What's good
- 5MP camera produces good quality images
- Decent processor performance when using apps and browsing the web
- 4G LTE connection
What's bad
- Only 4.68GB of usable onboard storage
- Slow screen response
- Display suffers from washed out colors
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 the Critics Are Saying...
- Sandra Vogel, Beta NewsI liked the HTC Desire 816 a lot, but the lower cost, lower specified Desire 610 seems to suffer from some badly made choices in order to reach its price. The screen resolution is a particular annoyance, and the chassis design does the phone no favours, with the screen being swamped in a lot of beze...
- Thomas Newton, RecombuThe world’s first curvy smartphone might not be quite as awe-inspiring as we hoped, but as a phablet the LG G Flex is fun to use, with tons of great features. The multi-tasking abilities mean you can stay productive, or simply browse the web while watching video, while the 13-megapixel camera...
- Sofian Nouira, Digital VersusThe 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...
- Eric M. Zeman, Phone ScoopThe 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.
- Alvin Wong, UnleashThePhonesWhen 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,...
Prices (Where to Buy)
Common Questions
We've got you covered! Download a free PDF copy of the HTC Desire 601 user manual here.
HTC backs up the Desire 601 with a 1 Year parts & labour warranty.
If your Desire 601 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.
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