Categories Android

HTC Desire V review – good-looking but is the price right?

While browsing the mobile market, I observed a sub-category that has significant influence on a buyer’s purchase decision: the looks of the device. Impractical as it may sound, some people actually buy phones based chiefly on looks. The HTC Desire V is one such model, which, while being an attractive mobile, also has a decent set of features. Though, some might argue that the features don’t match up to the high price tag (about Rs.22k). Hence I thought I must see the product a little more closely.

Processor

The HTC Desire V is powered by Cortex-A5 1 GHz processor which is best in its class among single core processors. For a handset that offers the Desire V’s config and its dual-sim, the Cortex-A5 with Adreno 200 for Graphics is just fine for quick response while navigating and multi-tasking. Still, I know many of you might expect a dual-core considering the high price tag.

Operating System

The HTC Desire V runs by Android Ice Cream Sandwich 4.0. with the HTC Sense 4.0 UI. Android ICS is a popular OS currently and not many know that it is also a key factor in keeping the price of the device competitive. And that is the first reason why some of us might find the price unjustified.

Camera

Secondly, HTC Desire V doesn’t have a front camera so forget about video calls and Skypeing. If you’re happy just taking snaps and videos, then the 5 megapixel camera at the back should satisfy you. Else, look elsewhere.

Screen

The quality of its 4in capacitive touch-screen can be described in a single word: Brilliant. This 16color WVGA, 480 x 800 Pixel screen is perhaps the second most impressive feature in this handset.

Connectivity

Being an Android phone you’d get the pre-installed Android browser and the set is 3G-enabled. For connectivity options you have WiFi, GPRS and Edge. The set includes Bluetooth and GPS support with A-GPS and Google Maps.

Entertainment/Multimedia

A pretty standard set of support features e.g. for music you have MP3, WAV, eAAC+ and Beats Audio for sound enhancement; for video you have support for MP4, WMV, 3GP, 3G2, AVI, H.263 and H.264.

Storage

HTC Desire V has an internal memory of 4GB with 512MB RAM with a microSD slot for additional up to 32GB. Bundled with the handset you also get a Sandisk 8GB memory card.

Additional features

Include Proximity Sensor, Ambient Light Sensor, G-Sensor, Accelerometer and Compass.

Color

You have no options besides white, which honestly looks quite attractive on the candy-bar form factor of the Desire V.

Making phone calls

HTC Desire is not dual-active. But I am told the same model with a slightly different config is sold abroad on which you can make/receive calls simultaneously on both the SIMs.

Price

Rs. 21,999 with 1 year warranty. If you are not looking for a dual SIM option then do check out the Sony Xperia U or Xperia Sola.