Note: We may earn commissions (at no cost to you) if you buy through links on our site. Learn more.
Edit
NOTE: This model is discontinued and may no longer be available to purchase new. See the latest cell phones or compare used prices.

HTC Explorer review

6.9/10 AVG.
RATING
See Deals
Compare Compare  
Compare Compare  
HTC Explorer
HTC Explorer
HTC Explorer
HTC Explorer
...
6.9/10
Informr score
The HTC Explorer currently has an Informr score of 6.9 out of 10. This score is based on our evaluation of 10 sources including reviews from users and the web's most trusted critics.
Android
Operating system
Operating system
Android
600 MHz
Processor
Processor
600 MHz
3.2"
Screen Size
Screen Size
3.2"
3+ MP
Camera
Camera
3+ MP
1230 mAh
Battery

What the Critics Are Saying...

GSMArena
GSMArena

When the HTC Explorer was announced our first thought was "Nothing we haven't seen. Next one please" but we admit we were wrong. The 600MHz processor did much better than expected - the chipset is much better than what the Wildfire S had. The Explorer particularly impressed us when it handled Flash...

- GSMArena team, GSMArena
Know Your Mobile
Know Your Mobile

So what did we think of the HTC Explorer? Well, it's not a bad phone at all actually, for an average price of £150 it's relatively inexpensive and, provided you aren't after high-end gaming and intensive media capabilities it delivers decent enough performance. The HTC Explorer is a great device for...

- Paul Briden, Know Your Mobile
Coolsmartphone
Coolsmartphone

The Explorer is a great start for people looking to buy a new phone, “smart” or not. You can download apps from the Android Market and heck, that CPU doesn’t really impact performance much at all. I’m a little puzzled how it fits into the HTC catalogue – after all the Wildfire S is still a very good...

- Leigh Geary, Coolsmartphone
Pocket-lint
Pocket-lint

This might not be a phone for power-Android users, but it's a likable enough handset for most use. It will certainly appeal to those who want a phone that can do more than their old Nokia thing that they haven't upgraded for years, and it should do so without scaring anyone making the switch. HTC h...

- Ian Morris, Pocket-lint
The Register
The Register

The advantage of a relatively low-powered screen and processor is that the modest 1230mAh battery should be able to go a few times round the block without a recharge and sure enough, this one gave a little over two days of consistent use. Indeed, the HTC Explorer covers just about all the smartphone...

- Dave Oliver, The Register
SEE ALL REVIEWS

Prices (Where to Buy)

Common Questions

We've got you covered! Download a free PDF copy of the HTC Explorer user manual here.

HTC backs up the Explorer with a 1 Year parts & labour warranty.

If your Explorer has problems and is still within its warranty period, you could contact HTC support or the retailer you purchased the phone from. You'll find HTC's contact information here. If your phone is off warranty and needs repair for a physical problem such as a broken screen or bad battery, you should visit an authorized service centre or a local phone repair shop. You can also connect with others in The Informr Community Forum to find and share answers to questions.

Ask the Community

Resources

Manuals / User Guides Helpful Links Share / Embed

Maybe one of your friends will find this review helpful? Please help us spread the word.

Compare this phone to:

Compare Compare  
HTC Rezound

HTC Rezound

Compare Compare  
HTC Rhyme

HTC Rhyme

Compare Compare  
HTC Sensation 4G

HTC Sensation 4G

Quick view

Screen Size
3.2"

The HTC Explorer's screen size is 3.2 inches with x pixels resolution.
Processor
600 MHz

There is a ARM Cortex A5 600 MHz processor (CPU).
OS

The phone runs on proprietary operating system firmware.
Camera
3+ MP

You can take photos or capture video with the phone's onboard 3+ MP camera.

There's no secondary front camera.
Storage
No

Internal memory is No. An external, MicroSD, MicroSDHC (up to 32 GB) expansion slot is available for increased storage capacity.
Battery
1230mAh

The phone is powered by a Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion), 1230 mAh battery. HTC's performance ratings are 20 days standby time, 460 minutes.

HTC Explorer Specs

Overview
Release Date October 31, 2011
Regions Available USA
Operating System

Compare Android Smartphones

Processor ARM Cortex A5 600 MHz
Internal Storage
RAM 512 MB
Hearing Aid Compatible
TTY/TDD
Noise Cancellation
SAR Unknown
Manufacturer Warranty 1 Year
Accessories Included AC Charger, Data Cable, Manual, Standard Battery
Cellular
Networks
GPRS, EDGE, HSDPA
Details
Mobile / Cellular Data
Push-to-talk (PTT)
Wi-Fi Calling
Voice over LTE (VoLTE)
SIM card size
Yes
Dual SIM
Connectivity
USB Micro-USB 2.0
USB OTG Support
GPS Type A-GPS
Infrared
Bluetooth 3.0
Bluetooth Profiles A2DP, AVRCP, OPP/FTP, HFP, HSP
Bluetooth Audio Codecs SBC
Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n
Mobile Hotspot
Memory Expansion Slot
Expansion Slot Info MicroSD, MicroSDHC (up to 32 GB)
NFC
Data Tethering Compatibility
Camera
Main Camera
Resolution / Aperture
 3+ Megapixels
Zoom
Flash
Additional Rear Camera Info
 Auto focus, Effects, Geotagging, ISO, Self-timer, White balance
Video Recording Formats
 3GP / 3GPP, 3G2 / 3GPP2, MPEG-4, WMV, XviD, AVI
Video Recording Parameters
 VGA (640 x 480 pixels), 19 fps
Front Camera
Resolution / Aperture
Additional Front Camera Info
Video Recording Parameters
Display / Screen
Type Color
Technology LCD (TFT)
Colors 262k
Resolution x pixels
Pixel Density Unknown
Size 3.2 inches
Secondary Display
Sensors Ambient Light, Proximity, Motion / Accelerometer, Digital Compass
Multi-Touch
Fingerprint-Resistant Coating
Additional Display Features Capacitive touch screen, Multi-touch
Power & Battery
Battery Type Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion)
Battery Capacity 1230 mAh
Removable Battery
Wireless Charging
Fast Charging
Video Playback Time Unknown
Internet Use (Wi-Fi) Unknown
Internet Use (Cellular) Unknown
Talk Time Up to 460 minutes
Standby Time Up to 20 days
Mixed Usage
Physical Characteristics
Design Type Bar
Colors Black
Dimensions [H x W x D] 10.3 x 5.7 x 1.3 cm (4.1 x 2.2 x 0.5 in)
Weight 108 grams
Water Resistant / Waterproof Unknown
Rugged design
IP Rating
Headset Jack 3.5mm
External Speakers
Input / Navigation
Sleep / Wake Key
Home Key
Input / Keyboard Type Touchscreen
Navigation Type Touchscreen
External Volume Control
Fingerprint Sensor
More
Additional Information Messaging: SMS, MMS, Google Talk
ROM: 512MB
Multi-Use Smart Phone / PDA: Yes
Graphics: Yes
Themes: Yes
Backlit Illumination: Yes
Zoom / Magnification: Yes
Predictive Text Entry: XT9
Voicemail Key: Yes
Keypad/Screen Lock: Yes
Multiple Numbers Per Contact: Email address, Other fields
Photo Caller ID: Yes
Web Browser: Yes
Email Client: Yes
Email Protocols: POP3, IMAP, SMTP
PC Synchronization: Yes
Java Application: Yes
Audio Formats: MIDI, MP3, AAC, AMR, WMA, WAV, M4A, OGG
Video Playback Formats: 3GP / 3GPP, 3G2 / 3GPP2, MPEG-4, WMV, XviD, AVI
Streaming Video: Yes
Custom Ringtones: No
Vibration Alert: Yes
Downloadable Ringtones: Yes
Ringer ID: Yes
Speakerphone: Yes
Data Tethering: Yes
Mobile Hotspot: Yes
Radio: Yes (FM)
Games: Downloadable
Apps: Downloadable
Included Software / Apps: -
Calendar, World Clock, Alarm, Stop Watch, Timer, Calculator, Weather, Maps, Voice Memos / Recorder

Other Names (AKA): HTC Pico
Related Links Manual (PDF)
HTC Explorer Reviews
Where to buy HTC Explorer
Suggest a correction
Deals