HTC Desire 700 review: a practical dual-SIM multimedia phone
The HTC Desire 700 arrived in India during a period when buyers were beginning to expect more from mid-range Android phones. A large display, dual-SIM connectivity, an 8MP camera, and a capable battery were no longer reserved for premium models. HTC’s answer combined those features with the company’s distinctive design language and front-facing BoomSound speakers.
Its headline specification was a 5-inch screen, but the phone’s personality came from the way its features worked together. The Desire 700 was designed for users who wanted two active numbers, a comfortable display for video and browsing, and louder, clearer audio than most conventional smartphones could provide.
The device was not a low-cost handset in the same sense as some competing Android phones. Its original Indian pricing placed it closer to the upper budget or mid-range category, making its software experience, camera performance, and long-term value especially important.
Design and dual-SIM practicality
The Desire 700 followed HTC’s familiar rounded design, with a solid body that felt more substantial than many inexpensive plastic phones. Its front was dominated by the display and framed by stereo speakers above and below it. Those speakers added a recognizable visual element while also making the phone easier to use for calls, videos, and music.
At roughly 149 grams, the handset was not especially light, although its curved edges helped it sit comfortably in the hand. The 5-inch size offered more viewing space than compact phones of the period without becoming as unwieldy as some early phablets. The physical controls were straightforward, with the power key and volume rocker placed for ordinary one-handed use.
Dual-SIM support was one of the main reasons to consider the Desire 700. It suited professionals carrying separate personal and work numbers, frequent travelers, and Indian buyers who wanted to combine different operator plans. The phone could manage two connections from one device, reducing the need to carry a second handset.
As with most dual-SIM smartphones from that era, users still needed to pay attention to network behavior and standby limitations. The feature was valuable for calls and messages, but buyers should not expect the flexible 4G SIM management found on newer devices. For its generation, however, the arrangement was practical and well matched to local buying habits.
Screen quality and front-facing audio
The 5-inch display used a qHD resolution of 960 x 540 pixels. That was below the 720p resolution appearing on several competing models, so text and fine interface details were not as sharp as they would be on an HD panel. Icons, web pages, and photographs could look slightly less refined when viewed closely.
The screen remained suitable for everyday use. Android menus were readable, videos looked reasonably spacious, and the 5-inch panel made typing more comfortable than the smaller displays common in entry-level phones. Buyers who cared deeply about pixel density would notice the compromise, but casual users were unlikely to find it unusable.
HTC placed greater emphasis on audio. The front-facing stereo speakers directed sound toward the user instead of sending it into a desk or being blocked by a hand at the back. This arrangement made a meaningful difference when watching clips, listening to podcasts, or using speakerphone mode.
BoomSound could not turn the Desire 700 into a portable hi-fi system, and the phone lacked the depth of larger external speakers. Still, its output was generally clearer and more spacious than that of many rivals. For buyers who watched videos without headphones, the front speakers were among the handset’s strongest selling points.
Hardware, software, and everyday speed
The phone used a quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 200 processor clocked at 1.2GHz, paired with 1GB of RAM. That combination was adequate for calls, messaging, email, social networking, music, and ordinary web browsing. It was not intended to compete with flagship Snapdragon hardware or deliver demanding 3D gaming performance.
HTC’s Sense interface added useful visual polish and features on top of Android. BlinkFeed placed news and social updates on the home screen, while the general interface provided a more distinctive experience than stock Android. The software was attractive and relatively accessible, though Sense also consumed storage and system resources.
With 8GB of internal storage, the Desire 700 could become cramped once applications, photographs, offline maps, and music were added. Its microSD card support helped solve that problem, especially for users who stored videos or a large music collection locally. A memory card was close to essential for anyone planning to use the phone as a media device.
Performance was best described as steady rather than fast. Applications opened acceptably, basic multitasking was possible, and the quad-core branding sounded impressive in retail specifications. Heavy games, multiple browser tabs, and frequent app switching could expose the limits of the chipset and 1GB of RAM.
| Feature | HTC Desire 700 | Motorola Moto G (2013) | Samsung Galaxy Grand 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Display | 5-inch qHD, 960 x 540 | 4.5-inch HD, 1280 x 720 | 5.25-inch HD, 1280 x 720 |
| Processor | 1.2GHz quad-core Snapdragon 200 | 1.2GHz quad-core Snapdragon 400 | 1.2GHz quad-core Snapdragon 400 |
| RAM | 1GB | 1GB | 1.5GB |
| Rear camera | 8MP | 5MP | 8MP |
| Front camera | 2.1MP | 1.3MP | 1.9MP |
| SIM support | Dual-SIM | Single-SIM in most Indian variants | Dual-SIM |
| Audio highlight | Front-facing BoomSound speakers | Conventional speaker | Conventional speaker |
| Battery | 2,100mAh | 2,070mAh | 2,600mAh |
Camera performance in real use
The 8MP rear camera gave the Desire 700 a competitive specification for its time. In bright outdoor conditions, it could capture reasonably detailed photographs with natural-looking colors. HTC also included familiar camera controls and shooting options through its Sense software, allowing users to adjust the experience beyond simple point-and-shoot operation.
Low-light performance was less impressive. Noise increased quickly in dim interiors, and fine detail became soft when the camera relied heavily on image processing. The absence of the advanced stabilization and larger sensors found in premium phones meant that steady hands and good lighting were important.
The 2.1MP front camera was useful for video calls and casual self-portraits. It was ahead of the basic VGA or 1.3MP front cameras found on many older budget models, although it was not designed for high-quality social media photography. Video recording was suitable for sharing short clips rather than producing polished footage.
Camera quality should therefore be judged against the phone’s price and age. The Desire 700 offered a capable everyday camera, but its appeal rested on the complete package rather than photographic leadership. Users who prioritized photography above all else could find sharper displays and stronger image processing elsewhere.
Battery life and connectivity
A 2,100mAh battery powered the handset. With moderate use involving calls, messaging, occasional browsing, music, and some video, it could generally last through a working day. Dual-SIM operation and frequent mobile data use placed greater demands on the battery, particularly when both network connections were active for long periods.
Heavy users could drain it sooner through continuous navigation, gaming, streaming, or camera use. The battery capacity was acceptable for a 2013 5-inch smartphone, but it did not offer the endurance associated with larger modern batteries. Buyers considering a used unit should also remember that battery health may now be more important than the original specification.
Connectivity included 3G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, and the usual Android mobile features of the period. NFC and 4G were not central to the device, reflecting the market in which it launched. Call quality was generally dependable, and the front speakers made hands-free conversations easier to hear.
The removable back and expandable storage were practical advantages. A user could add a microSD card, access the SIM slots, and replace the battery if necessary. Those conveniences are less common on current phones, and they helped make the Desire 700 easier to maintain during its active life.
Price, competition, and long-term value
HTC positioned the Desire 700 above the most aggressively priced budget devices in India. That created a difficult comparison because rivals were beginning to offer HD screens, stronger processors, and cleaner software at lower prices. The phone’s premium had to be justified by design, audio quality, dual-SIM support, and the HTC brand.
The Motorola Moto G became a particularly important alternative for value-conscious buyers; this account of the Moto G India launch explains why its HD display and Snapdragon 400 processor attracted so much attention. The Moto G generally delivered stronger raw performance and sharper screen quality, while the Desire 700 answered with dual-SIM flexibility, an 8MP camera, and better front-facing audio.
Samsung’s Galaxy Grand 2 was another relevant rival for shoppers seeking a larger display and dual-SIM capability. It offered a sharper HD panel and more RAM, though its software and design preferences differed from HTC’s. The Desire 700 made most sense for buyers who valued its particular combination of features rather than simply selecting the highest specification.
As a used phone today, the model should be evaluated carefully. Android version support is old, security updates are no longer current, and replacement batteries may have degraded. Its 3G limitations also reduce its usefulness in markets where operators have retired older networks. A low purchase price, a clean screen, working speakers, and healthy battery matter more than the original retail figure.
Who should consider the Desire 700
The phone remains interesting as a snapshot of HTC’s mid-range strategy and as a practical second-hand device for basic communication. It can still serve someone who needs two SIM cards, expandable storage, a large-enough screen, and loud speakers for simple media use. It is less suitable as a primary smartphone for intensive apps, mobile gaming, or security-sensitive online activity.
Before buying one, check the handset in person whenever possible. Confirm that both SIM slots recognize networks, the touchscreen has no dead areas, the camera focuses correctly, and the BoomSound speakers do not crackle at higher volume. A replacement charger and a reliable memory card may also be necessary.
Useful buying priorities include:
- Choose a unit with strong battery health or a readily available replacement battery.
- Confirm 3G compatibility with the intended network before relying on it for mobile data.
- Prefer a model with an intact display, working front speakers, and a responsive charging port.
- Add a microSD card if the phone will store music, photographs, or offline video.
- Compare its used price with newer entry-level phones that receive current security updates.
The HTC Desire 700 is best understood as a feature-balanced phone rather than a performance champion. Its 5-inch display, 8MP camera, dual-SIM support, and front-facing stereo speakers gave it a clear identity, even though the qHD panel and Snapdragon 200 platform limited its competitiveness.
For historical interest and basic secondary-phone use, those strengths remain appealing. For a daily primary device, buyers should weigh its aging software and network support against newer alternatives. Current mobile phone deals can make a supported modern handset a better long-term purchase, while the Desire 700 remains a worthwhile look for anyone specifically seeking its HTC audio experience and dual-SIM design.
The iPhone 4S also illustrates how quickly smartphone expectations changed during this period; readers comparing older devices can review iPhone 4S in 2013 for a different perspective on aging hardware and value. In its own category, the Desire 700 still stands out as an ambitious 2013 Android phone that prioritized practical flexibility and enjoyable everyday media use.