HTC Desire 501 Specs Prices Pros & Cons Unveiled

Overview of HTC Desire 501

The HTC Desire 501 is a smartphone that was announced in November 2013 and released in February 2014. Although now discontinued, it remains an iconic device from HTC's lineup, marking a period of innovation and design that catered to a broad range of mobile users. Despite being an entry to mid-range smartphone, it incorporated several features that were quite competitive at its time of release.

Design and Build

The HTC Desire 501 boasts dimensions of 128.5 x 66.7 x 9.8 mm and weighs 130 grams, making it a compact and lightweight device that fits comfortably in hand. It uses a micro-SIM, and its body is characterized by a stylish design with rounded edges that HTC was known for. Available in Black, White, and Pink, it provided options to suit different personal styles.

Display

The smartphone features a 4.3-inch TFT display with a resolution of 480 x 800 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of approximately 217 ppi. Although by today's standards it's considered low, during its time, the display provided clear and vibrant visuals suitable for most applications and casual media consumption.

Performance

Under the hood, the HTC Desire 501 is powered by a dual-core 1.2 GHz CPU, sufficient for the basic smartphone operations and multitasking. It runs on Android OS, though the specific version is up to user customization through updates. Paired with 1GB of RAM, the device handles everyday tasks reasonably well without significant lag, despite its dated technology.

Storage

The device comes with 8GB of internal storage, which might be insufficient for heavy users. However, it includes a microSDHC slot that allows for expandable storage, giving users the flexibility to store more multimedia files, applications, and personal data.

Camera Capabilities

The HTC Desire 501 is equipped with an 8 MP autofocus main camera with LED flash, allowing for reasonably good quality photographs. While video recording capabilities are present, the specifications do not highlight advanced features or resolutions, typical for a device in this class. For selfies and video calls, there's a 2.1 MP front-facing camera, providing straightforward functionality without any advanced features.

Battery Life

Fueled by a removable Li-Ion 2100 mAh battery, the HTC Desire 501 provides a decent power backup, considering its size and display technology. This battery should comfortably get users through a standard day of moderate use involving calls, messaging, and occasional browsing or media playback.

Connectivity and Network

The HTC Desire 501 supports GSM/HSPA technology with 2G and 3G bands for cellular connectivity, offering connection speeds up to HSPA 14.4/5.76 Mbps. While it lacks the faster 4G or LTE support, it performs adequately for basic web browsing and online activities. The device also supports Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot capabilities, Bluetooth 4.0 with A2DP and aptX for wireless audio streaming, GPS with GLONASS for navigation, and NFC for select use cases.

Additional Features

The phone is equipped with sensors including an accelerometer, proximity sensor, and compass. These sensors add functionality, aiding in applications that require motion detection or directional orientation. As for sound, the device features a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm headphone jack, which were standard during its release period.

Conclusion

Overall, the HTC Desire 501 was designed as a budget-friendly smartphone that met the essential needs and expectations of its target users at the time of its release. While it might not compete with modern smartphones in terms of technology or performance, it remains a worthy piece of technology reflecting the era's mobile innovations.