The HTC Desire C though labelled as an entry level smartphone comes for a price which is definitely not within the affordability range. It’s with a 600 MHz processor running ICS a.k.a. Android 4.0 OS.
The 600MHz computing power may not impress many of you but this one belongs to the Snapdragon ARMv7 family. It means it will perform better than the other processor in the same categories that usually are ARMv6.
Design
The design is simple, curved on the edges, similar to what we see on other phones. There are 3 touch sensitive buttons immediately following the touchscreen area. On the rear side you will see the HTC logo in the center, a camera at top center with speaker-out next to it. There is also the Beats audio logo at the bottom (powered by Beats Audio) which has now become a standard for HTC phones.
HTC Desire C Hardware
Just in case you were eager to know if ICS (Ice cream sandwich) (Android 4.0) could run on a 600MHz processor, yes it does and Desire C is the perfect example. Android 4.0 is used along with HTC Sense 4.0 user interface.
The internal memory (storage) is 4GB with 512MB RAM. There is the microSD support (32GB max). 3G is supported and you can surf at 7.2 Mbps using the HSDPA mode. In addition, for connectivity you can also make use of Wi-Fi, GPS, Bluetooth and micro USB slot. Share you net connection via USB or Wi-Fi tethering. In case of non availability of 3G connectivity GPRS or EDGE networks are automatically switched to.
This was termed as a budget phone and I am really surprised as to why the NFC feature was included, this unnecessarily has contributed to the price rise. The HTC Desire C is light weight at less than 100 gram (98 grams) with a thickness of 11.95 mm.
Display
The capacitive touchscreen size is 3.5 inches supporting 320×480 pixels resolution with 16M colours. No doubt the quality is much better. Touch is smooth and very responsive.
Multimedia
Entertainment wise this is a very good handset thanks to the Beats audio enhancements, in fact every HTC handset now comes with this feature. The multi format media player can play commonly used filed including AVI, WMV and 3G2.
Camera
A 5MP auto focus camera on the HTC Desire C does a very good job but this is without LED flash. You can record NON-HD videos. With the built in GPS, Geo-Tagging feature is enabled on this handset.
Additional features
Desire C comes with light, proximity and accelerometer sensors. Box pack contains handset, battery/charger, usb cable, headset, warranty card and user manual.
Battery
The 1230mAh Li-ion battery gives a decent usage time of over a one day of heavy usage. Remember this handset is sailing on a 600 MHz processor so battery life will be good.
Price
At Rs. 14,999 this seems too much on the higher side. The CPU is slow, camera is 5MP, overall does not match the price tag, in fact add some extra bucks and get the Sony Xperia U.
HTC Desire C Review
To sum up
Pros: ICS, NFC, Beat Audio, 4GB internal storage and 5MP camera.
Cons: 600MHz, No front camera and the price.
Will you buy the HTC Desire C? If not a diehard fan on ICS then check out Nokia Lumia 610, Sony Xperia U or wait for the Karbonn A24.