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Pure Android meets premium design (pictures)

The new $599 HTC One Google Play Edition isn't cheap, but it offers Nexus-class Android software in the HTC One's beautifully crafted metal chassis.

Brian Bennett
Brian Bennett is a former senior writer for the home and outdoor section at CNET.
Brian Bennett
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1 of 10 Sarah Tew/CNET

Hello, sweet Jelly Bean

A major part of the HTC One Google Play Edition's appeal is its clean Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean software.
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Unlocked and ready to rock

As an unlocked GSM handset, Google says that the HTC One Google Play Edition will accept SIM cards from AT&T and T-Mobile. A pop-out slot on the phone's left side lets you swap SIM cards in and out.
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3 of 10 Sarah Tew/CNET

An IR blaster sans software

While the top edge of the HTC One Google Play Edition sports an IR blaster (it doubles as the power button), stock Jelly Bean offers no way to use it.
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Same ultrapixel camera

On back of the HTC One Google Play Edition is the same 4MP "ultrapixel" camera you'll find on the standard One handset.
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Slim, trim, and metallic

It's hard not to stare at the HTC One GPE's svelte aluminum profile.
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A volume key with texture

The HTC One GPE, just like the standard HTC One, has a trim volume key with a retro rippled texture.
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Booming speakers

Flanking the screen are a set of twin speakers for impressive stereo sound.
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More than a basic camera

The HTC One Google Play Edition's camera app offers the Photo Sphere mode for 360-degree panoramas along with standard horizontal panorama mode.
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Choose the image size

The HTC One Google Play Edition's camera tops out at 4MP.
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Edit your photos later

Within the HTC One GPE's camera app, you have the option of editing images by applying filters and cropping.

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