HTC has introduced its latest (and possibly greatest) smartphone - the HTC Sensation 4G (previously known as the HTC Pyramid).

 

This new smartphone boasts an aluminum unibody construction and 4.3" qHD (540 x 960 pixels) display, which is a much higher resolution found on previous HTC devices such as the HTC Desire Z (480 x 800) and more comparable to the iPhone 4 screen’s (640 x 960) resolution.

 

Powering the Sensation 4G is a 1.2 GHz dual-core Snapdragon MSM8260 processor, which not only enables a better all round processing performance, but also gives the device a graphical boost as well since it includes the Adreno 220 GPU with 3D/2D acceleration engines and 1080p video encode/decode.

 

The Sensation 4G sports an 8 MP camera (with auto-focus and dual LED flash) that has a new instant capture feature, whilst also being capable of recording full HD video in 1080p resolution at up to 30 frames a second, along with full stereo sound. By employing the new Video Trimmer tool, users will be able to crop their clips to the perfect size for easy sharing with friends and family.

 

 

The pocket-friendly (measures 126.1 x 65.4 x 11.3 mm, weighs 148 g) smartphone runs on Google’s Android 2.3 (aka Gingerbread) mobile operating system (OS) along with HTC’s latest Sense skin.

 

It introduces a customisable active lock-screen experience, allowing users to quickly jump to their most used features, such as email composition or camera, by simply employing a quick gesture. A user can now launch the camera function right from the lock-screen with a single gesture motion for example.  

 

 

The Sensation 4G is the first smartphone to employ the Taiwanese manufacturer’s new video streaming service dubbed HTC Watch. This application and content service make it possible to view movies and TV series without waiting for a huge file to finish downloading first. 

 

HTC Watch offers users the choice of renting or buying videos and if users opt to purchase a video, they can watch it on up to five different HTC devices. It is not known whether this service will be available in SA.

 

“Consumers have quickly transformed smartphones into consumer lifestyle hubs that are pocket-sized entertainment centers that enable people to take their favorite multimedia content with them wherever they go. The new HTC Watch service makes it fun and easy for people to access premium movies and TV shows while on the go,” said Peter Chou, CEO of HTC Corporation.

 

“The HTC Sensation 4G combines this great multimedia experience within the latest HTC Sense experience in a premium device that delivers a powerful and unprecedented smartphone to our customers.”

 

 

This 4G-capable device also features Bluetooth 3.0 with A2DP (like the Nokia C7, E7 and N8), an additional front-facing VGA camera (with fixed-focus) for video calls, 1 GB of internal storage, 768 MB of RAM, a 3.5 mm audio jack, and microSD slot with support for up to 32 GB sized cards.

 

The latter also sports a mobile high-definition video link (MHL) for USB or HDMI connections (though a cable is required for a HDMI connection) with additional features of this device being a gyro sensor, digital compass, Wi-Fi 802.11 n (capable of Wi-Fi tethering) and GPS.  

 

HTC’s Sensation 4G will be available in the US beginning this summer (winter for us). No local release info is available yet.