What's good
- Easy to use one-handed
- Screen offers sharp details
- Good performance during every day use
What's bad
- Sluggish camera performance leads to blurry photos
- Screen difficult to read under bright light conditions
The HTC One Mini 2 is HTC's second offering in the "mini phone" landscape. While sharing the same Mini moniker as the HTC One Mini that is where the similarities end. The Mini 2 takes its design cues from the HTC One M8 from its brushed aluminum case to its gently curved back. Critics praise the luxurious look and feel of the phone and describe it as "gorgeous" and "slick." The device measures 13.7 x 6.6 x 1.0 cm (5.4 x 2.6 x 0.4 inches), making it narrower than the M8 though slightly thicker. TechRadar notes, "…the reduced width made it easier to reach all areas of the display during one handed operation."
With a display that measures 4.5 inches and has a resolution of 1280 x 720, the Mini 2 is a slight downgrade from the 1080p resolution of the M8. However, it still musters an impressive a pixel density of 326ppi, which is identical to the iPhone 5S. Despite its crisp details, reviewers did notice that the screen lacked the brightness of the M8, making it more difficult to use in sunlight, and provided less vivid colors. CNET states, "It's not a bad screen by and means," but goes on to add, "If you're hoping for the same quality of the flagship in a smaller size though, you will be disappointed."
While the exterior might look the same as the M8, the interior is a pretty big downgrade from the original. The Mini 2 features a 1.2GHz quad-core processor, 1GB of ram and 16GB of internal storage. Standard benchmark tests put its performance well below the M8, as to be expected. When critics tested it hands-on, they didn't have any issues with lag when used for normal purposes like taking pictures, checking emails or even playing graphic intensive games. It did slow down slightly, however, when they tried to use it to create long, full HD videos.
Camera-wise, HTC opted out of their signature UltraPixel sensor and Duo camera technology and instead went with a more mainstream 13MP camera and sensor. Reviewers find the camera usable in everyday use though they mention that it tends to struggle in both high contrast situations and low light environments. Others also noticed some sluggishness when actually capturing a shot, which led to numerous blurry frames.
For the most part, critics praise the HTC One Mini 2. Slashgear states, "…while the camera falls short, the performance, software and tidbits are most welcome." Android Central adds, "Overall, the HTC One Mini 2 is a compelling mid-level smartphones…There's very little to complain about." On the other hand The Verge notes, "Those whose budgets are constrained to the One Mini 2's bracket would be better served seeking greater functionality and performance."
What the Critics Are Saying...
- Vallentina Palladino, Laptop MagThe HTC One Remix is truly the little brother of HTC's M8--it's smaller and less powerful, but still pretty awesome. It gets the job done in a stylish package, and for a free phone, that's a big achievement. I also like the quality dual speakers, BlinkFeed app and 13-MP camera.Although it's not the...
- Jeffrey Van Camp, Digital TrendsVerizon’s HTC One Remix may not have all the high-end specs of its bigger cousin, the HTC One M8, but it works like a solid mid-range smartphone. The Remix’s cameras are top notch and its processor is speedy, but some aspects of the device’s design and the 720p screen bring it down...
- Mark Lee, Geek SquadDespite the visual similarities to the One M8, it’s important to focus on the HTC One Mini 2 as an evolution of the previous Mini. In that respect it’s clear that HTC has put a lot of work into ensuring the One Mini 2 is an upgrade in every respect. It looks great as we’ve come to...
- Florence Ion, PCWorldTalking on the phone is something I still do, so being able to do so comfortably is incredibly important to me. If that’s a concern of yours, too, the One Remix is a good catch. It also supports 4G LTE data, which many other mid-range phones don’t.What’s also nice about the One Rem...
- Joe Fedewa, Phandroid“Remixing” usually means to create something completely different from an original source. Most “mini” phones on the market have been “remixed.” They may share a name with the original flagship, but so many features have been scarified it’s hardly the same d...
Prices (Where to Buy)
Common Questions
We've got you covered! Download a free PDF copy of the HTC One mini 2 user manual here.
HTC backs up the One mini 2 with a 1 Year parts & labour warranty.
If your One mini 2 has problems and is still within its warranty period, you could contact HTC support or the retailer you purchased the phone from. You'll find HTC's contact information here. If your phone is off warranty and needs repair for a physical problem such as a broken screen or bad battery, you should visit an authorized service centre or a local phone repair shop. You can also connect with others in The Informr Community Forum to find and share answers to questions.
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