HTC has revealed the first phone produced from its partnership with Beats Audio (Dr. Dre, Jimmy Iovine) — meet the HTC Sensation XE! As you’ve probably guessed, the phone is based on the popular HTC Sensation. Key differences found in the XE are a larger battery, distinct black and red styling, a pair of Beats Audio earphones, and special sound algorithms. Here’s more from the press release:
The HTC Sensation XE is the first handset to offer a Beats Audio experience — a combination of software & hardware that allows you to hear music the way the artist intended. When used with the exclusive Beats by Dr. Dre in-ear headphones, the handset automatically switches to the bespoke Beats by Dr. Dre sound profile, delivering audio tracks tuned specifically for the headphones.
Whether you are using any of the many music services available in the Android market you will notice fuller bass and crisper vocals and a new level of clarity and range offering audio the way the artist intended it to be heard.
This looks like a great update to the Sensation, but it doesn’t address my biggest issue with the original — its disappointing qHD screen. While the 960 x 540 resolution is great compared to the standard 800 x 480 found on most current Android phones, the screen was dull compared to the ones on the Samsung Galaxy S II and iPhone 4. A new paint job and improved audio make the Sensation XE a more appealing package, but it doesn’t make up for the screen’s disappointing image quality.
That said, I’m sure it’ll be a great phone. Check out the official specs and the image gallery below. If you have a chance, please let me know what you think!
[nggallery id=73]
The HTC Sensation XE will be available in Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East by the end of September. Due to the stupid nature of the U.S. market, I’m not sure if it’ll be coming here (officially). Perhaps the HTC Vigor will be the first Beats Audio in America. Personally, I’m holding out for an HTC/Beats phone that comes with a visit from Dr. Dre.
I f I could I would get his phone to try out the audio tech. That is my biggest issue with my current phone, the sound output is weak as hell even after I adjust the EQ with Power Amp.
-"you will notice fuller bass"-
I'm sitting next to my 6 foot cabinet with 8 Ampeg 10" speakers in it and right beside it is my 15" Peavey Scorpion that I have installed in a 1978 Fender cabinet.
Sorry… when I'm looking for "full bass"… I don't turn to a cellphone, I run those 2 cabinets together through my Trace Elliot head. I will shake cellphone to pieces.
-" a new level of clarity and range offering audio the way the artist intended it to be heard."-
Unless of course what your listening to was recorded before 1990 and had to be remixed and mastered for digital. THEN… you're listening to however whoever remixed it intended it to be heard.
I knew I could count on you for that N8!
Pretty sure that your audio setup won't fit into your pocket. Doubly sure that you can't listen to it on an airplane.
The algorithm stuff seems suspect though. I'm curious to learn more about it.
I always stay in the pocket!
(^bass player joke)