MWC 2014: HTC announces mid-range HTC Desire 816 and Desire 610

HTC Desire 816

HTC will not unveil its latest flagship smartphone until a dedicated event on March 25 but it did announce two new mid-range devices today at Mobile World Congress. The first, the HTC Desire 816, is none other than the oft-rumoured HTC Desire 8. The second is the HTC Desire 610, a lower-spec model.

The two devices are part of HTC’s new strategy to focus not just on the high-end market but also on the mid-range market. These new devices will be offered not just in emerging markets but also in mature markets alongside its flagship devices.

HTC Desire 816 specifications:

  • Processor: 1.6GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 400
  • Operating system: Google Android with HTC Sense
  • Cellular connectivity: LTE/HSPA+
  • Other connectivity: GPS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
  • Display: 5.5-inch HD (720×1280)
  • RAM: 1.5GB
  • Internal storage: 8GB
  • External storage: MicroSD cards up to 128GB
  • Rear-facing camera: 13MP with LED flash and f/2.2 aperture
  • Front-facing camera: 5MP
  • Battery: Non-removable 2,600mAh
  • Dimensions: 7.99 millimeters thick
  • Weight: 165 grams
  • Other: Front-facing BoomSound speakers

HTC Desire 610 specifications:

  • Processor: 1.2GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 400
  • Operating system: Google Android with HTC Sense
  • Cellular connectivity: LTE/HSPA+
  • Other connectivity: GPS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
  • Display: 4.7-inch qHD (540×960)
  • RAM: 1GB
  • Internal storage: 8GB
  • External storage: MicroSD cards
  • Rear-facing camera: 8MP with LED flash
  • Front-facing camera: 1.3MP
  • Battery: 2,040mAh
  • Other: Front-facing BoomSound speakers

HTC Desire 610

Note: HTC has not yet provided full specification details. We’ll update this post when they become available.

The HTC Desire 816 will first launch in China in March. A global rollout will begin in April. The HTC Desire 610 will follow slightly later with a European launch set for May. There is no word yet on pricing or availability in North America for either of these smartphones.