HTC Desire HD vs Apple iPhone 4

HTC and Apple have introduced some high-end devices this year, with HTC springing Android into life even more than last year. HTC has recently announced the HTC Desire HD, a powerful device with a massive screen.

Screen
The biggest selling point of the HTC Desire HD is that massive, stunning screen. At 4.3-inches and 480x800 WVGA resolution, it beats most other smartphones (we're talking smartphones, not tablets) and it's super bright and crisp too. This makes browsing a stunning experience coupled with HTC's browser.

The iPhone 4 is smaller than the HTC Desire HD's at 3.5 inches and this does make a big difference. The resolution may be higher resolution at 640x960 pixels and Apple calls this its Retina Display. Apparently it displays more pixels than the eye can see, which is a little pointless in our opinion. You'll struggle to see pixels in WVGA resolution too.

The only disadvantage of the HTC Desire HD's large screen is that it means the handset itself is massive. If you've ever used the HTC HD2, you'll know what we mean.

Winner: HTC Desire HD

Operating System
The iOS4.1 debate vs Android 2.2 has been going on ever since both platforms were launched, and much of the argument is down to who prefers what.

A number of new additions have come along with iOS4.1, including Apple's community gaming platform Game Center. iOS4.1 also supports a number of other Apple-related services including iTunes Ping and TV rentals.

Both Android and iOS4.1 have many similar features, including folders, multitasking (although iOS's isn't as true as Android's), Exchange email support, both with unified inboxes and the ability to change your homescreen wallpapers. Both updates also offer a much faster operating speed too.

But the biggest difference between the HTC Desire HD and iPhone 4? The HTC Desire HD features Flash 10 for a much better browsing experience.

Winner: HTC Desire HD

Applications
The iPhone's App Store has always been the leader of the pack and it's not surprising when you consider there are more than 250,000 applications on offer.

The Android Market may feature fewer applications, with more than 80,000 applications available. Although gaming is improving on Android, it's still not as advanced as on the iPhone.

Winner: Apple iPhone 4

Processor
Both the HTC Desire HD and iPhone 4 feature 1GHz processors. The iPhone 4's is the Apple A4 processor, while the HTC Desire HD takes the well-known and respected Qualcomm Snapdragon QSD8255 1GHz processor.

Both are super-fast, but as seen on the HTC Desire, the Desire HD's processor handles everything a whole lot better. We still find that during gaming, the iPhone 4 can get a little jerky at times and this is disappointing, especially when playing a game like Real Racing where smoothness is key.

Winner: HTC Desire HD

Sound and vision
Both the iPhone 4 and HTC Desire HD feature a whole load of extra features and the star of the HTC Desire HD's show is probably its Dolby Surround Sound and Dolby Mobile integration that allow you to watch movies in crystal clear quality with stunning sound to boot.

The iPhone 4's speakers are pretty impressive, but as Apple is the music master, you would expect something special. Gone is the tinny mobile speaker music and in come the punchy tunes from Apple.

The HTC Desire HD also features DLNA, allowing you to share your media with your DLNA-enabled entertainment system, whether that's your PC, NAS or speakers. Many phones are offering this now and it's pleasing to see HTC is embracing the technology.

The addition of Dolby pushes the Desire HD in front and with the ultimate mobile cinematic experience on that massive screen, it's a double thumbs up from us.

Winner: HTC Desire HD

<< Previous 1 2 Next>>