HTC One S: A Detailed Look at Hardware, Performance, and Software
The HTC One S is a compact smartphone designed with a focus on durability and sleek aesthetics. Combining a high-quality aluminum build with a vibrant display, it was positioned as a powerful alternative in the Android ecosystem. From its unique chassis finishes to its specialized imaging hardware, the One S offers a blend of form and function.
Key Facts
- Build: Aluminum unibody shell available in black micro arc oxidized or blue gradient anodized finishes.
- Display: 4.3-inch Super AMOLED with qHD resolution (960×540).
- Camera: 8MP primary sensor with a dedicated ImageChip for faster focus and startup.
- Processor: Available in two variants: Snapdragon S4 Plus (1.5 GHz) or Snapdragon S3 (1.7 GHz).
- Battery: Integrated 1,650 mAh battery.
- Storage: 16 GB built-in storage with 1 GB of RAM (no microSD slot).
Hardware and Design
The HTC One S features a slim profile, measuring just 0.31 inches (7.9 mm) at its thinnest point. The device is constructed from an aluminum unibody shell. It is available in two distinct finishes: a black micro arc oxidized finish and a light-blue to dark-blue gradient anodized finish. HTC claims the micro arc oxidized finish increases the body's strength fivefold compared to bare aluminum and the stainless steel used in iPhones, though some users have reported that the finish is prone to chipping.
The physical layout includes a power/lock button and a 3.5 mm headphone jack on the top, a volume rocker on the upper right, and an MHL/Micro USB port on the upper left. On the front, three capacitive buttons—back, home, and task switcher—sit below the display. The device utilizes two speakers (an earpiece on the front and a speaker on the back) and a two-color notification LED (amber and green) located under the earpiece grille. The micro-SIM card is accessed via a removable plastic piece on the back.
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Display Quality
The device is equipped with a 4.3-inch (110 mm) Super AMOLED display. It features a qHD resolution of 960×540 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of 256ppi. To ensure durability, the screen is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass. The display utilizes a PenTile RGBG subpixel arrangement, a common configuration for AMOLED screens of this era.
Camera Capabilities
The primary camera utilizes an eight-megapixel backside-illuminated sensor paired with an f/2.0 autofocus lens and a single LED flash with five brightness levels. It is capable of recording 1080p video at 30 frames per second.
To improve performance, HTC integrated a specialized image processing chip called the ImageChip. This hardware allows for faster startup (0.7 seconds) and focus times (0.2 seconds). The accompanying ImageSense software provides several modes, including HDR, panorama, and burst modes, and allows users to capture still photos while recording video. A VGA-resolution camera is also included on the front for video calls.
Processor and Memory Variants
Depending on the market, the HTC One S is powered by one of two different systems on a chip (SoC):
- Snapdragon S4 Plus (MSM8960): Features a 1.5 GHz dual-core Krait CPU and Adreno 225 GPU. This model (Z520e/Z520m) includes an integrated HSPA+ modem, GPS/GLONASS, Wi-Fi b/g/n, Bluetooth, and FM radio.
- Snapdragon S3 (MSM8260): Found in markets like Taiwan, India, and parts of Eastern Europe, this model (Z560e, codenamed "VilleC2") features a 1.7 GHz dual-core Scorpion CPU and Adreno 220 GPU.
Both versions come with 1 GB of RAM and 16 GB of internal storage. Notably, the device does not include a microSD slot for expandable storage. It also features a standard sensor suite, including an accelerometer, proximity sensor, and ambient light sensor.
Battery and Power
The One S is powered by a non-user-replaceable 1,650 mAh integrated battery. HTC specifies a talk time of up to 10.5 hours and a standby time of up to 13.2 days. Accessing the battery requires a complex disassembly process involving the removal of snap-on covers, six screws, the metal body frame, and adhesive.
Software and Community Support
The device launched with Android 4.0.3 "Ice Cream Sandwich" with the HTC Sense interface layered on top. While it received an update to 4.0.4, HTC eventually announced in July 2013 that it would discontinue further official updates, despite earlier promises of a 4.1 "Jelly Bean" update.
This decision led to a significant community backlash, including a petition started by XDA member DylRicho that gathered over 11,000 signatures. Supporters argued that the hardware was still competitive with devices like the Samsung Galaxy S III and the HTC One X. While HTC acknowledged the frustration, official updates ceased.
Consequently, the developer community stepped in. By late 2014, stable versions of CyanogenMod 11 (Android 4.4 KitKat) and CyanogenMod 12 were available. Additionally, a semi-official ROM based on the HTC One XL allowed Snapdragon S4 users to run Android 4.2.2 and HTC Sense 5, bringing features like BlinkFeed to the device.
Technical Specifications Summary
| Feature | Specification (S4 Model) | Specification (S3 Model) |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | 1.5 GHz Dual-core Krait | 1.7 GHz Dual-core Scorpion |
| GPU | Adreno 225 | Adreno 220 |
| Display | 4.3" Super AMOLED (qHD) | 4.3" Super AMOLED (qHD) |
| RAM / Storage | 1 GB / 16 GB | 1 GB / 16 GB |
| Main Camera | 8 MP, f/2.0, ImageChip | 8 MP, f/2.0, ImageChip |
| Battery | 1,650 mAh (Integrated) | 1,650 mAh (Integrated) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the storage of the HTC One S be expanded?
No, the HTC One S does not have a microSD slot, meaning users are limited to the 16 GB of built-in internal storage.
What is the difference between the S4 and S3 models?
The S4 model uses the Snapdragon S4 Plus (1.5 GHz Krait CPU, Adreno 225 GPU), while the S3 model uses the Snapdragon S3 (1.7 GHz Scorpion CPU, Adreno 220 GPU). The S4 model is generally identified as Z520e/Z520m, and the S3 as Z560e.
Is the battery user-replaceable?
No, the battery is integrated and not designed to be replaced by the user. Replacing it requires removing the chassis covers, screws, and the metal body frame.
What was the result of the software update petition?
Although the petition gathered over 11,000 signatures and HTC acknowledged the users' frustrations, the company ultimately discontinued official updates for the device in July 2013.
Are there alternative operating systems for the HTC One S?
Yes, the developer community created stable builds of CyanogenMod 11 (Android 4.4 KitKat) and CyanogenMod 12 for the device, and some users utilized semi-official ROMs to install Android 4.2.2 and HTC Sense 5.