HTC has launched a series of Desire 816 variants in India today, and HTC Desire 816G will be the first one to arrive at 18,990 INR. The handset is a trimmed down low cost version of HTC Desire 816 but retains several key features of its predecessor. Let’s discuss.
HTC Desire 816G Quick Specs
- Display Size: 5.5 Inch HD Super LCD 2, 1280 x 720, 267 ppi
- Processor: 1.3 GHz Quad Core MT6582
- RAM: 1 GB
- Software Version: Android 4.4 Kitkat with HTC Sense 6.0 on top
- Camera: 13 MP BSI Sensor, LED flash, F2.2, 1080p Video Recording at 30 fps
- Secondary Camera: 5 MP, f2.8 aperture, wide angle lens
- Internal Storage: 8 GB
- External Storage: MicroSD support up to 128 GB
- Battery: 2600 mAh
- Connectivity: HSPA+, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0 with A2DP, aGPS, GLONASS
- sensors: Accelerometer, proximity, compass, Ambient light Sensor
HTC Desire 816G India Hands on, Review, Camera, Features, Price and Overview HD
Design, Build and Display
The HTC Desire 816G looks exactly like HTC Desire 816 on the outside but it is marginally lighter. The rear surface is glossy with 13 MP camera and a chrome ring around LED flash. The front side has the same dual Boomsound speakers flanking the SLCD 2 display. HTC has used good quality plastic and the phone looks quite attractive.
HTC has corrected the button layout for Desire 820 and 820q, but power button still remains on top corner of left edge similar to Desire 816. This can be little annoying and one handed usage won’t be easy.
The large 5.5 inch SLCD 2 Display has 720p HD resolution. The resolution doesn’t seem scanty on the large and vibrant display. HTC is using the same display panel as Desire 816 which we liked. It’s not a full HD display but doesn’t leave much to complain about.
Processor and RAM
This is where HTC is cutting cost. The phone employs a low cost MediaTek MT6582 quad core chipset at the heart of the device with 1 GB RAM – a combination mostly selling in under 8,000 INR Android phones including the low cost Android One Phones. The chipset is slightly less power efficient as compared to Snapdragon 400 and also has slightly lower clock frequency (1.3 GHz vs 1.6 GHz) compared to Snapdragon 400 in Desire 816.
The chipset has been trimmed down but is in no way a slouch. It can handle day to day tasks, gaming and 720p HD resolution efficiently.
Camera and Internal Storage
The Camera module which was a highlight of Desire 816 remains unchanged. HTC is providing the same 13 MP BSI Sensor F2.2 aperture unit with 28 mm lens capable of full HD video recording. It is a good 13 MP camera which can click decent low light images.
Internal storage is 8 GB out of which about 5 GB is available at user end. There is also option for MicroSD expansion up to 128 GB. The storage won’t be an issue for most users as Apps can be transferred to SD card.
User Interface and Battery
HTC Desire 816G is running Android 4.4 Kitkat with HTC Sense 6 UI on top, but the UI has been customized. Several features have been clipped to ensure Smooth performance and better compatibility with the Mediatek chipset. Most key features have made the cut to Desire 816G as well.
HTC is using the same 2600 mAh battery across all Desire 816 refreshed lineup. Since MediaTek MT6582 seems slightly less power efficient than Snapdragon 400, you can expect small difference in battery backup. We will like to test it further to know whether there will be a significant difference.
HTC Desire 816G Photo Gallery
Conclusion
The HTC Desire 816G makes slight compromises, but for basic users experience will remain unchanged. The difference is a low cost chipset with lesser RAM. You could spend 2K extra and opt for Desire 816 instead. Perhaps after initial price cut, Desire 816G will emerge as a more attractive option between 15k and 20k price range.
