Unveiling HTC Flyer WiFi Specs Prices Pros & Cons

Overview and Launch

The HTC Flyer Wi-Fi is a distinctive tablet that was initially announced in February 2011 and released in May 2011. Esteemed for its solid performance during its time in the market, this device held a unique position as one of HTC's ventures into the tablet world. Although its production has since been discontinued, the Flyer Wi-Fi remains a noteworthy piece of technology from the early 2010s. Its price was approximately 110 EUR, making it a competitive option for technology enthusiasts at the time.

Body and Design

The dimensions of the HTC Flyer Wi-Fi are 195.4 x 122 x 13.2 mm, offering a comfortable hold and ease of use with a weight of 420.8 grams. Despite lacking cellular connectivity, the device is equipped with advanced Wi-Fi functionalities. Its robust build and classic design, in a striking silver color, appeal to users who appreciate aesthetics coupled with functionality.

Display

The Flyer is built with a 7.0-inch LCD display that provides users with a resolution of 600 x 1024 pixels. Though the screen-to-body ratio stands at 57.8%, the display quality is commendable with a pixel density of approximately 170 ppi. This ensured a decent visual experience for a variety of multimedia applications, including browsing and streaming.

Hardware and Performance

Under the hood, the HTC Flyer Wi-Fi is powered by the Qualcomm MSM8255T Snapdragon S2 chipset. It houses a 1.5 GHz Scorpion CPU and an Adreno 205 GPU. For its time, this configuration offered competitive performance, capable of handling typical applications efficiently.

Operating System and Software

The tablet initially runs on Android 2.3.3 (Gingerbread) but can be upgraded to 3.2 (Honeycomb), paired with HTC's Sense UI. This software combination provided an intuitive user interface, tailoring the Android experience to enhance usability and functionality, reflecting the design philosophies of HTC during that era.

Memory and Storage

The HTC Flyer Wi-Fi comes with two variants of internal storage: 16GB and 32GB, both accompanied by 1GB of RAM. Additionally, it supports expandable storage through a dedicated microSDHC slot. This flexibility provided ample space for applications, media, and essential files, which was a significant advantage at the time of its release.

Camera Capabilities

Equipped with a 5 MP autofocus rear camera, the HTC Flyer offered decent photography capabilities, including 720p video recording. Complementing the rear camera is a 1.3 MP front-facing camera, facilitating video calls and selfies. Although not groundbreaking, these features were adequate for everyday use, capturing moments with satisfactory clarity.

Connectivity and Networking

Despite the lack of cellular capabilities, the Flyer compensates with robust wireless options, including Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, DLNA support, and Bluetooth 3.0. It also features GPS and A-GPS for precise positioning services. Connectivity is further extended with a microUSB 2.0 port, facilitating seamless data transfer and charging.

Sound and Audio

The audio aspects of the HTC Flyer include a loudspeaker and a standard 3.5mm headphone jack, ensuring versatility across audio output options. These features made it convenient for users to enjoy multimedia content, from music to video, with acceptable sound quality.

Battery Life

The device is powered by a non-removable Li-Ion 4000 mAh battery, offering substantial longevity. Users can expect extended use with a standby time of up to 1470 hours, a remarkable feat at that time, allowing for prolonged periods of productivity and entertainment.

Sensors and Additional Features

Among its additional features, the Flyer includes sensors such as an accelerometer and compass, which enhance user interaction and application functionality. The tablet’s browser supported HTML and Adobe Flash, offering a versatile web navigation experience, important for many web-based applications and services in 2011.

Conclusion

The HTC Flyer Wi-Fi, with its blend of performance, design, and functionality, remains a memorable entry in HTC's product lineup. It stands as a testament to the progression of tablet innovation and how such devices served as a bridge to enable the widespread acceptance and evolution of tablet technology over subsequent years.