By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
TechgoonduTechgoondu
  • Audio-visual
  • Enterprise
    • Software
    • Cybersecurity
  • Gaming
  • Imaging
  • Internet
  • Media
  • Mobile
    • Cellphones
    • Tablets
  • PC
  • Telecom
Search
© 2023 Goondu Media Pte Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
Reading: Hands on: HTC One mini will find competition tough
Share
Aa
TechgoonduTechgoondu
Aa
  • Audio-visual
  • Enterprise
  • Gaming
  • Imaging
  • Internet
  • Media
  • Mobile
  • PC
  • Telecom
Search
  • Audio-visual
  • Enterprise
    • Software
    • Cybersecurity
  • Gaming
  • Imaging
  • Internet
  • Media
  • Mobile
    • Cellphones
    • Tablets
  • PC
  • Telecom
Follow US
© 2023 Goondu Media Pte Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
Techgoondu > Blog > Mobile > Cellphones > Hands on: HTC One mini will find competition tough
CellphonesMobile

Hands on: HTC One mini will find competition tough

Alfred Siew
Last updated: June 13, 2014 at 5:04 PM
Alfred Siew Published September 29, 2013
4 Min Read
SHARE

htc_one_mini_10

As its name implies, the HTC One mini is the smaller sibling to the quite stunning-looking HTC One launched earlier this year.

It’s got some of the good stuff of the bigger brother, such as a great UltraPixel camera, but there are also a number of cost-cutting trade-offs involved when you opt for the HTC One mini.

The first thing you’d notice is the smooth metal finish that is a carry-over from the HTC One. The second thing that catches your eye, however, is the plastic frame that holds together the back cover and front panel.

Design-wise, it’s shaped like and feels like an HTC One, but you won’t miss the plastic parts. Whether you like it is down to a matter of taste. However, it’s the first clue that the One mini is a budget version of the flagship model.

Under the cover, the hardware is decidedly “mid-range”. Instead of a quad-core chip, there’s a dual-core affair running at 1.4GHz. There’s only 16GB storage (instead of 32GB on the base model of the HTC One) and 1GB RAM instead of 2GB.

And the screen too is a smaller 4.3 inches (instead of 4.7 inches) and packs fewer pixels (720p against 1080p).

Fortunately, images and text still appear very sharp on the HTC One mini, and the contrast and brightness cannot be faulted at all. Even on a bright day, the screen will do well to show off webpages and other items, while the contrast is obvious with deep blacks.

htc_one_mini_11

Still, with so many trade-offs from the original HTC One, will people like the One mini?

One thing that still does well for me is the UltraPixel camera technology that the Taiwanese company has included in the One mini. Pictures I take, unsurprisingly, show off good contrast and are superior to many a cellphone camera I’ve used.

If you liked the HTC-centric features such as its Sense interface and its software features such as Zoe and Blinkfeed, you’ll be happy to know that they are all included in the One mini as well.

Zoe lets you easily come up with a video based on a series of photos, while Blinkfeed brings a nifty-looking home screen on your phone, where you can get a quick glance of your friends’ Facebook updates and other news items from online sources.

Essentially, the One mini is a cheaper, smaller version of the flagship HTC One. In the short time I used it, I’m happy with its size and light weight (122g), which make for easy one-handed operation, unlike bigger phones.

htc_one_mini_09

What I’m not sure of is the price. At S$688, it is priced a little close to premium smartphones, which cost from about S$800 to over S$1,000. Yet, it is clear there have been quite a few features stripped out from the original HTC One.

If your budget can be stretched, go for the HTC One, when there are promotions from telecom operators. If you are tight on cash, then make sure the newer One mini is offered in a great deal by telcos before buying it.

In this mid-end market, HTC needs to get its phones cheaper to compete for more price-sensitive customers.

You Might Also Like

Ravenlok review: A curious adventure in Wonderland with bunnies

Sony HT-S2000 review: compact soundbar offers Dolby Atmos but falls short

With more foldable phones in 2023, which one should you buy?

Audio-Technica ATH-TWX9 review: Earphones with premium build and excellent sound

Google Pixel 7a review: Smaller, cheaper phone is smart but comes with trade-offs

TAGGED: HTC, One mini, price and availability, review, Singapore

Sign up for the TG newsletter

Never miss anything again. Get the latest news and analysis in your inbox.

By signing up, you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe at any time.
Alfred Siew September 29, 2013
Share This Article
Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Whatsapp LinkedIn Copy Link Print
Share
Avatar photo
By Alfred Siew
Follow:
Alfred is a writer, speaker and media instructor who has covered the telecom, media and technology scene for more than 20 years. Previously the technology correspondent for The Straits Times, he now edits the Techgoondu.com blog and runs his own technology and media consultancy.
Previous Article Nokia Lumia 1020 costs S$999 in Singapore, bets on camera prowess
Next Article Picking a pair of great headphones
Leave a comment

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Stay Connected

Facebook Like
Twitter Follow

Latest News

Ravenlok review: A curious adventure in Wonderland with bunnies
Gaming June 2, 2023
Sony HT-S2000 review: compact soundbar offers Dolby Atmos but falls short
Audio-visual May 28, 2023
Gigabyte Aorus RTX 4090 Gaming Box lets you plug in external watercooled graphics
Gaming PC May 26, 2023
With more foldable phones in 2023, which one should you buy?
Cellphones Mobile May 23, 2023
//

Techgoondu.com is published by Goondu Media Pte Ltd, a company registered and based in Singapore.

.

Started in June 2008 by technology journalists and ex-journalists in Singapore who share a common love for all things geeky and digital, the site now includes segments on personal computing, enterprise IT and Internet culture.

banner banner
Everyday DIY
PC needs fixing? Get your hands on with the latest tech tips
READ ON
banner banner
Leaders Q&A
What tomorrow looks like to those at the leading edge today
FIND OUT
banner banner
Advertise with us
Discover unique access and impact with TG custom content
SHOW ME

 

 

POWERED BY READYSPACE
The Techgoondu website is powered by and managed by Readyspace Web Hosting.

TechgoonduTechgoondu
Follow US
© 2023 Goondu Media Pte Ltd. All Rights Reserved | Privacy | Terms of Use | Advertise | About Us | Contact
Join Us!

Never miss anything again. Get the latest news and analysis in your inbox.

Zero spam, Unsubscribe at any time.
 

Loading Comments...
 

    Welcome Back!

    Sign in to your account

    Lost your password?