Price and specifications of HTC Desire 601 dual sim advantages, disadvantages, and a comprehensive explanation

Overview

The HTC Desire 601 Dual Sim is a mid-range smartphone that was released in November 2013. Known for its balance of functionality and affordability, this device catered to users who required dual SIM support alongside reasonable performance for everyday tasks. The phone has since been discontinued, but it remains a device of interest for those curious about the evolution of mid-tier smartphones in the early 2010s.

Design and Build

The HTC Desire 601 Dual Sim sports a compact and practical design, aligning with HTC's design principles of the time. With dimensions measuring 134.5 x 66.7 x 9.9 mm and a weight of 130 grams, it is comfortable to hold and easy to use single-handedly. The body is made of durable plastic, available in three color options: Black, Red, and White. It features a dual micro-SIM setup, a valuable addition for users who need to manage work and personal contacts simultaneously.

Display

The smartphone features a 4.5-inch TFT display with a resolution of 540 x 960 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of approximately 245 ppi. The screen-to-body ratio stands at around 62.2%, making it reasonably immersive for its time. While the display technology might not match the vividness of AMOLED screens, it provides adequate visual clarity for general media consumption and browsing.

Performance

Under the hood, the HTC Desire 601 Dual Sim is powered by a quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7 CPU, paired with a Broadcom VideoCore IV GPU. The performance is bolstered by 1GB of RAM, which, while modest by today’s standards, was adequate for handling basic multitasking and app usage during its release period. Operating on Android 4.2.2 (Jelly Bean), the device offers a user-friendly interface, though it may struggle with more demanding applications introduced in later years.

Storage

The device includes 4GB of internal storage, providing limited space for apps, media, and other files. However, HTC compensated for this with a dedicated microSDXC card slot, enabling users to expand storage capacity and accommodate more personal and application data conveniently.

Camera

The HTC Desire 601 Dual Sim includes a 5 MP main camera, equipped with a 1/4.0" sensor and an aperture that supports autofocus. The addition of an LED flash aids in low-light conditions. The camera is capable of recording videos at 1080p@30fps, a notable feature for a smartphone of its class at the time. On the front, there is a VGA selfie camera, designed for basic video calls and modest selfies.

Audio and Connectivity

Audio performance is enhanced by stereo speakers, a feature that was appreciated for media playback and clear call quality. The device also retains a 3.5mm audio jack, allowing users to connect their regular headphones without adapters. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n with Wi-Fi Direct and DLNA, Bluetooth 4.0 with A2DP and aptX support, GPS with GLONASS, FM radio, and microUSB 2.0 for charging and data transfer. However, NFC is notably absent from the device's specifications.

Battery Life

The device is powered by a removable Li-Po 2100 mAh battery, a fairly standard capacity for its time. In terms of endurance, users could expect up to 440 hours of standby time and up to 12 hours and 50 minutes of talk time over 3G. The removable nature of the battery was a plus, as it allowed users to swap out depleted batteries for fully charged spares, an increasingly rare feature in modern smartphones.

Price and Availability

Upon release, the HTC Desire 601 Dual Sim was priced around 270 EUR, positioning it as an affordable mid-range option. Although discontinued now, it served as a feasible choice for cost-conscious consumers seeking dual SIM capabilities without sacrificing essential smartphone functionalities.

Conclusion

The HTC Desire 601 Dual Sim represents an era where smartphones were transitioning between basic functionality and advanced tech. While its hardware may seem modest today, it commendably served its target demographic by balancing performance, connectivity, and practicality. This device remains a testament to HTC's efforts in catering to the middle segment of the smartphone market.