HTC Panache Complete Specs Pricing Pros & Cons Revealed

Design and Build

The HTC Panache is a smartphone that reflects a classic design aesthetic with its dimensions measuring 122.2 x 62.5 x 11.1 mm and weighing 150 grams. It is streamlined and compact enough to comfortably fit in the hand while carrying a solid, yet not overly heavy, feel. Crafted for simplicity and functionality, the device is equipped with a Mini-SIM slot, catering to the mobile technology norms of its release period.

Display

The Panache features a 3.8-inch TFT display with a screen-to-body ratio of approximately 53.8%. The display resolution stands at 480 x 800 pixels delivering a 5:3 aspect ratio, providing crisp visuals with a pixel density of around 246 ppi. Though not groundbreaking by today's standards, during its time, this display ensured satisfactory media consumption experiences for users.

Performance and Hardware

Under the hood, the HTC Panache is powered by the Qualcomm MSM8255 Snapdragon S2 chipset, together with a 1.0 GHz Scorpion CPU and an Adreno 205 GPU. This combination facilitated a seamless performance for daily tasks and moderate app usage. The device came with 768MB of RAM, which was adequate for multitasking at that time.

Storage

For storage, the HTC Panache offers 8GB internal memory, with around 1.2GB available for user data. Additionally, the phone includes a microSDHC card slot supporting expandable storage, allowing users to increase space for more apps, photos, and multimedia.

Camera

On the rear, the HTC Panache is equipped with a 5 MP autofocus camera accompanied by an LED flash. This setup allowed users to capture reasonable quality images for its era, along with video recording capabilities at 720p at 30 frames per second. The front houses a VGA camera that served for basic video calls, a common feature during the launch period.

Software and User Interface

Running on Android 2.3 Gingerbread, the HTC Panache uses HTC's proprietary Sense UI 2 overlay. This combination offered an improved user experience with features like customizable home screens and a distinct app management system, setting it apart from the stock Android interface.

Battery Life

Powering the HTC Panache is a removable Li-Ion 1400 mAh battery. As per official figures, users could expect up to 243 hours of standby time or up to 6 hours and 40 minutes of talk time, which was fairly standard during its release time. The ability to remove the battery gave users flexibility in situations where carrying an extra charged battery was necessary.

Network and Connectivity

The HTC Panache supports GSM and HSPA technologies, with 2G bands available at GSM 850/900/1800/1900 and 3G bands at HSDPA 1700/2100, offering HSPA speeds of 14.4/2 Mbps. The device is outfitted with connectivity features including Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP and EDR, GPS with A-GPS, FM radio, and a microUSB 2.0 port.

Additional Features

In terms of sensors, the HTC Panache features an accelerometer and proximity sensor. For sound, it includes a loudspeaker and a 3.5 mm headphone jack, supporting standard audio connectivity. The device offers DLNA and hotspot capabilities, enhancing its multimedia and connectivity functionalities.

Market Position and Legacy

Launched in June 2011 and discontinued shortly thereafter, the HTC Panache was competitively priced at around 200 EUR. It presented itself as an attractive option for users seeking a reliable Android smartphone with essential features. Although it didn't revolutionize the smartphone market, its mix of design, performance, and affordability left a lasting impression for the consumer segment it targeted.