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HTC’s latest flagship smartphone, the HTC One A9, has just been launched as the company’s $399.99 answer to leading smartphones from competitors such as Apple and Samsung.
The HTC One A9 is a big step up from the company’s previous HTC One M9 handset, and includes a Qualcomm Snapdragon 617 octa-core processor, 3GB of memory, 32GB of onboard storage and a microSD card slot that can hold a card up to 2TB, a 13-megapixel main camera and Android 6.0 Marshmallow.
The new handset will be offered in the U.S. for use on the mobile networks of AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile and Verizon, and an unlocked version will also be available only through HTC directly. The $399.99 special promotional pricing for the phone will be available for preorders through HTC’s Website, while pricing has not yet been announced through mobile carriers, according to the company. Preorders are available immediately through HTC.
The HTC One A9 appears to be HTC’s answer to Apple’s iPhone 6s and 6s Plus models as well as to competition from Samsung’s Galaxy S6 smartphones and others.
The latest HTC handset is built of metal and glass and has a 5-inch, edge-to-edge Full HD AMOLED display that’s covered by protective Corning Gorilla Glass 4.
The device’s 13MP main rear camera features Optical Image Stabilization to minimize hand shake and vibrations for sharper images, as well as a front UltraPixel camera that delivers quality selfies under a wide range of lighting conditions, according to HTC. Also included is an optional Pro mode that lets users save images in RAW format for better photos and a Photo Editor one-button enhancement feature that automatically brightens colors and sharpens edges to improve images.
Other photo improvement features are also included, including a Hyperlapse editing tool that lets users speed up their videos by up to 12 times normal speed for dramatic time-lapse effects, as well as an HTC Zoe capability that lets users automatically mix their best shots and videos into a professional-looking highlight reel that can be shared with others.
The HTC One A9 also includes BoomSound audio capabilities that are integrated into the headset, as well as Dolby Audio surround sound technology and sound quality that’s better than CDs, according to HTC.
The new handset includes rapid charging and a 2,150mAh battery, as well as Doze power-saving capabilities that automatically shut off power-hungry applications when the phone is left idle, such as when charging overnight.
The phone will come in 16GB or 32GB storage capacities. It will be available in Carbon Gray, Opal Silver, Topaz Gold or Deep Garnet dual finishes and will include brushed details and polished sides. The handsets will be available worldwide, both at retailers and at htc.com, sometime in November 2015.
The handsets will come with six months of unlimited music on Google Play Music and with HTC’s UH OH Protection, which includes one free replacement within the first 12 months of ownership for a cracked screen, water damage or carrier switch.
“HTC is a smartphone pioneer, having delivered the first Android smartphone, the first Windows smartphone, the first 4G smartphone, and the first all-metal smartphone,” Cher Wang, the chairwoman and CEO of HTC, said in a statement. “Today we’re taking that heritage of innovation to the next level, unveiling a phone that stands apart in a market increasingly dominated by a company which controls every aspect of your phone. The HTC One A9 breaks from this trend by offering an incredible design, fantastic performance, cutting-edge software features and the freedom to take full control of your smartphone experience.”