HTC One V and One S Unveiled

By Alex Angove

Last updated 27 February 2012

HTC has unveiled its HTC One series, starting with the HTC One X and continuing with the One V and One S. The HTC One V, previously referred to as the HTC Primo, is looking to be a lower-end device aimed at the more budget-conscious user, while the HTC One S boasts some more impressive hardware.

The HTC One V

The One V, despite its target market, is an Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich device. A physical successor to the HTC Legend and Hero, the One V sports the same iconic chin at its base and, surprisingly enough, three hardware keys for Back, Home and Applications.

A single-core 1GHz processor and 512MB of RAM power the handset, along with 4GB of internal storage and a 1500mAh battery. The 3.7 inch 480x800 LCD display should have a high enough pixel density to keep users happy, but shouldn’t be too much of a drain on the battery.

The 5MP camera is capable of 720p video. Complete with one of HTC’s new f/2.0 lenses, the camera should outpace other 5MP shooters, but whether or not it can hold its own against something more substantial is yet to be seen.

All in all the HTC One V sounds like a solid device, but its true value will only become apparent once we get word of pricing. It’s always the way with devices aimed at the lower ends of the market, so we’ll see just what HTC is offering the One V for before we make any judgements.

The HTC One S

The One S, previously known as the HTC Ville, is definitely a more substantial offering. Rocking a dual-core 1.5GHz processor, HSPA+ connectivity, Android 4.0 ICS and a 4.3 inch Super AMOLED display the HTC One S looks to be aimed at the upper end of the mid-market or the lower end of the top of the market.

At just 7.9mm thick the HTC One S’ stylish metallic body should definitely be enough to turn a head or two. There’s also an 8MP camera with the same f/2.0 lens that HTC is hoping will impress reviewers, but it’s a bit early to tell if it’s a significant improvement over traditional lenses at this stage.

The One S will be arriving on the T-Mobile network before anywhere else and right now it's unsure as to which other countries will be receiving the handset and when.

So far we’re definitely more excited about the One S than the One V, but it’s still nice to see HTC sticking with its roots while offering an up-to-date and (hopefully) affordable Android experience in the One V.