HTC Desire: probably the best smartphone of the moment

Large AMOLED multipoint processor at 1 GHz, Android 2.1 and overlay house very reactive: the Desire!

The promissing

A powerful platform (1 GHz processor and 512 MB of RAM), an AMOLED capacitive touch two points larger than that of the iPhone (9.4 cm against 8.9 cm), a photo sensor 5 million pixels and the latest version of Android 2.1, Operating System … Desire is a very promising device. We have tested … and approved!

The reality

He is not heavy (138 grams), it is very thin (1.19 cm), but it applies just as well in hand this HTC Desire. High (11.9 cm) and large (6 cm), it offers an excellent grip while remaining tolerable in a pocket.

An AMOLED spacious and quality

And if we can not say that the device is bulky, it is because its screen makes you forget that detail. A small slab about 10 inches diagonally, it takes up space, but mostly it appreciates. Especially when it is a multi-screen high quality. If with the naked eye AMOLED screen, this creates a striking, the power of the backlight brightness can be mounted up to 205 cd / m². Do not forget to mention the definition of the screen, 800 x 480 pixels, which contributes greatly to the quality of the image.
Side precision, it is difficult to say which is better bet than the Desire has nothing to envy to the iPhone. It is very easy to expand, reduce a Web page, a document or a photo of a simple pincer movement on the screen. Same to scroll its clichés, its audio files: a flick of the finger side and voila.

HTC Android 2.1 and Sense: I want the same!

The strength of Android 2.1 is proving very quickly. Fluidity, responsiveness, tactile navigation very precise, the Desire is not expected. Its 1 GHz processor and 576 MB of RAM makes it very easy to use. During our two weeks of testing, we have also introduced dozens of applications through the Android Market, but it will not slow the device.
The interface Sense overlay house Hero inaugurated by HTC there will be nearly a year brings a lot of gadgets that quickly become necessary. Over seven screens as you scroll to a slide finger on the screen, there’s at will widgets Facebook, weather, son of information feeds, Twitter messages, SMS, e-mails … and, of course, shortcuts to favorite applications. The graphics are again very carefully, with activities that do not slow down the terminal.
Applications include high, we note also the inevitable Google Maps that takes advantage of the efficiency of a fast and accurate GPS system, but also the G-Sensor technology. This is simply a gyro sensor with an electronic compass that detects the slightest movement of the phone and optimizes the orientation of the user on the map.

When the ball loses a smartphone

Quick zoom on the bottom of the phone where there are few mechanical buttons, but also the optical joystick. It is the latter that interests us. Acting as a clickable scroll wheel and button (to enter a selection, take a picture, trigger video recording, etc..), We found it less accurate than dial. Like a mouse sensor, the movement of a finger on the sensor which is filmed, echoing the movement (horizontal and vertical) in the phone. In our tests we found that it is not easy to make quick movements. For example, in lists, it is not easy to move from one line to the next only. We must do it several times.

A photo sensor rather convincing

The 5-megapixel sensor located at the rear of the unit is pretty amazing for the photo. More than a corny little camera phone, the sensor on the Desire has an autofocus system effective. On one level, it is possible by touching the screen, to define the area in which you want to do the development. On a stage inside, we could even see that depending on the selected area, the camera handles offset at best against the light, a lack of light. And it feels like the sharpness of images whose quality is really good.
Always for the photo mode, it also appreciates the opportunities software. In addition to applications very funny (as Picsay), found on the Android Market, to customize your photos, Desire includes options to intervene on the fly, adjusting brightness, saturation, contrast, sharpness, or to instead select a shooting in black and white or sepia. This is rather a garish orange, it is preferable to use the monochrome effect more interesting. Effects that are also found in video mode. This is however far less flattering than the photo mode. If the scenes are still adequate, the slightest movement results in a trail of pixels.

Limited autonomy and adequate flow

Like many phones during our test period, it has been common to the Desire knees after just one day. In case, the excellent overall versatility of the device that prompts the user to always have on hand. Surfing, SMS and e-mails with a shovel, photos taken and sent immediately to the fly on Facebook, son of News constantly refresh a few dozen applications downloaded on the market and only a small twenty Communications phone and voila the battery turns red. Let’s mention that the downloads were made while in 3G (3G) wireless and only a few calls were made with a Bluetooth headset.

Our tests have to measure a talktime of 5 hours 44 hours 30 minutes and 3 navigation 3G. This autonomy is the worst – or almost – as it is measured on a web page that refreshes every 20 seconds until the phone off. Debit side, we measured an average of 1.4 in the Paris region Mbit / s with a few points to 2.1 Mbps when the HSDPA network is in shape. Values the whole rather medium or low for autonomy on the phone. However, this phone has loads quickly an outlet or a USB port.

Conclusions of the review

Sold in pack 99 euros operator, for now exclusive to Orange, HTC Desire has left us not only good impressions. The performance of the terminal make very versatile and are a vital daily companion quickly.