The HTC Desire is, in effect, the second in the new Android range from HTC, with its much larger brother, the HTC Desire HD, taking most of the limelight.
But it's more than 'spare a thought' for the HTC Desire Z, as this phone is designed to encompass the best Android has to offer with HTC's sublime Sense overlay - and a QWERTY keyboard to boot.
The first thing you'll notice about the HTC Desire Z when you pick it up is the sheer heft, as we're seeing a phone with a 3.7-inch screen coupled with a not-insubstantial QWERTY keyboard and hinge underneath.
The whole unit weighs in at 180g, which isn't the lightest on the market, and you can certainly feel it in your pocket... but it's not so bad that if you're hungry for a QWERTY keyboard you won't be able to tolerate it.
The Desire Z itself feels pretty high end, as it's clad in aluminium and has a nice and polished feel to it. The battery cover on the back is well-designed and complements the design well, and pops off with a pleasant jump when using the switch on the side.
The front of the phone looks different to the HTC Desire HD, with the usual four touch-sensitive keys (home, menu, back and search) above a clickable optical trackpad that lets you negotiate text and also doubles as an enter key.
The left-hand side of the phone holds the large volume rocker switch, and the microUSB slot, which is uncovered.
The right-hand side only has the aforementioned battery cover release and the physical camera button - which we're really pleased to see after it was left off the Desire HD.
The top of the phone hold the power/lock key, and it's much more prominent than others in the HTC range, and it's really easy to hit to open up the phone.
The 3.5mm headphone jack is also situated here, and is nicely positioned to not get in the way when you're watching videos through wired headphones.
The slide out keyboard has a lovely motion too, as it doesn't glide out; instead, it folds out on itself, lifting and dropping into place. The QWERTY keys themselves are large and easy enough to hit, but not raised enough nor have enough travel to really allow super-fast typing in our opinion.
The keyboard also packs another problem: the hinge is really loose, and the screen wobbles under touch input when the keyboard is stowed away.
And when open and held vertically, a few shakes can see the screen rock back easily onto your thumbs, which is really not what we'd expect from a device of this class.
Sure, it's not going to happen that often, but we'd certainly expected more from the build quality on a device designed by HTC.
Your comments (13) Click to add a new comment
dexico
January 11th 2011
13. I was given an LG GW620 as part of my service package, and found it to be by far the worst phone I've ever used. After a bit of research, I decided to buy a SIM-free HTC Desire Z instead and ditch the LG, and the contrast between these two units couldn't be more marked - the HTC is by far the best phone I've ever used! True - I haven't enjoyed long battery life from it, but then again for the simple pleasure it gives I have been using it far more than I did the LG (which suffered from a poor battery life even though I chose to use it only reluctantly). The HTC build quality is noticeably better than any other phone I've used, and the reservations noted about the physical keyboard don't seem to be a problem with my unit. A physical keyboard was the one and only feature I liked about the LG unit, and the HTC matches it easily for that while shoveling even more quality and convenience features my way in addition. I use the on-screen keyboard too, but have large fingers and regularly hit the wrong key - but I take full blame for that one!
I'd certainly recommend this phone if you're looking for something with a physical keyboard.
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mjpower4
January 10th 2011
12. @comnut
"mjpower4: why would you use *anything* when 'not locked in postion' ??? surely that is inviting problems...
you lie down on your new collapsible garden chair, forgetting to lock it, cue awkward position...
you drive off, for getting to check the bonnet is fixed..."
Sorry for delayed response been away. mmmm i get it so the hinge must be locked to use, how stupid of me!!!!! The fact is that when the hinge is in the open position an locked into place is it as firm as anything - but and here in lies the rub my ill advised friend when it is in it's normal position, eg *Closed* it is losse and not good build quiality, therefore of poor build quilaity and I would not trust it to last 12 months let alone 18 or 24.
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tdm
January 6th 2011
11. I've had a z for a couple of weeks now - very impressed - my Mrs has a Desire and I know someone with a HD. The HD runs out of battery half way through the day, the Desire is a GREAT phone but it lacks some of the features of the z. TBH I personally don't find the size and weight a problem at all although I can see that some people might. Hinge quality seems good as well - maybe they updated it - there is a slight wobble but it is *tiny*. Only thing I would criticise is that sometimes dragging the notifications bar down can be a bit laggy making it feel a bit lethargic but aside from that great phone.
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computerspot
December 6th 2010
10. I have been very impressed with the Desire Z to date. In the review you say that it doesnt have an eReader and list this as a downside of the product, I have installed both Kindle and Kobo and use both regularly.
Battery life can be a issue, just make sure that you have a charger with you.
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marshn
December 5th 2010
9. after reading this review.i still went a head and bought the htc desire z.i am glad i did it felt a bit tricky at first to use,because i am used to the iphone.but after about an hour got the hang of it.i wasn't happy about the battery life it just seemed to drain within a couple of hours.after i went into power management widget and started to turn unnecessary items that where running off.the battery lasted longer.i have had no problems with the z keyboard being loose or feeling wobbly its pretty sturdy,maybe htc have realised this?and i got newer version not sure.overall if someone wanted to swap me for a iPhone 4 or other phone, i would say no thanks.also i have noticed the htc desire z is super fast
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jlaw4
November 20th 2010
8. i purchased this phone yesterday and i must say the software is second to none, however, the mechanism of the qwerty keys is ridiculously loose and i really think anybody buying should carefully consider how they treat thier phones or you will definatley get some casulties with it! i'm returning my phone to orange purely because, for the amount of money, its not worth the worry of me breaking it!
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comnut
November 12th 2010
7. mjpower4: why would you use *anything* when 'not locked in postion' ??? surely that is inviting problems...
you lie down on your new collapsible garden chair, forgetting to lock it, cue awkward position...
you drive off, for getting to check the bonnet is fixed...
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dyonas
November 10th 2010
6. I've got the Desire HD and while it does have some issues I suspect they're early teething issues that a lot of phones have. Not every handset has the issues and those that do are replaced.
One of the biggest issues seems to be the phone not inserted far enough into the chasis which causes three separate issues. The camera isn't aligned fully with the back lens, there are some very small gaps around the edge of the screen between the case (you have to look very closely and in good light), and the last one is the SIM / SD card cover leaving a small gap.
Would I recommend the phone? It depends on usage. I rarely make calls and until a decent tablet comes out with Android on it this will keep me going. With my light - medium use I get 24 hours between charges. If I use it more then obviously I get less but this isn't a problem unique to this phone. I'd like to know what voodoo magic Apple perform to get so much life from their phones and why HTC and others haven't gotten in on it. If you can tolerate the battery life and the possibility of having to replace it due to early teething issues then sure, it's a fantastic phone. Otherwise keep looking.
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cowbell
November 9th 2010
5. @backstroker Agreed. I was tempted to for a regular Desire too, but I keep feeling doubtful that Sense and Android updates will make it in a reasonable time. The HD and Z will surely be highest priority for HTC, so judging by this review I think I'm gonna have to go for a DHD.
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backstroker
November 6th 2010
4. @mjpower4
My disappointment thoughts exactly. Not convinced that it's enough to put me into Mr. Jobs's Gulag, though, and agnostic about WM7 at this stage.
I'm spending a bit less and heading off to a non-HD Desire, hoping that a 2.2 update (followed by 2.3?) actually transpires following my Hero 1.5 to 2.1 frustrations.
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mjpower4
November 5th 2010
3. I really wanted to like this one - so wanted to but alas having seen one in the flesh the build quiality is just not there. The hinge mechanism doesn't feel right when not locked open. It feels unsteady and not good. I wonder if HTC have takedn their eye of the ball a little with both the Desire Z and the DHD as both have some questionable build issues.
Techradar - Assessing battery life when everything is turned off aside from cell reception is both iadequate and a little disingenuous to say the least. I would have expected better.
Due for new phone in next month and not sure what the hell to do? Will await review of new Motorolla Milestone 2 and see if that offers better options if not it may be over to the darkside and to Windows phone 7 or back to Apple.
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mikenco
November 4th 2010
2. Great Review!
I'm looking to upgrade from a Google G1 (HTC Dream). In my opinion, this looks perfect to me and is what the G2 should have been. There were concerns about the G1's screen hinge, but two years later and I can say that I have no problem with it what-so-ever. I think HTC know a thing or two about how to build a phone now.
I was torn between the HD and Z and this review has helped me make my mind up.
Thanks :)
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backstroker
November 4th 2010
1. Looks like an opportunity missed. Seems like a brilliant phone, and in most respects to be preferred to the Desire HD, which I suspect will be too big for many (certainly for me).
I'm one of those who would really have liked a physical keyboard and as an ex-Tytn user wouldn't have been unduly bothered by the weight. Pity the implementation isn't up to scratch.
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