A first look at the HTC Sensation XL

There are plenty of HTC Sensation XL rumors floating around. The next-of-kin to HTC Sensation XE is now up for a preview. While the phone goes by the same name, one should think twice before keeping the original HTC Sensation as a reference point for this handset as this one is quite different.

While it does have an Aluminum unibody, which has become the trademark of HTC handsets, it is quite different from the handset we have seen from HTC in the past years. 

First of all, the HTC Sensation XL comes with an improved form factor – it is one of the thinnest and most lightweight HTC handsets till date. It measures 132.5 x 70.7 x 9.9mm. Comparing it with other handsets, we find that it is 1.4mm thinner than the Sensation XE and just marginally thicker than the Galaxy S2 handset.

The Aluminum unibody along with soft-touch material at the top and bottom of the handset makes it sleek, smooth and easy-to-use. The handset looks like it is inspired from HTC’s own tablet – the Flyer. HTC has gone all out with the Sensation XL – it seems bold and elegant at the same time.

The HTC Sensation XL has also been compared to the HTC Titan. While both handsets are endowed with similar displays what that seems the only thing that is similar between the two handsets. HTC’s Graham Wheeler called it the ‘Flagship handset’ of the company.

Well, the HTC Sensation seems quite worth the tag. It seems not only attractive but even enticing as a handset. The shape, size and the color of  handset are tailor-made to impress.

Now, lets just not get obsessed with the form of the handset and have a look at other things. It is equipped with a 4.7-inch super LCD display. Although it might have the same resolution as the original Sensation handset, (800 x 480), it is both colorful and detailed. The viewing angles on the handset can be easily compared to those on Samsung Galaxy S2.

Although the handset currently runs on Android 2.3 – Gingerbread OS currently HTC has confirmed that it would be upgraded to Ice Cream Sandwich OS as soon as it is released.

A look at the handset’s innards and you would be left even more impressed. The HTC Sensation XL runs on a 1.5 GHz Qualcomm 8255 processor and 768 MB of RAM. That’s not all; it also has an 8-megapixel camera, which comes with a BSI sensor, auto focus, Flash 2.2, not to forget a 28mm lens and dual-LED Flash. Along with that comes a 1.3-megapixel front camera for video chatting.

What’s surprising is that although the Sensation XL comes with 16 GB internal storage but lacks any MicroSD support. Of the 16 GB, the user would be able to utilize only 12 GB for your music, videos and data. This is one of the things we dislike about the handset. Every second smartphone is nowadays equipped with 32 GB MicroSD support.

But, lets move on to the positives. Remember Beats Audio? The HTC Sensation XL will come loaded with Beats Audio, which is one of the major selling points of its sibling, the HTC Sensation XE. Along with that, you get the Beats Solo and UR Beats headsets to enhance your listening experience.

HTC has also indicated that the handset would be equipped with iTunes sync client for seamless syncing with Apple’s music hub, making it easier for you to listen, store and sync your audio/visual content with your Sensation XL.

The Beats Audio is one of the selling points for HTC. The difference between Beats and non-Beats audio is more than recognizable. In a nutshell, the HTC Sensation XL is a treat for music aficionados.

Moreover, the handset is loaded with more high-end features such as watch, reader in addition to numerous Google Android applications. The New Sense UI is impressive. HTC has modified the widgets to make the Sensation XL even more attractive.

All in all, the HTC Sensation XL is one of the most impressive HTC handsets we have seen till date. Applications such as HTC’s watch service along with YouTube and iPlayer on-board make it even more appealing. 

In India, where we love to flaunt big screens, the 4.7-inch Super LCD seems like a treat. The HTC Sensation XL has enticed us and we are eagerly waiting for its release here.

While HTC earlier confirmed to us that the Sensation XE handset would be available in the coming months (Q4 2011), there is no word on the Indian release of the Sensation XL yet. We expected it to hit Indian shores by March 2012.

HTC is currently keeping the pricing a secret, but expect us to inform you as soon as we get a word out of them.