Technology & IT | Monday 4 April, 2016 4:22 am |

The new HTC One X9 smartphone, now available in the Kingdom from the GCC’s largest mobile reseller, axiom telecom, brings together some of the most popular features of high-specification mobile phones, including camera and sound quality that are among the best in their class, into an attractively priced mid-range product.

 

The latest release by the Taiwanese manufacturer can be purchased from axiom stores or its website for SAR 1,499, serving a growing regional and global appetite for mid-segment smartphones that do not compromise on premium functionality.  

The power-packed device includes a 13 MP rear-facing camera and 4K video resolution. For music, the HTC One X creates larger than life audio, delivered by HTC BoomSoundTM with Dolby™ Surround. Integrated amplifiers bring out the best of your music and provide an even more dynamic range of sound. The smartphone also features the convenience and potential cost savings of dual-SIM capability as standard.

“Smartphones in this market have to be extremely competitive on both price and features,” said Faisal Al Bannai, Managing Director of axiom. “People are paying a little extra for a higher specification and a more sophisticated look and feel, and they compare features very carefully before making a decision. By excelling in in photography, video and sound, the HTC One X9 emphasizes features that buyers place real value on.”

 

 

 

Camera functions are supported by an impressive array of extra features, meaning the HTC One X9 shoots clear, sharp, smooth images of the highest quality regardless of who is behind the lens. 

 

The list includes Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) and Real-time anti-shake functionality, while the front facing 5MP camera, comes with integrated Auto Selfie, Voice Selfie, and Live Make Up. 

 

RAW format’s one button enhancement feature automatically brightens colors and sharpens edges with one push, and other imaging tools commonly used by professional photographers such as Pro Mode and an advance manual control, add the finishing touches. 4K video includes Hyperlapse mode for dramatic time-lapse effects, with a 1080p HD screen for viewing images and movies.

All of this capability is supported by an octa-core processor, 32 GB of internal memory, and the latest Marshmellow version of the Android operating system, packaged into an elegant, richly textured and beautifully crafted all-metal design in a choice of four colors: Carbon Grey, Opal Silver, Topaz Gold and Copper Rose.

The HTC One X9 also reflects a growing demand for dual-SIM smartphones. Research firm Strategy Analytics has forecast dual-SIM smartphone sales could exceed half-a-billion during 2016, accounting for around one-third of the global market. 

 

OpenSignal, which analyzes the coverage and performance of mobile operators, has found that as many as 26 percent of mobile phones downloading its app worldwide are dual-SIM, with the numbers varying greatly between markets, from just 2 percent in the United States to around 66 percent in Nigeria. Industry analysis has noted particularly strong growth in China and India, with smartphone users inserting separate SIMs for voice and data plans.

 

“In the GCC, many purchasers are expatriates, wanting a phone that can carry both a local number and one from their home country, or frequent travelers who want to minimize roaming charges,” said Al Bannai. “Particularly when using data, such as for social media, messaging apps, or mapping and navigation, inserting a second, pre-paid SIM at your destination can save considerably on costs, without either disconnecting your regular number or carrying an additional handset.”

 

axiom customers can also benefit from the reseller’s exclusive value-added services, including 60-Second Data Transfer, Trade-in offers, and the recently launched paid-for Damage Insurance, Mobile Security, and 3-years Extended Warranty services.