GADGET GIZMO SPECIAL Review: HTC Desire 616
HTC now has
a number of dual SIM smartphones to compete with Indian brands. The Desire 616
is the latest midrange offering from HTC with an octa core processor.
While most budget smartphones from Indian brands have a 1.7Ghz Mediatek octa core, Desire 616 has a 1.4Ghz octa core. Not that this affects day-to-day performance — most apps and games run without a hitch and even multi-tasking is smooth as long as you don't have too many apps.
However, the 1GB RAM feels less — evident while playing games like ShadowGun and Asphalt 8. In addition, HTC has cut corners in storage. You get 4GB of internal storage out of which only 1.62GB is available for apps.
Thankfully there is a microSD slot present for expansion, but at this price just 4GB storage from a global brand like HTC is disappointing. It feels sturdy to hold and borrows design elements from the Desire 816. However, the plastic rear panel attracts a lot of scratches and fingerprints that make it look old within a few minutes of usage.
The 5-inch HD display has good touch response and bright colours. We noticed that the signal reception on the review unit we had was weak — where other phones showed 3 bars, it showed just 1 bar or at times none.Multimedia performance was a mixed bag.
The rear camera took average images in daylight, but in low light and even indoors it proved to be useless — images were too noisy, there was lack of details and flat colours. The saving grace was video recording in full HD resolution which was good quality.
Audio output from the speakers was good — not very loud. but good enough for the intended usage. The 2,000mAh battery lasted one day as expected.
Unfortunately, the Desire 616 does not offer anything that makes it stand out. Check the Panasonic P81 for the same price that offers a larger display, similar hardware with better performance and dual SIM capabilities.
Otherwise, also consider the new Xiaomi Mi 3, which is far better in every way and it costs just Rs 13,999.
While most budget smartphones from Indian brands have a 1.7Ghz Mediatek octa core, Desire 616 has a 1.4Ghz octa core. Not that this affects day-to-day performance — most apps and games run without a hitch and even multi-tasking is smooth as long as you don't have too many apps.
However, the 1GB RAM feels less — evident while playing games like ShadowGun and Asphalt 8. In addition, HTC has cut corners in storage. You get 4GB of internal storage out of which only 1.62GB is available for apps.
Thankfully there is a microSD slot present for expansion, but at this price just 4GB storage from a global brand like HTC is disappointing. It feels sturdy to hold and borrows design elements from the Desire 816. However, the plastic rear panel attracts a lot of scratches and fingerprints that make it look old within a few minutes of usage.
The 5-inch HD display has good touch response and bright colours. We noticed that the signal reception on the review unit we had was weak — where other phones showed 3 bars, it showed just 1 bar or at times none.Multimedia performance was a mixed bag.
The rear camera took average images in daylight, but in low light and even indoors it proved to be useless — images were too noisy, there was lack of details and flat colours. The saving grace was video recording in full HD resolution which was good quality.
Audio output from the speakers was good — not very loud. but good enough for the intended usage. The 2,000mAh battery lasted one day as expected.
Unfortunately, the Desire 616 does not offer anything that makes it stand out. Check the Panasonic P81 for the same price that offers a larger display, similar hardware with better performance and dual SIM capabilities.
Otherwise, also consider the new Xiaomi Mi 3, which is far better in every way and it costs just Rs 13,999.
Specifications
5-inch IPS (1280 x 720) 1.4Ghz octa core 1GB RAM, 4GB + microSD 8MP rear + 2MP front cam 3G, WiFi, BT 4.0, dual SIM, Android 4.2 2,000mAh battery, 150g
Positives
Good display, full HD video recording, octa core processor
Negatives
Average camera, sub-par battery life, low internal storage, signal reception issues
5-inch IPS (1280 x 720) 1.4Ghz octa core 1GB RAM, 4GB + microSD 8MP rear + 2MP front cam 3G, WiFi, BT 4.0, dual SIM, Android 4.2 2,000mAh battery, 150g
Positives
Good display, full HD video recording, octa core processor
Negatives
Average camera, sub-par battery life, low internal storage, signal reception issues
By Hitesh Raj Bhagat,
ET 140728
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