HTC 7 Surround Specs Pricing Pros & Cons Unveiled

Overview of HTC 7 Surround

The HTC 7 Surround is a smartphone that was released in October 2010 and marks one of the unique entries in the lineup of devices that ran on Microsoft’s Windows Phone 7 operating system. Known for its innovative design that focused on audio performance, the HTC 7 Surround attracted users who had a keen interest in media consumption and desired a mobile device that could cater to high-quality sound output.

Design and Build

In terms of design, the HTC 7 Surround stands out not just for its typical candy bar phone layout but rather for its slide-out speaker. At dimensions of 119.7 x 61.5 x 13 mm and weighing approximately 165 grams, it is not the slimmest device; however, the added bulkiness serves a functional purpose. The slide-out mechanism reveals stereo speakers that contribute significantly to enhancing the audio experience. Its build includes a mini-SIM slot, and the overall structure is built in black color with a sturdy form factor that was aesthetically pleasing during its time.

Display

The smartphone features a 3.8-inch IPS LCD capacitive touchscreen with a resolution of 480 x 800 pixels, offering approximately 246 ppi pixel density. Though not exceptionally large by today’s standards, the screen size was adequate for most tasks and media viewing with respectable clarity and color reproduction. The display is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass, which was a favorable addition considering the durability needs for smartphone users.

Performance

Under the hood, the HTC 7 Surround is powered by the Qualcomm QSD8250 Snapdragon S1 chipset, coupled with a 1.0 GHz Scorpion CPU and an Adreno 200 GPU. This combination was standard for smartphones in 2010, delivering satisfactory performance for general usage including browsing, media consumption, and moderate multitasking. However, its 448 MB of RAM limits its ability to handle more demanding applications compared to contemporary devices, showing its age as newer technologies emerged.

Operating System

HTC 7 Surround runs on Microsoft Windows Phone 7, an operating system that aimed to compete with Android and iOS during its time. Windows Phone 7 provides a unique user interface structured around hubs and tiles which delivered information at a glance and facilitated an engaging, vibrant user experience. However, the platform eventually saw diminishing support both from users and developers, leading to its discontinuation.

Camera and Multimedia

The HTC 7 Surround is equipped with a 5 MP autofocus rear camera accompanied by an LED flash. It is capable of recording in 720p video quality, enabling users to capture decent photos and videos for day-to-day use. However, the device lacks a front-facing camera, which might be seen as a limitation given the increasing importance of selfies and video calls in personal and professional settings.

One of the device’s standout features is its focus on audio performance. The slide-out stereo speakers with support for Dolby Mobile and SRS surround sound truly set this device apart for media enthusiasts. Additionally, it includes a standard 3.5mm headphone jack to connect personal audio devices.

Storage

The device offers 16 GB of internal storage, which, while not expandable via microSD, provides a reasonable amount of space for applications, music, and photos. Given the period in which it was released, this storage capacity was considered adequate, but the lack of an expansion slot did limit additional storage options.

Connectivity and Sensors

Connectivity options on the HTC 7 Surround are comprehensive, with support for Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP, and GPS coupled with A-GPS for location services. The device also includes a microUSB 2.0 port for charging and data transfer. In terms of sensors, it comes with an accelerometer, proximity sensor, and digital compass, enhancing user interaction and app functionalities.

Battery Life

Powering the HTC 7 Surround is a removable Li-Ion 1230 mAh battery. The device can stand by for up to 275 hours on 2G and up to 255 hours on 3G. Talk time is rated at up to 4 hours on 2G and up to 4 hours and 10 minutes on 3G, which aligns with the standard of phones released during that timeframe. While not extraordinarily high, it allowed for a significant amount of usage before needing a recharge, contingent on usage pattern.

Market Position and Pricing

At launch, the HTC 7 Surround was priced at approximately 90 EUR, making it a mid-range option for users looking for a device with a strong emphasis on media playback capabilities. Though its features have fallen behind more recent technological advancements, its innovative approach to audio integration remains a noteworthy aspect of its design.

Conclusion

The HTC 7 Surround remains a remarkable device for its dedicated sound experience and design innovation. While some features like the single 5 MP camera and the absence of a front camera are outdated, its focus on providing high-quality audio makes it a distinctive option in the realm of mobile devices released during its period. Despite being discontinued, this smartphone highlights a pivotal moment in HTC's lineup where they experimented with product differentiation through features specifically targeted at music and media lovers.