HTC Desire 200 Unveiling Specs Prices Pros & Cons

Design and Build

The HTC Desire 200 comes with a compact and lightweight design that fits comfortably in the palm of your hand. The dimensions are 107.7 x 60.8 x 11.9 mm, and it weighs a mere 100 grams. The device features a sturdy plastic body with a matte finish, offering enhanced grip and minimizing fingerprint smudges. The phone is available in two classic colors: black and white, catering to varying aesthetic preferences.

Display

Equipped with a 3.5-inch TFT display, the HTC Desire 200 offers a resolution of 320 x 480 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of approximately 165 ppi. While the screen-to-body ratio is about 55.7%, it provides a decent viewing experience for basic multimedia consumption and daily tasks. The display is bright enough for indoor usage, although it may struggle under direct sunlight, a common limitation in entry-level smartphones.

Performance and Software

Running on a 1.0 GHz processor, the HTC Desire 200 is powered by Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich with HTC's Sense UI 4 overlay. The device includes 512MB of RAM, which is modest by today's standards but sufficient for handling basic smartphone functionalities such as calling, texting, and casual web browsing. The Sense UI offers a slightly customized Android experience with a few added functionalities optimized for HTC users.

Camera

The HTC Desire 200 features a single 5MP rear camera capable of taking basic snapshots. It supports video recording at 480p, suited for capturing casual moments. Unfortunately, the device lacks a front-facing camera, limiting its capability for selfies and video calls, which may be a drawback for some users.

Storage

The phone comes with 4GB of internal storage, of which a portion is occupied by system software, leaving limited space for personal content. However, this can be expanded via a dedicated microSDHC slot, allowing users to store more apps, photos, and media files. Supporting external memory cards ensures that storage needs can be better met despite the initially minimal internal capacity.

Battery Life

Under the hood, the HTC Desire 200 houses a removable Li-Ion 1230 mAh battery. The battery life is quite impressive for its category, offering up to 821 hours of standby time on 2G and up to 693 hours on 3G. Talk time is rated at 10 hours and 50 minutes on 2G networks and up to 7 hours and 20 minutes on 3G, indicating that it can comfortably last through a day of normal use, though frequent recharging can be expected with intensive use.

Network and Connectivity

The device supports GSM and HSPA networks with 2G bands of GSM 850, 900, 1800, and 1900, and 3G compatibility with HSDPA 900 and 2100 bands. It features Wi-Fi connectivity with support for Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n and the ability to act as a mobile hotspot. Bluetooth 4.0 with A2DP and aptX provides enhanced audio streaming quality. It lacks NFC capability, which might be a shortfall for users interested in wireless payment options. However, it does include a GPS module and FM radio.

Audio and Multimedia

The HTC Desire 200 includes a loudspeaker for media playback and a standard 3.5mm headphone jack for private listening. The sound quality is decent for casual listening, although audiophiles may find it lacking in depth and richness. The inclusion of an FM radio allows users to tune into local stations on the go.

Additional Features

In terms of sensors, the device is equipped with an accelerometer and proximity sensor. These contribute to basic functionalities like auto-rotation of the screen and turning off the display while on calls to prevent accidental touches. The phone’s build and its feature set reflect its position as a budget-friendly smartphone aimed at providing essential features without unnecessary complexity.

Conclusion

Launched in June 2013 and discontinued shortly thereafter, the HTC Desire 200 established itself as a budget smartphone option targeting users who require basic functionality and a compact form factor. While it lacks advanced features and performance seen in higher-end devices, its simplicity, robustness, and affordability made it a viable choice in its time, particularly for first-time smartphone users or those needing a secondary backup device.