The HTC Desire, released in 2010, marked a significant moment for Android smartphones, as it matched the standards set by the iPhone, which had been around since 2007. I was a proud owner of the Desire, cherishing its capabilities until the limitations of the Android ecosystem at that time prompted me to switch to an iPhone. Here’s why things didn’t work out.
Upon its release, I promptly purchased the HTC Desire, along with a few accessories such as a Brodit car mount with a charging cable and a phone case. These were necessary to protect my new device, which I frequently used for Google Maps, replacing my old TomTom sat-nav.
HCD
The Desire quickly became an essential part of my daily life. Although the app selection in 2010 wasn’t as vast as today, and many Android apps were clunky, the smartphone itself was a reliable and powerful tool. Its ergonomic design made it enjoyable to use.
Many others shared my enthusiasm, leading HTC to release several popular Desire models over the years. However, their last launch was the HTC U24 Pro in 2024 (below).
During that period, I eagerly gathered Android tips and tricks, sharing them on YouTube. I even participated in a TV debate defending Google’s mobile OS against a colleague who favored the iPhone, and I might have won if not for a counting error by the presenter.
For a long time, my satisfaction with the Desire was unwavering. Android 2.2 was released for the pre-installed Android 2.1, but upgrading to Android 2.3 required considerable effort and resulted in limited storage, which hindered its everyday usability. The phone’s performance also began to degrade.
Martyn Casserly
My enthusiasm began to wane as important apps became unavailable due to limited storage, while my friends with similarly aged iPhones had no such issues. Frustrated by the lack of storage, I considered buying a new smartphone.
Despite being pleased with the Desire for a long time, I was unsure whether to get another HTC device, as the Desire lineup had become overwhelming. I contemplated switching to another Android brand, perhaps Samsung.
I had a positive experience with Samsung’s Galaxy Tab—until it faced issues.
Then I stumbled upon an iPhone 5 at an attractive price, and it was love at first sight. The iPhone immediately felt right in my hand, and every app ran smoothly. Apple’s iPhones back then weren’t the bulky models they are today.
Unlike the Desire, the iPhone didn’t slow down over time, and updates were prompt. Storage was never an issue, making it a hassle-free experience.
Black Titanium iPhone 15 Pro.
Jason Snell
Now, I have the iPhone 15 Pro. Out of a passion for technology, I upgrade every few years, although it’s often unnecessary. All the apps run smoothly, even on older iPhones. My wife still uses an iPhone 12 mini, introduced in 2020, without any issues.
While Android smartphones now receive updates for many years, my experience with the HTC Desire left a lasting impression, leading me away from Android despite its impressive hardware.
This article originally appeared on our sister publication PC-WELT and was translated and adapted from German.
