HTC Desire 12s: An In-depth Look
Introduction
The HTC Desire 12s, announced in December 2018, is a budget-friendly smartphone that seeks to provide essential features at an affordable price point. Despite its entry-level status, it comes equipped with a respectable set of specifications that cater well to general users.
Network and Connectivity
The HTC Desire 12s supports a wide range of network technologies including GSM, HSPA, and LTE. It operates on 2G bands (GSM 850/900/1800/1900 for both SIM slots), 3G bands (HSDPA 850/900/1900/2100), and a variety of 4G bands (1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41), which ensures it can connect efficiently in many regions. The device supports HSPA speeds of 42.2/5.76 Mbps and LTE Cat6 speeds of 300/50 Mbps.
Design and Build
The smartphone has a sleek design with dimensions of 154.2 x 72.7 x 8.3 mm and a weight of just 150 grams. This lightweight construction makes it easy to carry and use throughout the day. The device supports Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by), providing users with the flexibility of using two numbers simultaneously.
Display
The HTC Desire 12s features a 5.7-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 720 x 1440 pixels. The screen’s 18:9 aspect ratio and a pixel density of ~282 ppi offers decent color reproduction and viewing angles, ideal for everyday tasks such as browsing and media consumption.
Platform and Performance
Powered by Android 8.1 (Oreo), the HTC Desire 12s is equipped with the Qualcomm MSM8940 Snapdragon 435 chipset. This chipset, built on 28 nm process technology, includes an octa-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU and an Adreno 505 GPU. These specifications ensure smooth performance for standard applications and casual gaming.
Memory and Storage
The smartphone offers two memory configurations: 32GB of internal storage with 3GB of RAM, and 64GB of internal storage with 4GB of RAM. Both options provide ample space for apps and user data. Furthermore, a dedicated microSDXC slot allows for expandable storage, which is essential for users needing additional space.
Camera Quality
The HTC Desire 12s comes with a single 13 MP main camera with an aperture of f/2.0, phase detection autofocus (PDAF), and features like LED flash, HDR, and panorama. It can record videos at 1080p@30fps. For selfies, the device provides a 13 MP front camera with an f/2.2 aperture and a supporting LED flash, also capable of recording 1080p videos.
Audio and Sound
Audio output is handled via a standard 3.5mm headphone jack and a built-in loudspeaker. This setup offers a decent audio experience for listening to music and watching videos without requiring additional accessories.
Connectivity Features
The device includes necessary connectivity options such as Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth 4.2 (A2DP, LE), GPS with GLONASS, and NFC for convenient data transfer and mobile payments. It also incorporates an FM radio and microUSB 2.0 for charging and data syncing.
Sensors and Additional Features
The HTC Desire 12s is equipped with multiple sensors to enhance usability, including a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor, accelerometer, proximity sensor, and compass. These features add an extra layer of security and improve the user experience through gesture-based navigation and orientation detection in apps.
Battery Life
The device is powered by a non-removable Li-Ion 3075 mAh battery, which provides a reliable battery life for most users. While not exceptionally large, this battery capacity is typically sufficient to last through a day of moderate usage.
Color Variants and Pricing
The HTC Desire 12s is available in three color variants: Black, Silver, and Red, catering to diverse style preferences. When launched, it was priced at approximately 200 EUR, making it a competitive choice in the budget smartphone segment.
Conclusion
Overall, the HTC Desire 12s is a well-rounded budget smartphone that offers a balanced mix of features. It is particularly appealing to users looking for a cost-effective device that still provides essential connectivity, decent performance, and acceptable camera capabilities. Its expandable storage and lightweight design further contribute to making it a versatile option for everyday smartphone users.
Key Features of HTC Desire 12s
- Network Technology: GSM / HSPA / LTE with wide range 4G band support
- Lightweight Design: Weighs only 150 g
- Dual SIM Support: Nano-SIM, dual stand-by
- Display: 5.7-inch IPS LCD with 18:9 aspect ratio
- Operating System: Android 8.1 (Oreo)
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 435, Octa-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A53
- Expandable Storage: Dedicated microSDXC slot
- Internal Memory Options: 32GB with 3GB RAM or 64GB with 4GB RAM
- Main Camera: 13 MP with PDAF, LED flash, HDR, and panorama support
- Selfie Camera: 13 MP with LED flash
- Audio: Includes loudspeaker and 3.5mm headphone jack
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.2, NFC, GPS, GLONASS
- Sensors: Rear-mounted fingerprint sensor, accelerometer, proximity, and compass
- Battery: Non-removable Li-Ion 3075 mAh
- Available Colors: Black, Silver, Red
Disadvantages of HTC Desire 12s
- Outdated Operating System: Comes with Android 8.1 (Oreo) which is outdated compared to newer Android versions.
- Processor Performance: Utilizes Qualcomm Snapdragon 435 which is considered underpowered for heavy multitasking and gaming.
- Display Resolution: Features a 720 x 1440 pixels display, which is less sharp compared to Full HD displays available in the market.
- microUSB Port: Equipped with a microUSB 2.0, while many modern devices use the more advanced USB-C port.
- Battery Capacity: 3075 mAh battery may not offer strong endurance compared to larger batteries in competitors.
- Lack of Fast Charging: Does not support fast charging, potentially leading to longer charging times.
- Plastic Build: Mainly composed of plastic which may not give a premium feel.
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