage. Users note that they have been using the phone for more than 5 years, but at the same time it continues to work despite harsh operating conditions.
- Photo quality. The characteristics of HTC One S regarding the camera, in comparison with modern models, are not so high. But good matrices and thoughtful processing scripts allow him to take better photos than many current state employees can.
- Nice design. HTC's corporate identity has always been good, but in this model they only consolidated the general opinion about it.
However, this smartphone has its drawbacks. One of them is a non-removable battery that cannot be replaced without the help of a master. Given that the average battery life is 3-4 years, many have already encountered this problem. Another disadvantage is the front camera, which has a low resolution and mediocre optics. Otherwise, users do not notice significant shortcomings.
Conclusions
This model is suitable for those who want to get a high-quality, but at the same time compact device. It has an impressive list of advantages and relatively tolerable disadvantages. Despite the rather oldyear of issue, it has not lost relevance so far.
If you need an even smaller size, then the HTC Wildfire S phone is at your service, the characteristics of which still allow you to use it for most modern tasks.
