The HTC One series was known for its premium design and solid performance. But how do the smaller HTC One mini 2 and the more powerful HTC One S9 stack up against each other? This comparison dives deep into their specs and features to help you decide which phone is right for you.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The HTC One S9 generally wins due to its significantly faster processor and octa-core CPU. While the mini 2 boasts impressive sunlight contrast, the S9's superior performance makes it the better choice for demanding users. However, the mini 2 might appeal to those prioritizing a smaller form factor and potentially longer battery life.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 1900 / 2100 - EMEA version | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 3, 7, 8, 20 - EMEA version | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2014, May. Released 2014, May | 2016, April. Released 2016, June |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 137.4 x 65 x 10.6 mm (5.41 x 2.56 x 0.42 in) | 144.6 x 69.7 x 10.1 mm (5.69 x 2.74 x 0.40 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 137 g (4.83 oz) | 158 g (5.57 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass (unspecified version) |
| Resolution | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~326 ppi density) | 1080 x 1920 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~441 ppi density) |
| Size | 4.5 inches, 55.8 cm2 (~62.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~68.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Super LCD2 | Super LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7 | Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 (28 nm) | Mediatek MT6795 Helio X10 (28 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 305 | PowerVR G6200 |
| OS | Android 4.4.2 (KitKat), Sense UI | Android 6.0 (Marshmallow), Sense UI |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 1GB RAM | 16GB 2GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.0 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 13 MP, 1/3.1", 1.12µm, AF | 13 MP, f/2.0, 28mm (wide), AF, OIS |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, 720p@60fps | 1080p@30fps, 720p@120fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP | 4 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide), 1/3", 2µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP, aptX | 4.1, A2DP |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio, RDS | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band, DLNA, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | Up to 556 h (3G) | Up to 658 h (3G) |
| Talk time | Up to 16 h 10 min (3G) | Up to 13 h (3G) |
| Type | Li-Po 2110 mAh, non-removable | Li-Ion 2840 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gunmetal Gray, Glacial Silver Amber Gold | Silver, Gold |
| Models | One mini 2 | - |
| Price | About 250 EUR | About 210 EUR |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality |
Noise -94.8dB / Crosstalk -93.5dB | - |
| Battery life |
Endurance rating 50h
| - |
| Camera |
Photo / Video | - |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: 1196 (nominal), 1.940 (sunlight) | - |
| Loudspeaker |
Voice 69dB / Noise 66dB / Ring 75dB
| - |
| Performance |
Basemark X: 1650 | - |
HTC One mini 2
- Excellent sunlight display contrast
- Compact size
- Potentially longer battery life (50h endurance rating)
- Lower performance compared to S9
- Limited camera details
- Older chipset
HTC One S9
- Significantly faster processor (Octa-core 2.0 GHz)
- Better multitasking performance
- Likely improved camera (though details are scarce)
- Potentially shorter battery life
- Larger size compared to mini 2
- Older model
Display Comparison
The HTC One mini 2 features a contrast ratio of 1196 (nominal) and an impressive 1940 in sunlight, suggesting excellent outdoor visibility. The HTC One S9, while not having specific contrast ratio data readily available, likely offered a good display for its time, though probably not as sunlight-optimized as the mini 2. Screen size and resolution are also factors, with the mini 2 likely having a smaller display.
Camera Comparison
Both phones have 'Photo / Video' capabilities listed, but detailed camera specifications are missing. Generally, the HTC One S9 likely had a slightly better camera due to its more powerful processor and potentially better image processing capabilities. However, without specific megapixel counts and sensor sizes, it's difficult to make a definitive judgment.
Performance
This is where the HTC One S9 shines. Its Mediatek MT6795 Helio X10 chipset with an octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU provides a substantial performance advantage over the HTC One mini 2's Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 (28 nm) and quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading, and better gaming performance on the S9.
Battery Life
The HTC One mini 2 is reported to have an endurance rating of 50h, suggesting potentially longer battery life. The HTC One S9, with its more powerful processor, likely consumed more power, but battery capacity could have offset this. Actual battery life would depend on usage patterns.
Buying Guide
The HTC One mini 2 is ideal for users who want a compact, budget-friendly phone with decent display quality and are not heavily reliant on performance. The HTC One S9 is better suited for users who prioritize speed, multitasking, and a smoother overall experience, even if it means a slightly larger device.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the HTC One S9 worth buying today?
Given its age, finding a functional HTC One S9 might be challenging. If you can find one in good condition, it can still offer a decent experience, but be aware of potential battery degradation and software limitations.
❓ What was the main difference between the HTC One mini 2 and the HTC One S9?
The primary difference was performance. The HTC One S9 boasted a significantly more powerful processor, making it faster and more capable than the HTC One mini 2.
