HTC on Monday finally took the wraps off of its HTC One Max, the humongous phablet we have seen leak extensively over the past few months. Just as earlier reports suggested, the handset is a bigger version of the flagship HTC One smartphone, which BGR recently called the best Android smartphone in the world. One Max highlights include a 5.9-inch full HD display, a somewhat stale 1.7GHz quad-core Snapdragon 600 processor, an UltraPixel rear camera, a 2.1-megapixel front-facing camera, 16GB or 32GB of internal storage, microXDHC card support for an additional 64GB of storage, 2GB of RAM, a 3,300 mAh battery and Android 4.3 Jelly Bean running under HTC’s new Sense 5.5 software. It also includes an integrated fingerprint scanner for added security, though unlike Apple’s fairly elegant solution on the iPhone 5s that keeps the scanner inconspicuous by embedding it in the home button, the One Max’s scanner is a dedicated panel positioned next to the camera lens on the back of the phone. HTC says the One Max will begin rolling out later this month, though no specific launch date or pricing for the U.S. market have been announced. The company’s full press release follows below along with a video showcasing the new phone.
THE HTC ONE GETS SUPERSIZED WITH THE HTC ONE MAX
World’s best smartphone now in 5.9″ with new and improved HTC Sense 5.5 ® experience
London, October 15, 2013 – HTC, a global leader in mobile innovation and design, today announced the HTC One max, a super-sized smartphone that brings the award-winning design, functionality and performance of the HTC One to fans of larger handsets. A new Fingerprint Scan feature takes convenience to a new level while acclaimed features including HTC BlinkFeed™, HTC Zoe™ and HTC BoomSound™, combined with the new HTC Sense 5.5, which are all enhanced to continue to deliver the best overall smartphone experience, now on a larger screen.
“The addition of the HTC One max means that we now have an HTC One phone for everyone. The family has been built on quality and game-changing innovations and the HTC One max is certainly no exception,” said Peter Chou, CEO of HTC Corporation. “The upgrade to HTC Sense 5.5 will provide our most amazing mobile experience yet, with the HTC One max delivering the size and power required to do everything you want, and more, without compromise.”
Big and powerful
The HTC One max’s 5.9″ full HD1080p display is perfect for enjoying photos, videos and movies on the go. Smooth and efficient performance comes courtesy of a quad-core Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 600 processor featuring a quad-core 1.7 GHz CPU enabling jaw-dropping performance, ultra vivid videos and booming sound. Whether you’re watching videos in stunning HD, playing games or checking out what’s hot online, the HTC One max sounds amazing, looks sharp and keeps working when you need it.
The 16GB or 32GB onboard memory can be expanded thanks to a microSD™ card slot, with a massive 50GB of additional free Google Drive online storage being offered exclusively to HTC One max owners
The large 3300mAh embedded battery means that this level of performance will last and last. Even the most intensive users will find the HTC One max is up to the challenge thanks to the optional HTC Power Flip Case, a stylish 1150mAh battery expansion for your HTC One max which offers both protection and extra juice when you need it most.
Maximum convenience at your fingertips
The average person checks their phone multiple times a day, so the HTC One max welcomes a new era of convenience and advanced functionality thanks to a built-in Fingerprint Scan feature. Located on the back of the device, the fingerprint scanner allows users to lock or unlock the screen and quickly launch up to three favourite applications by assigning an individual finger to each.
More content than ever before
The HTC One max’s Sense 5.5 upgrade comes with a more social, personalised HTC BlinkFeed that can be further refined by customisable topic categories and new integration with premium content providers including Instagram and Google+. Up to 120 articles can also be downloaded for offline viewing, making BlinkFeed even better for snacking on information wherever and whenever you are.
Ultimate imaging
Featuring HTC’s UltraPixel camera technology, HTC Zoe mode, that brings your photos to life, and a 2.1MP front-facing camera, the HTC One max will capture stunning photos and full HD 1080p videos whether you’re the photographer, the subject or both. Dual Capture means you can now snap memorable moments and your reaction to them in one extraordinary photo or video by simultaneously shooting with the front and rear cameras.
Improved imaging is also introduced through Video Highlights, which combines your photos and videos to create a mini movie complete with the soundtrack and visual theme of your choice. And with the HTC One max, your Video Highlights can now be any length you want.
Design at its Best
Available in Glacial Silver, the HTC One max shares the same premium design credentials as the rest of the HTC One family, providing an all round exceptional experience.
Global Availability
The HTC One max will begin rolling out across the globe from mid – end October. See specific regions for details.