In this article, I give you a review of the HTC Desire X mobile phone. The last time HTC had a serious candidate in the mid-range Android device, that model was named the HTC One V. This model is a likable device of quality workmanship and adequate performance for its class.
However, a lot of time has passed since the appearance of that model, and the company HTC has obviously decided to “spice up” the market with some innovation, which it seems to us and succeeded given the reaction of mobile technology users around the world.
Introducing the HTC Desire X, a smartphone that fits perfectly into the mid-range of these phones, with its 4-inch display, 1GFHz dual processor, 4GB of internal memory, and a 5MP camera with autofocus.
Yes, the first thought is that these features don’t really take your breath away, but when you consider the price of this model, it seems to us that we have a winner in this class. Let’s deal with this topic in a little more detail.
Design
If we just said that this model looks nice, it would be a very modest compliment. In fact, the Desire X is surprisingly attractive and definitely one of the best-designed mid-range Android devices we’ve had a chance to try out recently.
With its slightly rounded back cover, the device lies in the hand fantastically, as if it is an extension of the hand, it is definitely comfortable to hold and easy to use.
However, there are two things that HTC could have paid more attention to. For example, the physical buttons, the lock button on the top of the device, and the volume control button on the right side are a bit stiff and require more pressure on them to do “their job”.
Another, though not tragic, certainly inconvenient thing is the easy fussing of the device with fingerprints (at least the black version of the model reacts that way).
The build quality itself could be a trademark of HTC, and so it is with this model. Desire is a compact phone, obviously of quality workmanship with great attention paid to the finish.
Display
Super LCD 2 is a technology used and built into the HTC Desire X in the form of a 4-inch display. This is the rest of the technology or type of display that the HTC One X is equipped with, an exclusive model of the strongest class of this manufacturer, which is definitely a positive thing.
That’s why Desire X’s display is pleasant to look at, clear and with “vivid” natural colors and impressively high viewing angles.
The display maintains a high level of visibility even when the sun shines directly into it, but in extreme conditions, blocking the light, ie creating shade by hand, can be useful.
When it comes to the sharpness of the image, we can say that its pixeling of 480 × 800 pixels is outdated, but on a 4-inch display, it absolutely “finishes” the job.
Interface and software
Desire X with its Sense 4.0 interface combined with the Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) operating system can be described in many ways, but by no means ordinary. This platform provides a very special experience, which is more than enjoyable.
The home screen can be edited according to the user’s wishes with 4 icons (shortcut). In addition to all the ICS-supported widgets, you also get a clock, weather forecast, access to social networks, and many other widgets, as well as a lot of Wallpaper to “decorate” your home screen.
I think it’s important to mention the easy typing of messages and texts thanks to the software QWERTY keyboard with capital letters and Fly Auto Correct application that corrects your spelling mistakes.
This model supports a large number of applications such as Contact Information, which allows you to transfer data from your old device (of course you have this option only if your old model has the technical “capabilities” for this action). There’s also a Tasks app that lets you create a schedule of your tasks that your device syncs with your Google Account.
Processor and memory
HTC has built a 1GHz dual-core Snapdragon S4 SoC, and 768MB of RAM into the Desire X. These features speak for themselves and the efficiency of this processor is excellent.
During testing, we experienced that the “congestion” of the processor is unknown to this model, the interface is flawless, and applications run instantly. We were pleasantly surprised by the fact that 3D games also work more than well on this model.
The memory that the user of this model has access to is not generous. Of the 4GB of internal memory, only about 1 GB is used for applications, as much for images, music, and other media, which practically means that you will be left without memory in the blink of an eye.
So we consider buying a Micro SD card with this model inevitable. The positive thing is that HTC Desire X at least has this option.
Web Browser
Web browsing with this model is a solid experience, but it has to endure some criticism that caught our eye.
Opening content-rich pages can take a moment longer than we’re used to, especially when that page is zoomed in. Another, in my opinion, an inconvenient solution is the fact that every time you want to back up to a previously opened page, the device reloads it.
I have experienced the good sides of internet surfing with this model with the option that allows you to delete all images from the page leaving only text with a pleasantly large font that is ideal for reading news, articles, or blogs.
Adobe flash with this model comes pre-installed, so enjoy online videos is guaranteed.
Camera
The images taken with the Desire X and its 5MP camera are quite solid, but despite HTC’s Image Chip dedicated to image quality, don’t expect to be left enchanted by the images. Let’s face it, it’s a 5MP camera.
The images are rich in detail, and the panoramic images taken with this model are exceptional and really worth sharing with the “world”.
On the other hand, images taken with an LED flash in low light conditions (darkness) may be better kept for your collection.
What pleasantly surprised us was the fact that the camera starts up pretty fast, you get a bunch of built-in filters and shooting modes in the options.
Another positive detail is that during video recording, full-resolution images can be taken with this model. The video of this model is recorded in a resolution of 480 × 800 pixels, which is again a solid performance.
Sound and battery quality
The sound quality of the Desire X is in line with its class and price range. It’s not the best we’ve had a chance to hear, but it’s not at the other end of this spectrum either.
However, I rate it a little above the average of its class, because during the conversation with this model, you will not experience noises and crackles or any interference in the connection, and it is loud enough to hear your interlocutor as well as he can hear you.
The speakers of this model on the other hand are fantastic. Thanks to the Beats Audio support that this model has, listening to music will delight even the most demanding users.
The battery of this model is Li-Ion 1650 mAh and in the 3G mode, it lasts about 8 hours, while in standby mode the battery of this model should last about a month according to the manufacturer’s specification. These results are within acceptable limits for such a device.
Conclusion
By all accounts, the HTC Desire X is a model you will not regret if you opt for it. The manufacturer of this model has managed to make a mid-range Android phone that you will not be ashamed of in society at an affordable price for its performance.
When we summarize our experiences with this model, we conclude that with it you get good and fluid functionality, above-average display quality, and a solid camera.
This model also has a competitive alternative. The Sony Xperia P is a device of the same range with similar performance and price.
All in all, I am glad that the manufacturers have reached out to customers with a shallower pocket who can buy impressive phones today for an affordable price.