HTC Desire 526 Complete Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Introduction to HTC Desire 526

The HTC Desire 526, released in August 2015, was positioned as a mid-range smartphone that packed several useful features within a modest design. Though it is now discontinued, the device garnered attention for its affordability coupled with HTC's reputable sense interface, making it an accessible choice for users seeking a reliable and straightforward smartphone experience.

Design and Display

The device features dimensions of 140 x 70 x 9.9 mm, making it compact and easy to handle with a single hand, weighing in at just 156 grams. The body of the HTC Desire 526 showcases a simplistic yet effective design that is both ergonomic and practical. It is available in a classic black color, appealing to those who prefer a subtle and professional look.

The display measures 4.7 inches and is constructed using IPS LCD technology, providing decent color reproduction and viewing angles. The screen’s resolution stands at 540 x 960 pixels, contributing to a pixel density of approximately 234 pixels per inch, delivering clear and vibrant visuals suitable for everyday tasks such as browsing the web and viewing photos.

Performance and Software

Under the hood, the HTC Desire 526 is powered by the Qualcomm MSM8909 Snapdragon 210 chipset with a 28 nm manufacturing process. The CPU consists of a quad-core 1.1 GHz Cortex-A7, which is capable of handling basic multitasking and application usage efficiently. The Adreno 304 GPU manages basic graphics tasks and light gaming processes.

Delivered with Android 5.1 Lollipop and HTC’s Sense 7 UI, the operating system provides a smooth user interface experience with custom HTC features. Sense 7 delivers personalization options, allowing users to customize themes, backgrounds, and widgets, enhancing user engagement and interaction with the device.

Camera Capabilities

The HTC Desire 526 is equipped with an 8 MP rear main camera with an aperture of f/2.2 and autofocus capabilities. The camera setup is accompanied by an LED flash, allowing for improved photography in low-light conditions. For video recording, the rear camera supports 720p resolution video at 30 frames per second.

On the front, a 2 MP selfie camera allows for video calls and basic self-portraits. The front camera also supports 720p video recording, ensuring users can share memorable moments and engage in video conversations with sufficient quality.

Memory and Storage

The device comes with 1.5 GB of RAM, allowing for smooth running of multiple applications simultaneously without significant performance degradation. For storage, the HTC Desire 526 offers 8GB of internal memory. While the internal storage may be limited for users with large media libraries, the device includes a dedicated slot for microSDXC cards, enabling users to expand storage capacity to accommodate more files and applications.

Connectivity and Sensors

The HTC Desire 526 supports various network technologies, including GSM, HSPA, and LTE, ensuring broad compatibility with cellular networks for seamless communication and data services. Supported network bands include GSM 850, 900, 1800, and 1900; HSDPA 850 and 1900 in the USA; and 4G LTE bands 2, 4, and 13 in the USA. Network speed is facilitated through HSPA and LTE providing decent download and upload speeds for everyday usage.

Additional connectivity features include Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n with DLNA and a hotspot function, Bluetooth 4.1 with A2DP, GPS for location services, and an FM radio feature for live radio broadcasts. The device also includes a microUSB 2.0 port for charging and data transfer.

Sensors on the device include an accelerometer and proximity sensor, which aid in dynamic screen orientation changes and power management, respectively.

Battery Life

The phone is powered by a removable Li-Ion 2000 mAh battery, which provides ample usage time for moderate phone activity such as calling, texting, and light app usage. The removable nature of the battery allows users to replace or swap batteries when needed, extending the overall lifecycle and usability of the device in practical scenarios.

Conclusion

In summary, the HTC Desire 526 stood out as a credible option for budget-conscious consumers in 2015 looking for a reliable, straightforward smartphone. Its combination of functional design, adequate performance for everyday tasks, and camera capabilities made it a worthwhile choice at its price point. While the storage and hardware capabilities may fall short by today's standards, during its time, the HTC Desire 526 provided a well-rounded user experience.