HTC Butterfly S: An In-Depth Review

Design and Build Quality

The HTC Butterfly S presents a sleek design that blends aesthetics with functionality. With dimensions of 144.5 x 70.5 x 10.6 mm and a weight of 160 grams, it feels substantial yet comfortable in hand. The device is crafted with a premium finish and is available in four distinct colors: Black, White, Red, and Gray, catering to diverse tastes and preferences. The build quality is commendable, showcasing HTC's attention to detail and commitment to providing a durable product.

Display Quality

One of the standout features of the HTC Butterfly S is its display. The 5.0-inch Super LCD3 display offers vibrant colors and sharp visuals. With a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels and a pixel density of approximately 441 ppi, the screen ensures clarity and detail in every visual element. The display is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3, which adds resilience against scratches and accidental drops.

Performance and Hardware

Under the hood, the HTC Butterfly S is powered by the Qualcomm APQ8064T Snapdragon 600 chipset. This is complemented by a quad-core 1.9 GHz Krait 300 CPU and an Adreno 320 GPU, providing a seamless user experience with smooth transitions and efficient multitasking capabilities. The 2GB RAM ensures that applications run efficiently without lag, while the 16GB of internal storage offers ample space for apps and media. For those requiring additional storage, the device supports microSDXC cards via a dedicated slot.

Operating System and User Interface

The HTC Butterfly S initially runs on Android 4.2.2 (Jelly Bean) and is upgradable to Android 4.4.2 (KitKat), coupled with HTC's Sense UI 5. This combination offers a user-friendly interface with a host of customization options, ensuring the device caters to the personal preferences of its user base. The Sense UI 5 adds intuitive features and enhancements that enrich the overall user experience.

Camera Capabilities

The HTC Butterfly S features a unique approach to photography with its 4 MP main camera. While the megapixel count might seem modest, the 1/3.0" sensor with 2μm pixel size significantly enhances low-light performance and captures images with commendable quality. The camera is equipped with autofocus, an LED flash, and HDR capabilities, allowing for versatile photography. It supports video recording at 1080p@30fps with HDR, capturing moments in vivid detail. For selfies, the device sports a 2.1 MP front camera with HDR support, perfect for video calls and social media posts.

Audio and Sound Quality

HTC has long been praised for its audio capabilities, and the Butterfly S is no exception. The device is equipped with stereo speakers that offer rich and immersive sound. It retains a 3.5mm audio jack, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of audio equipment. The inclusion of Beats Audio further enhances sound quality, providing an enjoyable listening experience whether users are consuming music, movies, or games.

Connectivity Options

The HTC Butterfly S is well-equipped with various connectivity options. It supports GSM, HSPA, and LTE networks, offering users flexibility in terms of network access. The device includes Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band capability, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA, and hotspot support. Bluetooth 4.0 with A2DP and aptX ensures seamless connectivity with wireless devices. Additionally, the handset includes GPS, GLONASS, NFC, an infrared port, stereo FM radio with RDS, and a microUSB 2.0 (MHL TV-out) port, enhancing its versatility.

Battery Life and Charging

The HTC Butterfly S boasts a robust 3200 mAh Li-Po non-removable battery. This high-capacity battery is designed to offer extended usage periods, with a standby time of up to 544 hours on 2G and up to 659 hours on 3G. Talk time is also impressive, with up to 29 hours on 2G and up to 25 hours on 3G. The endurance rating is notably high at 81 hours, making it an ideal choice for users who require long battery life for daily activities.

Sensors and Additional Features

The device is equipped with a range of sensors, including an accelerometer, gyro, proximity, and compass, which augment its functionality. These sensors enable various advanced features within applications, enhancing user interactivity and providing practical use cases across different contexts.

Market Position and Legacy

When it was released in 2013, the HTC Butterfly S was positioned as a high-end smartphone that offered a balance of performance, design, and innovative features. Despite its strong specifications, the device has been discontinued, yet it remains a notable entry in HTC's lineup for its innovation and execution.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the HTC Butterfly S stands as a testament to HTC's capability to deliver a high-quality smartphone that caters to both performance and user experience. While no longer available on the market, its specifications and features helped set benchmarks during its time, contributing to the evolution of smartphone technology that we witness today.