HTC Desire SV Specs Pricing Pros & Cons Revealed

Overview of HTC Desire SV

The HTC Desire SV was released in November 2012, marking the company's continued efforts to strengthen its presence in the mid-range smartphone market. It came with a range of features and specifications that appealed to a wide array of users, especially those looking for a dual SIM capability. The phone was recognized for its balanced combination of performance and design, catering to users who appreciated a solid smartphone experience without high-end price tags.

Design and Build

The HTC Desire SV sported a practical and ergonomic design, with dimensions of 129.7 x 67.9 x 10.7 mm and a weight of 131 g. This made it relatively easy to handle and carry around. The notable design elements included its dual SIM functionality, housed within a robust body that was available in two striking colors: Radical Yellow and Stealth Black. The inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack and a microUSB 2.0 port further accentuated its user-friendly approach.

Display

The device featured a 4.3-inch Super LCD2 screen, offering a resolution of 480 x 800 pixels. With a screen-to-body ratio of approximately 59.8%, the display provided vibrant colors and decent clarity, making it well-suited for everyday tasks, such as browsing and multimedia consumption. The pixel density of ~217 ppi, although not groundbreaking, was sufficient to deliver crisp visuals for its class.

Camera

Equipped with an 8 MP rear camera, the HTC Desire SV enabled users to capture decent photographs under well-lit conditions. The inclusion of autofocus and an LED flash enhanced its capability in somewhat darker environments. However, the absence of a front camera was a noticeable drawback for selfie enthusiasts and video call users. The main camera supported video recording at 480p@30fps, which was the standard for many mid-range devices at the time.

Performance

The heart of the Desire SV was its Qualcomm MSM8225 Snapdragon S4 Play chipset, powered by a dual-core 1.0 GHz Cortex-A5 CPU and Adreno 203 GPU. This combination provided satisfactory performance for general usage, such as social media, web browsing, and lightweight gaming. However, the 768MB RAM and 4GB internal storage, although expandable via a microSDHC card slot, limited multitasking capabilities and storage for heavy apps and large media files.

Software and User Interface

Operating on Android 4.0.4 (Ice Cream Sandwich) with HTC's Sense UI, the user interface was intuitive and offered various customization options. The Sense UI was praised for its ease of use and smooth navigation, contributing to a pleasant user experience. However, the device's operating system version was relatively outdated soon after its release, limiting access to newer applications and features introduced with later Android updates.

Battery Life

The HTC Desire SV came with a removable Li-Ion 1620 mAh battery. In practice, the battery life was adequate for a day of moderate use, involving calling, texting, browsing, and occasional media playback. The removable battery feature was appreciated by users who preferred the convenience of swapping batteries without needing a power source.

Connectivity

Offering GSM/HSPA network technologies, the HTC Desire SV ensured solid network connectivity, making it a reliable choice for users who needed a robust phone for voice and data communication. The phone supported dual SIM functionality, a valuable feature for users who required separate numbers for personal and professional use. Additional connectivity options included Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0, GPS, FM radio, and the aforementioned microUSB 2.0 port.

Additional Features

The phone incorporated standard sensors like the accelerometer and proximity sensor, which were common in smartphones of its era. Although NFC was notably absent, the device covered essential features expected by its target market.

Conclusion

Overall, the HTC Desire SV was a commendable mid-range smartphone for its time, offering a well-rounded package of design, functionality, and performance. Its dual SIM capability, decent display, and user-friendly interface made it an appealing choice for budget-conscious consumers. Despite its limitations in terms of camera features and software updates, the Desire SV remains a noteworthy mention in the evolution of HTC’s smartphone lineup.