HTC announces the Sensation XE, 1.5GHz dual-core with Beats audio included

By Jeffrey Van Camp September 14, 2011

htc-sensation-xe-with-beats-audio — Image used with permission by copyright holder

A lot of phone and computer manufacturers are spiking up their audio offerings with Dolby sound and Beats Audio, but HTC is taking it to a new level. Today, the smartphone maker announced the HTC Sensation XE, a 1.5GHz dual-core Android phone with a big Beats logo on the back and special Beats earbuds. The company says this is just the first of many phones to feature Beats by Dr. Dre.

Here are some specs:

OS: Android with HTC Sense (we’re guessing Android 2.3)
Screen: 4.3 inches with qHD resolution (540×960)
Extended battery life (1725mAh, about 225 more mAh than most devices)
Camera: 8MP rear with LED flash, VGA front, 1080p video recording
Processor: 1.5GHz dual-core
RAM: 768MB
Storage: 1GB available (4GB total), 8-16GB microSD card included
Data: 3G speeds

Currently, the Sensation XE is only headed for Asia and EAMA (Europe, Africa, Middle East), but a U.S. release is likely at some point. We hope that HTC includes 4G connectivity for its American debut.

The question is, can Beats by Dr. Dre really sell a phone? HTC has a good chance here because it looks like a good phone, but it’s hard to say if many people will pick up a device just because of its audio. Those who are really into sound usually pony up for expensive beats headphones, which seem to be fairly trendy right now.

Would you buy a phone with Beats Audio? Does it influence your decision?

Topics

Jeffrey Van Camp

Former Digital Trends Contributor

As DT's Deputy Editor, Jeff helps oversee editorial operations at Digital Trends. Previously, he ran the site's…

Mobile

The best Google Pixel 8a screen protectors in 2024

A photo of someone holding the Google Pixel 8a.

The Google Pixel 8a is Google's latest smartphone, and while it's not a match for Google's flagship phones, the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro, it's not meant to be. The Pixel 8a is a midrange powerhouse, with the Tensor G3 processor, a showstopping camera, and the advanced smarts of Google's Gemini Nano AI model.

But none of that is worth squat if you can't see it. The display is a vital part of any smartphone, and the Pixel 8a's 6.1-inch OLED panel is a beauty. It has a 120Hz refresh rate, and a much higher brightness to boot, making it the equal of some of the best phones you can grab in the midrange market. But all that tech should be protected. Here are the best Google Pixel 8a screen protectors to keep your phone's screen safe from scratches, dirt, and smears.

Mobile

Apple made an outrageous change to its new iPads

An official photo of the 2024 iPad Air.

After a year-long drought of iPads, Apple finally revealed the new iPad Air and iPad Pro models during its Let Loose event on May 7. This was a unique announcement because it broke some old traditions; the iPad Air now comes in two sizes: an 11-inch and 13-inch, just like the iPad Pro. But these new iPads are also breaking another longtime tradition: They won’t come with iconic Apple stickers. Gasp.

According to 9to5Mac, Apple Store teams received a memo where Apple explained that the iconic Apple stickers won’t be included inside the boxes of the new iPad Air and iPad Pro. The reasoning? As part of Apple’s environmental goals, it is trying to ensure that its packaging is completely free of plastic.

Mobile

The 5 best AirTag alternatives for 2024

Chipolo ONE 2020 attached to keys in hand.

Losing material goods is an inevitable part of life, but that doesn’t mean we should just lay down and wait for an item to disappear. Instead, we should spend our time investing in handy tracking devices. Apple’s AirTag lineup is one of the best-known options, but there are plenty of other brands to choose from, too. Whether you need to keep tabs on wallets, car keys, or other important possessions, these five AirTag alternatives are easy to set up, simple to use, and above all, reliable.