HTC Desire 816 review

Personally I like to see a newcomer which has a lot to offer and it doesn't ask for a lot of money to have it. The latest dual SIM from HTC is one of that kind of phones. It's a mid range device with a big 5.5-inch screen. Now we can give an early verdict. HTC Desire 816 is a phone for fast growing markets, because it gives a handy dual SIM feature with a large screen. Also, the HTC Desire 816 packs a great hardware, so it can be a really good runner, no matter what competitors have to say. Also, it comes with new HTC UI, which is colorful and rich in good features.

HTC Desire 816 design

The same chef, who was in charge with designing HTC One M8 and some other similar models, got the job here too. The design language is in typical HTC style. At the first glance you will not have a doubt which brand this phone is belonging to. It's similar to One M8, but it lacks some of materials and parts from its bigger brother. The case is made of plastic, but don't be nervous. HTC brought some great build quality here, so it's the best way to compensate the aluminum missing.

The back panel is covered by shining plastic, which is easy in catching fingerprints, but if you choose a white color, probably will not notice them. Darker colors are less resistant to them.

In contrast to back side, the front and the sides are in mat finish, which is more pleasant to touch and hold. Thanks to them, the phone looks more stylish and premium. Also, they provide anti slipping effect. Speaking about handling, we have to give a big like to HTC, because the phone is easy to hold by one hand, especially knowing it's a 5.5-inch device. The minor issue is a position of power and volume buttons. They're places at the top of left side. If you are right handed, you will have to use the other hand to volume up the phone.

The Desire 816 isn't just copy-paste of One M8. Just look at the speakers. They are at the front side again, and again in Boom Sound style. That's something instead of sound quality warranty. The big dots on the speakers are something to recognize the phone by.

HTC Desire 816 screen

This is a big screen phone. The Super LCD 2 offers 720p resolution. We come to the weak point. Let's get straight. The 720p isn't bad at all, but some competitors offer better quality, and we think HTC shouldn't have to make any compromises here. But, beside some pixels missing here, the screen looks good. The colors are vivid, the viewing angles great. Also, the daylight visibility is good too.

The only thing because of you'll be complaining for better resolution is a small font text reading. The web browsing could be a problem when it comes to small letters, because the pixels are big at that time.

HTC Desire 816 specs and performance

This phone can't speed up like One M8, but it's more than enough when the slight performing is about. The Desire 816 is powered by quad-core 1.6GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 400. Also, the phone packs 1.5GB of RAM and Adreno 305 GPU. In the real life, outside the facts on the paper, the phone works very well. The are no annoying lags and delays. The apps are opening quickly, and the windows transition is smooth. The phone's performance is a step above the mid range competitors, which is great.

The phone is working on the fresh software as it can be. The KitKat and HTC Sense 6 are blowing combination. The phone is ready for all kind of apps and the Sense is giving its contribution to it. The main role is given to BlinkFeed, which still does a good job. On the home screen it gathers all important information from news reader or social networks. Generally, the UI is eye catching and functional.

The non removable 2,600mAh battery is placed at the back, under the hood. The Desire 816 can't stand as the One M8, but this amount of energy assures a whole day of moderate use. You can count on that.

HTC Desire 816 camera

Instead of 4MP UltraPixel, the HTC installed the "standard" 13MP sensor. Also, the phone has a front facing 5MP camera. Both are rich with pixels and capable of recording 1080p video. Shooting the photos is easy and joyful. The 13MP is enough to catch some great daylight photos. They are rich in details, but with solid noise in indoors environment. That's the point where UltraPixel is better, no matter of just 4MP from One M8. The camera shooting speed is good, and just a blink slower than One M8.

HTC Desire 816 conclusion

The HTC Desire 816 is a decent price device. It isn't maybe the cheapest in the class, but certainly one of the best buy headliners in the mid range part of market. Since this is a dual SIM phone, it isn't easy to find appropriate competitors. If you don't rush for two SIMs in one hand, you can look for LG G2 and its mini version. The LG's flagship offers better performance and screen, but it costs a little more. The LG G2 mini is less expensive, but it can't match in the term of specs. Basically, the Desire 816 is a good looking and great performing dual SIM device.

Photos: htc.com