HTC HD Mini Review

The HTC HD 2 was one of the surprise hits of last year, a huge device sporting a massive 4.3 inch display, with a host of features that made it one of the best Windows Mobile smartphones of 2009. But the HD 2 was not to everyone’s taste and there are many users who would appreciate a device with the functionality of such a handset, but not at that size. The buying power of such consumers is recognised by other manufacturers who have or are looking to have, Mini versions of their top selling devices. So HTC have come to market with the HTC HD Mini, a scaled down pocket friendly version of the HD 2.

Now, it seems obvious to point out that if you want a small device you are going to have to be content with a smaller display, and although the HD Mini offers just a 3.2 inch display, it still packs in a pixel resolution of 320 x 480, which should provide sharp image presentation, and be acceptable for video playback too. Supporting up to 65,000 colours, the HD mini display is a TFT capacitive touchscreen, with auto rotate and a proximity sensor for auto turn off. The screen supports multi touch input, and the device runs on the glorious Sense UI, which is probably the best interface laid over a Windows Mobile device, ever. The Sense UI allows quick and easy access to a host of services and applications, looks good and is so simple to use, it really is the making of the phone.

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HTC HD Mini review

This device may be Mini in name, but it is certainly not Mini in terms of functionality. HTC have fair crammed pretty much every top end feature a modern smartphone needs into this small package, and there should be enough to satisfy the inner geek in all of us. The Mini offers a 5.0 Megapixel camera, with autofocus and video record facility, and there is also a stereo FM radio with RDS support and a full media player for audio and video use. Multiple formats are supported, including MP3, AAC and WMA for audio plus MP4, WMV and DivX for video. There is ample memory available on the HD Mini, with 384 MB RAM and 512 MB ROM plus support for memory expansion via MicroSD memory cards up to 16 GB.

As you would expect, social networking gets star billing, with the handset offering bespoke applications for Facebook and Twitter, so you can keep updated with the latest from your contacts when out and about. The contact information integrates with the contact facility on the handset, so you can also follow updates via the built in phonebook on the phone. There is also a native application included for Flickr, which allows you to instantly upload images straight to the Flickr service from the phone, without having to transfer them to a PC first.

The HTC HD Mini is powered by a Qualcomm 7227 600 MHz processor, and runs Windows Mobile build 6.5.3 Professional. There is support for multiple email accounts on the phone, and push email is also available. Connection to the web is via 3G Mobile Broadband, with HSDPA at up to 7.2 Mbps and HSUPA at up to 2.0 Mbps. The HD Mini supports quad band GSM frequencies for greater roaming options, as well as dual band HSDPA on 900 and 2100 frequencies. WiFi 802.11 b/g is included, and there is also Class 10 GPRS and EDGE; in total, everything you would expect from a modern smartphone. For local connectivity the handset supports Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP and has a MicroUSB connector. GPS is available, along with aGPS support, and there is also a digital compass on the device, which can help you orientate yourself in unfamiliar surroundings.

Considering the HTC HD Mini is just over 11mm thick, and weighs in at just 110g, there has been a lot of technology packed in to this tiny device. Windows Mobile devices have never really had much of an appeal to a wider audience the way some other smartphone devices have, but the HD Mini may change all that. From the excellent Sense UI, the amazing specifications and compact dimensions, the HTC HD Mini could become one of the most popular Windows Mobile handsets of all time.

The HTC HD Mini should be available to buy from late April 2010.

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