HTC Desire 320 The Complete Guide to Specs Price Pros & Cons

Introduction to the HTC Desire 320

The HTC Desire 320, released in January 2015, marks another step in HTC's expansion of its budget-friendly Desire line. Designed to deliver basic smartphone functionalities at an affordable price, it appeals to users who are entering the smartphone market for the first time or those who require a secondary device with essential features.

Design and Build

The HTC Desire 320 sports a simplistic and robust design, characteristic of many budget smartphones. It measures 132 x 67.8 x 10.5 mm and weighs approximately 145 grams, offering a comfortable grip that doesn't feel too bulky or too light. The device is constructed using plastic materials, coming in Meridian Gray and White colors, giving users a modest choice in appearance. Despite its budget status, the look is decently appealing with a curvy body that fits snugly in the hand.

Display

The display on the HTC Desire 320 is a 4.5-inch TFT screen, providing a resolution of 480 x 854 pixels (~218 ppi). While it may not deliver the richest visuals or the sharpest images, it is adequate for basic tasks such as browsing, social media, and messaging. The screen-to-body ratio is approximately 62.4%, providing a moderate viewing area for its class. The display serves its purpose for users who prioritize function over flashy technology.

Performance and Software

Under the hood, the HTC Desire 320 is powered by a quad-core 1.3 GHz processor. This processor is supported by either 512 MB RAM in the North American variant or 1 GB RAM in the European version, with 4GB or 8GB of internal storage, respectively. This combination provides sufficient power for basic smartphone operations like calling, texting, and light multitasking. Storage can be expanded with a microSDHC card, helping users manage their data more efficiently.

The device runs on Android 4.4.2 KitKat, an older version of Android that, during its time, offered a smooth user interface and reliable performance for everyday tasks. While it does not come with the latest Android features, it caters well to the needs of users requiring standard smartphone functionality.

Camera Capabilities

The HTC Desire 320 is equipped with a 5 MP or 8 MP rear camera, depending on the region, complete with autofocus and an LED flash. This camera setup is designed for simple photography needs, allowing users to capture decent images in well-lit conditions. It is capable of recording 1080p videos at 30 frames per second, which is a notable feature for a budget smartphone. The front-facing VGA camera is straightforward, suitable for standard selfies and video calls.

Battery Life

Powering the Desire 320 is a removable Li-Ion 2100 mAh battery. The battery life is quite respectable, with up to 690 hours of standby time and about 12 hours of talk time on 3G. This battery capacity ensures the device can sustain a day's use of basic operations without the need for frequent charging, making it practical for users who are constantly on the move.

Network and Connectivity

As far as connectivity is concerned, the HTC Desire 320 supports GSM and HSPA networks, equipped with 2G and 3G bands suitable for regions like North America and Europe. The device does not support LTE, a constraint for users in regions where 4G connectivity is predominant. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0 with A2DP, GPS, and microUSB 2.0. Notably, this model lacks NFC support, which might be a drawback for users who frequently use contactless payment services or data transfer functionalities.

Audio and Multimedia

The multimedia capabilities on the HTC Desire 320 are quite basic. It is equipped with a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm headphone jack, which remains a sought-after feature for users who prefer wired audio devices. The presence of an FM radio (in the EU model) is a plus for users who enjoy listening to live broadcasts.

Sensors and Additional Features

The device comes with a basic set of sensors including an accelerometer, which enhances the usability of motion-based applications and games. Other notable features or rather limitations include the non-availability of advanced sensors such as a gyroscope or proximity sensor, aligning with its market position as an entry-level device.

Price and Market Position

At launch, the HTC Desire 320 was priced around 80 EUR. Positioned as an affordable smartphone, it was designed to provide necessary smartphone experiences without unnecessary bells and whistles. This price point made it an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers or those looking for a functional secondary device.

Conclusion

The HTC Desire 320 holds its ground as a budget-friendly smartphone during its operational period. While it doesn't offer high-end camera technologies, cutting-edge software, or expansive processing powers, it effectively delivers essential smartphone attributes needed for basic usage. It's a device well-suited for users new to smartphone technology or those who prioritize simplicity and affordability over advanced functionalities. Despite its discontinuation, the Desire 320 continues to reflect HTC's dedication to crafting devices catering to various consumer segments, offering a blend of reliability and accessibility in the competitive smartphone arena.