HTC Desire 816

Overview

The Desire 816 is HTC's latest midrange phone. It features a large 5.5-inch HD display, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 SoC, a 13-megapixel camera (no Ultrapixel sensor here), and design cues from HTC's recent high-end products. Out of the box, the HTC Desire 816 runs Android 4.4 with HTC's custom Sense 6.0 skin.

TechSpot Metascore

Based on 58 expert reviews

Excellent:

7
Good:

38
Average:

12
Bad:

1

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Last revision on February 24, 2016

Reviewers Liked

Well built
5.5inch HD display has excellent viewing angles
Quadcore processor
Loud front-facing speakers
Runs Android 4.4

Reviewers Didn't Like

Glossy plastic is a fingerprint magnet
Lacks removable battery
No split-screen multitasking
Mediocre call quality

Competitors and Related Products

Our editors hand-pick related products using a variety of criteria: direct competitors targeting the same market segment, or devices that are similar in size, performance, or feature sets.

Expert reviews and ratings

There's a growing demand for devices with larger-than-normal displays but mainstream specs and affordable prices. This is exactly where HTC's new product fits in. The Desire 816's main feature is the large 5.5-inch HD display, and it also packs in a Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 SoC, a 13-megapixel camera, and design cues from HTC's recent high-end products.

By TechSpot on July 07, 2014

It's a decent phone, but there's not a lot to distinguish the Desire 816. It's got a pretty good screen, but it's let down by the leisurely pace of its processor and a so-so camera. If you're after a phablet on a budget, it's worth considering, but...

By Wired UK on January 29, 2015

Price: £300SpecsOS Android 4.4 KitKatProcessor 1.6GHz quad-coreScreen 5.5 inchesResolution 1280 x 720 pixelsMemory 1.5GB RAMStorage 8GBMicro SD compatible? YesCamera 13MP rear-facing, 5MP front-facingVideo 1080pConnectivity 4GDimensions 156.6 x 78.7 x...

By What Mobile on September 01, 2014

On Virgin Mobile, the HTC Desire 816 is the best big phone for small...

By PC Mag on August 28, 2014

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.

By PCAdvisor on August 26, 2014

Not everyone wants to shell out for a flagship smartphone , but equally the same people don't necessarily need to buy the cheapest smartphone going. HTC is aiming the new Desire 816 squarely at the mid-range buyer, and it looks like it's got the formula...

By PC Advisor on August 26, 2014

HTC's Desire 816 is almost a perfect mid-range LTE phablet with good looks, a nice display and slick general performance, only to be let down by its erratically sluggish...

By Engadget on July 31, 2014

The HTC Desire 816 is a midrange phablet which, despite several obvious shortcomings, leaves the impression of an above-average product. It is an instant leader in the rather barren midrange phablet market, largely due to its harmonious mixture of...

By Brighthand on July 30, 2014

100

The bezels round the screen are chunky, particularly at the top and bottom of the phone where you'll find the Desire 816's dual BoomSound speakers, but its smooth, glossy chassis and rounded corners make it very easy to hold. The Desire 816 is admittedly...

By Expert Reviews on July 29, 2014

The HTC Desire 816 should be appreciated for what it's got rather than what it lacks at this price.There is still plenty of bang for your buck and all of the multimedia and connectivity features that will satisfy most users.At the affordable price of...

By techguide.com.au on July 22, 2014

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HTC Desire 816

Overview

Pros & Cons

Reviews

TechSpot Metascore

Reviewers Liked

Reviewers Didn't Like

Competitors and Related Products

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LG G3

Apple iPhone 5s

Expert reviews and ratings