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Verizon HTC One: What Buyers Need to Know

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Sometime this summer, HTC and Verizon will finally release the HTC One, a device that first hit the United States back in April. For many, the Verizon HTC One will be an extremely tempting device though there are some things that consumers should know before picking up Verizon’s latest and greatest HTC smartphone.

Earlier this year, HTC announced the HTC One, its flagship that replaced the HTC One X and HTC One X+ as the company’s most heavily touted piece of hardware. Unlike the HTC One X, One X+ and Droid DNA, the HTC One arrived on a handful of carriers in the United States including AT&T, Sprint and T-Mobile. Regional carrier Cincinnati Bell also launched the device earlier this year.

Left out of the equation were the United States’ first and fifth largest carriers. U.S. Cellular, the fifth largest carrier in the U.S. will likely not get the HTC One any time soon as rumors remain non-existent. However, Verizon, the nation’s largest 4G LTE service provider, will definitely be seeing the HTC One arrive sometime this summer.

We know this because the Verizon HTC One, despite being shrouded in secrecy, is a very official device. HTC and Verizon, after months of speculation and rumor, announced the HTC One for arrival. Thing is, the companies didn’t announce anything else. For weeks now, Verizon HTC One rumors have waged on, even as HTC and Verizon are inundated with questions about the device.

Unsurprisingly, consumers want to know when it’s coming out, how much it will cost, how much storage it will have and if it will have anything different on board when it does arrive. While we still don’t have all of the concrete answers, we do have some well-placed rumors which shed a little light on HTC and Verizon’s plans.

With the Verizon HTC One release seemingly approaching, it’s time to take a look at the things that prospective Verizon HTC One buyers should know about before buying the Verizon HTC One.

Verizon HTC One Release Looks Good For August 1st

The Verizon HTC One release date should arrive in a few weeks.

The Verizon HTC One release date should arrive in a few weeks.

The first thing that buyers need to know is that HTC continues to say that the HTC One will be out this summer. Yes, it has been awhile since the announcement but it’s clear that the Verizon HTC One is on the way given HTC’s continued remarks and given that we just saw it pass through the FCC, one of the last hurdles before release.

What’s more is that we finally have a date that looks very, very good. No, it’s not the September 5th date on that leaked image of the Verizon HTC One, it’s August 1st, a much more reasonable release date for the HTC One on Verizon. The date comes from a leaked Verizon roadmap and while there is no way to verify its authenticity, it’s the best that consumers have at this point.

As we reported, HTC recently extended a deal for Google Play credits to July 30th and while we suspected that it could be because it plans to offer the deal to Verizon owners, it could be that its incentive to buy other devices before the Verizon model arrives.

So while August 1st isn’t set in stone, signs are pointing to a release falling in and around that date which should mean that buyers only have a few weeks of waiting left.

Same Device

Initially, we thought that Verizon might be releasing a supercharged version of the HTC One in the form of a true HTC Butterfly (Droid DNA) successor. And while nothing is confirmed, it’s looking more and more like the Verizon HTC One will be the same HTC One that arrived for AT&T, Sprint, and T-Mobile.

First, it was HTC telling consumers to go play around with the current HTC One in preparation for the device’s arrival. Then, it was a leaked image from the reliable @evleaks that truly crushed the hopes and dreams of many. The device appears to be the same 4.7-inch, all metal device that already touched down and so buyers should not be expecting something drastically different besides Verizon branding.

An alleged Verizon HTC One press photo contains a new date.

This is the Verizon HTC One.

It would have been nice to see Verizon change up the game this late after launch but at this point, it just seems like it’s just that, late.

Expect 32GB

While there was hope that AT&T’s exclusive on the 64GB model would end after a few months, it doesn’t appear to be budging and at this point, buyers should know that the Verizon HTC One will likely only come in 32GB form.

For many, this won’t be a problem. Even though it will come with several GB of space eaten up by Android and Sense 5, anything over 20GB of space is enough for average owners, especially since the Ultrapixel camera doesn’t shoot photos and video that eat up an enormous amount of space. Users can also depend on the cloud for extra storage.

As for power users, it may be an issue thanks to the lack of an SD card. It’s not necessarily a deal breaker but it’s something that buyers will want to keep in mind.

Expect $199.99 Price

Verizon’s main competitors launched the 32GB HTC One with $199.99 price tags, T-Mobile offers it off-contract, and we expect Verizon to do the same event though it’s arriving late to the party.

Buyers only need to look at Verizon’s decision about the 32GB Galaxy S4, which is launched at $300, and now $250, long after the Galaxy S4 arrived on shelves. The carrier also has kept the Galaxy Note 2 priced at $299.99, despite other carriers dropping their prices.

In other words, expect the expected.

Slow Updates

Those looking into buying the Verizon HTC One should know that they are getting themselves into a potential software update nightmare. That’s because HTC is typically slower to updates than companies like Samsung and Verizon is typically last in line when it comes to software updates amongst American carriers.

Expect slow updates with the Verizon HTC One.

Expect slow updates with the Verizon HTC One.

What this means is that while the Verizon HTC One should have Android 4.2 on board from the start, buyers should know that they’ll likely be last in line to both major Android updates and Sense 5 updates. Nothing is set in stone, the companies could certainly improve, but their track records unfortunately say otherwise.

Something to keep in mind in the build up to its arrival.

Longevity is a Question Mark

Companies like Apple and Samsung keep their devices updated for years. However this kind of support is an area where HTC has struggled immensely. Buyers needn’t look further than the Droid Incredible 2 debacle, the cancelled HTC One S Android 4.2 and Sense 5 update or the fact that the HTC Rezound, one of its top devices, was left on an extremely old version of Android despite having top of the line hardware.

The HTC One is a flagship which means that it should get better support but again, this is something that should be in the back of buyers heads before taking the plunge.

More HTC One Options Ahead

The HTC One isn’t the only HTC One left on HTC’s 2013 roadmap. In fact, the company could be launching three new HTC One models in the coming months including one that could replace the current HTC One.

The HTC One Mini should land in August.

The HTC One Mini should land in August.

The company is rumored to be coming out with an HTC One Mini in August, a larger HTC One Max later this year and a new HTC One that has a souped up processor, possibly the Snapdragon 800. All are expected to retain the HTC One design and likely, many of its other features including the Ultrapixel camera.

There is, of course, no guarantee that any of these will hit Verizon, though rumors do suggest that the HTC One Max will be coming to Big Red. Even so, those looking at the Verizon HTC One should know that there will be more choice ahead.

Other Options

Because Verizon chose to launch the HTC One this late, it’s dangerously close to other big time smartphone launches as well, headed up by the rumored iPhone 5S and Samsung Galaxy Note 3.

Both of those devices are expected to land in the next few months with September being mentioned as possibilities for both. If true, it would mean that they would arrive a month or so after the Verizon HTC One.

So those teetering on the edge with the HTC One on Verizon should know that even more options are on the horizon now that we’re getting close to the fall.

19 Comments

19 Comments

  1. Tony

    07/12/2013 at 11:44 am

    Ahhhh yes, the typical HTC One on Verizon daily update. Well one piece of advice was worth mentioning….HTC updates, especially on Verizon are either late or non-existent.

    • June Holmes (@Jillxz)

      07/15/2013 at 9:46 am

      Why is that ? Why is HTC not updating its high end phones as it should be doing ? Why is Verizon , the biggest carrier , the last one to update ? Makes no sense. I was planning to get the HTC One when it comes to Verizon , but since HTC has a bad reputation for updating its devices , I don’t think I will get it. It is a beautiful phone with great specs and camera , but updates are important. I really would like this phone to have a 5 inch screen too. Think I will wait for the MOTO X , but probably won’t get it as I have heard that the specs are not going to be high end. Maybe LG will get something I want on Verizon.

      • Kevin

        07/29/2013 at 8:29 am

        Im kind of in the same boat and I think Im going to end up finally just getting the galaxy s4. Between the lesser battery life and dealing with the updates, htc one might not be the answer and it doesnt sound like anything else is coming out thats going to be ground breaking withing the next month. I feel like people are trying hard to find alternatives to the S4 but it just seems like the best bet for verizon people right now.

  2. Adam is a jew

    07/12/2013 at 12:27 pm

    same articles, different day.

  3. The most ridiculous "article" yet!

    07/12/2013 at 1:05 pm

    BWA HAH HAH HAH!!! Seriously?

  4. Mike

    07/12/2013 at 2:13 pm

    Always the same BS info from here… How about mentioning the lack of AWS LTE support on VZW via the FCC Spec sheet. I find that to be important buyer information.

  5. something

    07/13/2013 at 9:04 am

    you forgot to mention that on verizon, there’s a possibility for a RED htc one. htc has been posting pictures on social media websites of the red htc one and I’m sure it’s coming to verizon.

    • June Holmes (@Jillxz)

      07/15/2013 at 9:49 am

      I don’t think that a red HTC One is important news . I wouldn’t buy a red one myself. Black , white , or silver in smartphone colors are the ones for me. But others would want a red one I’m sure.

  6. TtotheC12

    07/13/2013 at 11:58 am

    First, know that I believe V is the best service and I’m willing to pay more for that, and I’m even willing to wait a few extra months to make sure devices are secure and ready for launch. But this is RIDICULOUS. I’m NOT OK w/ V taking more than 6 mos to release devices after other networks, especially since I tend to believe that it is in part motivated by their desire to get rid of old android inventory. Most importantly, I’m not okay w/ paying more and waiting just to get a device that will be the last to get updated IF updated at all. I’ll pay more for services and devices if they’re top-of-the-line but V takes longer to release them and then lets them become obsolete months later and I don’t want to buy a new phone every 6-12 mos. At best I go mo-to-mo w/ V until the big release season is done bc I’m sick of waiting just to be jerked around again.

  7. Samuel

    07/13/2013 at 12:56 pm

    What a bunch of whiners here. Why get worked up over a phone? Did Verizon promise a release date and then backtrack on it? No,they kept their word on that. Its amazing how many of you get so worked up over a phone,there is more to life than getting worked up over a phone,after all people,it is just a phone for heck sakes! Sure I may purchase it,and I find it funny that some of you want 64 gigs space when most Americans and people in general rarely use 15-20 gigs for these types of phones anyway and because at least for me 32 gigs is more than enough even downloading a lot of apps and other things. Speaking of being jerked around,I have also been on T Mobile and Cingular before they joined forces with A T and T,and that is what they did to me,horrible customer service with both of them,and numerous dropped calls. I have rarely had any dropped calls on Verizon,none on my Rezound to this point,which by the way as old as it is,beats a lot of the phones that some of you people have,and yes,that would include I Phone(sorry I Phone weirdos,plenty of phones out there beat out your supposedly perfect phone).

    Anyway,199.00 for a phone like this for a 2 year contract along with the specs and hardware,as well as 32 gigs of space to use,is a pretty decent deal. And I guarantee that 4g speeds are going to be fairly fast,I would wager to say at least 35-45 megs per second depending on where you are(if you don’t believe me,download the Speedtest.net app and test your phone’s 4G speeds). Sales should be very good for this phone.

    • Jason Young

      07/15/2013 at 12:47 pm

      If you think that 199.00 on a 2 year contract is a good deal, then you need to do that math. I’m not saying this is the same for everyone, but I will give you an example for me. Right now I am on a 2 year contract plan with unlimited minutes, unlimited text and 4GB of data with Verizon (I only have one line). Before taxes and everything my bill is $119.00 per month 119 x 24 = $2856.00 then add $199 for the phone 2856 + 199 = 3055. For the same month-to-month with verizon it cost $70 per month. 70 x 24 = 1680 then add $600 for the phone (since it’s not subsidized) 1680 + 600 = 2280.

      so:

      3055 vs 2280 a $775.00 difference. Do you still think it’s a good deal when you’re paying $775 more over the 24 months?

      • kyizen

        07/29/2013 at 4:57 am

        Why is your bill going up with a 2 year contract? Doesn’t it go up with no contract? Or those new flex contracts?

  8. Matt Jones

    07/13/2013 at 5:10 pm

    Why does google put this site so high? These articles are the same every single day with no actual information. You are a horrible “editor.”

  9. tonyZ

    07/14/2013 at 9:53 am

    Looks like a 2nd grader did this article.

  10. VZWsantaclara

    07/14/2013 at 12:19 pm

    Since I work for a Verizon Retail store I thought I would give some feedback. All these dates that are swarming around online are purely just rumors. If the HTC One was coming out next month (August 2013) we would be able to pre-order them through our activation system, Eroes or Vision which we are not. This device is not available for pre-order yet nor does it have an official release date. I hope this helps some people out…The only thing that is official is that the HTC One is coming, but most likely will not be in August. Verizon has always taken pre-orders for phone release at least a month in advance, with a phone like the HTC ONE, why would it change? You’re likely to see it in September, we still do not have an official launch date and Verizon Customer Care cannot legally relinquish unofficial information over the phone, it is against their policy and agents can and will get fired if they do so.

    • pj

      07/15/2013 at 4:24 pm

      VZWsantaclara, if you are correct about a September release, I may have to resort to Fight Club tactics, i.e., and I quote, “I may decide to walk into Verizon headquarters and walk from office to office with an Armalight AR-15 gas powered assault weapon, pumping round after round into Verizon executives’ chests. It could be a customer you’ve had for a long time, someone very close.” Then again, as Samuel said (and before the FCC realizes I am of course KIDDING), its just a phone…. My incredible 2 works, barely… Guess I’ll wait longer and be happy with my excellent coverage (still ticks me off though…)

      • TtotheC12

        07/15/2013 at 6:28 pm

        It is a worthless article, but I look at these articles more to hear comments from experienced android users and hear opinions from users that are interested in new android info. So Samuel, go get F#****, your opinion doesn’t serve anyone. Apparently, your time is so invaluable and self-esteem so jacked that you feel the need to spout off and try to illegitimize other people’s interests just to make yourself feel good…

        I don’t believe that any other carriers are more moral/ethical/decent in their customer service BUT at least their market position dictates that they have to perform and please customers. It seems Verizon is content to lean on their superior coverage until others catch up. If I had greenbacks coming out my rear (and I hope to someday) I would gladly throw them at V for good coverage, until then I maintain the prerogative to use my power of the buck to support a company that doesn’t let my investment fall into un-updated oblivion (so I may be going Google edition).

    • HarrePotter

      09/10/2013 at 7:25 pm

      I am glad in hind sight we now know that you don’t know shit, even if you are “Retail Store” employee. Thanks for trying to use your job as a forum to sound knowledgable.

  11. Ronin1572

    07/29/2013 at 12:59 pm

    i find samsung”s updates to be slow and not much better. Have a Droid charge and not sure i want to continue with Samsung.

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