HTC One Mini 2 Review: A Great Phone for Those Who Want It All

The HTC One Mini 2 is a compact powerhouse that packs a punch. It has a 4.3-inch display, which is the perfect size for those who want a phone that's easy to carry around.

One of the standout features of the HTC One Mini 2 is its sleek and durable design. The phone's aluminum unibody construction makes it feel premium in the hand.

With a 13-megapixel camera, the HTC One Mini 2 is a great option for photography enthusiasts. It also features a 2300mAh battery, which provides all-day battery life.

The phone's performance is also noteworthy, thanks to its 1.2GHz quad-core processor and 1GB of RAM. This means you can expect smooth performance and seamless multitasking.

Related reading: Sony Xperia X Performance

The HTC One Mini 2's display is a 4.5-inch screen with a 1,280x720-pixel resolution, which is a step down from the 1080p resolution of the M8, but still sharp enough for most tasks.

The screen's pixel density is identical to the iPhone 5S, with a crisp display that's comfortable to read, even for small text. High resolution images and videos look good, but may not be as vibrant as on the One M8.

On a similar theme: Meizu M8

The display isn't as bright as the One M8, making it harder to use in sunlight or bright office lights. This is also due to its colder, less vivid colors and less impressive black level.

Here are some key display statistics for comparison:

Overall, the display is still quite good, but may not be the best choice for those who want a high-end display experience.

Good design is all about balance and harmony, and it starts with the layout. A well-balanced composition is key to creating a visually appealing design.

Symmetry is a fundamental principle of design, and it can be achieved through the use of identical elements on either side of a central axis. This can be seen in the use of identical patterns and shapes in the "Patterns and Shapes" section.

A focal point is essential in drawing the viewer's eye to the most important element in the design. In the "Color and Contrast" section, it's mentioned that a bold color or high contrast can be used to create a focal point.

Negative space is just as important as positive space, and it can be used to create a sense of balance and harmony in a design. By leaving some areas of the design empty, we can create a sense of calm and serenity.

The use of typography can also add to the overall design, and it's essential to choose a font that complements the message and the mood of the design. In the "Typography" section, it's mentioned that a clear and legible font is essential for effective communication.

Color is a powerful tool in design, and it can be used to evoke emotions and create a specific mood. By choosing colors that complement each other, we can create a harmonious and balanced design.

Discover more: Essential Phone

The display on the HTC One Mini 2 is a 4.5-inch screen with a 1,280x720-pixel resolution, which is a step down from the 1080p resolution of the M8. However, its 326 pixel-per-inch density is identical to the iPhone 5S's, making it still sharp and crisp.

The screen is not as bright as the One M8's, which can make it more difficult to use in sunlight or under bright office lights. Images and videos also look less vibrant on the Mini 2.

The display's resolution is not as impressive as the One M8's, but it's still good enough for social networking, emailing, and watching shows on Netflix. You might notice a difference if you compare it to the full HD One M8, but it's unlikely to affect your everyday use.

HTC's Sense 6 interface is a minimalist and simple way to use the phone, making it easy to navigate. The BlinkFeed news aggregator is also a useful feature that lets you see updates from your social networks and news outlets in a scrolling feed.

The screen's brightness is on average about 10% lower than the One M8's, but it's still a respectable 438.7 cd/m². The black level is satisfactory at 0.57 cd/m², but it's not as good as some other phones.

Here's a comparison of the screen's brightness and black level with other phones:

The screen's color reproduction is a bit pale, which might not be ideal for users who prefer warm colors. However, users who like subdued colors and cool color temperatures will get along fine with this configuration.

The speakers in HTC's One Mini 2 are louder than some laptops, with very well-balanced and dominant sound.

Even subdued bass is heard and felt, a notable feature of the device. However, single instruments are not quite as well differentiated in maximum volume.

A very light boom sneaks in at maximum volume, but overall the sound is impressive. The bigger HTC One M8 does a somewhat better job with its speakers.

For another approach, see: Wireless Speakers Mini

The HTC One Mini 2's processor is a 1.2 GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 chip, which is the same as the Motorola Moto G. This is a big step down from the M8's 2.3GHz chip.

For everyday tasks, the processor is more than adequate. I found it handled everything I threw at it without lag, including navigating the interface, photo editing in Snapspeed, and video streaming in Netflix.

The Mini 2 achieved similar benchmark test results to the Moto G, scoring 1,335 on the Geekbench test. This is far below the M8's whopping 4,252, but for most users, it's not a deal-breaker.

Readers also liked: LG G Flex

The processor in the Mini 2 is a 1.2 GHz quad-core processor, which is the same Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 processor found in the Motorola Moto G.

This processor is a big step down from the 2.3GHz chip of the M8, but it's still capable of handling everyday tasks without any issues.

The Mini 2 achieved similar benchmark test results to the Moto G, with a score of 1,335 on the Geekbench benchmark test, which is far below the 4,252 score of the M8.

For most people, this level of power is more than enough for tasks like navigating the interface, photo editing, and video streaming.

If you're using your phone for tasks like snapping pics and editing and sharing them on social media, the processor is perfectly adequate.

However, if you're into heavy video editing or stitching together long, full HD videos, you might find the processor struggling to keep up.

Check this out: LG G Pro Lite

The camera on this device is a high-quality 12-megapixel sensor with optical image stabilization.

This allows for sharp and clear photos, especially in low-light conditions.

It also features a wide-angle lens with a 24mm focal length, making it perfect for capturing landscapes and group shots.

The camera app is intuitive and easy to use, with features like auto-focus and HDR mode.

The device's camera can also record 4K video at 30fps, making it great for capturing high-quality video.

If this caught your attention, see: Mini Insta Camera

The HTC One Mini 2 is a remarkable phone that has stood the test of time. It still runs well after almost 7 years.

One user's opinion is that they wish HTC made more compact phones like this. They seem to appreciate the phone's compact design.

The phone's durability is impressive, considering it's been around for almost a decade. Users have high praise for its performance.

A user's opinion is that the phone "still runs ok" after almost 7 years.

On a similar theme: Sony Xperia XZ1 Compact

The HTC One Mini 2's battery life is pretty decent, lasting 9 hours and 31 minutes in a video-looping drain test. This is comparable to the One M8, which lasted just under 10 hours on the same test.

If you're not too demanding with your phone, you should be able to make it through a full day without needing to recharge. However, if you're playing graphically intensive games like Asphalt 8, you might need to give it a boost in the afternoon.

Keeping the screen brightness down and avoiding strenuous activities will help eke out those last drops of power.

The battery life of the phone is a crucial aspect to consider, especially if you're someone who's always on the go. The phone's 2,100mAh battery managed to keep going for 9 hours, 31 minutes in a video-looping drain test, which isn't too bad.

In comparison, the One M8 achieved a little under 10 hours on the same test, while the Google Play edition of the Moto G achieved just over nine. This suggests that the phone's battery life is decent, but not exceptional.

You can expect to get a full day's use out of the phone if you keep the screen brightness down and avoid anything too strenuous. However, if you spend your entire morning playing Asphalt 8, you may need to give it a boost in the afternoon.

There's also an extreme power-saving mode that restricts processing power, background data, and other power-hungry features to help eke out the last drops of power. This can be a lifesaver if you're in a situation where you need to make it through the day without a charge.

Here are some specific battery runtime results for the phone:

Overall, the phone's battery life is decent, but it's not the best in its class.

Connectivity is a crucial aspect of battery life, and it's often overlooked. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are the two most common connectivity options that drain your battery the fastest.

Using Wi-Fi can reduce battery life by up to 20% due to the constant communication between your device and the router.

Bluetooth, on the other hand, can reduce battery life by up to 15% when connected to devices like headphones or speakers.

Turning off Bluetooth and Wi-Fi when not in use can significantly extend your battery life.

The HTC One Mini 2 has a range of cases and accessories available to suit different needs and preferences.

The phone's compact size and sleek design make it a great fit for slim cases that add minimal bulk.

You can also consider a flip case for added protection and a convenient stand for watching videos.

For a more premium look, the HTC One Mini 2 is compatible with a range of high-end cases made from materials like leather and metal.

Some cases also come with features like card slots and built-in wallets for added convenience.

If you're looking for a more rugged option, there are cases designed specifically for outdoor use with features like shock-absorbing materials and waterproofing.

The phone's compact size also makes it easy to attach a car mount or a bike mount for hands-free navigation.

For those who want to keep their phone charged on the go, there are portable power banks available that are compatible with the HTC One Mini 2.

Curious to learn more? Check out: Sony Xperia X Compact

The HTC One Mini 2 is a phone that still runs well after almost 7 years, according to user opinions and reviews. It's a testament to its quality and durability.

Some users have expressed a desire for compact phones like the One Mini 2, which is a great point considering its compact size. The phone measures 4.5 inches, making it more manageable than its flagship counterpart.

The phone's specs are similar to the Motorola Moto G, which is a more affordable option. The Moto G has a 5-megapixel camera, while the One Mini 2 has a 13-megapixel camera. However, the Moto G is available with 4G LTE for a lower price.

Here's a comparison of the two phones:

The price of the One Mini 2 is a significant factor in its appeal. While it's less than the asking price for the One M8, it's still a bit steep compared to the Moto G.

The HTC One mini 2 has a classy aluminium design and runs on Android KitKat software.

It's a smaller version of the flagship, with a 4.5-inch screen, which is a more manageable size.

The phone's specs are shrunk down, with a 1.2GHz processor, a 13-megapixel camera, and a 720p display.

These specs almost exactly match the Motorola Moto G, which is available with 4G LTE for a much lower price of £149 ($219, AU$230).

The HTC One mini 2 is available SIM-free for £360 ($610 or AU$599), which is a huge chunk more than the Moto G.

If you crave a slick design above everything else, the One Mini 2 may be worth shelling out for, but a price closer to £300 would be easier to swallow.

One major con of this product is its lack of customization options, which can be frustrating for users who want to tailor their experience.

The product's limited compatibility with certain devices is another significant drawback, as noted in the "Technical Specifications" section.

Users have reported issues with the product's battery life, which can last only a few hours on a single charge.

The product's design, while sleek, can be prone to scratches and fingerprints, requiring frequent cleaning.

Its high price point is another con, making it inaccessible to many potential customers.

The product's lack of customer support can leave users feeling stranded if they encounter any issues.

The HTC One Mini 2 has a 4.5 in high-definition screen, making it larger than an iPhone 5S and most other smaller, mid-range phones.

This screen size is a notable upgrade from the original HTC One Mini, which was a smaller, cut-down version of the HTC One M7 from 2013.

The new smartphone also features a 5-megapixel camera on the front, which allows users to remove red eye and smooth out skin.