HTC 10 vs. HTC One X10: Which HTC Phone Delivers the Best Value?

The HTC 10 represented a high point for HTC's flagship ambitions, while the One X10 arrived later as a more budget-conscious offering. This comparison dissects the core differences between these two devices, focusing on the impact of their contrasting chipsets and how those differences translate to real-world performance and user experience.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing smooth performance and a more refined experience, the HTC 10 is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 820 chipset, despite its age, offers significantly more processing power and efficiency than the One X10’s Helio P10. However, the One X10 remains a viable option for those on a very tight budget.

PHONES
Phone Names HTC One X10 HTC 10
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 (dual-SIM model only)GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 401, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41
SpeedHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 300/50 MbpsHSPA, LTE (3CA) Cat9 450/50 Mbps
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE
Launch
Announced2017, April. Released 2017, July2016, April 12. Released 2016, April 12
StatusDiscontinuedDiscontinued
Body
Build-Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum back, aluminum frame
Dimensions152.9 x 75.6 x 8.2 mm (6.02 x 2.98 x 0.32 in)145.9 x 71.9 x 9 mm (5.74 x 2.83 x 0.35 in)
SIM· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM
Weight175 g (6.17 oz)161 g (5.68 oz)
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass (unspecified version)Corning Gorilla Glass 3
Resolution1080 x 1920 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~401 ppi density)1440 x 2560 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~565 ppi density)
Size5.5 inches, 83.4 cm2 (~72.1% screen-to-body ratio)5.2 inches, 74.5 cm2 (~71.1% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeSuper LCDSuper LCD5
Platform
CPUOcta-core (4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.0 GHz Cortex-A53)Quad-core (2x2.15 GHz Kryo & 2x1.6 GHz Kryo)
ChipsetMediatek MT6755 Helio P10 (28 nm)Qualcomm MSM8996 Snapdragon 820 (14 nm)
GPUMali-T860MP2Adreno 530
OSAndroid OSAndroid 6.0.1 (Marshmallow), upgradable to Android 8.0 (Oreo), Sense UI
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXCmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal32GB 3GB RAM32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM
 eMMC 5.1-
Main Camera
FeaturesDual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panoramaLaser AF, Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama
Single16 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), AF12 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.3", 1.55µm, OIS
Video1080p@30fps4K@30fps, 720p@120fps, HDR, stereo sound rec.
Selfie camera
Features-HDR
Single8 MP, f/2.2, 23mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm5 MP, f/1.8, 23mm (wide), 1/4.1", 1.34µm, OIS, AF
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes, with stereo speakers
 -24-bit/192kHz audio
Comms
Bluetooth4.2, A2DP4.2, A2DP, aptX
NFCNoYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASSGPS, GLONASS/ BDS (region dependent)
RadioFM radioNo
USBmicroUSB 2.0USB Type-C 3.1
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA, hotspotWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA
Features
SensorsFingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (front-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging-18W wired, QC3, 50% in 30 min
Stand-byUp to 744 h (3G)Up to 456 h (3G)
Talk timeUp to 25 h 30 min (3G)Up to 27 h (3G)
TypeLi-Ion 4000 mAh, non-removableLi-Ion 3000 mAh, non-removable
Misc
ColorsBlack, SilverCarbon Gray, Topaz Gold, Glacier Silver, Camellia Red
ModelsOne X10, 2PXH310, M10h, HTC6545LVW, HTV32, 2PS64, 2PS6200
PriceAbout 200 EURAbout 300 EUR
SAR-0.47 W/kg (head)     0.64 W/kg (body)    
Tests
Audio quality- Noise -90.4dB / Crosstalk -87.3dB
Battery life- Endurance rating 66h
Camera- Photo / Video
Loudspeaker- Voice 65dB / Noise 62dB / Ring 63dB
Performance- Basemark OS II 2.0: 1839Basemark X: 28882

HTC One X10

  • More powerful Snapdragon 820 processor
  • Faster charging with Quick Charge 3.0
  • Likely superior camera performance

  • Potentially higher price point
  • Older device, may have limited software support

HTC 10

  • Lower price point
  • Decent battery endurance (66h rating)
  • Functional for basic smartphone tasks

  • Significantly weaker Helio P10 processor
  • Slower charging speeds
  • Likely inferior camera quality

Display Comparison

Neither device's display specifications are provided, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given the HTC 10's flagship status, it likely featured a higher-quality panel with better color accuracy and brightness. The One X10, positioned as a budget device, likely utilized a more cost-effective display solution. Bezels are also likely smaller on the HTC 10, reflecting its premium design.

Camera Comparison

Both devices feature photo and video capabilities, but the HTC 10 likely boasts a superior camera system due to its flagship positioning. While specific sensor details are missing, the HTC 10 likely incorporates a larger sensor and more advanced image processing algorithms. The Snapdragon 820’s image signal processor (ISP) is also more capable than the Helio P10’s, resulting in better image quality, especially in low-light conditions. The One X10’s camera will likely be adequate for casual snapshots, but will struggle in challenging lighting scenarios.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The HTC 10’s Qualcomm MSM8996 Snapdragon 820 (14nm) is a significantly more powerful processor than the HTC One X10’s Mediatek MT6755 Helio P10 (28nm). The Snapdragon 820 utilizes quad-core Kryo cores, offering superior single-core and multi-core performance compared to the Helio P10’s octa-core Cortex-A53 arrangement. The 14nm manufacturing process of the Snapdragon 820 also provides better thermal efficiency, reducing the likelihood of throttling during sustained workloads. This translates to smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a more responsive overall experience on the HTC 10.

Battery Life

Interestingly, both phones share an endurance rating of 66 hours. However, this doesn't tell the whole story. The Snapdragon 820’s superior efficiency means the HTC 10 can likely achieve similar battery life with less capacity. The HTC 10 also supports 18W wired charging with Quick Charge 3.0, allowing for a 50% charge in just 30 minutes. The One X10’s charging speed is likely slower, and its overall battery management less optimized.

Buying Guide

Buy the HTC One X10 if you need a functional smartphone for basic tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use, and your budget is extremely limited. Buy the HTC 10 if you prioritize a smoother, more responsive user experience, better camera performance, and faster charging, and are willing to spend a bit more for a flagship-level device.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the HTC 10 still receive software updates?
Given the age of the HTC 10, official software updates are unlikely. However, the Android open-source community may offer custom ROMs to extend its lifespan and provide newer Android versions. The One X10 is also likely to have limited software support.
❓ Is the Helio P10 in the HTC One X10 powerful enough for modern mobile games?
The Helio P10 will struggle with demanding modern mobile games. While it can handle less graphically intensive titles, expect low frame rates and potential lag in popular games like PUBG or Genshin Impact. The Snapdragon 820 in the HTC 10 offers a much smoother gaming experience.
❓ How does the thermal performance differ between the two phones during prolonged use?
The Snapdragon 820’s 14nm process is more thermally efficient than the Helio P10’s 28nm process. This means the HTC 10 is less likely to overheat and experience performance throttling during extended gaming sessions or video recording.