HTC’s debut entry into mid-budget Android phones has created wave across the market. HTC’s has recently launched Android smartphone ‘HTC Explorer’ which is empowered with outstanding features which are going to give a big hit to its rivals. This smart phone runs on the latest version of Android 2.3 (Gingerbread), which does seem to balance out between pricing and features. This Explorer was formerly known as HTC Pico. There is a good list of features which includes Bluetooth, microUSB 2.0, GPS Navigation, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n connectivity, Android Market and Google services. The most admirable thing about this device is that it introduces the all new smartphone experience to the people who are still using the basic entry level handsets.
What is it?
HTC Explorer is an entry level Android based handset packed with outstanding features. It has got 3.2 inch capacitive touch screen, 3.15 MP camera with auto flash, Wi-Fi, 3G HSDP, and GPRS/EDGE for seamless internet connectivity.
Key features
HTC Explorer is powered with 600MHz processor, 512MB of RAM with a resolution of 320 x 480 pixels. Its 3.15 MP camera is capable of taking better quality images even in low light conditions. It runs on latest Android 2.3 Gingerbread OS with improved 3.5 version of HTC user interface ’sense’. It also allows 720p HD video recording. It’s built in A-GPS would guide you turn-by-turn to drive in most comfortable way. The social networking features of Explorer will always get you connected with your buddies once you log in to your account.
What’s innovative?
HTC Explorer is a cheapest available handset in HTC mobile range yet its features are awesome and worth every penny spent. It runs on HTC’s latest Sense 3.5 UI, which is an improvement over earlier 3.0 versions and has features like Wi-Fi Hotspot tethering function, audio player with SRS-VOW surround sound effect, and all Google apps integration.
Price and availability
The HTC Explorer will be available in black and dark blue, with changeable covers in purple, orange and white. It is supposed to available in Europe, Africa, Asia and the Middle East from early October. The Explorer has proper balance between pricing and features. It has been priced aggressively to capture a large chunk of android market. It is available in UK at £192 inclusive of all taxes. HTC Explorer is available for Rs 11600 in India.
The up side
Price is a major thumb up for Explorer. Its sense 3.5 UI is a delight to use. As the name suggests this phone is perfect for the entry level android user’s to explore a whole world of opportunities. Its accelerometer sensor works seamlessly. It runs well without hang even during multitasking. Its rather low screen resolution of 320 x 480 pixels is otherwise perfect considering its 3.2 inch size.
The down side
Relatively low power processor and less screen resolution are thumbs down for Explorer. It also lacks secondary camera which is necessary for video calling. It has rather low internal memory of 90 MB but it can be expand with micro SD card up to 32 GB. With dimensions of 102.8 x 57.2 x 12.9 mm and weight 108 g it is bit on heavier side.
Our experience
It is an entry level phone so one should not expect any miraculous performance out of it, but still it has got ability to surprise its users. Its home screen is designed for optimum use. It runs Gingerbread pretty smoothly along with other applications. Its camera quality is decent with features like geo tagging and face detection. Connectivity wise it has all required features that are standard now days in Android based devices. It is capable of HSDPA 14.4 Mbps, HSUPA 5.76 Mbps, GPRS, EDGE and Wi-Fi hotspot capacity that means you can share your 3G internet connection with other wireless devices. This phone also has micro USB and Bluetooth 3.0.
The bottom-line
HTC Explorer is worth buying if it is going to be your first Android device. If you are already using Android but an older version like Android 2.2 Froyo then again it could be your upgrade. This phone can’t be judged alone on its specs, because it may not sound much exciting but it stands perfectly well in terms of user experience. It’s elegant and powerful, and at this price, it’s definitely worth a purchase.
