HTC Desire 626s Comprehensive Review and Analysis

Design and Build Quality

The HTC Desire 626s sports a sleek design that makes it comfortable to hold and use. With dimensions of 146.8 x 70.9 x 8.1 mm and a weight of 138.9 g, it is designed to be compact and lightweight. The phone is available in two classic colors, black and white, which give it a stylish and modern look. The device is built with a focus on portability and ergonomics, ensuring ease of use even for extended periods.

Display

The Desire 626s features a 5.0-inch IPS LCD screen with a resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels. This offers a pixel density of approximately 294 ppi, which provides sharp and clear images. The screen-to-body ratio of ~66.2% is decent for a phone of its time, offering ample display area for browsing, media viewing, and other tasks. The IPS technology ensures good color reproduction and wide viewing angles, contributing to an overall satisfying visual experience.

Performance

Powered by the Qualcomm MSM8909 Snapdragon 210 chipset, the HTC Desire 626s includes a quad-core 1.1 GHz Cortex-A7 CPU and an Adreno 304 GPU. While this setup may seem modest by today's standards, it was capable of handling everyday tasks such as browsing, social media, and casual gaming when the device was released. The device comes with 1GB or 1.5GB of RAM, depending on the variant, which limits multitasking but supports basic functionality and operations.

Software

Out of the box, the HTC Desire 626s runs on Android 5.1.1 Lollipop, upgradable to Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow. It features HTC's Sense UI 7, which provides a user-friendly interface with customization options and added features. Even though it does not run the latest Android versions, the software remains functional for basic apps and services, and HTC Sense UI adds enhancements to the stock Android experience.

Camera

Photography enthusiasts may find the camera specs somewhat basic. The rear camera includes a single 8 MP sensor with autofocus and LED flash, capable of taking average quality photos for everyday snaps. It supports 720p video recording at 30fps. The front camera is a 2 MP sensor, designed primarily for video calls and basic selfies. While not competing with high-end smartphones, the camera fulfills the needs of users looking for a simple and straightforward shooting experience.

Storage and Memory

The device offers 8GB of internal storage, which is quite limited given the size of modern apps and media. However, it does support microSDXC cards with a dedicated slot, enabling users to expand storage to accommodate more files and applications. This expansion feature is essential for those who wish to maintain a variety of apps and media on their device.

Battery Life

The HTC Desire 626s is powered by a non-removable Li-Ion 2000 mAh battery. This capacity was standard for its time, offering a moderate usage time with a standby of up to 540 hours on 3G and talk time of up to 15 hours. For users focusing on basic functionalities without intensive usage, the battery life should suffice for a full day of operation without the need for frequent recharging.

Connectivity

In terms of connectivity, the device supports GSM, HSPA, and LTE networks, ensuring good coverage and fast data transfer for online activities. Additional connectivity options include Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n with hotspot capability, Bluetooth 4.1 with A2DP, GPS for location tracking, and a microUSB 2.0 port for charging and data transfer. The phone also includes an FM radio and a 3.5mm headphone jack for audio connectivity.

Sensors and Additional Features

While the device includes basic sensors necessary for operation, such as accelerometers, it does not feature advanced sensors like fingerprint readers or NFC technology. This aligns with its position as a mid-range smartphone, focusing on essential functionalities and affordability.

Conclusion

The HTC Desire 626s, released in July 2015, is a device that catered to budget-conscious consumers looking for a reliable smartphone with essential features. While the device has been discontinued, its design and functionality reflect the era's typical smartphone characteristics. It serves well as a basic communication device with a reasonable screen, enduring design, and functional performance capabilities.