With Google and HTC officially reaching an in-depth cooperation agreement of $1.1 billion on September 21, the rumor that HTC will sell its mobile phone business has finally settled. However, unlike Motorola, HTC is more like trying to survive with its arms broken. It only sells Pixel R&D team to Google and grants Google some non exclusive intellectual property rights, but HTC will still retain other R&D teams and its own brand mobile phone business.

As HTC's smartphone business is shrinking, its global share is less than 1%. Therefore, it seems that it will happen sooner or later to reduce the smartphone business. For HTC, which is already faltering, it seems to be a wise choice to lighten its weight and focus its core resources on the future industry. As a former overlord in the era of Android and Windows Mobile, HTC has had a profound impact on the development of modern smart phones, especially Android phones. So far, the sense desktop can still be seen on Android systems. Although HTC has lost its courage, its many classic designs still remain in the hearts of many fans. Let's take stock of those classic models.

Dopod 585 - 2005

At the end of 2004, Dopod launched more than 565/575/585 mobile phones with basically the same appearance and configuration, of which 585 is the most representative. The reason why Dopod is classified as HTC is that it is a company jointly funded by HTC and VIA in 2002. Wang Xuehong once served as the chairman, which means that Dopod is actually a subsidiary of HTC. Although it is a straight body design, this mobile phone is equipped with the Windows Mobile 2003 system, the processor is ARM OMAP730, the body has 64M internal memory, and supports the expansion of 1GB miniSD card. In addition to the standard keyboard and paddles, this mobile phone is also designed with music multifunction keys, as well as one button Internet access, home page, back and email keys, which are more user-friendly.

HTC D900 - 2005

Maybe many people don't know about this "mobile phone". It is one of the Windows Mobile models that HTC got up earlier. It also has another name, Universal, and has the most powerful configuration at that time. As the first model equipped with Windows Mobile 5.0, it has a 3.6 inch VGA resolution (640 × 480) flip rotatable touch screen, It has the largest screen size and the highest resolution at that time. The design of full angle rotating screen+full keyboard+side keys makes it full of science and technology, just like a mini laptop. Which digital enthusiast would not like this monster? In that era when smart phones grew savagely, HTC almost became the synonym of WM platform, once owning 80% of WM platform share, which was also the highest profit margin period in HTC's history.

Dopod S1/HTC Touch - 2007

If you are not familiar with the models above, you must not be unfamiliar with the Dopod S1. The most famous model in the history of Dopod is named after the Dopod S1 in mainland China and HTC Touch in other regions. As the smallest Windows Mobile model at that time, S1 was very popular with users for its unique appearance design. The surface material was made of soft glue coating material, which made it very delicate and soft to hold. It was once the most popular WM model.

HTC Touch Diamond - 2008

The design of Touch Diamond is just like its name "Diamond". Its appearance is very elegant. The back cover adopts diamond cutting technology, which is sharp and fashionable. It used a 2.8 inch 480 × 640 resolution touch screen, equipped with Windows Mobile 6.1 operating system, and equipped with a 528Mhz processor. It was the most fluent smartphone at that time, and it was also the peak of Windows Mobile phones.

HTC Dream (G1) - 2008

As the original Android manufacturer, HTC has launched many Android models with sliding full keyboard, and G1 is a typical representative. As the first Android phone in the world, HTC G1 adopted the design of full keyboard+touch ball, which was also a popular design at that time. In terms of appearance, although it is not very beautiful, the sideslip full keyboard can also be called ingenious and full of geek style. G1 has a 3.17 inch TFT display screen, HVGA 480 × 320 resolution, and Qualcomm 7201 is used in the configuration, 192M RAM 256M ROM, 3.1 megapixel camera. However, even in that era, these configurations were not so powerful, so the experience was not excellent. However, as the first Android phone in history, its milestone significance is indelible. It also opened the most brilliant period in HTC history, when HTC was also Apple's strongest competitor.

HTC HD2 - 2009

As the most versatile model in the history of "cleaning", HD2 can be described as "everything". From the middle of the Windows logo, we can see that it is a model belonging to the Windows Mobile series, but it is famous for its inclusive system compatibility. It comes with Windows Mobile 6.5 system, but it can be uploaded to Android 4.1-4.4, Ubuntu，Firefox OS，MeeGo， Windows Phone 8 or even RT version of Windows 8 can also be downloaded... Recently, the geeks of XDA, a famous Android forum, also downloaded Android 7.0 for it. If you want to select the most versatile player in history, HD2 will reach the top.

HTC Hero (G3) - 2009

Hero is a peak in the history of HTC. It is the first HTC model to support multi touch, and also the first model to be equipped with HTC Sense. At that time, the launcher of Android native system was very simple, while HTC Sense was beautiful, convenient and easy to use. It was not enough to call it the Android phone with the best experience at that time. Its Sense desktop also had a profound impact on the development of Android system. In the era of Android 4.4, there was still a lot of Sense in native Android. In addition, Hero is also a mobile phone that never lacks "topics". Its jaw is controversial due to the 15 ° bend design, but this makes it a classic.

Google Nexus One - 2010

The famous Nexus One is known by everyone. The first generation of Google's own son was created by HTC. HTC is not only the manufacturer of the first Android device, but also the first generation manufacturer of the son. As the first self owned brand mobile phone under Google, Google chose the most powerful HTC at that time to build its first son, Nexus One (G5). For the first time, this mobile phone eliminates the physical buttons on the front and adopts the full touch button control mode. At that time, the configuration of this phone was called monster level. The main frequency was 1Ghz Qualcomm QSD8250 processor, 512MB RAM, and a 3.7 inch screen with a resolution of 480 × 800. You should know that the screen of the iPhone 3GS was only 320 × 480. The display effect of the Nexus One at that time was amazing.

HTC G7 Desire - 2010

When it comes to HTC, we have to mention G7 Desire. This meritorious model in HTC's history has strong hardware performance and excellent sales, which has greatly improved HTC's brand image. The model of Google Android+partners has achieved initial results, which not only promotes Google Android system to the greatest extent, but also makes the partners earn a lot. Desire maintains the same hardware configuration as the Nexus One in terms of hardware, and its overall performance is excellent, which can be called a generation of computer king. As the most famous series of HTC, Desire is the greatest contributor to HTC's success in destroying cities and villages, and HTC's market value doubled with the sales of series models during this period. In addition to launching Desire series, HTC also officially entered the Chinese mainland market in 2010, and Dopod was integrated into HTC, so far, the Dopod brand also bid farewell to mainland users.

HTC G16 Chacha - 2011

Strictly speaking, Chacha is not a classic Android model, but its unique straight keyboard design has become a rare attempt after smart phones entered the era of full touch. Unlike the old-fashioned BlackBerry or Nokia's full keyboard model, it has a clean and beautiful appearance. As a customized Facebook model (QQ for the Bank of China version), it has a blue button, which can be launched by pressing it. Simple and refreshing, both silver version and black version are so popular after adding Facebook blue color matching, which is a rare appearance design to make people look bright in that era. However, it is a little pity that the horizontal screen support of both the Android system itself and the major applications is quite ordinary. In addition, Chacha is only equipped with 1250mAh batteries, so the experience is not excellent. Although Chacha's performance was not satisfactory, under the influence of the hot sales of other HTC models, HTC's share price exceeded NT $1200, with a market value of US $33.5 billion, becoming the second highest mobile phone manufacturer at that time.

HTC One X - 2012

One X is the first model of HTC One series, and also the first model of HTC to use a quad core processor. It is equipped with the Tegra3 processor developed by Nvidia. It was launched as the Android 4.0 system, and equipped with the new version of HTC Sense. HTC cut its product line this year, and returned to the road of focusing on boutiques. One X is the only Android model that can be compared with Samsung Galaxy S3 in 2012. However, because Nvidia's processor was hot and its power consumption performance was not ideal at that time, One X was not successful, which was almost the Waterloo of HTC. In addition, although this aircraft is the first one of the One series, it is the final one of HTC's "traditional" design. Since then, HTC has turned to the full metal integrated body design.

HTC Butterfly - 2012

Butterfly is just like its name. Although it continues the outline of the One series on the whole, it has made some new breakthroughs in appearance. Unlike the round shape of the HTC One series, Butterfly's design style can only be unique. Unfortunately, this style has not lasted for long, and the butterfly series is also destined to be unique. The most proud thing about this phone is that it is equipped with a 5-inch LCD screen with a resolution of 1080P, and the PPI is up to 440. In the era when the iPhone retina screen dominated, Butterfly opened a new era of Android phones.

HTC One M7 - 2013

The M7 is the first work of HTC's new design style. Compared with previous works, it is completely remodeled. It adopts an all metal integrated body, which has a very beautiful appearance. In the era when large plastic and glass back covers were popular, the metal body was unique, and HTC entered a period of highest appearance. The phone is equipped with a 4.7 inch 1080P screen, with a ppi of up to 468, and adopts Android 4.1.2 system and Sense 5 interface. The overall experience is very excellent, which is loved by consumers. It is one of the best phones in 2013. However, the phone uses the controversial UltraPixel 4.08 million pixel camera, whose unit photosensitive area has reached an astonishing 2 μ m, and the night shooting effect is very outstanding. However, its low pixels are still a bit difficult to look up in front of a crowd of phones with more than 13 million pixels. The M7 is the beginning of the HTC One era, but it is also the most beautiful one in the One series. Since then, HTC has entered the multi chin era for several years.

HTC M8 - 2014

If the M7 is HTC's innovation, the M8 is the icing on the cake. Although its fuselage design basically continues the M7's all metal style, there are many changes in details. The screen is increased from 4.7 inches of the M7 to 5 inches, and the keys are changed from physical touch to virtual keys. A dual camera design with 408 megapixel UltraPixel main camera and 2 megapixel sub camera is also added. Although it has no advantage over other models of the same era in terms of screen share and body weight, it is still popular with many consumers because of its excellent appearance and simple and easy to use system, which also helped HTC turn losses into profits in the second quarter of 2014.

HTC M9 - 2015

Although One M8 helps HTC get back on track, in this era of fierce competition, a little carelessness will cause HTC to fall behind. The M9 is very similar to the M8, so it was criticized for its lack of innovation and rigid design. In addition, the pricing was too high, and HTC fell into a long-term loss. Although the three generations of One series products have more or less minor defects, such as the low UltraPixel pixels of the M7 main camera, and the much maligned multi-layer chin of the M8 and M9, these models are still classic models in HTC history. After all, in the era of big plastics, only a handful of manufacturers are willing to work hard on the fuselage.

HTC 10 - 2016

After years of complaints from many users, HTC 10 finally abandoned the "multiple chins", and HTC finally got back on track in terms of appearance. HTC 10 retained its iconic all metal body, but the front has changed a lot. The front is covered by a whole glass panel. The BoomSound speaker uses a different opening design from the front, which greatly enhances the integrity of the front panel. In addition to significant changes in appearance, its configuration has finally reached the level of mainstream flagship. Snapdragon 820+4GB operating memory+5.2-inch LCD screen with 2K resolution is one of the few competitive products of HTC in recent years. Unfortunately, HTC was too confident in the pricing of its own products. In addition, it seriously ignored the mainland market at the beginning of its launch, resulting in very poor sales. HTC suffered losses for seven consecutive quarters, and HTC failed to recover its defeat in the smartphone market.

Google Pixel/Pixel XL - 2016

As Google's new series of mobile phones, Pixel is responsible for the banner of Nexus, while HTC is responsible for OEM, which has been mired in business. Although it is not the first time for Google to choose HTC, it is still surprising. However, I believe Pixel's excellent performance is enough to make most people forget all kinds of doubts about HTC. Although there is no HTC logo on the body of Google's own son Pixel/Pixel XL, there is no doubt that it has left a strong mark in HTC history. Now HTC can become friends with Google, to some extent, thanks to its outstanding performance in OEM Pixel/Pixel XL. Pixel's full geek style deeply fits in with Google's engineer culture. This son with HTC marks set a good example for the Pixel series, which is also one of the most beautiful models in the family series.

HTC U Ultra - 2017

After several unsuccessful products, HTC Finally, a new round of innovation began. Its new flagship model, HTC U Ultra, completely abandoned HTC's all metal all-in-one rear cover, which has been used for many generations, and adopted a more colorful glass rear cover. The special colored mineral layer called "liquid surface" added to the lower layer of the glass can make the glass have gorgeous luster and unique texture, It is crystal clear, lustrous and smooth like jade. In addition to the appearance re launch, U Ultra has also added a dual screen similar to the LG V10/V20, with a special secondary screen on the top, which can display music, calendar, alarm clock, reminders and other content. Although we have not seen the secondary screen for the first time, for HTC, which has been dormant for several years, U Ultra's progress has been invaluable.

HTC U11 - 2017

If OEM Pixel/Pixel XL is just a difficult step in the painful transformation of an old manufacturer, HTC U11 is a symbol of striving to return to the peak. Although HTC has been unable to compete with giants like Samsung and Apple in terms of influence, market share and sales volume, U11 has brought back HTC's lost face for many years, and the back design of its popular watch has also made it one of the most beautiful mobile phones in 2017. However, it is a little pity that the HTC U11 did not catch up with the trend of full screen explosion, so it seems to suffer a little in front of a large number of high screen models. However, on the whole, with its flagship hardware configuration, superb appearance and unique intelligence, it is undoubtedly still one of the best smartphones in 2017. Although the in-depth cooperation agreement between HTC and Google has been finalized, we don't need to worry about U11 becoming the last computer king. It is reported that the research and development team of U11 and Smart is not Pixel team. The research and development of HTC's next generation flagship model is also proceeding in an orderly manner. We hope that HTC can bring us more excellent models in the future.

U11 has opened the era of HTC's "smart grip". Although HTC's position in the Jianghu is no longer there, it still maintains a strong entrepreneurial spirit. Today, when smart phones are so homogenized, HTC is pursuing innovation in its unique way. Although "smart grip" is not a necessary function, it is better than nothing. At least HTC still maintains its enterprising spirit. As the agent of the early Nexus, HTC's history can no doubt be described as brilliant. Its outstanding innovation ability has left many classic models in the history of smart phones, and it is also one of the companies that have the most profound impact on the development of smart phones.

However, it is a pity that in the fastest growing years of smart phones, the conservative management, coupled with the upper supply chain being clamped down by competitors, led to its slow decline and gradually separated from the First Group. Fortunately, after several years of dormancy, the excellent performance of Pixel, U Ultra and U11 has brought HTC back to the users' perspective. With the conclusion of an in-depth cooperation agreement of 1.1 billion dollars with Google, HTC will usher in a new era even though it has lost Pixel's R&D team. Look at the once powerful Nokia, Motorola, and Blackberry. Now they are human beings. HTC is still a hero, after all, survival is above everything.

*Some pictures are from the network

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