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HTC Sensation 4G review

7.6/10 AVG.
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HTC Sensation 4G
HTC Sensation 4G
HTC Sensation 4G
HTC Sensation 4G
HTC Sensation 4G
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7.6/10
Informr score
The HTC Sensation 4G currently has an Informr score of 7.6 out of 10. This score is based on our evaluation of 34 sources including reviews from users and the web's most trusted critics.

The HTC Sensation 4G is the latest T-Mobile smartphone to enter the market. After initial tests and reviews, the Sensation looks to have emerged as one of the better smartphones phones ever produced. It's thin, sturdy, packed with features and boasts an impressive spec sheet.

The HTC Sensation has a 1.3 GHz dual-core processor, something we used to see in computers 15 years ago. It has a 4.3 inch HD display and an 8-megapixel camera. There is full 1080p HD video capability as well.

The Sense interface is an excellent improvement on HTC's old interface. There is a 3D effect when you scroll through the menu or when the clock changes minutes and hours. Applications such as the music player, the email application and other utilities have been improved.

The internet browser is another plus point to the HTC Sensation, with web pages appearing in stunning clarity and achieving great speeds with the 4G network. As a result, when you are surfing the web on this device it almost seems as if you are using a laptop. Even the most graphic oriented web pages upload in seconds, which is something all smartphone enthusiasts will be pleased with. As for its cell phone service, the HTC Sensation 4G has great call quality, a loud and clear speakerphone and great reception compared to many other phones.

There are many smartphones on the market, such as the iPhone and other Android devices, but The HTC Sensation can more than compete due to its features, aesthetics and performance. If you are looking for a smartphone and your budget allows, the HTC Sensation 4G may be the phone for you.

Need To Know: HTC Sensation 4G

1. Superb call and speakerphone quality (The Good)

2. Onboard 8 megapixel camera with 1080p HD capability (The Good)

3. Expensive (The Bad)

4. User interface is complicated and takes some getting used to (The Bad)


Android
Operating system
Operating system
Android
1.2 GHz
Processor
Processor
1.2 GHz
4.3"
Screen Size
Screen Size
4.3"
8+ MP
Camera
Camera
8+ MP
1520 mAh
Battery


What the Critics Are Saying...


GSMArena
GSMArena

Well, we're sure you've already picked your favorite, but we'll have a few of our usual parting words anyway.The HTC Sensation is a very good phone all round and the tests we ran gave us no reason to doubt it. But it's by no means perfect. The death grip issue is one thing (check our our two tests),...

- GSMArena Team, GSMArena
GSMArena
GSMArena

We liked the build of the HTC Sensation (although the "unibody" didn’t turn out to be what we expected). And the latest Sense UI version will make your head spin - there's just so much functionality and eye-candy. We felt like kids in a candy store when we started testing the Sensation. Plus,...

- GSMArena Team, GSMArena
Techsmart
Techsmart

The Sensation is exactly what a good smartphone should be like in 2011. This flagship phone is not flashy, instead providing classy looks, a good screen and solid performance. HTC’s Sense 3.0 user interface is the clincher though – it made us wish for the ease-of-use of the Sensation when testing ot...

- Michael Joubert, Techsmart
Top Ten Reviews
Top Ten Reviews

If you are hoping to find a great touch phone that offers social media applications, a built-in music player, FM radio and HD television, the HTC Sensation is the touch phone for you. Facebook and YouTube come preloaded on this phone so you will not have to spend time downloading them. You can begin...

- Top Ten Reviews Team, Top Ten Reviews
TechTree
TechTree

The Sensation is HTC's answer to Samsung's flagship GS2. Quality-wise, this phone scores over its rival. Moreover, TouchWiz stands no chance against the Sense 3.0 UI. On the other hand, its video player is not up to the mark. In terms of raw power, I found the GS2 handled complex games with more eas...

- Chandrakant Isi, TechTree


Prices (Where to Buy)




Common Questions


We've got you covered! Download a free PDF copy of the HTC Sensation 4G user manual here.


HTC backs up the Sensation 4G with a 1 Year parts & labour warranty.


If your Sensation 4G 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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Screen Size
4.3"

The HTC Sensation 4G's screen size is 4.3 inches with x pixels resolution.

Processor
1.2 GHz

There is a Qualcomm Dual-core MSM 8260 1.2 GHz processor (CPU).

OS

The phone runs on proprietary operating system firmware.

Camera
8+ MP

You can take photos or capture video with the phone's onboard 8+ MP camera.

There is also a secondary front facing camera useful for video chat and self portraits.

Storage
1024 MB

Internal memory is 1024 MB. An external, MicroSD, MicroSDHC (up to 32 GB) expansion slot is available for increased storage capacity.

Battery
1520mAh

The phone is powered by a Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion), 1520 mAh battery. HTC's performance ratings are 14.5 days standby time, 495 minutes.

Sensation 4G Specs

Overview
Release Date May 19, 2011
Regions Available USA, Canada
Operating System No

Compare Android Smartphones

Processor Qualcomm Dual-core MSM 8260 1.2 GHz
Internal Storage 1024 MB
RAM 768 MB
Hearing Aid Compatible No
TTY/TDD Yes
Noise Cancellation No
SAR Head: 0.358 W/kg
Body: 0.76 W/kg
Manufacturer Warranty 1 Year
Accessories Included AC Charger, Headset, Manual, Standard Battery
Cellular
Networks
EDGE, HSDPA 14.4, HSUPA
Mobile / Cellular Data
Push-to-talk (PTT) No
Wi-Fi Calling No
Voice over LTE (VoLTE) No
SIM card size
Yes
Dual SIM No
Connectivity
USB Micro-USB 2.0
USB OTG Support No
GPS Type A-GPS
Infrared No
Bluetooth 3.0
Bluetooth Profiles A2DP, AVRCP, OPP/FTP, HID, HFP, HSP
Bluetooth Audio Codecs SBC
Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n
Mobile Hotspot No
Memory Expansion Slot Yes
Expansion Slot Info MicroSD, MicroSDHC (up to 32 GB)
NFC No
Data Tethering Compatibility Yes
Camera
Main Camera
Resolution / Aperture
8+ Megapixels
Zoom
Yes
Flash
Yes (Dual LED)
Additional Rear Camera Info
Auto focus, Effects, Geotagging, White balance
Video Recording Formats
3GP / 3GPP, 3G2 / 3GPP2, MPEG-4, WMV, XviD, AVI
Video Recording Parameters
Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels)
Front Camera
Resolution / Aperture
Additional Front Camera Info
VGA
Video Recording Parameters
Display / Screen
Type Color
Technology LCD (TFT)
Colors 16.7 million
Resolution x pixels
Pixel Density Unknown
Size 4.3 inches
Secondary Display No
Sensors Ambient Light, Proximity, Motion / Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Digital Compass
Multi-Touch No
Fingerprint-Resistant Coating No
Additional Display Features -
Power & Battery
Battery Type Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion)
Battery Capacity 1520 mAh
Removable Battery Yes
Wireless Charging
Fast Charging No
Video Playback Time Unknown
Internet Use (Wi-Fi) Unknown
Internet Use (Cellular) Unknown
Talk Time Up to 495 minutes
Standby Time Up to 14.5 days
Mixed Usage
Physical Characteristics
Design Type Bar
Colors Black
Dimensions [H x W x D] 12.6 x 6.5 x 1.1 cm (5 x 2.6 x 0.4 in)
Weight 148 grams
Water Resistant / Waterproof Unknown
Rugged design No
IP Rating No
Headset Jack 3.5mm
External Speakers No
Input / Navigation
Sleep / Wake Key No
Home Key No
Input / Keyboard Type Touchscreen
Navigation Type Touchscreen
External Volume Control Yes
Fingerprint Sensor No
More
Additional Information Messaging: SMS, MMS, Google Talk
Multi-Use Smart Phone / PDA: Yes
Graphics: Yes
Themes: Yes
Backlit Illumination: Yes
Zoom / Magnification: Yes
Predictive Text Entry: Yes
Voicemail Key: Yes
Keypad/Screen Lock: Yes
Multiple Numbers Per Contact: Email address, Other fields
Auto Answer: Yes
Voice Activated Dialing: Yes
Photo Caller ID: Yes
Web Browser: Yes
Email Client: Yes
Email Protocols: POP3, IMAP, Microsoft Exchange
PC Synchronization: Yes
DLNA Support: Yes
Audio Formats: MIDI, MP3, AAC, AMR, WMA, WAV, M4A, OGG
Video Playback Formats: 3GP / 3GPP, 3G2 / 3GPP2, MPEG-4, WMV, XviD, AVI
Streaming Video: Yes
Custom Ringtones: No
Vibration Alert: Yes
Downloadable Ringtones: Yes
Ringer ID: Yes
Speakerphone: Yes
Haptic Feedback: Yes
Data Tethering: Yes
Radio: Yes (FM)
Viewable document types: BMP, DOC, DOCX, GIF, JPG, PDF, PPT, PPTX, RTF, TXT, XLS
Games: Yes
Apps: Downloadable
Included Software / Apps: -
To-Do / Task List, Calendar, World Clock, Alarm, Stop Watch, Timer, Calculator, Weather, Stocks, Maps, NotePad, Voice Memos / Recorder

Other Names (AKA): HTC Pyramid, HTC Sensation

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Related Links Manual (PDF)
HTC Sensation 4G Reviews
Where to buy HTC Sensation 4G
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