HTC Touch HD T8285 Specs Pricing Pros & Cons Unveiled

Overview of HTC Touch HD T8285

The HTC Touch HD T8285, announced in October 2008 and released in December of the same year, marked a significant milestone in the evolution of smartphones. Released as a discontinued model, the device quickly captured the attention of tech enthusiasts with its cutting-edge technology and high-quality features. The device supported both GSM and HSPA technology, indicating its ability to work on both 2G and 3G bands.

Network and Connectivity

The HTC Touch HD T8285 was designed to support a range of network technologies. It featured GSM and HSPA standards, allowing it to operate on 2G bands (GSM 850/900/1800/1900) and 3G bands (HSDPA 850/2100). One of the standout features was its HSPA speed capability of 7.2/2 Mbps, enabling fast and reliable internet connectivity.

Design and Body

The design of the HTC Touch HD T8285 was both stylish and functional. It measured 115 x 62.8 x 12 mm, making it relatively slim and easy to handle. Weighing 146 grams, the device felt sturdy without being cumbersome. The phone utilized a Mini-SIM format, which was standard at that time, and its black color added a sleek touch to its aesthetic.

Display Quality

The HTC Touch HD T8285 boasted a 3.8-inch TFT resistive touchscreen with a resolution of 480 x 800 pixels, translating to a pixel density of approximately 246 ppi. The screen supported 65K colors, offering a vivid viewing experience though slightly behind modern standards. The 56.9% screen-to-body ratio was impressive for its time, providing ample screen real estate for various tasks.

Hardware and Performance

The device was powered by a Qualcomm MSM7201A chipset featuring a 528 MHz ARM 11 CPU and an Adreno 130 GPU. Backed by 288MB of RAM, these specifications allowed the device to handle basic multitasking and app performance efficiently. It also featured 512MB of ROM and a microSDHC slot with an 8 GB card included, ensuring sufficient storage for its time.

Camera Capabilities

The HTC Touch HD T8285 was equipped with a 5 MP autofocus main camera capable of capturing high-quality images. It also supported CIF video recording at 30fps, allowing for decent video capturing capabilities. Additionally, the device featured a VGA front-facing camera, primarily for video calling, marking its foray into the early stages of mobile video communication.

Audio and Multimedia

The device was equipped with a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm audio jack, ensuring compatibility with most headphones and audio equipment. The audio quality was solid for its time, providing a satisfactory multimedia experience. Furthermore, the inclusion of a stereo FM radio with RDS served as a significant addition for those who enjoyed traditional radio listening.

Communication Features

Connectivity options on the HTC Touch HD T8285 included Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g for robust wireless internet access, Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP for wireless audio connectivity, and a miniUSB 2.0 port for data transfer and charging. The GPS support, including A-GPS, enabled location-based services, setting a precedent for future smartphones.

Software and User Interface

The smartphone ran on Microsoft Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional, featuring a user-friendly interface with various built-in applications. The device supported a range of third-party applications, enhancing its functionality. With Opera 9.5 as the default browser, users experienced rich content browsing with support for WAP 2.0/xHTML and HTML.

Sensors and User Experience

Equipped with an accelerometer and proximity sensor, the HTC Touch HD T8285 provided an enhanced user experience through more intuitive controls and screen orientation adjustments. These sensors enabled better interaction and responsiveness, aligning with emerging technological trends at the time.

Battery Life

With its removable 1350 mAh Li-Ion battery, the HTC Touch HD T8285 offered a decent battery life suitable for moderate usage. The removable battery provided the convenience of carrying a spare, ensuring that users were not left powerless during critical times.

Legacy and Impact

Priced at around 280 EUR at launch, the HTC Touch HD T8285 was considered a flagship phone with premium features. Despite being discontinued, its impact on the market was substantial. It set a benchmark in innovation and functionality, paving the way for subsequent advanced handheld devices.

Overall, the HTC Touch HD T8285 was a device ahead of its time, combining state-of-the-art technology with user-centric design. Its legacy in the smartphone evolution story is noteworthy for its contribution to bridging the gap between basic mobile phones and today's smartphones.