The HTC Explorer competes in the economy Android powered smartphone market. All the standard mobile and smartphone features are included, but the quality of the multimedia hardware is fairly basic. Smooth operation of menus and touch apps is provided by HTC’s powerful Sense user interface. Running with a 600MHz core processor and 512MB RAM the mobile is an average performer on the economy mobile market. The Explorer’s small size, rounded chassis and bright colourful 3.2 inch touch screen make it easy to handle, use and carry. Possibly the only problem with swiping on this screen is its smallish size rendering at 320 x 480 pixels. Connectivity of the HTC Explorer is all-inclusive with access to the major communication and data bands, Bluetooth 3.0, WiFi and GPS. The HTC Explorer is a capable entry level Android mobile.
Design
The Explorer have a rubber-textured back panel, casing with a strip of metal down the middle feels very comfortable to hold.The device had a unique brushed aluminium camera surround on the rear of the handset, which makes the handset much better looking dark grey finish. The rubber also helps to add extra grip, which will be very welcome to those of you with massive hands who find it difficult to keep hold of tiny phones.
Display
The display is incredibly vivid and bright. Colours yell out from the LCD panel in a way that you usually only see on AMOLED displays.The Explorer has a 3.2-inch TFT capacitive touchscreen and in fairness the touch sensitivity is very good indeed. The 320x480 pixel resolution provides a pixel density of 180 pixels-per-inch (ppi), which is a lower resolution than similarly-priced models, it’s not going to make life easy for those of you who want to do a lot of web browsing.
Storage and connectivity
The Explorer only has 512 onboard storage and only 116MB that is usable, it also supports micro SD up to 32GB and for connectivity it has Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi Hotspot creation. The Android phone is loaded with music player and FM radio. This helps you to relax yourself by playing music of your choice. The music player supports MP3, eAAC+, WAV formats. A-GPS enabled in the handset provides direction to the desired locations.
Camera
The device have only 3.15-megapixels which, produces fuzzy images and video at a 480p. It is quite well-catered for in the camera features and functionality department. The Explorer is equipped with a self-timer, self portrait mode, capture effects (sepia, greyscale and so on), exposure control, white balance, ISO control, geo-tagging, auto-enhance, face detection and autofocus.
The Explorer provides a simple interface and cuts back on processor speed in order to come up with a much more affordable price tag. While the HTC Explorer will never be a star, it’s a smart buy for a first time smartphone user.
The HTC Explorer can be found at all Vodafone concept stores around Malta and Gozo. For more information visit vodafone.com.mt or call customer care for free on 247 from a Vodafone line or 9999 9247 from any other line.
One can also send an email to [email protected] to learn more about this exciting new device.