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HTC Desire 820 Specs Pricing Features & Flaws Unveiled

Release Date
2014, November
Camera
13MP
Battery
2600mAh
Processor
Snapdragon 615
Screen
5.5"
Storage
16GB , microSDXC
Ram
2GB RAM
Operating System
Android 4.4.2, up to 6.1, Sense UI 7

Introduction to HTC Desire 820

The HTC Desire 820 was announced in September 2014 and released in November 2014. It captivated tech enthusiasts with its blend of performance, design, and affordability. Though it has been discontinued, the device remains notable for featuring an octa-core processor, a spacious display, and a solid camera experience, all encased in a sleek design.

Design and Build

The HTC Desire 820 features dimensions of 157.7 x 78.7 x 7.7 mm, weighing in at 155 grams, making it substantial yet manageable in size and weight. The build quality is sturdy, with a polished finish that feels comfortable to hold. It supports a single Nano-SIM and comes in a variety of vibrant colors such as Marble White, Tuxedo Grey, and Santorini White, allowing for personal expression through color choices.

Display

The device boasts a 5.5-inch LCD display with a resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels and a pixel density of approximately 267 PPI. This screen size was considered generous at the time, providing ample space for media and gaming. The screen is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3, offering resistance against scratches and minor drops, making it durable for everyday use.

Performance

Under the hood, the HTC Desire 820 is powered by a Qualcomm MSM8939 Snapdragon 615 chipset with an octa-core CPU setup, featuring 4 cores clocked at 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 and 4 cores at 1.0 GHz Cortex-A53. The GPU is an Adreno 405, which handles graphic-intensive tasks efficiently. This setup was ahead of its time, delivering smooth multitasking and a capable gaming experience for a mid-range phone.

Memory and Storage

With 2GB of RAM and 16GB of internal storage, expandable via a dedicated microSDXC slot, the HTC Desire 820 strikes a balance between performance and storage capacity. This allows users to store more apps, photos, and videos without worrying about filling up the internal storage quickly.

Camera

The main camera features a 13 MP sensor with an f/2.2 aperture, autofocus, and LED flash, facilitating bright and clear images. It supports 1080p video recording at 30fps and 720p at 60fps, catering to video enthusiasts. The front camera, an 8 MP sensor with an f/2.3 aperture, also supports 1080p video, making it ideal for high-quality selfies and video calls.

Battery Life

The HTC Desire 820 is equipped with a non-removable Li-Po 2600 mAh battery. The device offers up to 424 hours of standby time and up to 22 hours and 24 minutes of talk time over 3G, providing reliability for users who need a phone that lasts through the day. While these metrics were impressive at the time, the battery life might seem modest by today's standards.

Software and User Interface

Originally shipped with Android 4.4.2 KitKat, the HTC Desire 820 can be upgraded to Android 6.1 Marshmallow, with HTC's Sense UI 7 layered on top. This interface is known for its user-friendly operations, offering various customization options and a responsive experience, which keeps the device feeling smooth even years after its release.

Additional Features

The HTC Desire 820 supports a variety of connectivity options including Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0, NFC (optional), and FM radio. It also includes GPS and GLONASS for precise location tracking. The device features an array of sensors, including an accelerometer, proximity sensor, and compass, contributing to a well-rounded smartphone experience.

Audio and Multimedia

The phone includes stereo speakers, providing clear and rich sound, complemented by a 3.5mm audio jack for headphones. The loudspeaker performance is decent, with adequate volume levels for voice calls and media consumption. The sound quality in terms of noise and crosstalk is competitive, albeit with slight limitations typical of mobile devices of that era.

Market Reception and Legacy

Despite being discontinued, the HTC Desire 820 holds a special place in the mid-range market segment for being an all-round performer. It was praised for its stylish design, competent hardware, and vibrant display. The device stood as a testament to HTC's commitment to innovation, blending affordability with performance.

Conclusion

The HTC Desire 820, with its robust specifications and thoughtful design, represents a milestone from its release period. For users who appreciated the balance between performance and price, it was an attractive option. While the technology scene continues to evolve rapidly, devices like the Desire 820 remain fondly remembered for their contributions to smartphone advancements.

HTC Desire 820 Key Features

  • Supports GSM, HSPA, and LTE networks for enhanced connectivity.
  • Large 5.5-inch LCD display with Corning Gorilla Glass 3 protection.
  • Powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 615 with an octa-core processor for smooth performance.
  • Expandable storage via a dedicated microSDXC card slot.
  • Equipped with a 13 MP rear camera with LED flash and HDR capabilities.
  • Features a high-quality 8 MP front camera, suitable for selfies and video calls.
  • Includes stereo speakers and a 3.5mm audio jack for an excellent audio experience.
  • Supports various communication features, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, and optional NFC.
  • Comes with GPS and GLONASS for precise positioning.
  • Decent battery life with a 2600 mAh non-removable battery offering up to 22 hours of talk time.
  • Available in diverse color options for personal customization.

HTC Desire 820 Drawbacks

  • Discontinued model, lacks ongoing updates and support.
  • Screen resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels might not be sufficient for a 5.5-inch display.
  • Relatively low pixel density of ~267 ppi may affect display sharpness.
  • Uses the older microUSB 2.0 standard instead of the newer USB-C.
  • Non-removable battery design limits easy replacement.
  • Minimal internal storage of 16GB; may require frequent use of microSD for additional storage.
  • Limited RAM of 2GB might affect multitasking performance.
  • Performance on demanding apps or games could be hindered by the Snapdragon 615 chipset.
  • Battery endurance rating of 49h is relatively low for today's usage demands.
Network
Technology GSM / HSPA / LTE
2G bands GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bands HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - EMEA, Asia
4G bands 3, 7, 8, 20 - Europe
Speed HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps
Launch
Announced 2014, September. Released 2014, November
Status Discontinued
Body
Dimensions 157.7 x 78.7 x 7.7 mm (6.21 x 3.10 x 0.30 in)
Weight 155 g (5.47 oz)
SIM Nano-SIM
Display
Type LCD
Size 5.5 inches, 83.4 cm2 (~67.2% screen-to-body ratio)
Resolution 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~267 ppi density)
Protection Corning Gorilla Glass 3
Platform
OS Android 4.4.2 (KitKat), upgradable to 6.1 (Marshmallow), Sense UI 7
Chipset Qualcomm MSM8939 Snapdragon 615 (28 nm)
CPU Octa-core (4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.0 GHz Cortex-A53)
GPU Adreno 405
Memory
Card slot microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal 16GB 2GB RAM
Main Camera
Single 13 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), AF
Features LED flash, HDR
Video 1080p@30fps, 720p@60fps
Selfie camera
Single 8 MP, f/2.3
Video 1080p@30fps
Sound
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakers
3.5mm jack Yes
Comms
WLAN Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA, hotspot
Bluetooth 4.0, A2DP, aptX
Positioning GPS, GLONASS
NFC Yes (optional)
Radio FM radio
USB microUSB 2.0, OTG
Features
Sensors Accelerometer, proximity, compass
Battery
Type Li-Po 2600 mAh, non-removable
Stand-by Up to 424 h (3G)
Talk time Up to 22 h 24 min (3G)
Misc
Colors Marble White, Tuxedo Grey, Santorini White, Milky-way Grey, Tangerine White, Saffron Grey, Flamingo Grey, Blue Misty, Monarch Orange
Models 0PFJ50
Price About 340 EUR
Tests
Performance Basemark OS II 2.0: 728Basemark X: 4859
Display Contrast ratio: 1327 (nominal), 2.372(sunlight)
Camera Photo / Video
Loudspeaker Voice 65dB / Noise 61dB / Ring 75dB
Audio quality Noise -92.3dB / Crosstalk -72.2dB
Battery (old) Endurance rating 49h

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