HTC Desire 825 Specs Pricing Pros & Cons Unveiled

Overview of HTC Desire 825

The HTC Desire 825, released in April 2016, emerged as a notable mid-range smartphone offering by HTC, targeting users looking for a balance between functionality and price. It highlights a blend of aesthetic design and sufficient hardware capabilities suitable for everyday use. Despite being discontinued, it remains a model of interest for enthusiasts of past-generation smartphones.

Design and Build

The Desire 825 features a sleek design with dimensions of 156.9 x 76.9 x 7.4 mm, and it weighs approximately 155 grams. Its slim profile makes it convenient to handle, whereas the plastic build ensures it remains light in the user’s hand. Available in black and white, this device was targeted toward those who appreciated a minimalist look. The phone supports both single SIM and dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by) configurations, which enhances its usability in multiple markets. The exterior is robust, crafted to withstand typical wear and tear, with the unspecified version of Corning Gorilla Glass offering reasonable screen protection.

Display

The phone features a 5.5-inch Super LCD display with a resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels, ensuring vivid color reproduction and adequate brightness levels for indoor and outdoor usage. The screen-to-body ratio is approximately 69.1%, providing ample viewing space without overwhelming the physical dimensions of the device. Although it might not boast of the highest pixel density at around 267 ppi, the display quality is suited well for routine tasks like web browsing, video viewing, and app usage.

Performance

Under the hood, the HTC Desire 825 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 chipset, designed using the 28 nm technology. Its Quad-core 1.6 GHz Cortex-A7 CPU offers moderate multitasking capabilities, which are further managed by 2GB of RAM. This configuration caters to basic operations and light applications satisfactorily. The Adreno 305 GPU supports graphics-related tasks, making it adequate for casual gaming and video consumption without substantial lag.

Memory and Storage

The device comes with 16GB of internal storage, which might seem limiting; however, it supports memory expansion through a dedicated microSDXC slot. This feature is especially beneficial for users who need additional space for apps, photos, and media files.

Camera

Photography capabilities include a 13 MP rear camera with an f/2.2 aperture and autofocus. Multiple features such as LED flash, HDR, and panorama mode enhance the camera's versatility, allowing users to capture satisfactory images in various lighting conditions. It supports video recording at 1080p@30fps, ensuring decent playback quality for recorded moments. On the front, the phone is equipped with a 5 MP camera with an f/2.8 aperture. It records 1080p videos and is suitable for selfies and video calls.

Audio

The HTC Desire 825 doesn’t compromise on sound quality, featuring a competent loudspeaker system and a 3.5mm audio jack which were common at the time for personal headphone use.

Connectivity

Connectivity options are robust, supporting Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n standards for reliable internet connections, Bluetooth 4.1 for wireless device pairing, and GPS/GLONASS for navigational purposes. However, it lacks NFC capabilities, which could be seen as a drawback for users interested in mobile payments or quick device pairing. The inclusion of FM radio serves users who enjoy traditional radio services. It uses a microUSB 2.0 port for charging and data transfer activities.

Sensors and Other Features

The sensor suite includes accelerometer, proximity, and compass, which cater to a range of applications from gaming to navigation. These sensors help optimize the smartphone experience by providing necessary data for app functionality.

Battery Life

Fueled by a non-removable 2700 mAh Li-Ion battery, the HTC Desire 825 offers satisfactory battery life. While it may not support extended use through intense app engagement or gaming, it is crafted to manage daily tasks from calls and messaging to browsing and light app usage effectively throughout a typical day.

Conclusion

The HTC Desire 825 stands as a testament to HTC's strategy in delivering reliable, mid-range smartphones that balance performance with affordability. With its release price around 240 EUR, it was positioned as an economic choice without substantial compromises on essential features. Despite its discontinuation, the HTC Desire 825 remains a device remembered for its design, display clarity, and functional efficiency within its price segment.