HTC S710 Comprehensive Review of Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Introduction to HTC S710

The HTC S710, also known as the HTC Vox, was one of the pioneering smartphones during its time, catering to users who desired both functionality and design in a single device. Launched in February 2007 and eventually discontinued, this device holds a special place for tech enthusiasts who witnessed the early days of smartphone evolution. The HTC S710 operated on Microsoft Windows Mobile 6.0 Standard, a widely-received platform providing users with a familiar interface reminiscent of the desktop experience.

Design and Build

The HTC S710 boasts a compact and modern design for its time with dimensions of 101 x 50 x 17.7 mm and a weight of 120 grams. It features a slide-out QWERTY keyboard, making it an excellent choice for users who relied heavily on text input. The mini-SIM device was available in a stylish black/silver combination, appealing to business professionals and casual users alike.

Display

Equipped with a 2.4-inch TFT display, the HTC S710 offered a resolution of 240 x 320 pixels. While modest by today's standards, this was considered a decent specification during its release. The display supported 65K colors and had a screen-to-body ratio of approximately 35.3%, making it efficient for viewing emails, calendar entries, and basic web browsing.

Performance

The HTC S710 ran on a TI OMAP 850 chipset powered by a 200 MHz ARM926EJ-S CPU. It might seem underpowered today, but this configuration was adequate for running Microsoft Windows Mobile applications seamlessly during its time. With 64MB RAM and an internal storage of 128MB ROM, it supported essential multitasking and storage needs with an added option of expandability via a dedicated microSD slot.

Camera Capabilities

The device featured a single 2 MP rear camera. It allowed users to capture basic images and videos, which was sufficient for casual photography and video recording needs. While it lacked a selfie camera, the presence of a rear camera was a standard feature in early smartphones.

Connectivity Options

The HTC S710 supported GSM technology across 850, 900, 1800, and 1900 bands. It offered GPRS and EDGE Class 10, ensuring users maintained connectivity on the go. The phone also included Wi-Fi 802.11b/g, Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP, although it lacked GPS and a radio. It utilized a proprietary USB port for charging and data transfer, which was a common practice during that era.

Sound Features

Sound-wise, the HTC S710 offered a standard loudspeaker and supported vibration, downloadable polyphonic, and MP3 ringtones. However, it did not include a 3.5mm headphone jack, requiring users to rely on Bluetooth or the proprietary connector for audio output.

Battery Life

Powered by a removable Li-Po 1050 mAh battery, the HTC S710 provided up to 175 hours of standby time and up to 7 hours of talk time, making it reliable for daily usage without frequent charging. The removable nature of the battery allowed users to carry spares for extended usage, a feature appreciated by users who traveled frequently.

Operating System and Software

Operating on Microsoft Windows Mobile 6.0 Standard, the HTC S710 brought the convenience of Microsoft applications to the palm of the hand. Users had access to Pocket Office, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint viewers, making it a suitable choice for business professionals. The device's browser, supporting WAP 2.0/xHTML and HTML PocketIE, allowed for basic internet browsing.

Additional Features

Though simplistic by today's standards, the HTC S710 included several miscellaneous features. It featured various alert types and vibration modes that complemented its business-oriented functionality. Although it lacked modern-day sensors or high-definition screens, it’s worth noting the SAR values: 0.54 W/kg (head) and 0.81 W/kg (body), complying with safety standards of that period.

Conclusion

The HTC S710 remains a notable mention in the history of smartphones, exemplifying a blend of practicality and innovation. As one of the devices that highlighted the transition from traditional phones to smart handheld devices, it laid the foundation for what modern smartphones have become today. While it might not hold up against the multifaceted devices we are accustomed to now, its contribution to the mobile phone industry and its impact on user habits is undeniable.