HTC Desire 601
Verdict
Key specs
Critic consensus
“The HTC Desire 601 is an OK mid-range smartphone. It doesn't fascinate us in any area, including the design, the internals and the software. However, it does deliver a decent user experience with no significant slow-downs.”
“The HTC Desire 601 certainly fits the bill as a mid-range phone, plus it has one major advantage: 4G compatibility. That makes it a good candidate for the months and years to come. That said, for just £60 more you can get a Google Nexus 5 or an HTC One Mini... and then there's the Alcatel One Touch Idol S and Sony Xperia SP, both of which support 4G networks and cost the same, if not much less.”
“The hardware is well built, looks good, and functions well. The screen might not be HD, but it still impresses. Phone calls sound good and battery life is decent.”
“When all is said and done, what the HTC Desire 601 really offers is a decent set of specifications for a mid-range price point. While it is an entirely reasonable smartphone, I would not consider it particularly remarkable at this point in time. Although I would still consider it a solid performer, it is difficult to see myself recommending the Desire 601 over a Sony Xperia SP or a Nexus 4. When the Moto G hits store shelves, it will likely offer a better display at a lower price. If you are considering picking up a Desire 601, you should hold off your purchase for a couple of months. Unfortunately, the Desire 601 lacks a real selling point that would convince phone buyers to spring for it over any other option in the crowded mid-range smartphone segment.”
Watch before you decide
In Depth
The HTC Desire 601 offers consumers many of the features found on HTC’s flagship phone – the HTC One – while keeping a more budget price. Although it lacks the metal finish of the One, reviewers still find the rubberized plastic finish to be both attractive and relatively durable. Its smaller size also made it easier for reviewers at Phone Arena to handle one-handed.
In terms of the display, the 4.5″ LCD display offers a fairly low resolution of 540 pixels. Although not horrible for viewing images, most critics agree that pixilation does occur with actual text. Aside from this, the display gets a general thumbs up from reviewers. T3 states its “bright and clear” while Unleash the Phones is a bit more critical noting that it suffers from some washed out colors despite good viewing angles.
The back of the phone boasts a 5 megapixel camera with LED flash. Although the phone does not utilize HTC’s Ultrapixel tech, expert tests reveal that the camera produces sharp images and good color reproduction in decent lighting. Tech Radar adds that the shutter speed is also “acceptable.”
Internally, the Desire 601 has a 1.4GHz dual-core processor and 1GB of RAM. Various benchmark tests performed by Hardware Zone place the phone’s performance in the middle of the competition. While not lightning fast, Tech Radar found no issues with speed as all apps opened and closed quickly though they go on to say that the device does have slow screen response. Onboard storage is limited to 8GB though HTC software reduces that total to 4.68GB. The phone does however sport a microSD slot for additional storage.
General consensus is that the Desire 601 offers decent features for a mid-range phone. Trusted Reviews calls this product “sensible” while Gadget Guy states, “if you like the simple design of the HTC One, but don’t want to spend a fortune…the Desire 601 is an easy recommendation.”
What people actually want to know
When was the HTC Desire 601 released?
The HTC Desire 601 was released on November 5, 2013.
How long does the battery last on the HTC Desire 601?
The HTC Desire 601 has a 2,100 mAh battery.
Does the HTC Desire 601 have a headphone jack?
Yes, the HTC Desire 601 has a 3.5mm headphone jack.
Does the HTC Desire 601 have NFC?
No, the HTC Desire 601 does not have NFC. Contactless payments and tap-to-pair will not be available.
Where can I get support for the HTC Desire 601?
Visit HTC's official support page for warranty info, repairs, and troubleshooting.
Where can I download the HTC Desire 601 manual?
You can view and download the HTC Desire 601 manual on our dedicated manual page.
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