Notebookcheck Logo

HTC Desire 816

Specifications

HTC Desire 816
HTC Desire 816 (Desire Series)
Processor
Graphics adapter
Memory
1536 MB 
Display
5.50 inch 16:9, 1280 x 720 pixel, TFT, HD720, glossy: yes
Storage
8 GB SSD, 8 GB 
, 4.65 GB free
Connections
1 USB 2.0, Audio Connections: 3.5 mm audio jack, Card Reader: microSD cards up to 128 GB, Sensors: Acceleration sensor, Proximity sensor, Ambient lighting sensor, GPS antenna with GLONASS, DLNA, HTC Connect
Networking
802.11 b/g/n (b/g/n = Wi-Fi 4/), Bluetooth 4.0, GSM/GPRS/EDGE (850/900/1800/1900 MHz), WCDMA (850/900/2100 MHz), LTE (800/900/1800/2600 MHz), with HSPA+ up to 42 Mbit/s, Nano-SIM
Size
height x width x depth (in mm): 7.9 x 156.6 x 78.7 ( = 0.31 x 6.17 x 3.1 in)
Battery
Lithium-Polymer, 2600 mAh
Operating System
Android 4.4 KitKat
Camera
Webcam: Main camera 13 MP, Webcam 5 MP, Video recordings up to 1,920 x 1,080 pixels (1080p)
Additional features
Speakers: Stereo speakers, Keyboard: virtual, Keyboard Light: no, 24 Months Warranty
Weight
165 g ( = 5.82 oz / 0.36 pounds), Power Supply: 0 g ( = 0 oz / 0 pounds)
Price
380 Euro

 

Pricecompare

Average Score: 79.5% - good
Average of 18 scores (from 20 reviews)
price: 73%, performance: 68%, features: 71%, display: 71% mobility: 84%, workmanship: 73%, ergonomy: 79%, emissions: 95%

Reviews for the HTC Desire 816

83% HTC Desire 816 Smartphone Review | Notebookcheck
Powerful contender. The HTC Desire 816 is a large smartphone with a lot of performance. Its 5.5-inch format allows it to poach buyers from the high-end class, despite entering the race as a middle-class device.
60% HTC Desire 816 review: A decent phablet with a cheap data plan
Source: Greenbot English Archive.org version
If you can live with the camera and a few other shortcomings, the Desire 816 fares well as a budget phone for game and media junkies. For $300, it can stand in for both a smartphone and a tablet, and the service comes cheap on Virgin Mobile, whose $35 plan gets you 300 minutes, unlimited text and 2.5 GB of high-speed data. (An alternative plan for the same price includes unlimited minutes and 250 MB of data.) It could be the only device you need, even though it’s far from being the best one you can get.
Single Review, online available, Very Short, Date: 10/14/2014
Rating: Total score: 60%
HTC Desire 816 review: A decent phablet with a cheap data plan
Source: PC World English Archive.org version
If you can live with the camera and a few other shortcomings, the Desire 816 fares well as a budget phone for game and media junkies. For $300, it can stand in for both a smartphone and a tablet, and the service comes cheap on Virgin Mobile, whose $35 plan gets you 300 minutes, unlimited text and 2.5 GB of high-speed data. (An alternative plan for the same price includes unlimited minutes and 250 MB of data.) It could be the only device you need, even though it’s far from being the best one you can get.
Single Review, online available, Very Short, Date: 10/14/2014
80% HTC Desire 816 (Virgin Mobile)
Source: PC Mag English Archive.org version
On Virgin Mobile, the HTC Desire 816 is the best big phone for small budgets. Voracious media consumers will appreciate the expansive display and loud speakers, while performance is in line with the price. And $300 for this much phone is a fantastic deal. If you're looking for something smaller, the Virgin Mobile Supreme has a more manageable 5-inch display and still represents good value at $300, while the even smaller HTC Desire features the same front-facing speaker setup as its larger sibling. For phablet fans on Virgin Mobile, though, the Desire 816 is a top pick and earns our Editors' Choice award.
Single Review, online available, Very Short, Date: 08/28/2014
Rating: Total score: 80%
70% HTC Desire 816 review: a 5.5in Android smartphone that's cheap, but not cheap enough
Source: Tech Advisor English Archive.org version
Like HTC’s Desire 610, the Desire 816 sits awkwardly between other smartphones in terms of price, with rivals including the OnePlus One, Nokia Lumia 1320 and Nexus 5 among others. If you’re won over by the big screen, you won’t be disappointed if you can pick one up for around £200.
Single Review, online available, Very Short, Date: 08/26/2014
Rating: Total score: 70% price: 60% performance: 60% features: 70% workmanship: 70%
80% HTC Desire 816 Review
Source: T Break English Archive.org version
The HTC Desire 816 is a good mid-range phone that competes squarely against others in the market from the likes of Nokia or Lenovo. It’s certainly not as flashy as the HTC One, but that’s to be expected in order to keep it affordable. The size of the phone and placement of the power button is a concern, as you just simply can’t use this phone with one hand. But with a decent camera, great sounding speakers, and expandable storage, the HTC Desire 816 is a strong contender for an affordable mid-range smartphone, priced at AED 1,199.
Single Review, online available, Very Short, Date: 08/19/2014
Rating: Total score: 80% price: 80% performance: 85% features: 75% workmanship: 80%
70% Review: HTC Desire 816
Source: Techtree.com English Archive.org version
The HTC Desire 816 is priced at Rs 24,200. In this segment, the 816 competes with the Nexus 5 and Lumia 925. The phone's camera and multimedia performance are quite good. The display isn't great, but you get what you pay for. HTC is known for well built smartphones. However, the 816 doesn't live up to that reputation. What goes against this phone is its sheer size. Well, if you like huge phones, then go for it. It's undoubtedly one of the best sub-25k phablet from a reputed brand. But, if you're looking a 'phone, then the Nexus 5 and Lumia 925 are better options.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 08/13/2014
Rating: Total score: 70% price: 70% performance: 80% features: 80% workmanship: 60%
Review: HTC Desire 816
Source: Gizmag English Archive.org version
If what you are looking for in a phablet is a high-quality camera and a solid multimedia experience at a low price, then the Desire 816 is certainly an option worth considering. In the time I spent with the phone I reached for my tablet so infrequently that it hasn't been charged in three weeks. You can put this down to the phone's overall usability as a browsing and multimedia device, attributes that strengthen its claims as a replacement for smartphone and tablet. On that basis, the Desire 816 is a perfectly capable phablet at a very reasonable price.
Single Review, online available, Very Short, Date: 08/01/2014
100% HTC Desire 816 review
Source: Expert Reviews English Archive.org version
The HTC Desire 816 is one of the best budget phablets we've seen. With superior performance and battery life to the Samsung Galaxy Mega, the only Android phablet that stands in its way is Samsung's Galaxy Note 3. The Desire 816 may not have the Note 3's Full HD screen, but it does have price on its side. If you don't want to spend roughly £580 SIM free or upwards of £33 per month on a Note 3 contract, the Desire 816 is for you.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 07/29/2014
Rating: Total score: 100%
80% HTC Desire 816 Review
Source: Techspot English Archive.org version
Despite some flaws, the Desire 816 is a very capable large-screened smartphone for its decidedly mid-range price. HTC hasn’t skimped on optimization or hardware in a number of departments, resulting in a handset that’s more compelling than what the company has dished up in this market segment in the past. It may be powered by ‘only’ a Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 SoC, but the performance around the OS and in games is great, often matching it with the top-end phones. Most of the software found on the One M8 has made the transition as well, so you largely get the same basic experience as HTC’s fantastic flagship.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 07/07/2014
Rating: Total score: 80%
70% Review: HTC Desire 816
Source: Gadgetguy English Archive.org version
HTC’s attempt to make a budget phablet doesn’t quite nail it, with a device that doesn’t feel bad, but offers a performance that certainly doesn’t match what you might expect out of it. At a little less than $400, the Desire 816 is a solid choice for anyone keen to have something big and not too expensive, especially with its day-strong battery and nice screen, but if you’re looking for something with more grunt, we’d either look elsewhere or drop down to a smaller size.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 06/13/2014
Rating: Total score: 70% price: 80% performance: 80% workmanship: 70%
70% HTC Desire 816 review
Source: Trusted Reviews English Archive.org version
If you want a big phone on a budget there are very few ways to fault the Desire 816. The plastic body is surprisingly attractive, the 720p HD screen and speakers make it a great place to watch video and the overall performance from gaming to camera quality is solid. Our only real gripes are with some of the design decisions, particularly the positioning of the buttons, while the battery life is not in the same league compared to similarly-sized handsets.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 06/10/2014
Rating: Total score: 70% price: 70% performance: 70% display: 70% mobility: 70% workmanship: 70%
78% The best mid-range phablet from HTC today
Source: Think Digit English Archive.org version
While we were quite disappointed with the Desire 700, HTC has improved vastly with the 816. With a better price point and way better hardware, the Desire 816 is a great option if you are looking for a mid-ranged phablet. Performance is great in its class, excellent multimedia and camera capabilities and the latest Android update, the Desire 816 is the best option in the mid-to-high range of smartphones.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 06/05/2014
Rating: Total score: 78%
70% HTC Desire 816 review HTC recommends you gloss regularly
Source: Techradar English Archive.org version
The HTC Desire 816 is definitely worth buying if you're dead set on a larger screen and you don't want to break the bank. The speakers are excellent, and in the right conditions, the camera is also a leader in this category. Performance was surprisingly smooth and stutter-free. For the most part HTC has made compromises in all the right places to ensure that this is still a quality device. If you're willing to spend double the price tag then you'll certainly be able to get a much nicer phone, but it won't be twice as nice.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 05/30/2014
Rating: Total score: 70% price: 80% performance: 60% features: 60% workmanship: 80%
70% HTC Desire 816 Review: The Big Picture
Source: NDTV Gadgets English Archive.org version
After playing with the HTC Desire 816, we really wanted to head outdoors, headphones on, and take photos of all the scenic beauty surrounding us. The best part is that we wouldn't have to worry too much about battery life either. Priced at Rs. 23,990, it is very easy to recommend this phone. It feels premium, and has a far superior camera, battery life, higher internal memory capacity and better performance compared to the Moto G, which feels worth the price difference. If raw performance is the need, we suggest taking a look at the Gioone Elife E7 (review) instead. Any which way, it looks like HTC's efforts are not going completely unnoticed since some reports suggest that the company is forecasting a profitable quarter based on the sales of the One (M8) and the Desire 816.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 05/29/2014
Rating: Total score: 70% price: 70% performance: 70% display: 60% mobility: 80% workmanship: 70%
80% HTC Desire 816 review
Source: T3 English Archive.org version
We like the HTC Desire 816 a lot. If you can sacrifice a few features, are prepared to forego top-end performance, but still want a big screen, it's a real contender for your dosh. It might be worth waiting to try the OnePlus One, but as it stands, this is a front-runner for the best big blower at this price.
Single Review, online available, Very Short, Date: 05/28/2014
Rating: Total score: 80%

Foreign Reviews

94% HTC Desire 816
Source: Computer Magazin - Heft 3/2015 German
Single Review, , Length Unknown, Date: 02/01/2015
Rating: Total score: 94%
96% HTC Desire 816
Source: Chip Test & Kauf - Heft Nr. 6/2014 German
Single Review, , Length Unknown, Date: 10/01/2014
Rating: Total score: 96%
89% Smartphone-Schnäppchen mit Top-Ausstattung
Source: Focus Online German DE→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 06/26/2014
Rating: Total score: 89% features: 95%
91% Glanz & Größe
Source: Chip.de German DE→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 06/20/2014
Rating: Total score: 91% price: 70% mobility: 93%
Gute Lautsprecher in zu biegsamen Gehäuse
Source: Netzwelt German DE→EN Archive.org version
Positive: solid phablet; high-quality loudspeaker Negative: deficient workmanship
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 05/20/2014

Comment

Model:

Despite not having the sleek aluminum body of the more expensive models, the HTC Desire 816 still manages to keep a good and stylish look with its plastics case. The 5.5 inch screen is also large and has very good viewing angles despite not having only a resolution of 1280 x 720 pixels instead of FullHD.

The phone is powered by a 1.6 GHz quad-core Snapdragon 400 processor, which is pretty much the average processor and has 1.5 GB of RAM for smooth usage. It also comes with 8 GB native storage space, which can be expanded with an external micro SD card. It supports Bluetooth, WiFi and 4G LTE. However, it does not have NFC.

The HTC Desire 816 comes with a 13 MP rear camera with a flash to ensure good shots can be taken despite poor lightning. Best of all, the HTC Desire 816 comes with Zoe, a special app that can really enhance your picture taking experience.

All in all, the HTC Desire 816 is definitely a great device boosting excellent performance, functionality and battery life. The plastic exterior may appear cheaper, but for its price, it is a small drawback, especially when you compare it with all the benefits it gives.

Qualcomm Adreno 305: Integrated mid-range graphics card in the Snapdragon 400 and S4 Plus SoCs that supports OpenGL ES 3.0 and features unified shaders.

These graphics cards are not suited for Windows 3D games. Office and Internet surfing however is possible.

» Further information can be found in our Comparison of Mobile Graphics Cards and the corresponding Benchmark List.


400 MSM8928: ARM Cortex-A7 Quad-Core clocked at up to 1.6 GHz, manufactured in 28nm LP. Supports LTE. » Further information can be found in our Comparison of Mobile Processsors.


5.50":

It is a very small display format for smartphones. You should by no means be mis-sighted and you will generally see very little on the screen and only have a small resolution available. In return, the device should be very small and handy.

» To find out how fine a display is, see our DPI List.


HTC:

High Tech Computer Corporation (HTC) is a Taiwanese manufacturer of cell phones, tablets and other electronic products.


79.5%: This rating is not earth-shattering. This rating must actually be seen as average, since there are about as many devices with worse ratings as better ones. A purchase recommendation can only be seen with a lot of goodwill, unless it is about websites that generally rate strictly.


» Further information can be found in our Notebook Purchase Guide.

 

Please share our article, every link counts!

Similar devices with the Same Specs

Similar devices from a different Manufacturer

Sony Xperia T3
Adreno 305

Devices from a different Manufacturer and/or with a different CPU

Microsoft Lumia 640 XL
Adreno 305, Snapdragon 400 MSM8226
Sony Xperia C3
Adreno 305, Snapdragon 400 MSM8926
Samsung Galaxy Grand 2
Adreno 305, Snapdragon 400 MSM8226

Devices with the same GPU

Asus Zenfone Live ZB501KL
Adreno 305, unknown, 5.00", 0.12 kg
HTC Desire 650
Adreno 305, Snapdragon 400 MSM8928, 5.00", 0.14 kg
Sony Xperia M2 Dual
Adreno 305, Snapdragon 400 MSM8226, 4.80", 0.148 kg
HTC Desire 630
Adreno 305, Snapdragon 400 MSM8928, 5.00", 0.14 kg
Motorola Moto 360 2015
Adreno 305, Snapdragon 400 APQ8026, 1.56", 0.128 kg
Huawei Watch
Adreno 305, Snapdragon 400 APQ8026, 1.40", 0.058 kg
ZTE Grand X2 Z850
Adreno 305, Snapdragon 400 MSM8926, 5.00", 0.145 kg
CAT S50
Adreno 305, Snapdragon 400 MSM8926, 4.70", 0.185 kg
Samsung Galaxy S3 Neo
Adreno 305, Snapdragon 400 MSM8226, 4.80", 0.132 kg
Motorola Moto G 2. Gen 4G
Adreno 305, Snapdragon 400 MSM8226, 5.00", 0.15 kg
Microsoft Lumia 640
Adreno 305, Snapdragon 400 MSM8226, 5.00", 0.145 kg
ZTE Grand X Plus Z826
Adreno 305, Snapdragon 400 MSM8926, 5.00", 0.15 kg
ZTE Grand X Max Plus
Adreno 305, Snapdragon 400 MSM8926, 6.00", 0.172 kg
Asus ZenFone 5 LTE
Adreno 305, Snapdragon 400 MSM8926, 5.00", 0.145 kg
Microsoft Lumia 730
Adreno 305, unknown, 4.70", 0.13 kg
LG Optimus G
Adreno 305, Snapdragon 400 MSM8926, 5.00", 0.134 kg
LG G3 Beat
Adreno 305, Snapdragon 400 MSM8926, 5.00", 0.137 kg
Nokia Lumia 735
Adreno 305, Snapdragon 400 MSM8926, 4.70", 0.134 kg
Nokia Lumia 830
Adreno 305, Snapdragon 400 MSM8926, 5.00", 0.15 kg
Sony Xperia E3
Adreno 305, Snapdragon 400 MSM8926, 4.50", 0.144 kg
Motorola Moto G2
Adreno 305, Snapdragon 400 MSM8226, 5.00", 0.15 kg
Sony Xperia M2 Aqua
Adreno 305, Snapdragon 400 MSM8926, 4.80", 0.147 kg
Current Prices
Stefan Hinum (Update: 2014-05-27)