Event Coverage

HTC's New Smartphones

By David Chieng - 16 Sep 2010

HTC's New Smartphones - Hands On

HTC Desire HD - Big is Beautiful

The HTC Desire HD features a swanky 4.3-inch SLCD screen.

The new HTC Desire HD will come powered by a 1GHz Snapdragon processor. It's important to note that this is the second-generation MSM8255 Snapdragon processor, featuring the Adreno 205 GPU which should lead to better graphics performance on that beautiful and spacious WVGA 4.3-inch display. You'll also notice that HTC removed the optical trackpad found on the original Desire, while the buttons on the front have been replaced with touch-sensitive controls.

The Desire HD will come with Android 2.2 out of the box. In terms of storage, you get 1.5GB worth and 768MB of RAM. For additional storage, there's the microSD card slot for up to 32GB of extra space.

The Desire HD felt very well balanced in the hands, and despite the large screen, didn't feel very bulky, thanks to the rounded edges, while tipping the scales at just 164g including the 1230mAh battery.

For entertainment, the Desire HD also comes with Dolby Digital certification, integrating Dolby Mobile and SRS for improved sound. At the same time, support for the DLNA standard is included, letting you share videos on bigger screens such as your new HDTV.

In terms of connectivity, you get Bluetooth 2.1, and interestingly enough, WiFi 802.11n support. Lastly, you get an 8-megapixel color camera with autofocus and dual LED flash, as well as the ability to record 720p HD video.

At the rear is an 8-megapixel camera with autofocus, as well as dual LED flash. The HTC Desire HD is also able to record high-definition720p-quality video.

The removable battery is located in an easily-accessible slot along the side of the HTC Desire HD.

 

HTC Desire Z - A Smarter Keyboard

Here is the HTC Desire Z, with built-in QWERTY keypad.

The HTC Desire Z features a QWERTY keyboard that makes it a top notch smartphone for messaging. Big props to HTC's designers for paying attention to the top row of keys, providing loads of space for users with big thumbs (or long, manicured nails) to type away. The keyboard also features two programmable keys to provide instant access to apps and other functions without having to wade through multiple menus.

The Desire Z is powered by a Qualcomm MSM7230 processor running at 800MHz and 512MB of RAM. For storage, you get 1.5GB internally, and a microSD slot for expansion. Android 2.2 a.k.a. FroYo will come standard, as will HTC's updated Sense UI.

Despite the built-in keyboard, the Desire Z isn't that much thicker than the original Desire, with dimensions of 19x60.4x14.16mm and a weight of 180g, inclusive of the 1300mAh battery.

Other features include a 3.7-inch WVGA Super LCD capacitive touch screen, Bluetooth 2.1, WiFi 802.11n, 5-megapixel camera with autofocus and 720p HD video recording.

This is likely one of the thinner smartphones we've encountered with a built-in QWERTY keypad. Despite the slim build, the HTC Desire Z felt reassuringly solid in the hands.

Shown here is the Z-hinge mechanism that HTC employed on the Desire Z to accommodate the built-in QWERTY keypad.

Generous amounts of metal at the rear end of the HTC Desire Z, as well as a 5-megapixel camera with automatic flash and high-definition 720p video recording.

For those who'd like to know, the software information on one of the demo units of the Desire Z (right), versus my personal HTC Desire (left).

Availability

According to HTC, both the Desire HD and Desire Z will be available in Singapore sometime in October this year. Similarly, HTC spokespeople were unable to comment on how much these devices would cost.

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