HTC is rounding up the year by launching its second 4G LTE smartphone in the UK. The new One SV joins the already available One X+ on EE; the UK’s first and currently only 4G network.
The new One SV is aimed at a different market to the One X+, with a distinctly mid-range feel. Nevertheless, its key selling point is going to be blazing fast 4G connectivity for speedy web browsing and app downloads.
Although classed as a mid-range handset and distinctly lower in the rankings compared to HTC’s new powerhouse Droid DNA, the One SV still has some features to shout about. For starters, the 4.3-inch display is bright and vivid thanks to the type of screen technology HTC has opted for – their favoured Super LCD2 panels, to be precise.
Additionally, there’s a dual-core 1.2GHz Snapdragon S4 processor under the hood with 1GB of RAM and 8GB of onboard storage. A micro SD card slot allows this to be expanded by up to 32GB, and with HTC’s partnership with Dropbox for online storage you’ll end up with plenty of space for your files.
On the back of the phone you’ll find a 5-megapixel camera with f/2.0 lens backside illumination and LED flash, and up front there’s a 1.6-megapixel camera for video calling. While the One SV may be lower than most flagship phones in the megapixel count, the fact it has a backside illuminated sensor and low f stop lens should make it more than capable for shooting great quality pics in low light. Full HD video can be captured using the rear camera and you’ll also be able to snap still images at the same time as recording HD video.
Software-wise the phone rocks Android Ice Cream Sandwich along with HTC’s latest Sense 4+ user interface, with Beats Audio integration to pump up the volume. NFC, GPS, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.0 connectivity are all included, as well as the star of the show; 4G LTE. For times when you don’t have 4G, the phone is capable of 42Mbps download speeds using HSPA+ networks.
EE will offer the HTC One SV on contract in the next few weeks in “Pyrenees Blue” and “Glacier White”, although there’s no word on prices just yet. We have word from Unlocked Mobiles that the handset will be available from January 2nd 2013 SIM-free for £329.98.
What do you think of HTC’s new phone? Would a cheaper phone persuade you to go 4G? Let us know via our Facebook page or by commenting below.