HTC

HTC Desire 601: Pros and Cons

Android OS v4.1.2 (Jelly Bean)
Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 MSM8926
Adreno 305
1 GB / 8 GB
4.5 inch (540 x 960 px)
5 MP, 2592 х 1944 px, autofocus

HTC announced the launch of the Desire 601 smartphone in 2013. The manufacturer is offering this smartphone with 4.5 inch TFT display, Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 MSM8926 SoC, and 1 GB of RAM. The Desire 601 comes with Android OS v4.1.2 (Jelly Bean) pre-installed. This phone uses a 4.5 inch TFT display. This phone has only one rear-camera (5 MP, 2592 х 1944 px, autofocus) on its back for photos and videos. Is the cost justified by its features? I'll strive to answer that by the end of my review.

Table of Contents

This article shares our personal experiences and thoughts about using the HTC Desire 601 smartphone. We hope to offer helpful insights to others interested in this device. The specifications below are from the official manufacturer data, but we also consider user reviews. If you've seen any mistakes or things missing in these specifications, please let us know.

HTC Desire 601 / 1

HTC Desire 601 specifications

BrandHTC
NameDesire 601
ModelD601
Release date2013

Weight, dimensions, colors

Weight4.59 oz
Dimensions5.3 x 2.63 x 0.39 inch
Colorsblack, red, silver
SIM typeMicro SIM

The weight of the HTC Desire 601 is still considered to be lightweight and portable. A micro SIM is larger than the current standard Nano SIM card but smaller than the older SIM card size.

HTC Desire 601 / 1

System, chipset, performance

OS versionAndroid OS v4.1.2 (Jelly Bean)
SoCQualcomm Snapdragon 400 MSM8926
CPUDual-core 1.4 GHz Krait 300
GPUAdreno 305

The HTC Desire 601 comes with Android OS v4.1.2 (Jelly Bean) out of the box. Google regularly releases new versions of Android. They have new features, improvements, and security updates. The Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 MSM8926 CPU can be fast enough for basic phone operations. Smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices use Adreno GPUs.

HTC Desire 601 / 2

Display type, size, resolution

Display typeTFT
Screen size4.5 inch
Resolution540 x 960 px
Multitouch supportyes

This 4.5 inch smartphone comes with a TFT display. Smaller smartphones are generally more compact and easier to handle. The display size is the diagonal distance from one corner of the screen to the opposite corner.

HTC Desire 601 / 3

Memory, storage

RAM1 GB
Internal storage8 GB
Memory card slotmicroSD

1 GB of RAM is not typically considered to be enough for a smartphone. The needed RAM amount for good performance depends on factors. These include the OS, the apps, and the services you use. If you use your smartphone for basic tasks like calling, texting, and browsing the web, 32GB may be sufficient for your needs. You can expand the internal storage of the Desire 601 (8 GB) by using a compatible microSD card.

Cameras, flash

Main camera5 MP, 2592 х 1944 px, autofocus
FlashLED
Selfie cameraVGA

You may have budget limits. Or, you may prioritize other features over a multi-camera system. If so, this single camera setup can be a good choice. The Desire 601 comes with a basic camera setup and lacks any advanced features.

Connectivity, network, wireless

GSM 2G bands850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
Network coverage2G / 3G / 4G
Wi-FiWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n
Bluetoothv4.0, A2DP
GPSA-GPS, GLONASS
NFCno
FM radioyes
USBmicroUSB 2.0, USB host
Headphone3.5 mm jack

Worldwide, people use 4G networks. They have become the standard for mobile networks in many countries. The Desire 601 supports the latest Wi-Fi standards. You can use Bluetooth to connect your Desire 601 smartphone to many Bluetooth devices. The Desire 601 has a GPS receiver. Many fitness and activity tracking apps rely on GPS. It is used to accurately measure and record outdoor activities. The phone isn't NFC (Near Field Communication) capable. NFC is not essential for basic phone functionality, but it can be useful. The 3.5 mm headphone jack allows you to connect wired headphones or earphones to the device.

Battery type, capacity, charger

TypeLi-Po 2100 mAh

The Li-Po 2100 mAh battery gives the smartphone a good battery backup. The lithium polymer (Li-Po) battery is a light-weight, rechargeable battery. You can simply buy a new battery from the open market and interchange it by yourself.

Features, sensors, specials

Sensorsaccelerometer, proximity
SpecialsCorning Gorilla Glass 2

Today, smartphones come with many sensors. They help make the user experience better. The Desire 601 smartphone has an accelerometer. Corning Gorilla Glass is a type of chemically strengthened super-glass.

Verdict, pros and cons

Every phone has its strengths and weaknesses, and this HTC phone is no exception. As with any device, there are aspects that shine and others that fall short. By examining both sides, we can paint a complete picture of what this phone has to offer. Let's explore its standout features and areas for improvement. Remember, this is just my opinion, and yours might be different.

Pros

  • microSD slot
  • Corning Gorilla Glass shield

Cons

  • TFT display
  • limited-size screen
  • insufficient memory
  • insufficient internal storage
  • single camera setup
  • no OIS function
  • no 5G support
  • no NFC feature
  • no Type-C USB port
  • low-capacity battery
  • no digital compass
  • no fingerprint reader
Add HTC Desire 601 to your comparison

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Lucas Bradley I'm Lucas Bradley, the founder of the Phone42.com site. I love technology, especially smartphones, and I've been working with tech stuff for more than 20 years. This means I've seen a lot of changes and have learned a bunch about what makes a good phone. On Phone42.com, I look at all kinds of phones. They can be from big, well-known companies or new ones trying to make their mark. I want to help people understand what's new and cool in the world of smartphones, in a way that's easy to get.
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