HTC Announces the One Max, An Oversized Phone Just to Say “Hey, We Have a Big Phone Too!”

HTC made the One Max official this morning. Yes, that same One Max that has leaked regularly since June. There are no surprises to be had here, should you have been following this saga from the beginning. It’s like the HTC One, though much less premium, so maybe the One Mini? It’s the One Mini Max! Or…why does this phone exist? Oh, because big phones are a thing, and HTC finally decided to join in on the party. 

We are looking at a phone with a 5.9-inch 1080p display, 1.7GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 600 processor, a 4MP camera (or UltraPixel if you are into marketing gimmicks), BoomSound front speakers, 3300mAh battery, 16GB or 32GB internal storage, and HTC’s new Sense 5.5, which is a slightly enhanced version of Sense 5. The back panel is removable so that you can toss in a SIM card or microSD card. The battery on the other hand, cannot be removed. You have a mix of plastic with metal, all sorts of bezels, and oh yeah, a fingerprint scanner.

According to those who have used the One Max for a decent period of time, the fingerprint scanner on the backside of the One Max is probably not something you’ll use regularly as it will cause more frustration than enjoyment. Unlike Apple’s fingerprint scanner which hides itself in the home button and works incredibly well, HTC’s One Max fingerprint scanner presents itself on the backside of the device as a giant square that requires a vertical swipe to activate. Oh, that’s also after you have already pressed the lock switch to first wake the phone. You can setup three different fingers, a couple of which can launch applications from the lock screen. This just sounds to me like the Atrix approach (a failure) to fingerprint scanners rather than what Apple did (actually innovate).

The HTC One Max will be available in October internationally, more than likely on Verizon and Sprint before the end of the year.

First Look

Press Release

The HTC One® gets superised with the HTC One max

World’s best smartphone now in 5.9″ with new and improved HTC Sense 5.5 ® experience

Taipei, Taiwan, October 14, 2013 – HTC, a global leader in mobile innovation and design, today announced the HTC One max, a super-sized smartphone that brings the award-winning design, functionality and performance of the HTC One to fans of larger handsets. A new Fingerprint Scan feature takes convenience to a new level while acclaimed features including HTC BlinkFeed™, HTC Zoe™ and HTC BoomSound™, combined with the new HTC Sense 5.5, which are all enhanced to continue to deliver the best overall smartphone experience, now on a larger screen.

“The addition of the HTC One max means that we now have an HTC One phone for everyone. The family has been built on quality and game-changing innovations and the HTC One max is certainly no exception,” said Peter Chou, CEO of HTC Corporation. “The upgrade to HTC Sense 5.5 will provide our most amazing mobile experience yet, with the HTC One max delivering the size and power required to do everything you want, and more, without compromise.”

Big and powerful
The HTC One max’s 5.9″ full HD1080p display is perfect for enjoying photos, videos and movies on the go. Smooth and efficient performance comes courtesy of a quad-core Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 600 processor featuring a quad-core 1.7 GHz CPU enabling jaw-dropping performance, ultra vivid videos and booming sound. Whether you’re watching videos in stunning HD, playing games or checking out what’s hot online, the HTC One max sounds amazing, looks sharp and keeps working when you need it.

The 16GB or 32GB onboard memory can be expanded thanks to a microSD™ card slot, with a massive 50GB of additional free Google Drive online storage being offered exclusively to HTC One max owners.

The large 3300mAh embedded battery means that this level of performance will last and last. Even the most intensive users will find the HTC One max is up to the challenge thanks to the optional HTC Power Flip Case, a stylish 1150mAh battery expansion for your HTC One max which offers both protection and extra juice when you need it most.

Maximum convenience at your fingertips
The average person checks their phone multiple times a day, so the HTC One max welcomes a new era of convenience and advanced functionality thanks to a built-in Fingerprint Scan feature. Located on the back of the device, the fingerprint scanner allows users to lock or unlock the screen and quickly launch up to three favourite applications by assigning an individual finger to each.

More content than ever before
The HTC One max’s Sense 5.5 upgrade comes with a more social, personalised HTC BlinkFeed that can be further refined by customisable topic categories and new integration with premium content providers including Instagram and Google+. Up to 120 articles can also be downloaded for offline viewing, making BlinkFeed even better for snacking on information wherever and whenever you are.

Ultimate imaging
Featuring HTC’s UltraPixel camera technology, HTC Zoe mode, that brings your photos to life, and a 2.1MP front-facing camera, the HTC One max will capture stunning photos and full HD 1080p videos whether you’re the photographer, the subject or both. Dual Capture means you can now snap memorable moments and your reaction to them in one extraordinary photo or video by simultaneously shooting with the front and rear cameras.

Improved imaging is also introduced through Video Highlights, which combines your photos and videos to create a mini movie complete with the soundtrack and visual theme of your choice. And with the HTC One max, your Video Highlights can now be any length you want.

Design at its Best
Available in Glacial Silver, the HTC One max shares the same premium design credentials as the rest of the HTC One family, providing an all round exceptional experience.

Global Availability
The HTC One max will begin rolling out across the globe from mid – end October. See specific regions for details.

About HTC
Founded in 1997, HTC Founded in 1997, HTC Corp. (HTC) is the creator of many award-winning mobile devices and industry firsts. By putting people at the center of everything it does, HTC pushes the boundaries of design and technology to create innovative and personal experiences for consumers around the globe. HTC’s portfolio includes smartphones and tablets powered by the HTC Sense® user experience. HTC is listed on the Taiwan Stock Exchange (TWSE: 2498). For more information, please visit www.htc.com.