HTC Desire EYE
Specifications
Price comparison
Average of 20 scores (from 34 reviews)
Reviews for the HTC Desire EYE
Selfie show-off. HTC expands its product line around its One M8 flagship and now has a smartphone with high-performance hardware dubbed Desire EYE. It is primarily aimed at selfie fans in view of a high-resolution front-facing camera. The lens promises decent pics with 13 MP and a dual-LED flash, and it is in fact quite compelling. An IP certification rounds off the total package.
Source: V3.co.uk Archive.org version
The Desire Eye does have its flaws, chiefly the previous generation Android version, average battery and hazy camera focus, but there is a lot to like about it. The Desire Eye features a robust design and decent screen, and above average performance when you consider its £400 price tag. Considering the lack of decent options available at the same price in the Android ecosystem at the moment, the Desire Eye is a solid option for any buyer looking for a decent mid-tier handset.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 01/22/2015
Rating: Total score: 80%
Source: NDTV Gadgets Archive.org version
Priced at Rs. 35,990, the HTC Desire Eye finds itself competing with its own brethren, the HTC One (E8) (Review) and the HTC One (M8 Eye) (Review | Pictures). Design-wise, the Desire Eye dares to do something different and succeeds. In fact, we'd go as far as to say that quite a few people will find this phone better looking than the other two, which are both modelled around the HTC One (M8).
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 01/20/2015
Rating: Total score: 80% price: 70% performance: 80% display: 90% mobility: 60% workmanship: 90%
Source: Reg Hardware Archive.org version
Highly competent. That is simply what the Desire Eye is. Photographically well endowed at both front and back, waterproof, reasonably affordable, well made, robust and blessed with a very nice display. It’s a hard device not to like unless you absolutely must have a removable battery.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 01/12/2015
Source: Digital Trends Archive.org version
The Desire Eye is again a superb looking smartphone from HTC which is as powerful as their flagship device, the One (M8). It is also a selfie centric handset offering a front 13MP camera with a dual-tone LED flash and even a rear 13MP camera which both can take great pictures. It is defintely highly priced, making it sit with HTC's other flagship devices, which is slightly confusing, but gives the consumer an option for a slightly larger device.
Single Review, online available, Very Short, Date: 01/02/2015
Rating: Total score: 80%
Source: Under KG Archive.org version
video review
Single Review, online available, Very Short, Date: 12/24/2014
Source: Stuff TV Archive.org version
Were it not for the current crop of absolutely beltingly brilliant phones that are now available for similar or less (we’re looking at you, Moto X and LG G3) the Desire Eye would be getting the full five stars. As it is, we’re looking at a very capable, very likeable four starrer that should be promoted to first choice by those who really love a selfie.
Single Review, online available, Very Short, Date: 12/18/2014
Rating: Total score: 80% performance: 80% display: 80% workmanship: 90%
Source: Tom's Guide Archive.org version
Thanks to the beautiful selfies the HTC Desire Eye churns out, you're bound to become the most popular photographer in your social circle. In addition to its strong camera quality, the Desire Eye packs a vibrant display, booming speakers and capable performance in a sleek, fun body. Although I wish the phone offered more juice for longer-lasting photo sessions, those who live through their portraits will love the Desire Eye.
Single Review, online available, Very Short, Date: 12/18/2014
Rating: Total score: 80%
Source: Cool Smartphone Archive.org version
I spent a number of weeks with the HTC Desire Eye and had a very enjoyable time using the large screen for watching videos and browsing the internet. I also loved the design with materials used and the red/white combination also looks really cool. Then came the part which let me down… at least in what I was expecting. The standout feature -the camera.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 12/16/2014
Rating: Total score: 83% price: 75% features: 90% display: 90% mobility: 70% workmanship: 90%
Source: PC World Archive.org version
As such, the phone sits in an awkward limbo between mid-range and high-end handsets. If you’ve already budgeted $150 for a phone, another $50 opens you up to a much bigger range of options. The $50 to $100 landscape is much more barren, and the Desire Eye could be a champion in that territory. Banking on an eventual price drop might not be a bad idea.
Single Review, online available, Very Short, Date: 12/15/2014
Rating: Total score: 70%
Source: Greenbot Archive.org version
As such, the phone sits in an awkward limbo between mid-range and high-end handsets. If you’ve already budgeted $150 for a phone, another $50 opens you up to a much bigger range of options. The $50 to $100 landscape is much more barren, and the Desire Eye could be a champion in that territory. Banking on an eventual price drop might not be a bad idea.
Single Review, online available, Very Short, Date: 12/15/2014
Rating: Total score: 70%
Source: Droid-Life Archive.org version
The Desire EYE has quite a bit going for it. If you are a selfie machine, then the 13MP front-facing camera should treat you very well. Your Snapchat followers will love you. In addition, for the $150 on-contract price, you are getting a great spec list, as well as a very well made device. If you carry this phone around with you, there is no doubt you will get a few compliments from strangers, as I know I got a few at my local drinking hole.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 12/12/2014
Source: Pocketnow Archive.org version
It’s hard to beat the Eye’s dual high-res cameras. Throw in some cool design elements like those now-hidden BoomSound speakers and some attractive color options, and the Desire Eye finds itself becoming HTC’s most giftable handset this holiday season.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 12/09/2014
Rating: Total score: 84% performance: 60% features: 87% mobility: 80%
Source: T Break Archive.org version
Even though the EYE doesn’t come with a premium metal body, it’s still quite a rigid device. By the looks of it, the Desire EYE is designed for the selfie crowd that doesn’t want to compromise on performance, and likes to have fun snapping 13MP stills even when at the beach or water parks. It’s thin, big, lightweight, fast, quite a photographer and doesn’t mind taking a dive.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 11/30/2014
Source: Techradar Archive.org version
Rather than pushing the camera features, HTC should have focused on the fact they've crafted a handset with great build quality and specifications approaching most flagship phones. The front-facing camera doesn't cope as well in low light as the HTC One M8 or the iPhone 6. But then the polycarbonate casing looks good, the phone won't break if you drop it in a sink full of water and it's not as expensive as the flagships.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 11/25/2014
Rating: Total score: 80% price: 80% performance: 80% features: 60% workmanship: 80%
Source: GSM Arena Archive.org version
HTC Desire Eye is the most capable smartphone the Taiwanese manufacturer has to offer. Only its Desire moniker, the plastic body, and the smaller marketing budget prevent the newcomer from taking the HTC One (M8) spot as the company's Android flagship smartphone in the second half of 2014. We believe that many will find the capable duo of 13MP cameras and the IPX7 rating that HTC Desire Eye has to offer are well worth it over the metal body of the M8. The argument is especially valid for those who are into selfies.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 11/24/2014
Source: Androidcommunity.com Archive.org version
The Desire Eye is a really good phone, and could put HTC on the "upper-tier-but-still-mid-range" map. I hope it does, too. Of all the mid-range devices around, the Desire Eye is the one that will find a dedicated audience. Unless you’re going to buy an HTC One (M8) or LG G3, the Desire Eye is worth a hard look.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 11/22/2014
Source: Phone Arena Archive.org version
There you have it, all the good and the bad about the Desire EYE, HTC's selfie-centric handset. The device will most probably be priced as much as an HTC One (M8), which will pit it against many other devices that sit higher in the food chain. In spite of this, the HTC Desire EYE is arguably the best selfie-centric device out there – it has the upper hand when compared with other selfie-centric phones (the Sony Xperia C3, the Samsung Galaxy Grand Prime, and the Nokia Lumia 730). The phone will have a tough time competing with other upper mid-range and lower high-end handsets. Although it's not as premium as HTC's current flagship, the Desire EYE might be regarded as a viable alternative to the One (M8), especially with those users who highly value their selfie game.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 11/21/2014
Rating: Total score: 80%
Source: Laptop Mag Archive.org version
It takes the best selfies ever, but it's a big mistake to write off the HTC Desire Eye as simply The Selfie Smartphone. It's a strong choice for anyone looking for a solid midrange Android phone. It offers smooth performance and boisterous speakers and a full HD screen in a slick design. While it's not as powerful or as long-lasting as the HTC One M8 or the Samsung Galaxy S5, it holds its own against them as a slightly cheaper alternative.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 11/19/2014
Rating: Total score: 70%
Source: Pocket Lint Archive.org version
The HTC Desire Eye is a great phone despite the twin 13MP cameras rather than because of them. We daresay that this handset, with these internal specs, in this body, at a price of around £350, but with a front-facing UltraPixel sensor would be just as appealing. Perhaps the biggest downside is the relatively low capacity battery, which compared to something like the Xperia Z3, doesn't offer the greatest endurance around and is about the only nod to mid-tier compromise that the Desire name brings.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 11/18/2014
Rating: Total score: 90%
Source: Gizmag Archive.org version
If you're anything like me, the mere mention of "selfie phone" will be enough to make you run for the hills. But HTC's new Desire Eye is the rare novelty phone that backs up its niche focus with a damn good overall experience. Read on, for Gizmag's quick review.
Single Review, online available, Very Short, Date: 11/18/2014
Source: Trusted Reviews Archive.org version
The HTC Desire EYE is a selfie-lover’s dream, but it’s the rest of the phone that surprised us. The performance is at flagship level, it’s water resistant and the design is, in the large part, solid. There isn’t another phone that directly compares. The OnePlus One costs a fair bit less and comes with a reasonable 5-megapixel front-facing camera. That phone is hard to get, though, as supply is limited. Another alternative is the slightly cheaper Nokia Lumia 830, but the front camera isn't as good and it's not as much fun to use because of middling performance.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 11/11/2014
Rating: Total score: 90% price: 90% performance: 90% display: 80% workmanship: 80%
Source: Tech Advisor Archive.org version
We don't need to tell you that the HTC Desire Eye is the better phone in this comparison. Of course it is. After all, it's nearly twice the price of the Lumia 735. In its screen, in its hardware, in its storage, in fact in every category the HTC beats the Nokia. But while the HTC clearly has the better selfie camera tech, you could argue that Nokia's selfie software is easier to use without going too far and, given the lower price, we reckon it'll be more appealing to its target market. Both phones, though, will help you take a much better selfie.
Comparison, online available, Very Short, Date: 11/06/2014
Source: Slashgear Archive.org version
The HTC Desire EYE is a unique proposition. The HTC design team have created a device that kind of, sort of, ALMOST beats out the company's most heroic device of the year. The specifications on the EYE trump the HTC One M8 in several places. The look is different and - for those that don't love metal - a pleasing alternative take.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 11/06/2014
Source: Recombu Archive.org version
I really, really like the HTC Desire Eye, and I’m not even a fan of selfies, unless I’m a bit tipsy. Take or leave that 13-megapixel front facer, because the rest of the phone is a joy. Between the solid performance, uber-long battery life, spacious HD screen and likeable waterproof design, the Desire Eye is a bloody great all-round portable pal.
Single Review, online available, Very Short, Date: 11/05/2014
Rating: Total score: 80%
Source: Tech Advisor Archive.org version
We don't need to tell you that the HTC Desire Eye is the better phone in this comparison. Of course it is. After all, while we might not know the exact UK pricing, we expect the Desire Eye to be around double the price of the Nokia Lumia 735. In its screen, in its hardware, in its storage, in fact in every category the HTC beats the Nokia - except one: selfies. While the HTC has the better selfie camera tech, we think the Nokia has the better selfie software and, given the lower price, we reckon it'll be more appealing to its target market.
Comparison, online available, Short, Date: 10/20/2014
Source: GSM Arena Archive.org version
Other manufacturers have tried to chip in the selfie craze but most attempts we've seen have been halfhearted, some don't even go up to 5MP and almost none have a front-facing flash (electing to use the screen as a source of light instead). Last year Oppo introduced the N1 with a rotating 13MP camera with a dual-LED flash that services both regular and selfie photos but the phone never quite took off in Europe and the US.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 10/08/2014
Foreign Reviews
Source: Smartphone Magazin - Heft 3/2015
Single Review, , Length Unknown, Date: 05/01/2015
Rating: Total score: 94%
Source: Area DVD DE→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 12/23/2014
Source: Allround-PC.com DE→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 12/18/2014
Source: Android Magazin - Heft 1/2015
Single Review, , Length Unknown, Date: 12/01/2014
Rating: Total score: 80%
Source: Chip.de DE→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 11/18/2014
Rating: Total score: 94% price: 60% mobility: 93%
Source: Connect - Heft 12/2014
Single Review, , Length Unknown, Date: 11/01/2014
Rating: Total score: 100%
Comment
Model:
The HTC Desire EYE is a mobile phone especially made for the most avid selfie-takers. It features not one, but two 13 MP cameras, one in the front and one in the rear. If that is not enough, each of these camera comes with their own powerful sensor, the rear camera has a f2.0 BSI, while the front camera has an f2.2 BSI sensor.
Both cameras feature wide angle lenses, a 28 mm in the rear camera and 22 mm in the front. They can take HDR pictures, and record in HD. The phone also comes with dual LED or dual tone flash and auto-focus with zooming capabilities. The HTC Desire EYE comes packed with various software and apps guaranteed to satisfy any ardent selfie fan. Foremost of these is the Auto Selfie, whereby the front camera can take pictures without the click of any button after it has focused and the camera is held still for 2 seconds.
It measures in at 151.7 x 73.8 x 8.5mm. With IPX7 rating, it can resist water of up to 1 meter for 30 minutes. The HTC Desire Eye also boasts of a 5.2-inch full-HD LCD display, Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 processor, 2 GB of RAM and 16 GB of internal storage expandable via microSD card (up to 128 GB). It is powered by a 2400 mAh lithium polymer battery. As a common practice for all HTC phones these days, the Desire EYE also features front-facing stereo speakers with HTC BoomSound technology.
Qualcomm Adreno 330: Integrated graphics card in some Qualcomm Snapdragon SoCs, supports OpenGL ES 3.0
Only some 3D games with very low demands are playable with these cards.
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801 MSM8974AB:
High-end ARM SoC with 4 CPU cores up to 2.36 GHz and an Adreno 330 GPU up to 578 MHz. Based on Qualcomm's Krait 400 architecture and is manufactured in a 28nm HPM process.
» Further information can be found in our Comparison of Mobile Processsors.5.20":
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.
82.6%: This rating is slightly above average, there are somewhat more devices with worse ratings. However, clear purchase recommendations look different.
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