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HTC

HTC Desire 816 (2014)

Android OS v4.4.2 (KitKat)
Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 MSM8928
Adreno 305
1.5 GB / 8 GB
5.5 inch (720 x 1280 px)
13 MP, 4160 x 3120 px, autofocus

This phone boasts a 5.5 inch Super LCD2 display, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 MSM8928 chipset, and 1.5 GB of RAM.

But wait, there's more to uncover! Keep reading!

Table of Contents

This article shares our personal experiences and thoughts about using the HTC Desire 816 smartphone. We hope to offer helpful insights to others interested in this device.

HTC Desire 816 / 1

HTC Desire 816 specifications

BrandHTC
NameDesire 816
ModelD816
Release date2014

Weight, dimensions, colors

Weight5.82 oz
Dimensions6.17 x 3.1 x 0.31 inch
Colorsblack, gray, green, red, white
SIM typeNano SIM

The weight of the HTC Desire 816 is still considered to be lightweight and portable. Smartphones use a Nano SIM as a subscriber identity module (SIM), which is a chip card.

System, chipset, performance

OS versionAndroid OS v4.4.2 (KitKat)
SoCQualcomm Snapdragon 400 MSM8928
CPUQuad-core 1.6 GHz Cortex-A7
GPUAdreno 305

The HTC Desire 816 comes with Android OS v4.4.2 (KitKat) out of the box. Android is an open-source operating system. This means the source code is free to the public. The quad-core mobile CPU can provide fast and efficient performance for mobile games. Smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices use Adreno GPUs.

HTC Desire 816 / 1

Display type, size, resolution

Display typeSuper LCD2
Screen size5.5 inch
Resolution720 x 1280 px
Multitouch supportyes

The 5.5 inch display make this smartphone pocket-friendly. The display size is the diagonal distance from one corner of the screen to the opposite corner.

Memory, storage

RAM1.5 GB
Internal storage8 GB
Memory card slotmicroSD

1.5 GB of RAM is not typically considered to be enough for a smartphone. Having more RAM alone does not guarantee better performance. If we use our smartphones for basic tasks like calling, texting, and browsing the web, 32 GB may be sufficient for our needs. We can expand the internal storage of the Desire 816 (8 GB) by using a compatible microSD card.

HTC Desire 816 / 2

Cameras, flash

Main camera13 MP, 4160 x 3120 px, autofocus
FlashLED
Selfie camera5 MP

This single camera can be enough for many smartphone users, it depends on their photography needs and preferences. The Desire 816 does not have optical image stabilization (OIS).

Connectivity, network, wireless

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

The HTC Desire 816 supports 4G/LTE networks. This HTC phone can connect to Wi-Fi networks at home, at work, or in public places. We can use Bluetooth to connect our Desire 816 smartphone to many Bluetooth devices. This phone has a built-in GPS receiver. This phone is NFC (Near Field Communication) capable. The 3.5 mm headphone jack allows us to connect wired headphones or earphones to the device.

Battery type, capacity, charger

TypeLi-Po 2600 mAh, non-removable

The Li-Po 2600 mAh, non-removable battery gives the smartphone a good battery backup. The lithium polymer (Li-Po) battery is a light-weight, rechargeable battery. The Desire 816 does not have a removable battery, it integrates the battery into the phone's design.

Features, sensors, specials

Sensorsaccelerometer, compass, proximity
SpecialsHTC Sense 6

Today, smartphones come with many sensors. They help make the user experience better. The accelerometer provides information about the smartphone's movement in three axes. These are X (horizontal), Y (vertical), and Z (depth).

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

Cons

  • limited-size screen
  • insufficient memory
  • insufficient internal storage
  • single camera setup
  • no OIS function
  • no 5G support
  • no Type-C USB port
  • low-capacity battery
  • no fingerprint reader
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Updated: June 2, 2024

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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