January 11, 2013 at 12:37HTC Desire SV - dual charge
Manufacturers of the second and third tiers have long been working in the niche of phones with two SIM cards, and large brands have not forgotten to include the corresponding modifications of their devices in the assortment. The problem can only consist in the fact that with the conditional presence of a choice there really are practically no iconic models, and for those who appreciate the design in mobile devices, there is absolutely nothing to profit from.
HTC Desire SV is the second device of the company, created to fill the segment of high-quality smartphones with two “SIM cards”. When it was created, the wishes related to the first-born - Desire V were taken into account, as well as the trends in smartphone manufacturing, one of which is a gradual increase in the diagonal of the screen.
If you remember, in Desire V the display was four-inch, while the successor this parameter is already 4.3 inches. It would seem that just recently, a similar size was considered flagship, and now it is already quite widespread among devices belonging to the middle class. In any case, this did not affect the usability with one hand, and the comfort of consuming information from the screen increased. Dimensions of the device are 130 x 68 x 10.7 mm, and Desire SV weighs 131 grams, being in this respect a completely average smartphone.
The resolution remains the same, it is 800x480 pixels (WVGA), so you can not worry about the compatibility of the vast majority of software. In addition, the company traditionally adheres to Super LCD 2 technology, pleasing the user with natural color reproduction. The viewing angles cannot be called record, but the phone does not pretend to be a media player for the company.
The display is protected by Gorilla Glass 2, and during the test operation, associated with carrying in various pockets and compartments of the bag, not a single trace appeared on it. The capacitive matrix supports up to four simultaneous touches, which should be enough for the vast majority of users.
In addition to the screen, there are three touch buttons on the front part and a large speaker grill, which makes it possible to distinguish the model from colleagues in the workshop and other representatives of the line with relative success.
The location of the controls is absolutely standard, so you do not have to relearn. On the right is the volume rocker, the top end is occupied by a 3.5mm headphone jack along with the power button, but the microUSB port for charging and synchronization has finally moved to the bottom end, which is good news.
The most interesting, as always, is “under the hood”. To remove the back cover made of non-slip matte plastic, just pry it off with your fingers at the top and snap it off around the perimeter. Two microSIM-card slots located next to the microSD memory card slot will open for your eyes. In principle, replacing a card for any operator no longer causes the slightest problems, but after a much more compact Desire V equipped with full-sized slots, such a picture causes a slight surprise.
The Beats Audio speaker and logo on matte plastic are complemented by a camera lens and LED flash. Judging by the complete absence of additional protective glass, it is supposed to wipe the “eye” with the cover removed, in which case it will be in full view. As already noted, SV is larger than its predecessor, but it is far from the transition to the category of "shovels".
If you dig even deeper, you can find out the following details: the device’s performance is provided by a Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 dual-core processor (MSM8255) operating at a frequency of 1 GHz. Paired with it is the Adreno 203 graphics accelerator. The RAM is 768 MB, and the built-in memory is 4 GB, of which about half is available to the user by default.
The subject of the review, perhaps, will not interest lovers of flagships and maximum characteristics, but in its category it is one of the most productive solutions. The synthetic test results are shown in the screenshots, and as a comment you can add only positive impressions of the smoothness and speed of the interface and application programs, I have never had to complain about “brakes” and rebooting the user interface.
By default, the smartphone comes with Android 4.0.4, along with an updated proprietary Sense 4.1 interface. We dare to assume that its features are familiar to you, and you have heard about the possibilities of branded add-ons and services of the NTS.
Let us dwell only on the implementation of the work of two SIM-cards. As in the previous model, a visual indication of calls and messages sent from a particular card is provided. Only one slot supports high-speed data transfer, but you can set limits on the amount of transmitted traffic for both SIM cards.
If both carrier data carriers are installed and active, then two visual keys for sending a call will appear in the dialer, and in the corresponding settings section you can rename the card by selecting a designation that does not exceed four characters. There is only one radio module in the device, therefore, when using 3G Internet on the first SIM card and receiving a call for the second session, it will be interrupted. However, finding a device with two radio modules is still a task, and the issue of energy consumption in this case will be especially acute.
It is expected that all modern interfaces are provided, including Bluetooth 4.0 with A2DP profile and support for aptX codec, as well as Wi-Fi 802.11 b / g / n (and Wi-Fi Direct at the same time). They are supplemented by proximity, light and position sensors in space, which allow, among other things, the implementation of etiquette in public places.
The quality of communication does not cause complaints, the interlocutor is heard well, and it’s quite difficult to miss a call. Similar to other NTS devices, it is enough to pick up the phone to mute the ringtone, and to reduce the volume to zero, you need to turn the device over.
As in Desire V, you have additional options for managing and backing up contact data, including importing, exporting, and transferring them from one SIM card to another. However, it is most convenient to upload data to the Google “cloud” once so that you do not have to worry about the possibility of losing this information in the future.
The branded music player has not undergone significant changes and continues to be a convenient tool for listening to your favorite music. In the presence of integration with the popular online services TuneIn Radio and SoundHound, and about the traditional FM-radio that works when you connect a headset, the developers have not forgotten.
To improve the sound, a Beats Audio profile is provided, the status of which can be controlled directly from the notification area. The sound of the model was evaluated with Klipsch S4a headphones, and the results were very decent, although music lovers will probably find something to complain about.
Continuing the conversation about the multimedia component, one can not help but mention the camera. The resolution of the sensor increased from 5 to 8 megapixels compared to the previous model, and the quality of the pictures definitely improved. Unfortunately, there were certain problems with sunny weather during the testing, but the pictures in the room and under the sky filled with clouds can not be called a failure.
The matrix backlight is provided, and the lens aperture is set to f / 2.2. The flash is endowed with several levels of firing, but it’s best for the camera to say examples of images that you can familiarize yourself with. The maximum resolution when recording video is limited by the screen settings, so that a FullHD movie cannot be recorded. As for the quality, then you can evaluate its level by reading the example by reference . Of the additional features are familiar effects from other devices of the company, customizable effects, HDR and panoramic shooting. As in older models, you can take photos during video recording, but their resolution still does not exceed 800x480 pixels.
The device copes with playing HD 720p video, not to mention less high-quality material, but to play MKV, like the old one, you will have to install third-party programs. The gallery is aware of modern “cloud” trends, and the phone’s memory is just one of the available sources of content. Connecting Dropbox, SkyDrive, Flickr and Facebook is not a problem, and Picasa Web Albums is an integral part of your Google Account and becomes available immediately after entering your credentials.
The battery has a capacity of 1620 mAh, which can not be called an outstanding value by today's standards. With average operation, including making calls, communicating on social networks, along with listening to music and occasionally using the camera, you can, as always, expect a day of battery life.
Who is this smartphone for? For those who want a stylish and practical thing with relatively good characteristics, and most importantly - with two SIM card slots.
There is no front camera in the device, and the main lens cannot claim to be the masterpiece creator, but everything you need is provided, and you can use the device directly “out of the box”. Along with the client of the Google Music service, even the Chrome browser is preinstalled along with a standard browser modified by the NTS company.
The company managed to present a balanced apparatus to the public, finally parting with the budget segment and able to satisfy even a demanding user. Replacing SIM-cards with smaller media is not difficult, but otherwise this phone is completely ready to work from the very beginning.
HTC Desire SV is the second device of the company, created to fill the segment of high-quality smartphones with two “SIM cards”. When it was created, the wishes related to the first-born - Desire V were taken into account, as well as the trends in smartphone manufacturing, one of which is a gradual increase in the diagonal of the screen.
If you remember, in Desire V the display was four-inch, while the successor this parameter is already 4.3 inches. It would seem that just recently, a similar size was considered flagship, and now it is already quite widespread among devices belonging to the middle class. In any case, this did not affect the usability with one hand, and the comfort of consuming information from the screen increased. Dimensions of the device are 130 x 68 x 10.7 mm, and Desire SV weighs 131 grams, being in this respect a completely average smartphone.
The resolution remains the same, it is 800x480 pixels (WVGA), so you can not worry about the compatibility of the vast majority of software. In addition, the company traditionally adheres to Super LCD 2 technology, pleasing the user with natural color reproduction. The viewing angles cannot be called record, but the phone does not pretend to be a media player for the company.
The display is protected by Gorilla Glass 2, and during the test operation, associated with carrying in various pockets and compartments of the bag, not a single trace appeared on it. The capacitive matrix supports up to four simultaneous touches, which should be enough for the vast majority of users.
In addition to the screen, there are three touch buttons on the front part and a large speaker grill, which makes it possible to distinguish the model from colleagues in the workshop and other representatives of the line with relative success.
The location of the controls is absolutely standard, so you do not have to relearn. On the right is the volume rocker, the top end is occupied by a 3.5mm headphone jack along with the power button, but the microUSB port for charging and synchronization has finally moved to the bottom end, which is good news.
The most interesting, as always, is “under the hood”. To remove the back cover made of non-slip matte plastic, just pry it off with your fingers at the top and snap it off around the perimeter. Two microSIM-card slots located next to the microSD memory card slot will open for your eyes. In principle, replacing a card for any operator no longer causes the slightest problems, but after a much more compact Desire V equipped with full-sized slots, such a picture causes a slight surprise.
The Beats Audio speaker and logo on matte plastic are complemented by a camera lens and LED flash. Judging by the complete absence of additional protective glass, it is supposed to wipe the “eye” with the cover removed, in which case it will be in full view. As already noted, SV is larger than its predecessor, but it is far from the transition to the category of "shovels".
If you dig even deeper, you can find out the following details: the device’s performance is provided by a Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 dual-core processor (MSM8255) operating at a frequency of 1 GHz. Paired with it is the Adreno 203 graphics accelerator. The RAM is 768 MB, and the built-in memory is 4 GB, of which about half is available to the user by default.
The subject of the review, perhaps, will not interest lovers of flagships and maximum characteristics, but in its category it is one of the most productive solutions. The synthetic test results are shown in the screenshots, and as a comment you can add only positive impressions of the smoothness and speed of the interface and application programs, I have never had to complain about “brakes” and rebooting the user interface.
By default, the smartphone comes with Android 4.0.4, along with an updated proprietary Sense 4.1 interface. We dare to assume that its features are familiar to you, and you have heard about the possibilities of branded add-ons and services of the NTS.
Let us dwell only on the implementation of the work of two SIM-cards. As in the previous model, a visual indication of calls and messages sent from a particular card is provided. Only one slot supports high-speed data transfer, but you can set limits on the amount of transmitted traffic for both SIM cards.
If both carrier data carriers are installed and active, then two visual keys for sending a call will appear in the dialer, and in the corresponding settings section you can rename the card by selecting a designation that does not exceed four characters. There is only one radio module in the device, therefore, when using 3G Internet on the first SIM card and receiving a call for the second session, it will be interrupted. However, finding a device with two radio modules is still a task, and the issue of energy consumption in this case will be especially acute.
It is expected that all modern interfaces are provided, including Bluetooth 4.0 with A2DP profile and support for aptX codec, as well as Wi-Fi 802.11 b / g / n (and Wi-Fi Direct at the same time). They are supplemented by proximity, light and position sensors in space, which allow, among other things, the implementation of etiquette in public places.
The quality of communication does not cause complaints, the interlocutor is heard well, and it’s quite difficult to miss a call. Similar to other NTS devices, it is enough to pick up the phone to mute the ringtone, and to reduce the volume to zero, you need to turn the device over.
As in Desire V, you have additional options for managing and backing up contact data, including importing, exporting, and transferring them from one SIM card to another. However, it is most convenient to upload data to the Google “cloud” once so that you do not have to worry about the possibility of losing this information in the future.
The branded music player has not undergone significant changes and continues to be a convenient tool for listening to your favorite music. In the presence of integration with the popular online services TuneIn Radio and SoundHound, and about the traditional FM-radio that works when you connect a headset, the developers have not forgotten.
To improve the sound, a Beats Audio profile is provided, the status of which can be controlled directly from the notification area. The sound of the model was evaluated with Klipsch S4a headphones, and the results were very decent, although music lovers will probably find something to complain about.
Continuing the conversation about the multimedia component, one can not help but mention the camera. The resolution of the sensor increased from 5 to 8 megapixels compared to the previous model, and the quality of the pictures definitely improved. Unfortunately, there were certain problems with sunny weather during the testing, but the pictures in the room and under the sky filled with clouds can not be called a failure.
The matrix backlight is provided, and the lens aperture is set to f / 2.2. The flash is endowed with several levels of firing, but it’s best for the camera to say examples of images that you can familiarize yourself with. The maximum resolution when recording video is limited by the screen settings, so that a FullHD movie cannot be recorded. As for the quality, then you can evaluate its level by reading the example by reference . Of the additional features are familiar effects from other devices of the company, customizable effects, HDR and panoramic shooting. As in older models, you can take photos during video recording, but their resolution still does not exceed 800x480 pixels.
The device copes with playing HD 720p video, not to mention less high-quality material, but to play MKV, like the old one, you will have to install third-party programs. The gallery is aware of modern “cloud” trends, and the phone’s memory is just one of the available sources of content. Connecting Dropbox, SkyDrive, Flickr and Facebook is not a problem, and Picasa Web Albums is an integral part of your Google Account and becomes available immediately after entering your credentials.
The battery has a capacity of 1620 mAh, which can not be called an outstanding value by today's standards. With average operation, including making calls, communicating on social networks, along with listening to music and occasionally using the camera, you can, as always, expect a day of battery life.
Who is this smartphone for? For those who want a stylish and practical thing with relatively good characteristics, and most importantly - with two SIM card slots.
There is no front camera in the device, and the main lens cannot claim to be the masterpiece creator, but everything you need is provided, and you can use the device directly “out of the box”. Along with the client of the Google Music service, even the Chrome browser is preinstalled along with a standard browser modified by the NTS company.
The company managed to present a balanced apparatus to the public, finally parting with the budget segment and able to satisfy even a demanding user. Replacing SIM-cards with smaller media is not difficult, but otherwise this phone is completely ready to work from the very beginning.