HTC Sensation XE goes on sale

TAIWANESE PHONE MAKER HTC's Sensation XE goes on sale today at online retailers.

It seems we don't have to wait long to get hold of HTC handsets, after a gap of less than three weeks between announcement and launch for the Sensation XE. You can get one now from The Smartphone Centre, priced at £479 SIM free.

The smartphone is the first device to come with Beats audio technology since HTC bought a majority share in the company in August. Other than Beats audio, the Sensation XE comes with a 4.3in qHD screen and a 1.5GHz dual-core processor.

Normally a rival online retailer will be selling the phone cheaper if you wait a few more days, but Clove, Amazon and Expansys all have prices above £490. Clove has just confirmed the phone is in stock, while Amazon says it is due on 7 October and Expansys has no date.

The price has dropped significantly since we first heard about the phone, when Amazon had a whopping price of £614.

Among the mobile operators, O2 has the Sensation XE on its coming soon page with availability of October. The Carphone Warehouse also has the handset on its coming soon page with the same timeframe, whilst Phones 4U appears to have the phone on O2 or Orange starting at £31 per month with the device free.

We're expecting HTC to announce more handsets with Beats audio soon, but for now check out our video demo of the Sensation XE. µ