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7 Tips for HTC One Max Buyers

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In just a few short days, HTC is expected to debut a brand new smartphone that will join the HTC One and the HTC One Mini. The device, currently known as the HTC One Max, looks like it will be a solid Samsung Galaxy Note 3 competitor. Better yet, it appears that it’s headed to the United States. Here, ahead of its release, we offer some tips for those thinking about snagging it.

For weeks now, rumors have suggested that the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 won’t be the only device this fall to arrive with a massive screen in tow. No, rumors suggest that HTC, one of Samsung’s biggest rivals, is going to be delivering a brand new smartphone dubbed HTC One Max, a “max” version of its HTC One flagship that arrived earlier this year and remains one of the top options on the smartphone market.

The device appears to be aimed at taking on the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 in the phablet realm of smartphones, a realm where smartphone collides with tablet. It’s a smartphone market that Samsung has long dominated and HTC is hoping to attract some of that market with its new big-screen smartphone. On paper, it looks like the HTC One Max will give the Galaxy Note 3 a run for its money. It’s supposedly going to be coming with a 6-inch display with 1080p resolution, quad-core processor, Ultrapixel camera, Android 4.3 Jelly Bean and a new version of Sense dubbed Sense 5.5 that will, among other things, allow users to shut HTC BlinkFeed off.

The main attraction of course is going to be its sleek design that will be combined with a massive display. And rumor has it, the device will be heading to the United States at some point later this year, meaning, buyers have likely started to weigh the device as a potential option for themselves or for a loved one. Here, ahead of its rumored October 16th launch date, we offer some tips for those thinking about buying the big-screen HTC One Max.

Start Saving

The first thing that prospective HTC One Max buyers will want to do is start saving for the device. It doesn’t look like the device will come with a stylus like the Galaxy Note 3, but that doesn’t mean that the device is going to be cheap. At the very least, consumers should expect a $199.99 on-contract price tag, but we wouldn’t be surprised if American carriers jack up the price a bit, maybe to $250 or possibly, even $300 to compete with the Galaxy Note 3. $300 seems a little out of the question but don’t be shocked to see $250.

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Large, high-resolution displays are not cheap to source which means that its 6-inch should only push HTC and carriers to look at upping the cost to offset the costs of the display and the other big name features that should come on board the final version of the device. Whether it’s $199.99 or $299.99, consumers would be wise to start setting some money aside as the device’s release date is likely just a few weeks away.

Many buyers will likely be tempted by accessories, particularly cases aimed at protecting the behemoth from harm when it leaves the house. Accessories cost money, so buyers will want to be prepared.

Plan for Major Carriers

Rumors suggest that the HTC One Max will be heading to Verizon at the very least, and very early on, we heard that AT&T and Sprint might be in the mix for the device as well. Only the Verizon branded model has leaked out thus far, but given AT&T’s partnership with HTC and Sprint’s need to stay competitive, we wouldn’t be surprised to see it land on those two as well.

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Beyond that, it’s hard to say. T-Mobile is a possibility but we haven’t heard anything that puts the HTC One Max on the UnCarrier’s 4G LTE network. U.S. Cellular, the nation’s fifth largest carrier, is in the same boat. HTC’s One and HTC One mini were selective about their carriers and so we expect the HTC One Max to stick with a small selection of U.S. carriers.

This means that those who are holding out hope for a smaller regional or pre-paid carrier will want to temper expectations and plan on buying the HTC One Max through one of the major carriers as that may be the only place to do so.

Go Hands-on With the HTC One

Before settling on the HTC One Max, we highly suggest that prospective buyers go in and spend some hands on time with the HTC One, HTC’s current flagship handset. Not only will it give buyers an idea about the HTC One Max’s camera and its overall feel thanks to a similar design, it will also allow buyers to go hands-on with the HTC One’s software which will likely share many of the features found on the HTC One Max.

The HTC One Max will be coming with Sense 5.5, a new version of HTC’s UI, but from the looks of things, it will add features and won’t change the overall look of HTC’s software. So while there certainly will be some differences on board the HTC One Max, putting in some time with Sense 5 will not only allow users to decide if they like the overall feel of the software but also help to acclimate those who have never used a Sense-powered device before. It’s a vastly different experience from say, a Nexus or a Samsung Galaxy smartphone.

Some love Sense, some hate it, and prospective HTC One Max buyers would be wise to figure out which camp they belong to before the HTC One Max arrives on shelves. Check out our HTC One reviews if heading down to a store isn’t possible.

Check Out the Samsung Galaxy Note 3

We also advise those interested in the HTC One Max to go check out the Samsung Galaxy Note 3. The Galaxy Note 3 figures to be the HTC One Max’s closest competitor and it, like the HTC One Max, is comprised of powerful hardware and software. The Galaxy Note 3 offers a number of differences including a bundled S Pen, a smaller display, a vastly different software than the Sense experience on the rumored HTC One Max. Like Sense, some love Samsung’s TouchWiz UI, some hate it, and it’s wise to get that sorted out ahead of time.

At the very least, getting some hands on time with the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 ahead of the HTC One Max’s release will allow some owners to either keep the Galaxy Note 3 around as a possibility or strike the Galaxy Note 3 off of their shopping list and hone in on the HTC One Max as their next smartphone. It’s always smart to check out the competition.

Nexus 5

The HTC One Max is going to launch later this month, possibly on October 16th. If true, it could be that the device launches a day after the Nexus 5 which is rumored to be arriving on October 15th. That date is not set in stone but it’s possible. The Nexus 5 is going to be coming with powerful hardware including a 5-inch 1080p display, Snapdragon 800 processor, Android 4.4 KitKat, LTE, and an 8MP camera with OIS. It will likely come with a cheap unlocked price for AT&T. Sprint and T-Mobile.

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If it doesn’t emerge by the time the HTC One Max is out on shelves, wait for the Nexus 5 to compare it to the HTC One Max. If its out before the HTC One Max, go hands on with it as well as it has the potential to be one of the best and most affordable Android smartphones of all time. It’s also likely to be the last big Android smartphone of the year.

Look at These Photos

Leaked photos often provide prospective buyers with an idea in regard to how the device will look. However, often times, they don’t really tell the whole story. Fortunately, HTC One Max photos have told most of the story, including a big chapter: Size.

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Buyers need to know that this phone is an absolute monstrosity. In the photo above, buyers can get an idea as to how large the HTC One Max actually is. It’s 6-inch display is simply massive.

The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 vs. HTC One Max.

The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 vs. HTC One Max.

Another photo shows the device next to the Galaxy Note 3, which has a 5.7-inch display, and the Galaxy Note 3 looks small compared to the HTC One Max. This is a crucial piece to the buying process because buyers need to know just how big this smartphone is.

No Need to Order Early

Don’t feel the need to order the HTC One Max early. Carriers may offer pre-orders but buyers won’t need to place one in order to get this device when it’s released on shelves. This isn’t the iPhone 5s or the Galaxy Note 3. Even the Galaxy Note 3 didn’t sell out. So buyers won’t want to panic or invest any time in preparing for a hectic release date. The HTC One Max will be widely available from start to finish, we have no doubts about that.

16 Comments

16 Comments

  1. richard

    10/12/2013 at 10:45 am

    HTC sucks! Never again will I waste my money on this disappointing brand, Samsung note 3 is awesome! Best phone I have ever owned!

    • [email protected]

      10/12/2013 at 12:01 pm

      nonsense…traded in my note 3 for htc one and never looked back.

    • Ikke

      10/12/2013 at 3:01 pm

      Samsunbg sucks ass big time, HTC just fokking rock!

    • Matt

      10/12/2013 at 5:34 pm

      LOL

  2. Nuff

    10/12/2013 at 1:36 pm

    snapdragon s600 nuff said

    • Matthew

      10/15/2013 at 6:43 am

      Hardly, the S600 is a great processor. I highly doubt anyone is crying that their phone currently with an S600 because their processor sucks ass, because it doesn’t. Maybe certain devices with shitty software.

      It runs everything on the HTC One buttery smooth, and will have the same resolution on the Max, so it should be equal or better in performance depending on the updated software optimizations and how any power/thermal settings work.

      It very well could be a tweaked SoC as well, so possibly even faster.

      If anything the GPU and the RAM should be the concern everyone wanting to play games, watch videos, multitask or use mult-app windows, should be more worried about.

  3. Deveal2014

    10/12/2013 at 6:10 pm

    Can’t wait to get the One Max! 600 or 800

  4. Gopantech

    10/12/2013 at 10:12 pm

    Who in the heck in their right mind would want to buy this phone. When there are so many others that are closer to what the Note 3 has. Case in point. Pantech Vega Special Note. This smartphone is identical to the note 3. One difference is the size. 5.7 vs Pantechs 6 Inch monster.
    This phone is a beast. Check out the specs of this phone. I ccan’t wait.

  5. richard

    10/12/2013 at 10:27 pm

    Like I said HTC sucks

    • aeus

      10/13/2013 at 6:29 am

      yeah, like you

      • Tamarules

        10/13/2013 at 11:40 am

        Hahaha

  6. lily72

    10/13/2013 at 1:17 am

    Abby. if you, thought Ray`s remark is amazing, I just received a great new Honda sincee geting a check for $7038 this – five weeks past and even more than ten-grand lass-month. with-out any doubt it’s the coolest job I’ve ever had. I actually started 3 months ago and almost immediately got more than $84… per-hour. browse around this website……… https://pollsdb.com/vqq

  7. drakes

    10/13/2013 at 11:00 am

    Good or bad, I am going for it. Last time I missed HTC one, I don’t wanna miss this time.

  8. Tamarules

    10/13/2013 at 11:37 am

    I use to own the Evo and Evo 3D. Both great phones but terrible battery life. After reading alot of leaks about the One Max. I gave come to the conclusion that if HTC places Substandard processor like the snapdragon 600 or lower, a 4 mp camera, a sealed battery (like iphone) as well as other low end components. A competitor to samsung? NOPE! There are other high end phones that meet the Note 3’s specs. As well as larger screens. I would gave drop kicked my note 2 to the curb if samsung would have made a 6 inch version. Not now. I will wait til years end and the dust settles to see who comes out on top. Maybe samsung maybe not.

    lily72 this is where people comment on electronics. Not posting propaganda. Go on the appropriate site to post crap.

    • Matthew

      10/15/2013 at 6:52 am

      Tamarules, I have an HTC One and will be getting the One Max. The battery life on the One has been very solid and would be even better on the Max with a larger battery.

      The processor is great and performance will be just as good on the Max…you should NOT be worried about that in the slightest…I mean, it’s the same processor that’s in the Galaxy S4, did you cry about that?

      It can easily do anything you want on your device nowadays, and the only advantage with a Snapdragon 800 and more RAM would be if you’re a heavy multitasker with multiple windows at the same time, or wanting some improvements in gaming, but even still the One has played every heavy game I’ve tried on it just fine. 2GB of RAM is just fine and you probably wouldn’t even be able to tell the difference in 99% of uses, and the software optimizations are far more important.

      The camera is perfectly capable and quite good for everything an average user not looking to crop or zoom in a lot of their photos could want, and even so it is still decent. The low-light is great, and there isn’t really any other “low-end components” as you state in other regards (build quality, RAM, processor

      There isn’t really anything bad about the parts HTC uses, their displays are better in many ways than the SAMOLED on most devices Samsung uses (though I do like certain displays such as the one on the Active), and overall the performance should be top notch, the features, design, speakers, fingerprint scanner, size, battery, storage out-of-box, and software should all be very solid. The only thing someone might really care for that’s missing is an S-Pen, though I personally don’t care and just want the larger display to supplement for a tablet experience (since I wanted a smaller tablet but don’t want separate devices such as a Nexus 7).

  9. Seth M. Yepma

    07/15/2014 at 7:52 am

    I have one max, I can use 17 at the same time, last phone was s3, fuk that chit, 6 Windows n it would freeze, or take forever, I love the max, never switch again

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