HTC Desire 816 The Complete Guide to Specs Prices Pros & Cons

Overview of HTC Desire 816

The HTC Desire 816, released in March 2014, marked a significant entry in the mid-range segment of the smartphone market. Though it is now discontinued, this device was known for its strong combination of features at a competitive price point, highlighted by its impressive build quality, expansive display, and robust camera capabilities.

Network Technology

The phone supports GSM/HSPA/LTE networks, making it suitable for a wide range of global markets. With 2G, 3G, and 4G band compatibility including bands 850, 900, 1800, and 1900 for GSM, 850, 900, and 2100 for HSDPA, and 3, 7, 8, 20 for LTE, the HTC Desire 816 ensures dependable connectivity.

Design and Build

The dimensions of the Desire 816 are 156.6 x 78.7 x 7.9 mm, and it weighs 165 grams. The phone uses a Nano-SIM card and features a large screen-to-body ratio of approximately 67.7%, thanks to its slim bezels. It's available in diverse colors like Black, White, Red, Gray, and Green, appealing to different aesthetic preferences.

Display

The HTC Desire 816 sports a 5.5-inch Super LCD2 screen, offering a resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels with an aspect ratio of 16:9 and a pixel density of approximately 267 ppi. While this resolution is not Full HD, it provides clear, vibrant colors suitable for media consumption and general use.

Platform and Performance

Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 chipset, built on 28nm architecture, it includes a Quad-core 1.6 GHz Cortex-A7 CPU and an Adreno 305 GPU. The phone originally ran on Android 4.4.2 KitKat, upgradable to Android 6.0 Marshmallow, accompanied by HTC's Sense UI 6, which offered a smooth and customized user experience. Performance tests like the Basemark X score (1437) indicated a decent performance for everyday tasks and moderate gaming.

Memory and Storage

The device is equipped with 1.5GB of RAM and 8GB of internal storage. Although this might seem limited by modern standards, it supports microSDXC memory cards, allowing users to expand storage and accommodate more apps, media, and files.

Camera Capabilities

The main camera is a 13 MP wide sensor with an f/2.2 aperture and autofocus features. It supports HDR and is accompanied by an LED flash, capable of shooting 1080p videos at 30fps and 720p at 60fps. The 5 MP front camera, featuring an f/2.8 aperture, provides quality selfies and 1080p video recording, ensuring comprehensive photography and video capabilities for its time.

Sound and Audio Features

The HTC Desire 816 features stereo speakers, enhancing the audio experience whether for music, video playback, or calls. It includes a 3.5mm headphone jack, offering versatility in audio accessory connections. Audio performance tests report satisfactory sound quality with noise levels at -93.9dB and crosstalk at -83.0dB.

Connectivity Options

Connectivity is a strong point for the Desire 816, offering Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n with DLNA and hotspot features, Bluetooth 4.0 with A2DP and aptX compatibility, and GPS support with GLONASS. NFC is available optionally, and an FM radio is included for broadcast radio listening. The microUSB 2.0 port ensures data transfer and charging capabilities.

Sensors and Extras

Equipped with essential sensors including an accelerometer, proximity sensor, and compass, the HTC Desire 816 ensures responsive user interface interactions and navigation support. These components enhance the functionality and user experience of the device significantly.

Battery Life

The non-removable Li-Po 2600 mAh battery supports up to 737 hours of standby time on 3G and up to 21 hours of talk time. Though the capacity may seem modest, the power-efficient components and software optimizations contribute to a respectable endurance rating of 64 hours, making it suitable for daily use without frequent recharging.

Conclusion

The HTC Desire 816 remains an impressive device in the context of its release period due to its well-rounded feature set and competitive pricing. Despite being discontinued, it embodied qualities of durability, performance, and versatility, paving the way for subsequent developments in HTC's lineup of smartphones.