HTC's One VX is midrange but plenty fast (hands-on)
Just because the HTC One VX lacks quad-core processing doesn't mean it can't satisfy.
Not everyone needs a smartphone with bleeding-edge specs, when a reliable and fun device that tackles everyday mobile tasks will suffice. HTC's new One VX is a handset created to target just such a customer. That said, while the One VX’s internal components aren’t a match for HTC’s own One X+, it offers power and specs that were considered premium just six months ago. At AT&T’s massive fall press event, I managed to take the phone for a quick spin and can say that the device is both stylish and nimble.
Design
HTC was one of the first smartphone makers to popularize metal unibody designs. The One VX departs from this legacy by using plastic polycarbonate materials. That’s a big change from the aluminum unibody construction of the phone’s predecessor, the HTC One V. Still, the One VX is thoughtfully crafted in attractive curves and clearly inspired by the One X and X+ devices.
When I held the One VX, it definitely felt lighter than its bigger sibling, the HTC One X+. That makes sense since the phone has a smaller 4.5-inch qHD display, compared with the One X+'s 4.7-inch (1,280x720-pixel) screen. A plus is that the One VX has a removable back battery cover, which lets you replace the battery yourself. You do pay a price for this ability since the One VX is noticeably thicker than the One X+.
Features
In essence, the HTC One VX is the once-premium One X poured into a cheaper chassis with a lower-resolution screen. The device does run Android version 4.1 Jelly Bean, however, not Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich that powered the One V and One X. Driving the phone is a dual-core 1.2GHz Snapdragon processor. That's the same class of CPU that came in the HTC One X, though the X boasted a slightly faster 1.5GHz processor. Manipulating the VX's interface felt responsive enough, and I didn't experience any lag when opening apps or firing up the camera. This device also has HTC's Sense 4 UI layered over Android and features the same 8-megapixel resolution camera as its forebears.
Outlook
All in all, I was intrigued by the HTC One VX but not exactly thrilled by it. It will certainly please average Android users who don't crave the latest and greatest hardware on the market. What will really determine the phone's success will be pricing. A sticker price of $150 or even less will help the device draw in shoppers who might have considered a more powerful product. Otherwise, the more robust quad-core One X+ becomes a much better deal. Pricing and availability for the HTC One VX hasn't been determined, but it's a good bet the phone will arrive on AT&T store shelves in time for the holidays.
