HTC unveils its latest flagship smartphone, the HTC 10

Source: HTC. The new flagship HTC 10 boasts several firsts.

Source: HTC. HTC Themes allows users to personalize their phones with thousands of professionally designed themes, each featuring unique icons, backgrounds, and sounds.

HTC has introduced its newest flagship smartphone, the HTC 10. Representing “the Power of 10” - signifying greatness and independence - this latest addition to the HTC phone lineup combines what HTC claims is the best smartphone camera available, the first-ever stereo 24-bit high-resolution audio recording capability in a smartphone, and exceptional performance.

Appearance

Taking inspiration from light, the HTC 10 features a contoured design crafted from solid metal. The chamfered edges contribute to a slim profile, with a full glass front that blends seamlessly into the metal unibody.

Design Focus

HTC prioritized durability in the HTC 10’s design. Engineered to withstand everyday impacts like knocks, bumps, and scratches, the phone has been subjected to over 168 hours of extreme temperature tests, ranging from -20°C to 60°C, in addition to over 10,000 drop, bend, scratch, and corrosion tests.

The Camera

The HTC 10 boasts a DxOMark score of 88, placing it among the highest-rated smartphones for camera quality to date. Equipped with the world’s first optically stabilized, larger aperture f/1.8 lenses on both front and rear cameras, new larger sensors, 12 million UltraPixels (1.55µm per pixel), faster laser autofocus on the primary camera, and a wide-angle lens with screen flash on the front UltraSelfie camera, this smartphone captures sharp, high-resolution images regardless of which camera is in use, even in low light conditions.

The camera is designed to launch in a mere 0.6 seconds. It also features second-generation laser autofocus that enables faster focus for still shots, even in burst mode. A Pro Mode offers advanced settings for experienced photographers, including RAW format capability.

Designed for Audiophiles

This smartphone excels beyond just imaging. The HTC 10 merges vibrant 4K video recording with stereo 24-bit high-resolution audio recording, capturing 256 times more detail than standard recordings across double the frequency range. A headphone amp that delivers twice the output power of a standard headphone amp, the ability to upscale audio from 16-bit to 24-bit, and high-performance digital-to-analogue conversion work together to produce ten times less distortion compared to other devices currently available.

The HTC 10 introduces an entirely new Personal Audio Profile system that dynamically adjusts specific sound frequencies to each ear, allowing for a listening experience that aligns with the artist’s intention. Redesigned HTC BoomSound Hi-Fi edition speakers utilize the same separate tweeter and woofer design found in top-tier acoustic systems and incorporate a dedicated amplifier for each speaker, further enhancing audio clarity.

HTC has also equipped its flagship phone with what they claim are the highest quality high-resolution audio-certified earphones included in-box to date. These earphones feature an 8µm thin aerospace polymer diaphragm and 70% larger drivers, resulting in richer sound and twice the frequency range for the listener.

Enhanced Speed

The HTC 10 offers apps that launch twice as fast with top-of-the-line performance. A next-generation Quad HD display that is 30% more vibrant and 50% more responsive to touch than its predecessor allows even the slightest and quickest finger movements to register accurately.

The HTC 10 features the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon processor with improved 4G LTE capabilities. Each device also includes Boost+, a feature designed to enhance phone speed, minimize power consumption, and offer robust security and application management. The smart boost feature automatically optimizes memory usage, while a game battery booster reduces battery drain during gameplay. The Boost+ App Lock function adds an extra layer of security by allowing users to lock any app of their choice, and the App Manager provides quick solutions for misbehaving apps.  A new PowerBotics system automatically identifies and closes apps that consume excessive power, resulting in a 30% improvement in battery life and extending battery charge up to two days.

The HTC 10 also comes with the newest in-box quick charge 3.0 Rapid Charger, which features enhanced thermal management for faster charging, allowing the battery to reach up to 50% charge in only 30 minutes.

Security

With security being a top priority for many, HTC has incorporated a fingerprint scanner that unlocks the phone in just 0.2 seconds. The scanner is designed with an algorithm that learns and adapts, enabling it to recognize fingerprints with increased speed and accuracy as it’s used over time.

HTC also offers a new Ice View case as an optional accessory. This semi-transparent, single front-cover case allows users to interact with their phone, such as skipping a track or taking a picture, without having to open the case.

Interested?

The HTC 10 will be exclusively available in Carbon Grey on Lazada.SG from August 1st to 15th, 2016, for S$898. Starting August 16th, 2016, the HTC 10 will be available through all major retailers. As part of the launch promotion, the first 500 buyers will receive a complimentary HTC Mini+ phone accessory, and the first 100 buyers will receive free Ice View covers.

*All benchmarks (excluding DXO) were determined through testing conducted by HTC in HTC labs, comparing HTC and competitor products.

Configurations and included accessories, such as earphones and the 3.0 Rapid Charger, may differ depending on the country of purchase. Please check with an authorized retailer or carrier for availability.

**Battery life may vary depending on the cellular network, location, signal strength, feature configurations, phone usage, and various other factors. Actual results may differ. Battery tests were carried out in HTC laboratories using specific HTC devices.

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