HTC Desire (U.S. Cellular) smartphone
HTC

HTC Desire (U.S. Cellular)

August 27, 2010 8/10 Rating Updated
In brief: The HTC Desire for U.S. Cellular was a highly-regarded Android smartphone released in 2010, featuring a 3.7-inch WVGA Super TFT display, a 1GHz Snapdragon processor, and a 5-megapixel camera. It ran Android 2.1 with HTC Sense, offering a premium user experience for its time.
Display3.7-inch WVGA Super TFT
ChipsetQualcomm Snapdragon S1 QSD8250
Main Camera5 MP with autofocus and flash
Battery1400 mAh Li-Ion
Starting from $3,724

💰 HTC Desire (U.S. Cellular) Price

The HTC Desire (U.S. Cellular) lowest price is $3,724, based on current retailer listings.

📌 Full Specifications

Display

TypeSuper TFT LCD capacitive touchscreen, 16M colors
Size3.7 inches
Resolution480 x 800 pixels (WVGA)
ProtectionGorilla Glass (unconfirmed, but common for high-end at the time)
FeaturesMulti-touch, Accelerometer, Proximity sensor

Platform

ChipsetQualcomm Snapdragon S1 QSD8250
CPU1 GHz Scorpion (single-core)
GPUAdreno 200

Memory

Internal512 MB ROM, 576 MB RAM (approx.)
Card slotmicroSDHC, up to 32 GB (8GB card included)

Main Camera

ModulesSingle
Resolution5 MP
FeaturesAutofocus, LED flash, Geotagging, Face detection
Video720p@17fps

Selfie Camera

ModulesNone

Battery

TypeRemovable Li-Ion 1400 mAh
Talk timeUp to 5 hours
Standby timeUp to 10.5 days (252 hours)

Body

Dimensions119.38 x 60.96 x 12.7 mm (4.7 x 2.4 x 0.5 inches)
Weight135 g (4.76 oz)
BuildPlastic body with metal trim

Comms

WLANWi-Fi 802.11 b/g
Bluetooth2.1 with A2DP
GPSA-GPS
USBmicroUSB 2.0

Launch

AnnouncedQ1 2010 (International), August 2010 (U.S. Cellular)
StatusDiscontinued
Operating SystemAndroid 2.1 (Eclair), upgradeable to 2.2 (Froyo)
UIHTC Sense UI

⚖ Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Fast performance for its era
  • Sharp and responsive screen
  • Attractive hardware design and solid build quality
  • Refined and user-friendly HTC Sense UI
  • Good camera for a smartphone of its time

Cons

  • MicroSD card swap required battery removal
  • Lacked a front-facing camera
  • U.S. Cellular version used Super TFT instead of AMOLED found in international model
  • Launched with Android 2.1, not the absolute latest version at the time
★ Our Verdict

The HTC Desire for U.S. Cellular offered a premium Android experience with strong performance, a vibrant display, and the user-friendly HTC Sense UI, making it a top-tier device for its release period.

Given its release in 2010, the HTC Desire (U.S. Cellular) is now a vintage device and not suitable for modern smartphone use. It lacks support for current cellular networks (4G/5G), modern apps, and security updates, making it impractical for daily communication or internet browsing. It could serve as a collector's item for smartphone enthusiasts or for basic nostalgic purposes, but expect significant limitations in functionality and compatibility. Do not purchase this phone with the expectation of using it as a primary device in today's technological landscape.

📦 In The Box & Warranty

  • HTC Desire (U.S. Cellular) Handset
  • Removable Battery
  • AC Adapter
  • USB Cable
  • Wired Stereo Headset/Earbuds
  • 8GB microSD Card (pre-installed)

Typically, a standard one-year manufacturer's warranty was provided at the time of purchase.

❓ Questions & Answers

What operating system did the HTC Desire (U.S. Cellular) run?

The HTC Desire (U.S. Cellular) launched with Android 2.1 Eclair and was upgradeable to Android 2.2 Froyo.

What was the screen type and size of the U.S. Cellular HTC Desire?

It featured a 3.7-inch WVGA (480x800 pixels) Super TFT LCD capacitive touchscreen.

Does the HTC Desire (U.S. Cellular) support modern apps and networks?

No, as a device from 2010, it does not support modern 4G/5G networks or contemporary applications, and it no longer receives security updates. It is primarily a collector's item.

What was the main camera specification?

The phone was equipped with a 5-megapixel camera that included autofocus and an LED flash.

What processor powered the HTC Desire (U.S. Cellular)?

It was powered by a 1 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon S1 QSD8250 processor.

Was the battery removable on this model?

Yes, the HTC Desire (U.S. Cellular) featured a removable 1400 mAh Li-Ion battery.