Would you believe it, I’ve kept the HTC One for 6 weeks. That’s a record ownership time for myself. But there are good reasons why I still adore the HTC One. If you want to read my previous articles, look above, and click the HTC One Review tab.

Now unlike many other sites I actually bought this phone myself, so it’s not on loan for reviewing with an expectation of a semi decent review. Also, if you look around there is no advertising so my comments are my own opinion and are not being swayed by anybody.

So what’s happened in the last 6 weeks. Well I have got to use the phone more and more and appreciate its key selling points. First up the front facing speakers. They are positioned correctly on the front and with the Beats Audio produce a decent loud and clear sound. Podcasts, films and music are a joy to pump out the One’s speakers. The TV IR blaster is useful. I like the little touch of just raising the phone and the TV blaster app automatically turns back on. Blinkfeed. As much as I really enjoyed this, it no longer features on my home screen, as I have installed a new launcher, Apex Launcher Pro. So below is my new look home screen.

I still love the build and design quality of this phone. It’s simplicity makes you feel proud to be holding it. It does make other phones look a little inferior.

Simplicity is a good word to describe the HTC One. It makes life simple. It is easy to use, and HTC have taken a lot of care to make the software partner with the hardware. There are no lags or stutters using this phone. It has no bloatware, just useful apps that you would actually use. The attention to detail is astonishing at times. I mentioned the speakers, but the phone’s audio quality is excellent no matter if you use the speakers, your headphones or a USB DAC/Amp. In fact the built in headphone amplifier can power your headphones to a very decent volume.

The camera. I don’t think I could have another device if it didn’t have Zoe’s and video highlights. They are really useful and make a great way to share events. Even my frustration over landscapes has dwindled as the HTC One has a rather wide field of view, meaning it photographs more. This has proven handy.

A little camera tip. If you tap to focus, waiting a second or two produces sharper photos before pressing the shutter button. Strange but true.

HTC have already released a software update and are on schedule for Jelly Bean 4.2.2 next month. But in all honesty, the HTC One is so great straight out of the box, it sets the standard that other companies should aspire too.

I have 2 dogs and cats. The HTC One is the first phone that has photographed my pets in action without blur. That alone is worth it’s weight in gold.

Seriously, the HTC One is a superb phone that looks amazing and performs like a true champ.