HTC Radar Unveiled Specs Prices Pros & Cons Explored

Network and Connectivity

HTC Radar supports GSM and HSPA network technologies, ensuring seamless connectivity for users across various geographic regions. The device operates on 2G bands, including GSM 850, 900, 1800, and 1900, while also supporting 3G bands such as HSDPA 900 and 2100. With an HSPA speed of 14.4/5.76 Mbps, users can experience relatively fast data connections for the period this phone was released, which was back in 2011.

Design and Build

The HTC Radar boasts a sleek design with dimensions measuring 120.5 x 61.5 x 10.9 mm, and a weight of 137g, making it a compact and somewhat lightweight device. The use of a Mini-SIM is typical for devices from that era. The device's build quality was quite impressive for its time, with a sturdy feel in hand. The phone's rounded edges and metallic finish contributed to a premium aesthetic, making it stand out among its competitors.

Display

Equipped with a 3.8-inch S-LCD display, the HTC Radar offers a resolution of 480 x 800 pixels, achieving a pixel density of approximately 246 ppi. The screen-to-body ratio stands at around 55.5%, providing a decent viewing experience. Additionally, the screen is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass, ensuring durability against scratches and minor drops. The display was known for its reasonably bright colors and good contrast, making it favorable for multimedia usage.

Performance

Powered by the Qualcomm MSM8255 Snapdragon S2 chipset, the HTC Radar features a 1.0 GHz Scorpion CPU and an Adreno 205 GPU. This combination of hardware was standard for mid-range smartphones during its release period. With 512MB RAM and 8GB internal storage, the HTC Radar offers modest multitasking capabilities and storage space. Unfortunately, there is no card slot for memory expansion, which means users need to manage their storage carefully.

Operating System

HTC Radar runs on Microsoft Windows Phone 7.5 Mango, which provides a unique user interface compared to Android and iOS. The OS is characterized by its "Live Tiles," offering a dynamic and personalized experience. Windows Phone 7.5 was praised for its smooth performance and integration with Microsoft services, including Office, Xbox Live, and Bing Maps, enhancing productivity and connectivity for users.

Camera Capabilities

The device features a 5 MP autofocus rear camera with an LED flash, supporting video recording at 720p@30fps. Although not groundbreaking, the camera was capable of taking decent photos in good lighting conditions, with the LED flash assisting in low-light environments. The device also includes a VGA front-facing camera, which was fairly standard for self-portraits and video calls at the time.

Audio and Connectivity Features

The HTC Radar is equipped with stereo speakers, providing a satisfactory audio experience. Additionally, a 3.5mm audio jack is available for users who prefer using headphones. In terms of connectivity, the device includes Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP and EDR, GPS with A-GPS, and a stereo FM radio with RDS. These features ensure comprehensive connectivity options for users’ communication and entertainment needs.

Battery Life

The phone features a non-removable Li-Ion 1520 mAh battery, which is expected to deliver up to 480 hours of standby time on 2G networks and up to 535 hours on 3G. When it comes to talk time, the battery can last up to 10 hours on 2G and approximately 8 hours and 5 minutes on 3G networks. The battery life was considered adequate for typical daily use during the period HTC Radar was available.

Sensors and Additional Features

HTC Radar comes with standard sensors such as an accelerometer and proximity sensor. These sensors enhance the overall user experience by providing functionalities like automatic screen rotation and smart screen dimming during calls. The device does not come with advanced features like fingerprint sensors or facial recognition, which were not common in smartphones during its time.

Miscellaneous Information

The HTC Radar was released in two color variants: Active White and Metal Silver. The device was quite affordable with a price of about 140 EUR at launch. It also adhered to specific SAR limits with readings of 0.45 W/kg for the head and 1.17 W/kg for the body, ensuring user safety concerning electromagnetic exposure.

Conclusion

Overall, the HTC Radar was a noteworthy contender in the mid-range smartphone market upon its release in 2011. Offering a consistent and smooth user experience with Windows Phone 7.5 and reasonable build quality, the HTC Radar appealed to users who valued design and functionality. However, the limited internal storage and non-expandable memory might have been a limitation for users with extensive digital needs. Despite being discontinued, the HTC Radar remains a part of smartphone history, highlighting the evolution of mobile devices in the ever-advancing technological landscape.