HTC Desire

Into Droid Hardware

HTC Desire, originally released in 2010, was one of the standout Android smartphones of its time. Let’s dive into an in-depth review of the HTC Desire:

Overview:

The HTC Desire was launched during the early days of Android’s rise in the smartphone market. It was seen as HTC’s answer to the iPhone and was widely regarded as one of the best Android phones available at the time.

Features:

  • Operating System: Initially came with Android 2.1 Eclair, later upgradeable to 2.2 Froyo.
  • Display: 3.7-inch AMOLED (later versions used SLCD) capacitive touchscreen with a resolution of 480 x 800 pixels.
  • Processor: Qualcomm QSD8250 Snapdragon S1.
  • Memory: 576 MB RAM with 512 MB internal storage, expandable via microSD.
  • Camera: 5 MP rear camera with LED flash and autofocus.
  • Battery: 1400 mAh removable battery.
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g, Bluetooth 2.1, and GPS.
  • Other Features: Optical trackpad, HTC Sense UI, FM radio, and a 3.5mm headphone jack.

Pros:

  • HTC Sense UI: HTC’s custom skin, Sense UI, was praised for its user-friendly features and added functionalities over stock Android.
  • Build Quality: The Desire had a solid build, with a mix of metal and soft-touch materials that gave it a premium feel.
  • Display: The AMOLED screen was vibrant and provided deep blacks and good contrast.
  • Performance: For its time, the HTC Desire was a fast and responsive device, handling most tasks with ease.

Cons:

  • Internal Storage: With only 512 MB of internal storage (part of which was taken up by the system), users had to rely heavily on microSD cards.
  • Battery Life: Typical of many smartphones of its era, the battery life could be a concern for heavy users.
  • Camera Quality: While decent for its time, the camera struggled in low-light conditions.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In 2010, the smartphone market was rapidly evolving. The HTC Desire faced competition from:

  • iPhone 4: Apple’s offering with its Retina display, sleek design, and iOS ecosystem.
  • Samsung Galaxy S: Samsung’s flagship with a Super AMOLED display and TouchWiz UI.
  • Nexus One: Also manufactured by HTC, this was Google’s “pure Android” offering, very similar in specs to the Desire but without the HTC Sense UI.

Launch Date:

The HTC Desire was announced in February 2010 and released in March 2010.

Common Issues/Problems:

  • Storage Issues: The limited internal storage meant users often encountered issues with app installations and updates.
  • Battery Concerns: Some users reported having to charge the device more than once a day under heavy use.
  • Updates: While the phone did receive an update to Android 2.2 Froyo, further major Android updates were not provided, leading to some user dissatisfaction.

Conclusion:

The HTC Desire was a landmark device in the Android ecosystem, showcasing what the platform was capable of during its early days. It combined solid hardware with HTC’s user-friendly Sense UI, making it a favorite among Android enthusiasts. While it had its limitations, especially by today’s standards, it was a significant device in the evolution of Android smartphones and played a role in HTC’s prominence during the early 2010s.