HTC Desire S smartphone

Photo: User:Zirguezi via Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

HTC

HTC Desire S

March 2011 7/10 Rating Updated
In brief: The HTC Desire S, codenamed Saga, is an Android smartphone released in March 2011 as a successor to the original HTC Desire. It featured a premium aluminum unibody design and initially ran Android 2.3.3 Gingerbread with HTC Sense, with an upgrade path to Android 4.0.4 Ice Cream Sandwich.
Display3.7-inch S-LCD (480x800 pixels)
ChipsetQualcomm Snapdragon S2 (MSM8255)
Main Camera5 MP with autofocus and LED flash
Battery1450 mAh removable Li-Ion
Starting from $899

💰 HTC Desire S Price

The HTC Desire S lowest price is $899, based on current retailer listings.

📌 Full Specifications

Display

TypeS-LCD capacitive touchscreen, 16M colors
Size3.7 inches
Resolution480 x 800 pixels, WVGA
Pixel Density~252 ppi

Platform

OSAndroid 2.3.3 (Gingerbread), upgradable to 4.0.4 (Ice Cream Sandwich)
ChipsetQualcomm MSM8255 Snapdragon S2
CPU1.0 GHz Scorpion
GPUAdreno 205

Memory

Card slotmicroSDHC (dedicated slot), up to 32GB
Internal1.1 GB ROM, 768 MB RAM

Main Camera

Single5 MP, AF
FeaturesLED flash
Video720p

Selfie Camera

SingleVGA
VideoNo specific resolution mentioned

Battery

TypeRemovable Li-Ion
Capacity1450 mAh
Stand-byUp to 430 h (2G) / 455 h (3G)
Talk timeUp to 9 h 50 min (2G) / 6 h 30 min (3G)

Body

Dimensions115 x 59.8 x 11.6 mm (4.53 x 2.35 x 0.46 in)
Weight130 g (4.59 oz)
BuildAluminum unibody
SIMMini-SIM

Comms

WLANWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, hotspot
Bluetooth2.1, A2DP, EDR
GPSYes, with A-GPS
RadioStereo FM radio with RDS
USBmicroUSB 2.0

Launch

AnnouncedFebruary 15, 2011
StatusDiscontinued (Released March 2011)

⚖ Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Premium aluminum unibody construction for its time
  • Compact and comfortable to hold
  • Good performance for its era with 1GHz Snapdragon S2
  • Front-facing camera, an upgrade from the original Desire
  • Expandable storage via microSD card

Cons

  • Camera quality was considered below average even at release
  • Limited internal storage for apps
  • Outdated operating system for modern use
  • Small screen size by today's standards
  • Battery life might be a concern for modern usage patterns
★ Our Verdict

The HTC Desire S was a well-regarded mid-range smartphone at its release, offering a premium build and solid performance for its time, though its camera was a weak point.

The HTC Desire S is a vintage smartphone from 2011 and is no longer suitable for daily modern use due to its outdated operating system, limited app compatibility, and lack of security updates. It is primarily a collector's item for enthusiasts of early Android devices or those seeking a nostalgic piece of mobile history. If considering a purchase, ensure the device is in good physical condition and understand that its functionality will be severely limited compared to contemporary smartphones. Expect to use it for basic calls, texts, or as a display piece rather than a primary communication tool.

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

📦 In The Box & Warranty

  • HTC Desire S Handset
  • 1450 mAh Battery
  • microUSB Cable
  • Wall Charger
  • Wired Headset
  • User Manual

As an older, discontinued model, manufacturer warranty is no longer applicable.

❓ Questions & Answers

When was the HTC Desire S released?

The HTC Desire S was officially released in March 2011.

What operating system did the HTC Desire S run?

It originally launched with Android 2.3.3 Gingerbread and was upgradable to Android 4.0.4 Ice Cream Sandwich.

Does the HTC Desire S have a front-facing camera?

Yes, the HTC Desire S features a VGA front-facing camera.

Can the storage on the HTC Desire S be expanded?

Yes, it has a microSDHC card slot that supports expansion up to 32GB.

Is the HTC Desire S suitable for modern use?

No, due to its age and outdated software, the HTC Desire S is not suitable for modern daily use and is primarily considered a collector's item.

What was a notable design feature of the HTC Desire S?

A notable design feature was its premium aluminum unibody construction, which was an improvement over its predecessor.