You are the HTC One I want

The HTC One is proof that smartphones are getting even smarter and you don’t have to break the bank to enjoy one, writes Charlie Holding.

For me, what makes a good gadget great is simplicity. The user interface on this model is very easy to navigate and there are so many settings to fiddle with you could spend an entire day customising and fine-tuning the device to your needs.

The Taiwanese manufacturer has really gone all out with the HTC One and it shows from the favourable reviews the model has received within the past two months.

At Mobile World Congress, it won the Best New Mobile Device Award from the GSM Association, and received TechRadar’s Best Phone and Best in Show Awards.

It’s easy to see why. The design is thin, sleek and, although a little heavy, it still fits nicely in the hand, balances well and it boasts an impressive 4.3-inch full HD display.

Tap the home button at the bottom right-hand side of the screen and you’re in business. The various apps are displayed in an easily accessible manor.

When it comes to the contacts system on the HTC One, there is little left to be desired. Its good for knowing which contacts you want to join with which social network profiles and this model handles it effortlessly.

If you’re into taking pictures and videos and often use your phone as your primary camera, you need to think hard about whether this is the one for you.

The HTC One has an unassuming 4MP sensor and the camera allows in more light, therefore more data, which results in respectable looking images, especially in poor lighting. However, the video didn’t come out as clear as I hoped, nonetheless, a small price to pay for the plethora of other features this model boasts.

One of the more interesting new features of the HTC One is BlinkFeed, which compiles stories from your favourite news sources and social media into an array of tiles, similar to a Windows Phone.

Since it’s a smartphone, internet connectivity is a big part of the package and this model works off a Google Chrome browser, which is familiar and easy to use.

Thankfully, the HTC One also utilises Dropbox, a simple online virtual storage utility that allows you to make your files accessible from almost anywhere. It’s basically designed for those who are tired of emailing files to themselves and carrying around flash drives.

One of the best features of the phone, in my opinion, is its Torch Mode. Trying to read the menu at one of the kingdom’s swanky Japanese eateries isn’t a fun or easy task, but with the HTC One you can shed some light on the situation, great!

Another impressive feature is the pre-installed Kid mode, which means you can keep your children safe when they’re using your phone to play games or surf the web. Kid Mode selects content appropriate for the child’s age and won’t allow them to use apps that could potentially put them at risk online.

The HTC One runs on an Android 4.1 with Sense operating system with 2GB of RAM and an 2300 mAh Li-Ion battery, which is long-lasting depending on the functions you use.

 VIVA customers can get the device for free when subscribing to the Smart 30 plan, which includes 400 free bundled minutes, BD5 free credit bundle as well as unlimited data and a special number. The device is also available on all VIVA Smart plans including Smart 25 with BD49 upfront and BD79 upfront when subscribing to Smart 20.