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HTC Desire 601 review

6.1/10 AVG.
RATING
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HTC Desire 601
HTC Desire 601
HTC Desire 601
HTC Desire 601
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6.1/10
Informr score
The HTC Desire 601 currently has an Informr score of 6.1 out of 10. This score is based on our evaluation of 11 sources including reviews from users and the web's most trusted critics.

What's good

  • 5MP camera produces good quality images
  • Decent processor performance when using apps and browsing the web
  • 4G LTE connection

What's bad

  • Only 4.68GB of usable onboard storage
  • Slow screen response
  • Display suffers from washed out colors

The HTC Desire 601 offers consumers many of the features found on HTC's flagship phone – the HTC One – while keeping a more budget price. Although it lacks the metal finish of the One, reviewers still find the rubberized plastic finish to be both attractive and relatively durable. Its smaller size also made it easier for reviewers at Phone Arena to handle one-handed.

In terms of the display, the 4.5" LCD display offers a fairly low resolution of 540 pixels. Although not horrible for viewing images, most critics agree that pixilation does occur with actual text. Aside from this, the display gets a general thumbs up from reviewers. T3 states its "bright and clear" while Unleash the Phones is a bit more critical noting that it suffers from some washed out colors despite good viewing angles.

The back of the phone boasts a 5 megapixel camera with LED flash. Although the phone does not utilize HTC's Ultrapixel tech, expert tests reveal that the camera produces sharp images and good color reproduction in decent lighting. Tech Radar adds that the shutter speed is also "acceptable."

Internally, the Desire 601 has a 1.4GHz dual-core processor and 1GB of RAM. Various benchmark tests performed by Hardware Zone place the phone's performance in the middle of the competition. While not lightning fast, Tech Radar found no issues with speed as all apps opened and closed quickly though they go on to say that the device does have slow screen response. Onboard storage is limited to 8GB though HTC software reduces that total to 4.68GB. The phone does however sport a microSD slot for additional storage.

General consensus is that the Desire 601 offers decent features for a mid-range phone. Trusted Reviews calls this product "sensible" while Gadget Guy states, "if you like the simple design of the HTC One, but don't want to spend a fortune…the Desire 601 is an easy recommendation."


Android
Operating system
Operating system
Android
1.4 GHz
Processor
Processor
1.4 GHz
4.5"
Screen Size
Screen Size
4.5"
5+ MP
Camera
Camera
5+ MP
2100 mAh
Battery


What the Critics Are Saying...


Beta News
Beta News

I liked the HTC Desire 816 a lot, but the lower cost, lower specified Desire 610 seems to suffer from some badly made choices in order to reach its price. The screen resolution is a particular annoyance, and the chassis design does the phone no favours, with the screen being swamped in a lot of beze...

- Sandra Vogel, Beta News
Recombu
Recombu

The world’s first curvy smartphone might not be quite as awe-inspiring as we hoped, but as a phablet the LG G Flex is fun to use, with tons of great features. The multi-tasking abilities mean you can stay productive, or simply browse the web while watching video, while the 13-megapixel camera...

- Thomas Newton, Recombu
Digital Versus
Digital Versus

The HTC Desire 601 certainly fits the bill as a mid-range phone, plus it has one major advantage: 4G compatibility. That makes it a good candidate for the months and years to come. That said, for just £60 more you can get a Google Nexus 5 or an HTC One Mini... and then there's the Alcatel One...

- Sofian Nouira, Digital Versus
Phone Scoop
Phone Scoop

The hardware is well built, looks good, and functions well. The screen might not be HD, but it still impresses. Phone calls sound good and battery life is decent.

- Eric M. Zeman, Phone Scoop
UnleashThePhones
UnleashThePhones

When all is said and done, what the HTC Desire 601 really offers is a decent set of specifications for a mid-range price point. While it is an entirely reasonable smartphone, I would not consider it particularly remarkable at this point in time. Although I would still consider it a solid performer,...

- Alvin Wong, UnleashThePhones


Prices (Where to Buy)




Common Questions


We've got you covered! Download a free PDF copy of the HTC Desire 601 user manual here.


HTC backs up the Desire 601 with a 1 Year parts & labour warranty.


If your Desire 601 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.




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Screen Size
4.5"

The HTC Desire 601's screen size is 4.5 inches with 540 x 960 pixels resolution.

Processor
1.4 GHz

There is a Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 Dual core 1.4 GHz processor (CPU).

OS

The phone runs on the Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean (Update Available: 4.4 KitKat) operating system (OS).

Camera
5+ MP

You can take photos with the phone's onboard 5+ MP camera.

There is also a secondary front facing camera with VGA (640 x 480) resolution.

Storage
8 GB

Internal memory is 8 GB. An external, MicroSD, MicroSDHC (up to 64 GB) expansion slot is available for increased storage capacity.

Battery
2100mAh

The phone is powered by a Lithium Polymer (Li-Pol), 2100 mAh battery. HTC's performance ratings are 768 minutes.

Desire 601 Specs

Overview
Release Date November 5, 2013
Regions Available USA, Canada, United Kingdom
Operating System Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean (Update Available: 4.4 KitKat)

Compare Android Smartphones

Processor Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 Dual core 1.4 GHz
Internal Storage 8 GB
RAM 1 GB
Hearing Aid Compatible No
TTY/TDD No
Noise Cancellation No
SAR Unknown
Manufacturer Warranty 1 Year
Accessories Included AC Charger, Manual, Standard Battery
Cellular
Networks
GPRS, EDGE, HSUPA, HSPA+, LTE
Mobile / Cellular Data
4G/LTE
Push-to-talk (PTT) No
Wi-Fi Calling Unknown
Voice over LTE (VoLTE) Unknown
SIM card size
Micro-SIM
variations
Dual SIM No
Connectivity
USB Yes
USB OTG Support No
GPS Type A-GPS
Infrared No
Bluetooth 4.0
Bluetooth Profiles A2DP
Bluetooth Audio Codecs SBC
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n
Mobile Hotspot Yes
Memory Expansion Slot Yes
Expansion Slot Info MicroSD, MicroSDHC (up to 64 GB)
NFC No
Data Tethering Compatibility Yes
Camera
Main Camera
Resolution / Aperture
5+ Megapixels
Zoom
Yes
Flash
Yes (LED)
Additional Rear Camera Info
Auto focus, Effects, Geotagging, Multi-shot, Panorama, Scenes, HDR
Video Recording Formats
3GP / 3GPP, 3G2 / 3GPP2, MPEG-4, WMV, AVI
Video Recording Parameters
Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels)
Front Camera
Resolution / Aperture
VGA (640 x 480)+ Megapixels
Additional Front Camera Info
Self-portrait
Video Recording Parameters
VGA (640 x 480 pixels)
Display / Screen
Type Color
Technology LCD (TFT)
Colors 16.7 million
Resolution 540 x 960 pixels
Pixel Density 245 pixels
Size 4.5 inches
Secondary Display No
Sensors Ambient Light, Proximity, Motion / Accelerometer, Digital Compass
Multi-Touch Yes
Fingerprint-Resistant Coating No
Additional Display Features Capacitive touch screen
Power & Battery
Battery Type Lithium Polymer (Li-Pol)
Battery Capacity 2100 mAh
Removable Battery Yes
Wireless Charging No
Fast Charging No
Video Playback Time Up to 374 minutes
Internet Use (Wi-Fi) Unknown
Internet Use (Cellular) Unknown
Talk Time Up to 768 minutes
Standby Time Up to 18.3 days
Mixed Usage
Physical Characteristics
Design Type Bar
Material Plastic
Colors Black, Silver, Red
Dimensions [H x W x D] 13.4 x 6.7 x 1 cm (5.3 x 2.6 x 0.4 in)
Weight 130 grams
Water Resistant / Waterproof Unknown
Rugged design No
IP Rating No
Headset Jack 3.5mm
External Speakers Yes
Input / Navigation
Sleep / Wake Key Yes
Home Key Yes
Input / Keyboard Type Touchscreen
Navigation Type Touchscreen
External Volume Control Yes
Fingerprint Sensor No
More
Additional Information Messaging: SMS, MMS, Google Talk
Multi-Use Smart Phone / PDA: Yes
Graphics: Yes
Backlit Illumination: Yes
Zoom / Magnification: Yes
Screen Orientation Lock: Yes
Predictive Text Entry: Yes
Voicemail Key: Yes
Voice Commands: Yes
Keypad/Screen Lock: Yes
Multiple Numbers Per Contact: Email address, Other fields
Contact Groups: Yes
Voice Activated Dialing: Yes
Photo Caller ID: Yes
Web Browser: Yes
Email Client: Yes
Email Protocols: POP3, IMAP, SMTP, Microsoft Exchange
PC Synchronization: Yes
DLNA Support: Yes
Audio Formats: AAC, AMR, MIDI, MP3, M4A, OGG, WMA, WAV
Video Playback Formats: 3GP / 3GPP, 3G2 / 3GPP2, AVI, MPEG-4, WMV
Streaming Video: Yes
Custom Ringtones: Yes
Vibration Alert: Yes
Downloadable Ringtones: Yes
Ringer ID: Yes
Speakerphone: Yes
Haptic Feedback: Yes
Data Tethering: Yes
Mobile Hotspot: Yes
Radio: Yes (FM)
Games: Downloadable
Apps: Downloadable
Included Software / Apps: -
To-Do / Task List, Calendar, World Clock, Alarm, Stop Watch, Timer, Calculator, Weather, Stocks, Maps, NotePad, Voice Memos / Recorder

Other Names (AKA): HTC Zara
Related Links Quick Start Guide (PDF)
Manual (PDF)
HTC Desire 601 Reviews
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