We first got word of the HTC Sensation XL at the tail end of August in the form of a leaked spec list, but at the time we only knew of the phone by its "Runnymede" codename. Now the Sensation XL is nice and official, though, and if you like the HTC Titan but wish it were running Android instead of Windows Phone, you should be pretty pleased with the device you see above. The Sensation XL is packing a 4.7-inch 800x480 Super LCD display, 1.5GHz Qualcomm processor, 8-megapixel camera with dual LED flash, 720p HD video capture, 1.3-megapixel front-facing shooter, 768MB RAM, 16GB storage, and Android 2.3 beneath HTC Sense 3.5. As you could probably tell by the press photo, there's Beats Audio tech built into the Sensation XL, and the device will also ship with a special pair of "urBeats" headphones.
So when can you get your paws on the new 4.7-inch Sensation XL? It'll be launching in Asia and Europe in early November but, sadly, there's no word on U.S. availability as of this writing. We'll pass along more details as we get them. Until then, the full press release is available for your perusal down below. Anyone think that they'd pick up a Sensation XL if it were available stateside?
UPDATE: Sad news, friends. HTC has told the folks at This is my next that the Sensation XL won't be making it to U.S. shores. When asked if any similar devices would be coming Stateside, the company responded by saying that it didn't invest $300 million into Beats just to neglect America, so at least there's that. Stay tuned.
HTC UNLEASHES THE HTC SENSATION™ XL WITH BEATS AUDIO™
Beats integration, combined with amazing 4.7-inch display, introduces powerful entertainment experience
LONDON – October 6, 2011 – HTC Corporation, a global designer of mobile devices, today unveiled the HTC Sensation™ XL with Beats Audio™ integration. This latest innovation is the result of the new partnership between HTC and Beats announced in August and takes mobile entertainment to a new level with an amazing 4.7-inch screen and a specifically optimized audio experience. The HTC Sensation XL joins the HTC Sensation XE to provide customers with a strong line-up of HTC smartphones integrated with Beats Audio.
“With Beats Audio, the HTC Sensation XL continues HTC’s commitment of delivering the best audio possible on your phone whether you’re listening to music, watching a movie or playing a game,” said Peter Chou, CEO, HTC Corporation. “This is an amazing example of why our partnership with Beats makes so much sense for customers today and into the future.”
“HTC is an incredible partner and has completely embraced our desire to make the music experience on the mobile phone as powerful and as rich as it can be,” said Jimmy Iovine, Chairman of Beats by Dr. Dre.
Design, Performance and Stunning Audio
With the 4.7” screen, slim 9.9mm design and Beats Audio integration, the HTC Sensation XL was specifically created to deliver the best entertainment experience with stunning audio and visuals for music, movies and games. The HTC Sensation XL features unique audio tuning by Beats that ensures customers will hear their music as the artist intended.
Unique to HTC phones, the HTC Sensation XL includes new lightweight urBeats™ headphones, created exclusively to integrate with the Beats’ audio profile on the device. The built-in microphone makes hands-free calling easy and the on-cable remote control allows customers to pause, advance or rewind, and to answer a call mid-track.
Customers can also send music recommendations and track information to friends over SMS, email or through their Facebook profile. To allocate the perfect audio alert to an incoming call or message from friends and family, use the ringtone trimmer to edit a music track and add it to a friend’s contact profile.
HTC Watch
HTC Sensation XL integrates HTC Watch, an application and service that puts an entire library of the latest premium movies and TV shows right at your fingertips, letting people discover the latest video content in an easy and visually engaging way. HTC Watch uses progressive download technology that makes it possible to watch videos without waiting for a huge file to finish downloading. HTC Watch offers the choice of renting or buying videos, and, if purchased, lets customers watch them on up to five different HTC devices.
Capture the moment
The HTC Sensation XL boasts an 8MP camera, featuring a f/2.2, 28mm wide-angle lens with BSI sensor to fit more of the scene into every shot and for better low-light performance. In video mode, the HTC Sensation XL enables customers to record a perfect moment with stunning clarity and incredible stereo sound – perfect for sharing on YouTube, Facebook or a TV.
Availability
HTC Sensation XL will be available across EMEA and Asia Pacific from early November. In EMEA, HTC will also be offering a limited edition bundle that includes special edition Beats Solo headphones.
