HTC and Optus have teamed up again to launch a new Android smartphone in Australia, with Optus ranging the HTC Rhyme as an exclusive from 1 November.
![](https://www.cnet.com/a/img/resize/c9eda2949f6d3bb2aafb172288efe0a334f54770/hub/2011/10/20/81d1e5a0-cc2e-11e2-9a4a-0291187b029a/htc-rhyme_1.jpg?auto=webp&width=644)
(Credit: HTC)
Sold in a pack with a range of accessories, the Rhyme will be available for $0 on an AU$59 per month plan over 24 months. This includes the handset, a bedside speaker dock, a protective pouch, headphones with a “tangle-free” cord design and what HTC is calling the “Rhyme Charm” — an LED notification light that clips onto the strap of a handbag (or manbag) which flashes when you receive a call or message.
![](https://www.cnet.com/a/img/resize/5378d6b697e8b967fca1ff06840552a2a65fc913/hub/2011/10/20/81d1f219-cc2e-11e2-9a4a-0291187b029a/rhyme-dock.jpg?auto=webp&width=270)
This last accessory in particular has pundits labelling the Rhyme a smartphone for women. This notion is reinforced somewhat by Optus only selling the handset in a pastel mint colour.
Beyond its design, the Rhyme ships with version 3.5 of the HTC Sense user experience. This is the latest version of the software, and it comes with a number of enhancements to the design of the system to simplify its appearance and unclutter some of its menus.
The handset also has a 5-megapixel camera, which HTC reps described as the best camera from HTC to date. Though its megapixel count may be lower than some of its competitors, the camera includes a backside-illuminated (BSI) sensor, similar to the iPhone 4S, which should deliver good results, even in low-light situations.