HTC Desire 500 smartphone

Photo: Kskhh via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

HTC

HTC Desire 500

September 2013 6/10 Rating Updated
In brief: The HTC Desire 500 is a mid-range Android smartphone released in 2013, featuring a 4.3-inch display, a 1.2 GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 200 processor, and an 8-megapixel main camera. It ran on Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean with HTC Sense 5, offering features like BlinkFeed and Video Highlights.
Display4.3-inch WVGA (480x800) TFT
ChipsetQualcomm Snapdragon 200
Main Camera8 MP with LED flash
Battery1800 mAh removable Li-Ion

💰 HTC Desire 500 Price

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📌 Full Specifications

Display

TypeTFT capacitive touchscreen, 16M colors
Size4.3 inches
Resolution480 x 800 pixels (WVGA)
ProtectionNot specified
Pixel Density217 ppi

Platform

OSAndroid 4.1.2 (Jelly Bean), upgradable to 4.2.2, with HTC Sense 5
ChipsetQualcomm Snapdragon 200 (MSM8225Q or MSM8625Q)
CPUQuad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A5
GPUAdreno 203

Memory

Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot), up to 64 GB
Internal4GB, 1GB RAM
User Accessible StorageApproximately 1 GB

Main Camera

Single8 MP, 1/3.2" sensor size, 1.4µm pixel size, AF
FeaturesLED flash, BSI sensor, f/2.4 aperture, 28mm focal length, HTC ImageChip, HDR, panorama
Video720p@30fps

Selfie Camera

Single1.6 MP, BSI sensor
Video720p

Battery

TypeRemovable Li-Ion 1800 mAh battery
Talk timeUp to 13 hours (3G)

Body

Dimensions131.8 x 66.9 x 9.9 mm (5.19 x 2.63 x 0.39 in)
Weight123 g (4.34 oz)
SIMOptional Dual SIM (Micro-SIM)
BuildPlastic unibody back cover, removable battery

Comms

WLANWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi hotspot, DLNA
Bluetooth4.0, A2DP
PositioningGPS, A-GPS
NFCYes (market dependent)
RadioStereo FM radio with RDS
USBmicroUSB 2.0

Launch

Announced2013, August
StatusReleased 2013, September

⚖ Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Compact and easy to handle design for its time
  • Expandable storage via microSD card
  • HTC Sense 5 UI offered a good user experience
  • Decent 8MP camera with HTC ImageChip for its class
  • Removable battery for easy replacement

Cons

  • Low screen resolution for its size (480x800 pixels)
  • Limited internal storage (only 4GB, with 1GB user accessible)
  • Plastic build quality compared to premium HTC models
  • Outdated Android version (Jelly Bean) by current standards
  • Relatively high price at launch for its specifications
★ Our Verdict

The HTC Desire 500 was a competent mid-range device for its release year, offering a smooth user experience with HTC Sense 5 and a decent camera, but its low-resolution display and limited internal storage were notable drawbacks even then.

The HTC Desire 500 is an older smartphone, originally released in 2013. While it offered a solid experience for its time with HTC Sense 5 and a quad-core processor, its specifications are significantly outdated by today's standards. The 4.3-inch WVGA display is low-resolution, and the 4GB internal storage (with only 1GB accessible) is very restrictive for modern apps and media. The Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean operating system is no longer supported, meaning security vulnerabilities and app compatibility issues. This phone is not recommended for daily use in 2026. It might only be suitable for collectors or for very basic, non-internet-dependent functions if you can find one in working condition.

Reviewed by the infozme.com Editorial Team — see how we research & rate phones.

📦 In The Box & Warranty

  • HTC Desire 500 Handset
  • 1800 mAh Battery
  • Charger
  • USB Cable
  • Headset
  • Quick Start Guide

Typically includes a standard one-year manufacturer's warranty.

❓ Questions & Answers

When was the HTC Desire 500 released?

The HTC Desire 500 was announced in August 2013 and released in September 2013.

What operating system does the HTC Desire 500 run?

It originally ran on Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean with HTC Sense 5, and some versions were upgradable to Android 4.2.2.

Does the HTC Desire 500 have expandable storage?

Yes, the HTC Desire 500 features a microSDXC card slot that supports expansion up to 64 GB.

What are the camera specifications of the HTC Desire 500?

The HTC Desire 500 has an 8-megapixel main camera with LED flash and a 1.6-megapixel front-facing camera, both capable of 720p video recording.

Is the battery of the HTC Desire 500 removable?

Yes, the HTC Desire 500 comes with a removable Li-Ion 1800 mAh battery.

What processor powers the HTC Desire 500?

The HTC Desire 500 is powered by a 1.2 GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 200 processor.