HTC One SV for Cricket
As mentioned above, we are also checking
the U.S. version of the One SV which is only exclusively available on Cricket’s
CDMA/LTE at $280 without contract (after a discount of $50). LTE is available
in Cricket’s selected markets, including Las Vegas. Our test unit came on the
last day of CES, which allowed us to do some speed tests before returning to
San Francisco which has CDMA only (not Cricket’s native region). The One SV
also supports Cricket's Muve music service, but our device has no the Muve
microSD memory card.
The
One SV also supports Cricket's Muve music service, but our device has no the
Muve microSD memory card.
While the U.S. model shares the same design
and materials as its brother in the UK, it has a customizable paint cover. On
the back, the white was replaced by an eye-catching "red as a flame"
color (a rather orange tone of the red color) and the silver surface around the
edges turn into a metal-like red color (this includes the power/lock button and
volume rocker). The Cricket logo replaces the simple label "4G LTE"
on the rear speakers. On the front, the capacitive buttons are red instead of
being white (both the chassis and backlight) – as well as the meshes in the
earpiece grid. This makes the phone outstanding, but it is done skillfully.
In terms of specification, the One SV for
the US market just copies its counterpart in the UK, except for radio waves.
Two devices have LTE but Cricket's model is compatible with the band 4 (AWS
1,700MHz). It also supports CDMA/EV-DO (3 bands) instead of GSM/EDGE/UMTS/HSPA+
(no sign of that this is an international device). Performance and battery life
are similar to what we have read about the British model. The call quality is
good, but the data transferring rate left much regret: we only recorded a maximum
of 7.3Mbps/download and 3.3Mbps/upload on LTE in Las Vegas and a maximum of
2.2Mbps/download and 900Kbps/upload on EV-DO.
Pre-installed software includes Block
Breaker 3 Unlimited, Cricket Navigator, Cricket 411, Muve Music, which is
mentioned above, MyBackup, Storefront (Cricket’s extra store application) and
UNO. Two bookmarks are preloaded in the application tray: Mobile Web and My
Account, the former pointing to the network provider’s port and the latter
linking to your Cricket account. Unfortunately, none of the applications and
shortcuts can be uninstalled. Overall, HTC One SV for the U.S. market offers
the same experience as its British cousin – it is cheap phone which does not
feel cheap at all.
It
is cheap phone which does not feel cheap at all.
Conclusion
The One SV is a compromise. Its
specifications will not be impressive enough to urge anyone to buy immediately,
especially in a world full of quad-core processors and 720p screens. Yet, its
performance is quite good. However, the fast 5MP camera will allow capturing
some beautiful photos, even though it will not satisfy more demanding
photographers. You're dealing with an 800x480 screen, and we will not recommend
it to anyone planning to use the phone to consume high-definition contents or play
high-detail games. However, we will choose it rather than the One S with a
screen of more pixels 10 times over 10. Of course, you will have one nice
device, but it feels a bit awkward to hold, with the thin slender edge that
sometimes cuts your hand uncomfortably. The first time of starting the phone
just to see Ice Cream Sandwich running in the background is a bit
disappointing. Let’s hope the Jelly Bean update is going to be released.
We are sure many people would love the One
SV, at least in the UK where some people still view 4G is a myth, and where
Everything Everywhere is providing free phones with a 2-year contract
($54.5/month). It is the cheapest deal that the network provides, like the
similar package for Nokia Lumia 820 and Huawei Ascend P1 LTE. If you are
looking for one cheap Android device with high-speed data capabilities, it
leaves you two options on the EE. Huawei Ascend P1 compromises on other things
rather than the One SV, making them choices with defects yet worthy. Those who
like the best or biggest phones will not want the One SV; it is not a great
opponent.
We
are sure many people would love the One SV, at least in the UK where some
people still view 4G is a myth
It’s vital for us to mention HSPA+ Nexus 4
here, which will give you better specifications at $240 or $300 (the 8GB model)
depending on your location. However, if you desire 4G and have realistic
expectations about what the phone can or cannot do well, the One SV is a
good-looking phone with a lot of smart things. Most importantly, the monthly
fee is not too high if you manage well the data quota. The SV is half beautiful
and half eccentric – it will not be the queen of the ball, and there is no
perfect GPA, but it's quite enough for those who are looking for cheap LTE.
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Info
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Product name: HTC One SV
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Price: $280
Advantages
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Stable performance
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Attractive design
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Cheap
Disadvantages
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Low resolution
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Slightly difficult to hold
Verdict
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The SV is a good choice for those who want a
cheap device with LTE.
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