HTC Sensation 4G smartphone
HTC

HTC Sensation 4G

June 12, 2011 7/10 Rating Updated
In brief: The HTC Sensation 4G was a flagship Android smartphone released by T-Mobile in June 2011, known for its dual-core processor, qHD display, and HTC Sense 3.0 UI. It aimed to compete with other high-end Android devices of its time, offering a premium design and advanced multimedia capabilities.
Display4.3-inch qHD S-LCD (540x960)
ChipsetQualcomm Snapdragon S3 (MSM8260)
Main Camera8 MP with dual-LED flash, 1080p video
Battery1520 mAh removable Li-Ion
Starting from $30

💰 HTC Sensation 4G Price

The HTC Sensation 4G lowest price is $30, based on current retailer listings.

📌 Full Specifications

Display

TypeS-LCD capacitive touchscreen
Size4.3 inches
Resolution540 x 960 pixels (qHD)
ProtectionCurved display glass

Platform

OSAndroid 2.3.3 (Gingerbread), upgradable to 4.0.3 (Ice Cream Sandwich) with HTC Sense 3.0 (upgradable to 3.6)
ChipsetQualcomm MSM8260 Snapdragon S3
CPUDual-core 1.2 GHz Scorpion
GPUAdreno 220

Memory

Card slotmicroSDHC (dedicated slot), 8GB card included
Internal1GB user accessible, 768MB RAM

Main Camera

Single8 MP, autofocus, dual-LED flash
FeaturesGeo-tagging, touch focus, face detection, image stabilization
Video1080p@30fps

Selfie Camera

SingleVGA
VideoYes

Battery

TypeRemovable Li-Ion 1520 mAh battery
Stand-byUp to 350 h (2G) / Up to 400 h (3G)
Talk timeUp to 8 h 20 min (2G) / Up to 6 h 40 min (3G)

Body

Dimensions126.1 x 65.4 x 11.3 mm (4.96 x 2.57 x 0.44 in)
Weight148 g (5.22 oz)
BuildAluminum unibody design
SIMMini-SIM

Comms

WLANWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, DLNA, hotspot
Bluetooth3.0, A2DP
GPSYes, with A-GPS
RadioStereo FM radio with RDS
USBmicroUSB 2.0

Launch

AnnouncedApril 12, 2011
StatusDiscontinued
Release DateJune 12, 2011 (T-Mobile US)

⚖ Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Premium build quality with aluminum unibody
  • Smooth performance for its time with dual-core processor
  • Sharp qHD display
  • Good 8MP camera with 1080p video recording
  • Feature-rich HTC Sense UI

Cons

  • Limited internal storage (1GB user accessible)
  • Battery life could be improved
  • Some reports of lag in certain tasks
  • Originally shipped with Android 2.3.3, requiring updates for newer features
  • Bootloader was initially locked, making custom ROMs difficult (later unlocked)
★ Our Verdict

The HTC Sensation 4G was a strong contender in its era, offering a premium design and solid performance, though it had some limitations like internal storage and initial software version.

The HTC Sensation 4G is a vintage smartphone from 2011, and as such, it is not recommended for daily use in 2026. Its operating system (Android 2.3 Gingerbread, upgradable to 4.0) is severely outdated, meaning most modern apps will not function, and security updates are non-existent. The hardware, including the processor, RAM, and camera, is significantly outclassed by even entry-level smartphones today. If you are considering purchasing this phone, it should only be for collection purposes, nostalgic value, or for specific retro-tech projects. Do not expect it to perform as a functional smartphone for communication, internet browsing, or app usage in the current technological landscape. Ensure any purchase of a used device is thoroughly checked for battery health and overall functionality, as replacement parts are likely scarce.

📦 In The Box & Warranty

  • HTC Sensation 4G smartphone
  • SIM card (T-Mobile version)
  • Battery (1520 mAh)
  • A/C adapter / Wall charger
  • USB cable (micro USB)
  • Wired stereo headset with microphone and extra earbuds

As a vintage device, new warranty information is not applicable; original warranty was typically 1 year, and current purchases would depend on the seller.

❓ Questions & Answers

What is the HTC Sensation 4G?

The HTC Sensation 4G was a flagship Android smartphone released by HTC in 2011, primarily marketed by T-Mobile, featuring a dual-core processor and a qHD display.

When was the HTC Sensation 4G released?

The HTC Sensation 4G was officially released by T-Mobile on June 12, 2011.

What operating system did the HTC Sensation 4G run?

It originally shipped with Android 2.3.3 Gingerbread with HTC Sense 3.0, and was upgradable to Android 4.0.3 Ice Cream Sandwich.

Does the HTC Sensation 4G support modern apps?

No, due to its outdated Android operating system (up to Android 4.0.3), most modern applications will not be compatible or function correctly on the HTC Sensation 4G.

What were the key features of the HTC Sensation 4G?

Key features included a 4.3-inch qHD Super LCD display, a 1.2 GHz dual-core Qualcomm Snapdragon S3 processor, an 8 MP main camera with 1080p video recording, and HTC's Sense 3.0 user interface.

Is the HTC Sensation 4G still a viable phone today?

The HTC Sensation 4G is not viable for modern daily use due to its severely outdated software, lack of security updates, and hardware limitations compared to current smartphones. It is primarily suitable for collectors or enthusiasts.