Three starts taking HTC One preorders

UK MOBILE OPERATOR Three started taking preorders for the HTC One on Friday, ahead of the handset's release on 15 March.

Available now from the Three website in both black and silver, the HTC One can be picked up by punters on a £34 or £36 24 month contract, which both have an upfront cost of £69.

The cheaper £34 tariff offers the HTC One with 500 minutes, 5,000 texts and unlimited monthly data, while Three's more expensive £36 One Plan bumps this to 2,000 minutes, 5,000 Three network minutes, 5,000 texts and unlimited data.

Three is also offering the HTC One on pay as you go, for those who aren't keen on signing up to a two year contract. At £479.99 the phone is cheaper than we were expecting too, although you'll also have to buy a £15 top-up.

Sylvia Chind, head of Devices at Three said, "Packed full to the brim with innovative technology, we're delighted to offer the HTC One for pre-order from 22 February and available from 15 March.

"This smartphone offers the latest in a premium, aluminium design and is the perfect partner to enjoy our Ultrafast network."

The HTC One was unveiled earlier this week at a glitzy launch event in London. According to HTC CEO Peter Chou who was at the event, the HTC One is "the best smartphone in the world today", thanks to its luxurious aluminum unibody design, innovative camera technology and updated Sense user interface.

Check out our HTC One hands-on review. µ