Design and Display

The models in HTC's One line of phones have three common features: a high-quality camera with HTC ImageSense, built-in Beats Audio, and a premium design. We've always praised HTC phones for being both easy on the eyes and well-constructed, but the One S takes phone design a step beyond that, with a classic aluminum unibody design that incorporates contrasting slate and blue-gray panels.

The aluminum body has been given a "micro-arc oxidization treatment," which is apparently the same treatment that NASA uses on satellites. Besides making the One S supertough, it gives the phone a futuristic look. According to HTC, the One S is so tough that you won't need a protective case, but I'm going to counter that. You always need a protective case for your phone, no matter how tough the manufacturer claims it is. Furthermore, that satellite aluminum is slippery and difficult to get a grip on when you're holding it in landscape mode. Several times while I was using it to snap photos, I felt as though it was about to slip out of my grasp.

The camera lens has a bright blue ring around it, a stylish touch that makes the One S stand out. And when you remove the SIM card cover, you'll see more of that blue inside the phone. Little design touches like this are what make HTC phones stand out from the legions of all-black rectangular smartphones.

One downside to the design is that the battery cover is completely sealed. As with the iPhone 4S, you can't remove the HTC One S' battery. Let's hope that your battery stays intact throughout your two-year contract, because replacing it might be a big pain.