HTC Merge Comprehensive Review Specs & Pricing

Design and Build

The HTC Merge, released in April 2011, presents a sleek design characteristic of HTC's commitment to aesthetics and functionality. Measuring 120.7 x 61.9 x 13.8 mm and weighing 198 g, it's slightly hefty by modern standards but provides a robust feel that many users appreciate. Its dimensions accommodate a 3.8-inch S-LCD screen, which offers a 480 x 800-pixel resolution at a 5:3 ratio, ensuring clarity with approximately 246 ppi density. This phone features a slide-out QWERTY keyboard, a highlight for users who favor physical keys over on-screen typing. The device supports a Mini-SIM, and its predominantly black color scheme adds to its professional appearance.

Display

The 3.8-inch S-LCD display is designed to deliver crisp images and vibrant colors. While the screen-to-body ratio is approximately 55%, the display's size is perfectly functional for browsing, media consumption, and gaming. Its resolution of 480 x 800 pixels ensures that text is legible and images are relatively crisp, providing a satisfactory viewing experience for an entry-level smartphone from its time.

Performance and Software

Under the hood, the HTC Merge is powered by a Qualcomm MSM7630 chipset coupled with an 800 MHz processor. It runs Android 2.2 (Froyo) with HTC's Sense UI, which was known for enhancing the Android experience with additional features and an intuitive interface. The device includes 512MB of RAM, which was adequate for basic multitasking needs during its era, though it may struggle with heavy applications by today's standards. Additionally, it offers 2GB of internal storage, expandable via a dedicated microSDHC slot, ensuring users have adequate space for apps and media.

Camera Capabilities

The HTC Merge is equipped with a 5 MP rear camera featuring autofocus and an LED flash. It supports video recording capabilities at 720p, which was competitive at the time of release. While there is no front-facing camera for selfies, the main camera manages to perform decently in well-lit environments. This makes it suitable for basic photography needs, capturing memorable moments with reasonable clarity and detail.

Battery Life

Battery life is supported by a removable Li-Ion 1400 mAh battery, offering a standby time of up to 330 hours and talk time up to 6 hours and 30 minutes. This battery life was quite standard for smartphones from this period, balancing performance and usability effectively. The removable aspect of the battery also means users can swap in a spare if needed, a feature that has become less common in modern smartphones.

Connectivity and Network

The HTC Merge supports CDMA and GSM networks, providing flexibility for different carriers. The device is compatible with 2G and 3G networks, including CDMA2000 1xEV-DO, and supports EV-DO Rev. A speeds of up to 3.1 Mbps and HSPA. Its connectivity options include Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n with hotspot capabilities, Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP and EDR, and a microUSB 2.0 port for charging and data transfer. GPS and A-GPS are available for location services.

Additional Features

HTC included an accelerometer, proximity sensor, and compass in the Merge, enhancing its functionality for various applications. The device's browser supports HTML and Adobe Flash, providing a full web browsing experience. Additionally, a 3.5mm headphone jack and loudspeaker ensure good audio output for music and calls.

Concluding Thoughts

At its release, the HTC Merge stood out for combining a physical QWERTY keyboard with modern touchscreen capabilities, appealing to a niche market of users. Its robust design, decent camera, and reliable connectivity options made it a competitive choice in the mid-tier smartphone market of the early 2010s. Despite being discontinued, it remains a noteworthy example of HTC's innovative approach to smartphone design during that period.