Price and specifications of HTC Desire S advantages, disadvantages, and a comprehensive explanation

Design and Build

The HTC Desire S comes with a solid build, characteristic of HTC's design ethos. Its materials, dimensions (115 x 59.8 x 11.6 mm), and weight (130g) provide a sturdy yet lightweight feel. The device is constructed with an aluminum unibody, which not only gives it a premium look but also ensures durability through everyday use. Its ergonomic design with rounded corners and a textured back enhances grip, making it comfortable to hold.

Display

The device features a 3.7-inch S-LCD display, offering vibrant colors and decent sunlight legibility. With a resolution of 480 x 800 pixels and approximately 252 ppi pixel density, the screen offers sharp visuals and clear text. The display is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass, which provides additional protection against scratches and minor impacts. This makes the HTC Desire S a reliable option for on-the-go users mindful of screen durability.

Performance

Powered by the Qualcomm MSM8255 Snapdragon S2 chipset, a 1.0 GHz Scorpion CPU, and an Adreno 205 GPU, the HTC Desire S delivers competent performance for its time. Though not positioned as a high-end performer, it manages day-to-day tasks and moderate gaming quite well. The 768MB of RAM supports basic multitasking, but users may experience limitations with more intensive applications.

Operating System and Interface

The HTC Desire S was launched with Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) and was upgradeable to Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich), offering users access to improvements in UI and performance over time. The HTC Sense UI provides an intuitive interface, enhancing the user experience with features like customizable home screens, seamless social networking integration, and effective widget support.

Camera

The main camera on the HTC Desire S is a 5 MP shooter with autofocus and LED flash. It offers basic photography options and is capable of 720p video recording at 30fps. In well-lit environments, the camera performs satisfactorily, delivering clear images and vibrant colors. However, low-light performance and the absence of advanced camera features are areas where the camera technology of the time shows its constraints.

Front Camera

The device is equipped with a VGA front-facing camera, suitable for basic video calls but not intended for high-resolution selfies. At the time, front-facing cameras primarily served functional rather than aesthetic purposes, and the HTC Desire S reflects this trend.

Connectivity and Networks

The HTC Desire S supports GSM and HSPA networks, with 2G bands (GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900) and 3G bands (HSDPA 900 / 2100). Its data speeds reach up to 14.4/5.76 Mbps on HSPA networks, adequate for browsing and streaming media. Connectivity features include Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n with DLNA and hotspot capabilities, Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP and EDR, GPS with A-GPS support, and microUSB 2.0 for data transfer and charging.

Battery Life

The removable Li-Ion 1450 mAh battery delivers reliable performance, supporting up to 9 hours 50 minutes of talk time on 2G and up to 7 hours 10 minutes on 3G. Standby time extends to 430 hours on 2G and 455 hours on 3G, ensuring the device meets daily usage demands without frequent charging.

Memory and Storage

Internally, the HTC Desire S comes with 1.1GB of storage, supplemented by 768MB of RAM. The inclusion of a microSDHC slot allows for expandable storage, accommodating additional apps and media files—a crucial feature given the limited inbuilt storage capacity.

Audio and Multimedia

Equipped with a standard 3.5mm audio jack and a built-in loudspeaker, the HTC Desire S provides flexible audio output options. The multimedia experience is decent, offering stereo FM with RDS and support for standard audio formats, making it a practicable device for music playback and radio listening.

Sensors and Additional Features

The HTC Desire S includes accelerometer, proximity, and compass sensors, supporting various apps and utilities which enhance usability. The device's HTML and Adobe Flash capabilities allow for a richer web browsing experience. However, the rapid evolution of the mobile web soon rendered Adobe Flash obsolete.

Market Relevance and Price

Upon its release in early 2011, the HTC Desire S was priced around 100 EUR, offering a mid-range smartphone experience that balanced cost with functionality. Although discontinued, the device remains a significant part of HTC's legacy in the smartphone market—a testament to its durability, design, and user-focused features.

Conclusion

The HTC Desire S is a compelling choice for anyone seeking a reliable smartphone from the early 2010s. Its combination of sturdy build quality, adequate performance, and intuitive user interface made it a popular choice in its time. While it is no longer in production, its influence on smartphone design and functionality is evident in the subsequent models manufactured by HTC and their competitors.