Review of HTC Desire HD GSM/UMTS Smartphone
Positioning
If you pardon my language, the Windows Mobile based HTC HD2 was the latest uber-flagship from the Taiwanese company. It is the type of devices that has the highest price in a particular segment. The HTC HD2 was exactly like that at its launch and remains one of its kind in the WM cohort to date. However, even before the release of the HD2, while still in the WM business, the company became interested in Android. And that was the end of the flagship era. The first device, more of a test unit, was the HTC Magic, followed by the HTC Hero, average in terms of functionality but the first truly popular "robot." Even today, the latter is considered to be a quality standard for Android smartphones by many users. And that is well-justified – i.e. it has a relatively small size, fairly good screen, decent battery life and performance. Whichever way you look at it, it is average yet handy. After that, there was the Nexus One for the search giant Google and its analogue under the HTC brand (the Nexus One does have the manufacturer logo, though) – the Desire. It is the Desire that became the company's flagship "robot" immediately after its launch, although no experienced Android or Windows Mobile user would call the Desire a truly top-notch device.
HTC's next step was to announce a real Android flagship, the most expensive, powerful, etc. And they made such an announcement by presenting the HTC EVO 4G exactly at the same time when the Android based Samsung Galaxy S was unveiled. The EVO 4G was offered exclusively on the Sprint network. Effectively, until the announcement of the HTC Desire HD only Samsung's smartphone could be considered as a top Android device. The HTC EVO 4G had good specs indeed but it had limited sales and was offered in one country only. On the global scale, the Desire retained its flagship position among HTC's "robots."
The HTC Desire HD can be mistaken for a successor to the original Desire with an enlarged screen. And that would be quite logical, taking into account the common name of the devices. The name must have been preserved for the customers to perceive the HTC Desire HD as a natural development of the Desire. In reality, however, it is a completely different smartphone, the truly and first mass market Android flagship from HTC.
Rivals
The official price of HTC Desire HD will be $875. Taking it into account we will compare the model with its rivals.
To my mind the main competitor is not Samsung Galaxy S, but Apple iPhone 4.
Apple iPhone 4. The first considerably updated iPhone model offers many interesting features and follows in the footsteps of its popular predecessors. Its strong points are obvious: gorgeous screen, high speed of response, logical interface and compact dimensions together with Apple design, which attracts attention despite some controversy in this model.
What advantages does HTC Desire HD have over Apple iPhone? I think this is a bigger screen, more durable body resistant to minor scratches and wearing off, and Android. The "robot" loses out in terms of available software, but in comparison with, let's say, iOS it gives more understandable multitasking and is not tied to one app as to the data synchronization. The main advantage of Desire HD is its lower price of both certified and uncertified offerings. Other than that Apple iPhone 4 has the edge.
Samsung Galaxy S. Before the launch of HTC Desire HD this model was the only mass market flagship (if we can use such descriptions in this segment) among "robots". What are the strong points of Samsung Galaxy S? It is more compact, plays unconverted video of different formats without additional efforts, has a high quality camera and the inbuilt memory module apart from the memory card slot.
Advantages of HTC Desire HD lie in a more convenient and complete HTC Sense interface and more acceptable screen in terms of colors and brightness. The same applies to body and design. Despite the ambiguous design HTC Desire HD looks much better than a plastic toy of Samsung Galaxy S.
Conclusion
The connection quality for Desire HD is on par with modern day standards. During 2 weeks of testing I never lost the connection, which happened several times on HTC Desire (users of the model will understand what I mean). The volume is average, but if you select a suitable ringtone you will hear it even in a noisy room. Standard ringtones will suit this purpose very well. Similarly to other latest models of the company HTC Desire HD has the "etiquette" feature. When the phone is rested on the surface during the call you only need to take it in hands for sound to reach the minimum level. HTC Desire helps you to avoid discomfort when a sudden call traditionally makes you search for the volume rockers or end the call. It is very useful. The speaker has an above average volume, so it is enough in the majority of instances including noisy transportation systems or the street. The vibro is surprisingly good and cannot be missed when walking even if it is in your pocket.
The phone will be available one of these days for $875, which is similar to HTC Desire at the sales start. What else can we add? Let's mention key advantages and disadvantages of the smartphone.
Advantages:
High quality and large screen
Metal body
Convenient HTC Sense interface
Good sound quality
Disadvantages:
Low battery operation time
Mediocre camera
Absence of hardware controls
Excessive weight and dimensions
All other points are very personal and can go either way. Design is a bit controversial – some may like it, while others will be surprised. The price tag is impressive, but rival are not cheaper. Many readers will mention that the S-LCD screen is not an advantage and loses out to Super-AMOLED in Samsung Galaxy S. I do not understand how a high quality and balanced screen with natural color reproduction and flexible backlight adjustment (S-LCD in Desire HD) can be inferior to a screen with distorted parameters: brightness, contrast and saturation. I do not agree!
To my mind the model has 2 serious disadvantages – ridiculously low operation time and an 8 MP camera offering low quality pictures. Other than that HTC Desire HD is a gorgeous Android smartphone with all possible features including such rare things as "WiFi router" and full synchronization with htcsense.com. If you are looking to buy a "robot" for the next year or two pay attention to HTC Desire HD. It is a true flagship model from the manufacturer, which traditionally specializes in the pick of the crop. This HTC flagship is truly a success story.
Description:
If you pardon my language, the Windows Mobile based HTC HD2 was the latest uber-flagship from the Taiwanese company. It is the type of devices that has the highest price in a particular segment. The HTC HD2 was exactly like that at its launch and remains one of its kind in the WM cohort to date. However, even before the release of the HD2, while still in the WM business, the company became interested in Android. And that was the end of the flagship era. The first device, more of a test unit, was the HTC Magic, followed by the HTC Hero, average in terms of functionality but the first truly popular "robot." Even today, the latter is considered to be a quality standard for Android smartphones by many users. And that is well-justified – i.e. it has a relatively small size, fairly good screen, decent battery life and performance. Whichever way you look at it, it is average yet handy. After that, there was the Nexus One for the search giant Google and its analogue under the HTC brand (the Nexus One does have the manufacturer logo, though) – the Desire. It is the Desire that became the company's flagship "robot" immediately after its launch, although no experienced Android or Windows Mobile user would call the Desire a truly top-notch device.
HTC's next step was to announce a real Android flagship, the most expensive, powerful, etc. And they made such an announcement by presenting the HTC EVO 4G exactly at the same time when the Android based Samsung Galaxy S was unveiled. The EVO 4G was offered exclusively on the Sprint network. Effectively, until the announcement of the HTC Desire HD only Samsung's smartphone could be considered as a top Android device. The HTC EVO 4G had good specs indeed but it had limited sales and was offered in one country only. On the global scale, the Desire retained its flagship position among HTC's "robots."
The HTC Desire HD can be mistaken for a successor to the original Desire with an enlarged screen. And that would be quite logical, taking into account the common name of the devices. The name must have been preserved for the customers to perceive the HTC Desire HD as a natural development of the Desire. In reality, however, it is a completely different smartphone, the truly and first mass market Android flagship from HTC.
Rivals
The official price of HTC Desire HD will be $875. Taking it into account we will compare the model with its rivals.
To my mind the main competitor is not Samsung Galaxy S, but Apple iPhone 4.
Apple iPhone 4. The first considerably updated iPhone model offers many interesting features and follows in the footsteps of its popular predecessors. Its strong points are obvious: gorgeous screen, high speed of response, logical interface and compact dimensions together with Apple design, which attracts attention despite some controversy in this model.
What advantages does HTC Desire HD have over Apple iPhone? I think this is a bigger screen, more durable body resistant to minor scratches and wearing off, and Android. The "robot" loses out in terms of available software, but in comparison with, let's say, iOS it gives more understandable multitasking and is not tied to one app as to the data synchronization. The main advantage of Desire HD is its lower price of both certified and uncertified offerings. Other than that Apple iPhone 4 has the edge.
Samsung Galaxy S. Before the launch of HTC Desire HD this model was the only mass market flagship (if we can use such descriptions in this segment) among "robots". What are the strong points of Samsung Galaxy S? It is more compact, plays unconverted video of different formats without additional efforts, has a high quality camera and the inbuilt memory module apart from the memory card slot.
Advantages of HTC Desire HD lie in a more convenient and complete HTC Sense interface and more acceptable screen in terms of colors and brightness. The same applies to body and design. Despite the ambiguous design HTC Desire HD looks much better than a plastic toy of Samsung Galaxy S.
Conclusion
The connection quality for Desire HD is on par with modern day standards. During 2 weeks of testing I never lost the connection, which happened several times on HTC Desire (users of the model will understand what I mean). The volume is average, but if you select a suitable ringtone you will hear it even in a noisy room. Standard ringtones will suit this purpose very well. Similarly to other latest models of the company HTC Desire HD has the "etiquette" feature. When the phone is rested on the surface during the call you only need to take it in hands for sound to reach the minimum level. HTC Desire helps you to avoid discomfort when a sudden call traditionally makes you search for the volume rockers or end the call. It is very useful. The speaker has an above average volume, so it is enough in the majority of instances including noisy transportation systems or the street. The vibro is surprisingly good and cannot be missed when walking even if it is in your pocket.
The phone will be available one of these days for $875, which is similar to HTC Desire at the sales start. What else can we add? Let's mention key advantages and disadvantages of the smartphone.
Advantages:
High quality and large screen
Metal body
Convenient HTC Sense interface
Good sound quality
Disadvantages:
Low battery operation time
Mediocre camera
Absence of hardware controls
Excessive weight and dimensions
All other points are very personal and can go either way. Design is a bit controversial – some may like it, while others will be surprised. The price tag is impressive, but rival are not cheaper. Many readers will mention that the S-LCD screen is not an advantage and loses out to Super-AMOLED in Samsung Galaxy S. I do not understand how a high quality and balanced screen with natural color reproduction and flexible backlight adjustment (S-LCD in Desire HD) can be inferior to a screen with distorted parameters: brightness, contrast and saturation. I do not agree!
To my mind the model has 2 serious disadvantages – ridiculously low operation time and an 8 MP camera offering low quality pictures. Other than that HTC Desire HD is a gorgeous Android smartphone with all possible features including such rare things as "WiFi router" and full synchronization with htcsense.com. If you are looking to buy a "robot" for the next year or two pay attention to HTC Desire HD. It is a true flagship model from the manufacturer, which traditionally specializes in the pick of the crop. This HTC flagship is truly a success story.
Description:
- Class: smartphone
- Form factor: candybar
- Rivals: Apple iPhone, Samsung Galaxy S
- Body materials: matte plastic and metal
- OS: Android 2.2, HTC Sense interface
- Networks: GSM/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900 MHz, UMTS/HSDPA 900/2100
- Processor: 1 GHz on Qualcomm QSD8255 platform
- RAM: 768 MB
- Memory for data storage: 1,5 GB + microSD memory card slot
- Interfaces: Wi-Fi (b/g/n/), Bluetooth 2.1 (A2DP), microUSB (USB 2.0) jack for charging/synchronization and a 3.5 mm headset jack
- Screen: capacitive S-LCD 4,3” with the resolution of 800x480 (WVGA), automatic backlight level adjustment
- Camera: 8 MP with autofocus; video is recorded in 720p resolution (1280x720), LED flash can also operate as a torch
- Navigation: GPS on gpsOne chip of Qualcomm platform (with A-GPS support)
- Additional features: accelerometer, light and proximity sensors, FM radio
- Battery: adjustable Li-Ion battery of 1230 mAh
- Dimensions: 123 x 68 x 11.8 mm
- Weight: 164 g