NOT SO SENSATIONAL

The Android world has been stuck by dual core processors. After the LG Optimus 2x and Samsung Galaxy SII, now HTC has come up with a similar device.

On papers, the spec sheet of the HTC Sensation looks very similar to the Samsung GS2’s. A 4.3-inch capacitive display, Android v2.3, dual core processor clocked at 1.2GHz, 8MP camera, etc. Loaded with the HTC Sense 3, the home screen interface is refreshing. We had to drag the ring upwards to unlock the screen and could also customise four shortcuts that can be launched from the lock screen by dragging it to the ring at the bottom. Even the weather app powered by Accuweather had better graphics and close-to-accurate predictions. Once again the main menu was divided in to All apps, Frequent and Downloads. A task manager has been added to the notifications bar that takes one to the running apps consuming ROM and gives an option to kill them. At any given point of time, of the 558 MB total ROM memory, with none of the apps running, the free memory was never above180 MB. In the main application setting, it showed 187 MB RAM used with close to 313 MB free. While different players use chipsets from different manufacturer, HTC opted for Qualcomm’s Snapdragon processor, which the company claims is optimized for more efficient work in comparison to other processors. However, the overall performance of the Sensation was a bit slow. Even the benchmark score on the Quadrant Benchmark was just 2030 points, in comparison to the 3000+ score of the Samsung Galaxy S2.

But the Sensation comes with a few impressive features as well. The web browsing was smooth and the browser always enquires whether videos should be played in YouTube. The video playback clarity was good but wasn’t loud enough. The phone was instant in building satellite connection using Google Maps. Email, Facebook and Twitter were a few handy, on-the-move apps that came preinstalled on the phone. Full HD Video capture was good with above average imaging from the 8MP camera during daylight. But images captured at night using flash had a yellow-golden effect.

Facing tough competition from the Samsung GS2, it had its own set of letdowns. The much-talked about death grip issue was present in the device. When the top back was covered by the hand, the phone completely loses the Wi-Fi singal. Even the battery was just average as it failed to last a day with email, social networking, regular calling and web browsing.

Specs: 4.3-inch display; 8 MP camera; 1.2 GHz dual core processor, 786 MB RAM; 32GB memory, expandable; Wi-Fi, 3G, Bluetooth; 1520 mAh battery

BAG IT OR JUNK IT?

Not the best for the price it comes at. Consider Galaxy S2 instead.