Last week I posted an article on the HTC One X and One S international models and over the past week I have been spending time with the new T-Mobile HTC One S launching next week. I won't repeat all of the details on the One S I already discussed last week for the international model, but I will cover a bit more about the software and features I did not yet cover. You can see several photos of the HTC One S, and a couple taken with the device, in my image gallery.
Image Gallery: Check out photos of the HTC One S on T-Mobile USA. | ||||||
Just like last week when I tried the international models, I am extremely impressed with the HTC One S hardware. It is sleek, well constructed, and gorgeous. T-Mobile will be carrying the Gradient Blue model that matches the international model I looked at last week.
The only other spec I would have liked to have seen was NFC, but it isn't yet essential in my life so I could use the HTC One S as my main device with no problem.
Looking at other functions that are important to me, I much prefer the multi-tasking interface on the One S where they give you a cover flow like effect with the ability to swipe the app up still present. The Apps button also gives you quick access to the Play Store and easy filtering tabs on the HTC One S.
Folders on the HTC One S appear tiled (four shortcut images on each folder shortcut) while the Galaxy Nexus shows the shortcuts with a stacked effect.
You will also find some T-Mobile specific apps and utilities, including T-Mobile TV, 411 & More, Game Base, Mobile Hotspot, Music Hub, My T-Mobile, T-Mobile Mall, T-Mobile Name ID, T-Mobile TV, and Visual Voicemail.
Another functionality specific to the T-Mobile HTC One S, as compared to the international version, is the support for WiFi Calling. WiFi Calling lets you receive and make calls over WiFi, which can be important if you have a weak signal at your house or place of business. Minutes used will be counted toward your monthly calling plan, unless you add the WiFi Calling feature to your Even More or Even More Plus plans that then allow you to have unlimited calling over WiFi. Unlike the UMA technology of the past, there is no longer a handoff between WiFi and the T-Mobile cellular network so if you lose your WiFi signal the call will drop. I tested WiFi Calling out on my home network and it worked well.
I can't get over how fantastic the device feels in my hand. HTC Sense 4 on Ice Cream Sandwich is excellent and very functional. The display is not as fantastic as the HTC One X, but it is still very good and quite vibrant. The T-Mobile HTC One S looks to be the best Android device on T-Mobile at this time and is sure to be a hot seller.
The HTC One S will be available on 25 April for $199.99 after a $50 mail-in rebate.