HTC Desire 501 review

HTC Desire 501 comes as a successor of the Desire 500. Because of that it has similar features as a precursor and dual SIM option. However, unlike the older model, the new HTC Desire 501 has fresh look, 3G connection (though only the main SIM card), more internal memory and a more generous battery. Because of this, and affordability that comes with HTC Desire 501, it may be a good choice for those who need a very solid characteristics of a smartphone, and at the same time they want to get rid of the burden of carrying two phones all the time.

HTC Desire 501 design

The phone has a charm. Because of its sparkly plastic 501 looks quite appealing, and is producing in several colors. The good thing is that the phone doesn't cause the feeling of "cheapness" that is characteristic for many models in this range. Generally HTC Desire 501 has a high level of quality. Beside the comfortable feeling in your hands, fingerprints are sticking to this shiny surface, which can be annoying.

Thanks to the rounded edges HTC Desire 501 is not ungrateful to holding in hands. Because of appropriate size the whole screen is available to your fingers so the phone can be used single-handedly without problems. Similarly, the external buttons aren't "hidden" from the fingers. Capacitive buttons at the bottom have nice reacting to the touch, and generally have a good work on this HTC. Background can be easily removed and thus access to the inside of the phone where are two micro SIM and a micro SD slot, and the 2.100mAh battery, which can be removed only in service. Otherwise, the battery is enough for one day of average use.

HTC Desire 501 stands out beside the other similar models thanks to metal ring around the camera on the back, so we're pretty sure that design leaves a lot of favorable impression.

HTC Desire 501 screen

Super-LCD 2 display with of 4.3-inches gives an acceptable image quality. If it had more than 480x800 pixels situation would certainly be better, but even with 217 pixels per inch isn't so bad. The screen has a little trouble with the edges, which give slightly blurred image. Moreover, it continues going with relatively good colors. Even the viewing angles are good, and the screen is clear enough when exposed to sunlight.

When the software is concerned, it's actually a bit outdated. HTC Desire 501 uses 4.1 Jelly Bean Android and HTC Sense 4.5, which was great for some two years ago, but considering in this moment simply it's outdated. The biggest drawback is the lack of BlikFeed, but it's not dead end. However, the phone provides a lot of color and animations. The keyboard is slightly worse, but on those things you get used.

HTC Desire 501 dual SIM and specs

One of the key advantages of this phone is dual SIM feature. It is cool thing that you are always available on both numbers, even if you're talking over one and you have a call on the other.

HTC Desire 501 runs on the processor that is far from great speed. It is a 1.2GHz dual-core processor, which "allows" delays when opening an application or switching from one to the another. Most video games work decently, but newer and more demanding 3D titles know how to slow him down.

HTC Desire 501 camera

The phone is well equipped when the cameras are concerned. The back one has 8MP, and front-faced works with sensors of 2.1 MP. This combination would be ideal if the phone is equipped with some features (such as HDR, Panorama mode, etc.), but they're missing here. The camera generally works with a moderate speed, especially when the time between the two shooting is about.

Photos are good, which is understandable considering the 8MP. Color and brightness is more or less good and accurate. Videos are a bit disappointing, with a lot of audio noise, but the video quality is, basically, on an acceptable level.

HTC Desire 501 conclusion

HTC Desire 501 is a step forward from its predecessor. The appearance of the phone stands out in comparison to the price (because of which it will be particularly be interesting to the youngsters). Specs are in the level of competitors. HTC Desire 501 is a pleasant surprise in the form of a good camera, but also unpleasant because older version of Android and poor video recording. HTC Desire 501 is well price-positioned, but the Moto G is probably a better alternative. If Moto G breaks the budget, consider LG Optimus L7 2, and if you want something better (although with more money to spend) you can look for Alcatel OneTouch Idol.

Photos: htc.com