Mid-range handsets running Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich are still quite a rarity. Most manufacturers settle on releasing devices that only have Android 2.3 Gingerbread pre-installed, or worse, some other version of the Android software that’s even older, like Froyo or Eclair. But not HTC. You won’t have to worry about using a severely outdated version of Android with the HTC Desire C, because it runs the penultimate version of Android right out of the box. So it has it good in terms of software, but what about the hardware?
As a mid-range model, the Desire C comes equipped with a fairly modest set of features. It has a 3.5-inch HVGA touchscreen display, 5MP main camera, 4GB of internal storage, Bluetooth 4.0, Wi-Fi, GPS, and HSDPA data. The one thing that can put most prospective buyers off is the fact that it runs on a 600MHz processor and 512MB RAM. While it isn’t prohibitively slow, it’s certainly not as fast as other better-equipped smartphones, especially with the default software.
What about the battery you ask? Well, HTC promises 5 hours of talk time per charge. Of course, real life results will always vary depending on actual usage.
The consensus among reviewers is that the HTC Desire C offers acceptable levels of smartphone performance for normal use. The problem is that it may be priced a little too high, and for just a bit more extra cash you could place yourself into higher-end models, even HTC’s own selection of smartphones, for a much better overall experience.
Need to Know: HTC Desire C
1. Comes with Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich pre-installed. (The Good)
2. Features excellent ergonomics and portability due to use of 3.5-inch screen. (The Good)
3. Battery life is not that good. (The Bad)
4. Seen by many as a bit too expensive for its overall feature-set. (The Bad)
What the Critics Are Saying...
- Seth Barton, Expert ReviewsAt £150 from Three, the HTC Desire C is a reasonable buy if you want something a little more stylish than the raft of £100 Android cheapies; but only really if you're a big fan of HTC, and feel more comfortable with its spin on Android. However, you really should stretch to £200 an...
- Chris Martin, Tech AdvisorThe HTC Desire C is a nicely designed budget Android 4.0 handset. It could make a good first smartphone but doesn't have any outstanding features. The price is attractive but if you're not bothered about NFC then it's worth paying an extra £20 for the HTC One V for its superior screen and bett...
- GSMArena team, GSMArenaHTC seems to be taking the entry-level market more seriously than usual. Just look at the multiple versions of the Desire C, including dual-SIM support. Of course, HTC's entry level is different than say, Samsung's. What we mean is, there're obviously cheaper ways to own an Android smartphone. But t...
- Seth Barton, Expert ReviewsAt £150 from Three, the HTC Desire C is a reasonable buy if you want something a little more stylish than the raft of £100 Android cheapies; but only really if you're a big fan of HTC, and feel more comfortable with its spin on Android. However, you really should stretch to £200 and pick up the far-...
- Carly Page, The InquirerFor those after a phone that will introduce them to the world of touchscreens and apps, the HTC Desire C is a suitable handset. However, we can't help but think even the most inexperienced of smartphone users will soon get fed up of the handset's stuttering and poor web browser - although this can b...
Prices (Where to Buy)
Common Questions
We've got you covered! Download a free PDF copy of the HTC Desire C user manual here.
HTC backs up the Desire C with a 1 Year parts & labour warranty.
If your Desire C has problems and is still within its warranty period, you could contact HTC support or the retailer you purchased the phone from. You'll find HTC's contact information here. If your phone is off warranty and needs repair for a physical problem such as a broken screen or bad battery, you should visit an authorized service centre or a local phone repair shop. You can also connect with others in The Informr Community Forum to find and share answers to questions.
Resources
Manuals / User Guides
- HTC Desire C Manual (PDF)
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