We update our data regularly, but information can change between updates. Confirm details with the provider you're interested in before making a decision.
HTC contributed to the development of the Android operating system and manufactured the first Android-powered smartphone: the HTC Dream.
Along with its branded handsets, HTC is responsible for manufacturing smartphones like the Google Nexus 9 and Google Pixel.
What to consider when choosing an HTC phone
HTC has built an awful lot of smartphones over the years, from top-of-the-line flagship models to more budget-friendly mid-range handsets. Start shopping for an HTC handset, and it's easy to get lost in a sea of potential purchases. Names like the HTC U Play, the HTC U Ultra and the HTC Desire don't exactly help in distinguishing these different handsets from each other, and this can make it quite challenging to figure out which one best fits your needs and lifestyle.
We want to help with that, so we've outlined the core features you'll want to consider when comparing HTC smartphones. With this information, you'll have the know-how to make a clear and effective buying decision.
Most HTC smartphones launch as premium devices, and as such they typically pack a decent chunk of internal storage for downloading apps and saving photos. Depending on how recent a particular HTC handset is, this storage can range from 16GB all the way up to 128GB.
However, the amount of built-in storage doesn't really matter all that much, since all current HTC smartphones feature a microSD card slot. This allows you to expand the onboard storage by as much as 2TB, which should be more than enough for even the largest of music collections.
While it might be tempting to go for the phone with the biggest screen you can find, there's good reason to stop and weigh up your options first. Sure, a large display is nice for watching videos and playing games, but the extra bulk can make the phone awkward to carry around and difficult to operate when you've only got one hand free. A smaller screen mitigates these issues, albeit at the cost of a less immersive visual experience.
HTC caters to people at both ends of this trade-off as well as those who sit somewhere in the middle. Its handsets feature a variety of screen sizes starting at 5 inches and working their way up to a broad 6 inches.
HTC has its sights fixed firmly on the higher-end of the smartphone market. Its handsets rarely launch for less than $900, placing them alongside flagship models from the likes of Samsung and Apple. Fortunately, like Samsung and Apple, HTC has partnered with a number of Australian mobile carriers to offer its handsets on contract. This lets you get your hands on an HTC handset without having to pony up the full $900+ all at once.
If you're looking to spend as little as possible, it's also worth checking out older HTC handsets like the HTC Desire and HTC One X10 since you can now pick them up for less than half the price they originally retailed for.
Apple might be seen as the biggest enemy in the battle for the 3.5mm headphone jack, but it's hardly the only smartphone manufacturer to abandon the technology. HTC stopped including the port on its handsets years ago, choosing instead to offer support for Bluetooth audio and USB-C headphones. While both these options are more affordable than they've ever been, if you're not yet ready to give 3.5mm the flick, you'll need to purchase a USB-C adaptor along with your HTC handset.
As more and more of modern life goes digital, the need to protect our personal information only grows. Since much of this information resides on our smartphones, it is vital that they are adequately secure against data theft and other forms of cybercrime.
HTC accounts for this by incorporating a range of identification technologies into its smartphones. Fingerprint sensors, voice recognition and facial detection all help prevent bad actors from breaking into your phone even if they gain physical access to it. You'll find these features in all HTC U handsets as well as select earlier HTC models.
If photography is your passion, HTC has a lot to offer. Its U11 and U12+ handsets feature top-of-the-line camera technology, boasting some of the highest DxOMark scores of modern smartphones. Our hands-on experience supports this, with both handsets proving capable of taking impressive photos and videos.
That praise doesn't extend to all HTC's handsets, however. Older and cheaper phones like the HTC U Ultra and the HTC U11 Life only offer decent camera performance that is inferior to many alternatives available at a similar price.
HTC's selfie game is solid, with most of its recent handsets sporting front-facing cameras powerful enough to capture every aspect of your glorious mug.
Slow mobile Internet can be a real pain, especially when you're trying to do something important like transfer money or download an urgent email. Blame for slow speeds is often laid at the feet of mobile network providers like Telstra and Optus, but there's another factor that can be equally responsible for poor mobile browsing: a smartphone's modem.
All smartphones include a modem that handles the sending and receiving of data across a mobile network. Different modems have different maximum speeds, leading to situations where certain phones may not be capable of topping out the network connections available to them. This applies to HTC as much as any other smartphone manufacturer, with its recent handsets featuring modems rated as low as Category 4 and as high as Category 18.
Wireless charging is still a relatively new technology, and HTC has only recently embraced it with its latest smartphone, the HTC U12+. Previous handsets are strictly wired affairs, though most support fast charging via Qualcomm Quick Charge which can reduce charging time by as much as four fold.
Longevity is a rare trait in premium smartphones, and this holds true for HTC's handsets as well. While most can make it through a full day of moderate use without issue, heavy users will likely need to seek out a power point at some stage to avoid running dry. Support for quick charging does at least minimise downtime when juicing up becomes necessary.
Smartphones are designed to fit in with every aspect of modern life, and that includes the messier moments involving spills, splashes and other unavoidable forces of nature. As such, resistance to the elements is of critical importance. This is typically conveyed in the form of an IP rating, which specifies how much exposure to water and solid particles a phone can endure without suffering lasting damage.
Only since the U11 has HTC touted IP ratings for its smartphones. Previous handsets feature no official protection against water or dust, which is worth keeping in mind if you spend a lot of time in close proximity to spillable substances. For the U11, U11 Life and U12, though, HTC has gone all-in with dust-tight casings and the ability to survive in depths of up to 1m of water.
When you spring for a premium phone, it's only natural to expect it to deliver top-tier performance. This is one area HTC nails. All its recent smartphones rank among the best performers at their respective price points, making them excellent choices for those who value a smooth and snappy experience across games, apps and general operation.
As capable as HTC's handsets are, it's worth reading a few reviews for a more thorough analysis of their performance before committing to a purchase. Reviews, especially those with comprehensive benchmarks, can better contextualise a smartphone's performance with respect to competing handsets and real-life usage. Simply looking at specs and skimming review scores won't give you the full picture.
Looking for an HTC phone on a plan?
Because HTC's smartphones are almost exclusively marketed as premium handsets, buying one outright at launch will typically set you back at least $1,000. That's a whole lot of moolah, and not a sum many of us can just pluck out of our wallets willy-nilly. The more popular solution is to purchase an HTC handset on contract through an Australian mobile carrier.
Check out the table below to compare postpaid SIM-only plans:
We update our data regularly, but information can change between updates. Confirm details with the provider you're interested in before making a decision.
Matt Sayer is a technology writer and editorial engineer for Finder, combining industry expertise with data-driven solutions to help people make better decisions. His extensive portfolio spans investigative reporting on the roll-out of 5G, statistical analysis on the legacy of E3 and guides for popular products like mobile phones and smart speakers. Matt has a Bachelor of Computer Science from RMIT University and is passionate about finding ways that technology can better our lives.
If you’re considering HTC's latest premium smartphone, the HTC U12+, our complete review includes plans, performance and all you must know before you buy.
How likely would you be to recommend finder to a friend or colleague?
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Very UnlikelyExtremely Likely
Required
Thank you for your feedback.
Our goal is to create the best possible product, and your thoughts, ideas and suggestions play a major role in helping us identify opportunities to improve.
Important information about this website
finder.com.au is one of Australia's leading comparison websites. We are committed to our readers and stands by our editorial principles
We try to take an open and transparent approach and provide a broad-based comparison service. However, you should be aware that while we are an independently owned service, our comparison service does not include all providers or all products available in the market.
Some product issuers may provide products or offer services through multiple brands, associated companies or different labeling arrangements. This can make it difficult for consumers to compare alternatives or identify the companies behind the products. However, we aim to provide information to enable consumers to understand these issues.
We make money by featuring products on our site. Compensation received from the providers featured on our site can influence which products we write about as well as where and how products appear on our page, but the order or placement of these products does not influence our assessment or opinions of them, nor is it an endorsement or recommendation for them.
Products marked as 'Top Pick', 'Promoted' or 'Advertisement' are prominently displayed either as a result of a commercial advertising arrangement or to highlight a particular product, provider or feature. Finder may receive remuneration from the Provider if you click on the related link, purchase or enquire about the product. Finder's decision to show a 'promoted' product is neither a recommendation that the product is appropriate for you nor an indication that the product is the best in its category. We encourage you to use the tools and information we provide to compare your options.
Where our site links to particular products or displays 'Go to site' buttons, we may receive a commission, referral fee or payment when you click on those buttons or apply for a product. You can learn more about how we make money.
When products are grouped in a table or list, the order in which they are initially sorted may be influenced by a range of factors including price, fees and discounts; commercial partnerships; product features; and brand popularity. We provide tools so you can sort and filter these lists to highlight features that matter to you.
Please note that the information published on our site should not be construed as personal advice and does not consider your personal needs and circumstances. While our site will provide you with factual information and general advice to help you make better decisions, it isn't a substitute for professional advice. You should consider whether the products or services featured on our site are appropriate for your needs. If you're unsure about anything, seek professional advice before you apply for any product or commit to any plan and read any disclosure documents (such as any Target Market Determination (TMD) and/or Product Disclosure Statement (PDS)) issued by the provider before making a decision.
Providing or obtaining an estimated insurance quote through us does not guarantee you can get the insurance. Acceptance by insurance companies is based on things like occupation, health and lifestyle. By providing you with the ability to apply for a credit card or loan, we are not guaranteeing that your application will be approved. Your application for credit products is subject to the Provider's terms and conditions as well as their application and lending criteria.
Please read our website terms of use and privacy policy for more information about our services and our approach to privacy.
