HTC Aria Comprehensive Review of Specs Prices Pros & Cons

Overview of HTC Aria

Released in June 2010, the HTC Aria was an attempt by HTC to cater to the consumer segment looking for a compact, affordable smartphone that didn’t compromise on essential features. Being part of the Android ecosystem meant that the Aria promised a lot in terms of apps and usability, making it a noteworthy competitor during its time.

Design and Build

The HTC Aria was compact by design, with dimensions of 103.8 x 57.7 x 11.7 mm and a weight of just 115 g. This made the device comfortable to hold and easy to carry. The device featured a mini-SIM card, which was common during that era. The Aria was designed with simplicity and convenience in mind, featuring a minimalist aesthetic with a predominantly black finish. Its screen-to-body ratio was approximately 50.9%, which was adequate for the usage patterns back then.

Display

The device came equipped with a 3.2-inch TFT display offering 256K colors, which, while limited by today's standards, was usual for smartphones of its time. It had a resolution of 320 x 480 pixels, providing a pixel density of around 180 PPI. The screen was protected by Corning Gorilla Glass, adding a layer of durability to the device against everyday scratches and minor drops.

Performance

Under the hood, the HTC Aria was powered by the Qualcomm MSM7227 Snapdragon S1 chipset, a staple of budget and mid-range smartphones of that period. It ran a 600 MHz ARM 11 processor coupled with the Adreno 200 GPU. This combination ensured that the Aria could handle basic tasks and apps, but it was not built for heavy multitasking or gaming. The device's performance was bolstered somewhat by HTC’s Sense UI, which provided a smooth user interface layered over the Android 2.1 Eclair operating system.

Memory and Storage

The internal memory configuration was modest, with 512MB of storage and 384MB of RAM. Fortunately, HTC included a dedicated microSDHC slot for memory expansion, which supported cards with more substantial capacities, thus giving users the opportunity to store more apps and media files.

Camera

The single 5 MP camera on the HTC Aria was capable of delivering decent photos for the time, equipped with autofocus features. It also supported video recording, although its quality was limited compared to today’s standards. However, the absence of a front-facing selfie camera was noticeable, as self-photography was just beginning to gain traction in the consumer market around that time.

Battery Life

The HTC Aria was powered by a removable Li-Ion 1200 mAh battery. For light users, the device could last up to 372 hours on standby and offered around 6 hours of talk time. This battery life was considered adequate for daily use but required regular charging for heavy users.

Network and Connectivity

The HTC Aria supported GSM/HSPA technologies, with bands catering to 2G and 3G networks. It featured standard connectivity options such as Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g, Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP, GPS, and a stereo FM radio with RDS. The connectivity suite was quite comprehensive, covering the needs of most users at the time.

Audio and Multimedia

The HTC Aria featured a loudspeaker for hands-free calls and multimedia playback and included a 3.5mm audio jack, allowing users to connect their preferred headphones or external speakers easily. While sound quality metrics indicated moderate performance, it was suitable for casual listening.

Sensors and Additional Features

The device was equipped with essential sensors such as an accelerometer, proximity sensor, and a compass. These sensors contributed to improved user interactions, such as screen orientation adjustments and directional navigation. Its browser supported HTML, which, combined with support for third-party apps from the Android ecosystem, delivered a satisfactory online experience.

Market Presence and Pricing

The HTC Aria was introduced at a price point of approximately 150 EUR, representing good value for budget-conscious consumers wanting entry into the smartphone market during that period. Despite being discontinued, the device remains a relevant part of HTC's history as a company that consistently tried to blend quality and affordability.

User Experience and Longevity

Owners of the HTC Aria appreciated its compact form factor and user-friendly interface. Despite its moderate specifications, it was responsive for basic tasks, while the microSDHC slot provided necessary flexibility. The phone’s Sense UI was also praised for making Android 2.1 more intuitive. However, as mobile technology progressed, the limitations in the Aria's hardware became apparent, causing it to lose relevance quickly.

Conclusion

The HTC Aria was a device that effectively balanced functionality with budget constraints, catering to users who needed a no-frills Android experience. Despite not having the power or capabilities to stand up to modern smartphones, the Aria represents an important step in the evolution of HTC's mobile offerings and the Android ecosystem. It played a crucial role in bringing smartphones to a wider audience, where its legacy of combining thoughtful design with accessibility continues to be remembered fondly by technology enthusiasts.