HTC

HTC Desire EYE: Pros and Cons

Android OS v4.4.4 (KitKat)
Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 MSM8974AB
Adreno 330
2 GB / 16 GB
5.2 inch (1080 x 1920 px)
13 MP, 4208 x 3120 px, autofocus

HTC announced the launch of the Desire EYE smartphone in 2014. The manufacturer is offering this smartphone with 5.2 inch LCD display, Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 MSM8974AB SoC, and 2 GB of RAM. The Desire EYE comes with Android OS v4.4.4 (KitKat) pre-installed. This phone has only one rear-camera (13 MP, 4208 x 3120 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 EYE 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 EYE / 1

HTC Desire EYE specifications

BrandHTC
NameDesire EYE
ModelDEYE
Release date2014

Weight, dimensions, colors

Weight5.43 oz
Dimensions5.97 x 2.91 x 0.33 inch
Colorsblue, red, white
SIM typeNano SIM

The weight of the HTC Desire EYE 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 v4.4.4 (KitKat)
SoCQualcomm Snapdragon 801 MSM8974AB
CPUQuad-core 2.3 GHz Krait 400
GPUAdreno 330

The HTC Desire EYE comes with Android OS v4.4.4 (KitKat) out of the box. Android is an open-source operating system. This means users and developers have more control over the software. The quad-core mobile CPU can provide fast and efficient performance for mobile games. Smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices use Adreno GPUs.

Display type, size, resolution

Display typeLCD
Screen size5.2 inch
Resolution1080 x 1920 px
Multitouch supportyes

The 5.2 inch display make this smartphone pocket-friendly. The display size is the diagonal distance from one corner of the screen to the opposite corner.

HTC Desire EYE / 1

Memory, storage

RAM2 GB
Internal storage16 GB
Memory card slotmicroSD

The smartphone has 2 GB of RAM. It can run many apps at once without much lag or slowness. More RAM lets you keep more apps and processes open in the background. This keeps the device from slowing down. 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 EYE (16 GB) by using a compatible microSD card.

Cameras, flash

Main camera13 MP, 4208 x 3120 px, autofocus
FlashDual LED
Selfie camera13 MP, 4208 x 3120 pixels, autofocus

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 main camera of Desire EYE smartphone does not have OIS. The optical image stabilization (OIS) is an important feature in smartphones.

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
NFCyes
FM radioyes, with RDS
USBmicroUSB 2.0
Headphone3.5 mm jack

The 4G provides faster data transfer speeds compared to previous generations. The Desire EYE supports the latest Wi-Fi standards. You can use Bluetooth to connect your Desire EYE smartphone to many Bluetooth devices. The Desire EYE has a GPS receiver. Many fitness and activity tracking apps rely on GPS. It is used to accurately measure and record outdoor activities. The Desire EYE comes with NFC (Near Field Communication) functionality. The 3.5 mm headphone jack allows you to connect wired headphones or earphones to the device.

Battery type, capacity, charger

TypeLi-Po 2400 mAh, non-removable

The Li-Po 2400 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 EYE does not have a removable battery, it integrates the battery into the phone's design.

Features, sensors, specials

Sensorsaccelerometer, compass, gyroscope, proximity
SpecialsCorning Gorilla Glass 3, HTC Sense 6

Today, smartphones come with many sensors. They help make the user experience better. The accelerometer is a sensor. It measures the tilting motion and orientation of the phone. Corning Gorilla Glass is tougher. It resists scratches, impacts, and drops.

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

  • limited-size screen
  • insufficient internal storage
  • single camera setup
  • no OIS function
  • no 5G support
  • no Type-C USB port
  • low-capacity battery
  • no fingerprint reader
Add HTC Desire EYE to your comparison

Please let us know if you find incorrect information or something isn't working. Also, tell us if you have a suggestion for improvement.

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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