As HTC’s newest basic mobile, does it have
anything good?
HTC is spreading its wings. When its hi-end
smartphone lies among the best Android ones for relative prices, the brand also
aims at mid and low segments. Desire C is the latest basic phone from HTC and no-SIM
version costs only $270.
It’s interesting that this phone is not a
budget model that HTC has decided to give the name “Desire”. Few years ago, the
brand did release original Desire and Desire HD. Now, this name has been given
to a basic model from which HTC may think they will gain some glories.
Of course, this phone has some upsides.
First is Android 4 Ice Cream Sandwich (at present when mobiles costing around
$300 all run on Android 2.3), which is the most appealing factor.
This phone’s design looks attractive, too
and it’s not a “brick” plus regular in shape. Back rubber finish is black/white
and easily handled, with elegant curves. Removing the back lid, we can see dark
red color inside. Despite being eye-catching, it is unnecessary thing that we
still like. It proves the brand’s daring to think and do and an exciting
feeling.
We
can see dark red color inside.
There’s 4GB storage plus 2GB micro-SD card
in our tested model. Like recent HTC’s phones, this mobile provides users with free
25GB storage in Dropbox for 2 years. 2 years later, you will probably change
your phone. NFC is also surprisingly included when it hasn’t really caught on
by any meaning; it is good to make a preparation for the future.
We could hear creaking sounds which
considerably decreased HTC Desire C’s appeal.
It’s vulnerable for a small mobile that the
display’s size is reduced down to 3.5 inches. On good side, this enable user to
control the phone with only one hand. However, low resolution (480x320pixel) results
in difficulty for users who regularly browse webs and get along with
multimedia. Keyboard is a bit crammed and we did find problem typing accurately.
The
screen is 3.5inch sized, plus 480x320 pixel resolution.
Audio power is below standard. Despite
support from HTC Beats Audio but, in fact, our tested model’s audio quality was
really poor, with many treble outputs via speakers and headphones, which came
as a pity.
HTC picked 600MHz processor and it is a
real problem that Desire C has to face. It seems weak in all aspects. We had to
wait for apps to start many times and if you consider finding faster processors
in this price range (or even lower one), we will not be impressed.
Battery runtime is another problem. We
succeeded in experiencing the phone one day with only one recharge but we did
expect more than that – maybe one day and a half – in such a small-screen
device. Runtime might not be a spoilsport yet it was another downside, we were
afraid.
Overall HTC Desire C disappointed us and we
hoped for better mobiles in similar or lower price range.
Alternatives are Orange San Diego and
Huawei G300 (plus 1GHz processor). In two cases, you will have to compromise
Android’s versions but receive benefits in most aspects. It’s wise to look for specific
details.
Hand-friendliness: The monitor may be small but it’s good for hands that are small,
too.
Ice Cream Sandwich: If you prefer a budget ICS model, this is your cheapest one.
Though, you’ll need to make further difficult compromise.
Red color: Remove the back lid and interiors, you will see all red.
NFC: Cheap
as it is, this device still owns NFC.
Dropbox’s support: 4GB storage appears small yet you have micro-SD slot and 2GB cloud
storage on Dropbox.
Good for
Mobile ability: The phone is tiny and
light, perfect for small pockets.
Android: The latest Android version, Ice
Cream Sandwich, is included.
NFC: NFC, which is due to grow faster, is
also integrated.
Storage: You have 25GB cloud storage on
Dropbox plus 4GB internal memory.
Info
Price: $270
Website: www.htc.com
Runtime
Runtime is averagely one day, a little
disappointing.
Specs
OS: Android 4
Processor: 600MHz
Storage: 4GB
Size: 107.2x60.6x12.25mm
Weight: 100g
Display: 3.5inch
Screen resolution: 480x320 pixels
Extendable card slot: micro-SD
Verdict
Performance
Ratings: 3/5
Performance is limited by slow processor
but HTC will enhance it.
Design
Ratings: 4/5
The phone is good-looking with some nice
spots.
Features
Ratings: 3/5
There are some surprises, NFC for example, but
it is truly weak according to specs.
Value
Ratings: 2/5
The market’s budget segment has several
competitive models. Let’s look around!
Total
Ratings: 2/5
ICS and NFC are considerably upsides on a budget
smartphone but Desire C feels limited in some aspects.
HTC
Desire C
