With the number of Android phones that are flooding the market now, the beleaguered HTC has gone and launched the X9 -- and it doesn't stand a chance at a price of Rs 25,990. That's Rs 26,000 for all practical purposes.
Turning the HTC One X9 over and over in my hands, I had to think hard to figure out what really recommends this device. It's very solidly built, yes. It's 5.5 inches, but a little broad so that it seems bigger than it is. It's got a smooth metal back with an ugly plastic strip on top. And looking at it, the words military and industrial grade kept popping into my head. No, it's not a phone you'd flaunt. But rather one that you'd think of as utility. It doesn't look vulnerable or flimsy in any way. That's about all I can find to say about its physical attributes.
Swipe it open and you'll find a standard looking 1080x1920 display, not remarkable for anything in particular. It's a little dull, in fact. But it is comfortable, like a book with big big print, easy to read, easy on the eyes. That's something I appreciate and personally prefer compared with displays that are crisped to the point of making you reach out for a magnifying lens.
The phone runs smoothly on Android 6.0 and its Sense UI 7.0. The MediaTek Helio X10 octa-core processor runs lag free with its 3GB or RAM. You have 32GB of storage, expandable with a card. All is smooth. But from benchmark scores, you can see this is a budget processor and there is some heating up even with watching a bit of video.
If you're expecting good Boomsound speakers on this HTC phone, you won't be disappointed. But I have heard better, including on the original old HTC One.
The cameras, both the 13MP primary and the 5MP front are passable. They wouldn't be the reason you'd buy the phone nor the reason to give it a miss.
This device has Dual-SIM slots (nano) and supports all the 4G bands. The battery is a 3,000mAh which behaves moderately well.
The biggest drawback of this device is really its price. It's a regular budget phone but being sold at a price that's no longer considered budget. The Xiaomi Mi5, which is close to this price, is a blazer compared with it, for example.
BW Reporters
Mala Bhargava has been writing on technology well before the advent of internet in Indians and before CDs made their way into computers. Mala writes on technology, social media, startups and fitness. A trained psychologist, she claims that her understanding of psychology helps her understand the human side of technology.
_20240816145558_original_image_26.webp)
