The HTC Butterfly series was known for its impressive displays and long battery life. But which model reigns supreme? We're pitting the HTC Butterfly S against the HTC Butterfly 2 to determine which phone offers the best overall experience for today's users.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The HTC Butterfly S boasts significantly better battery life and a superior display in direct sunlight. However, the Butterfly 2 features a more powerful Snapdragon 801 chipset and faster charging. Ultimately, the Butterfly S wins for longevity and outdoor visibility, while the Butterfly 2 offers a performance edge.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - all versions | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - Asia version | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 3, 7, 20 - EMEA | 1, 3, 7, 8, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 1, 3, 7, 8 - Asia version | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2013, June. Released 2013, July | 2014, August. Released 2014, September |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 144.5 x 70.5 x 10.6 mm (5.69 x 2.78 x 0.42 in) | 145.4 x 70.2 x 10 mm (5.72 x 2.76 x 0.39 in) |
| SIM | Micro-SIM | Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 160 g (5.64 oz) | 151 g (5.33 oz) |
| | - | IPX7 water resistant up to 1 meter and 30 minutes |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | - |
| Resolution | 1080 x 1920 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~441 ppi density) | 1080 x 1920 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~441 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~67.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~67.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Super LCD3 | IPS LCD, |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.9 GHz Krait 300 | Quad-core 2.5 GHz Krait 400 |
| Chipset | Qualcomm APQ8064T Snapdragon 600 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 (28 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 320 | Adreno 330 |
| OS | Android 4.2.2 (Jelly Bean), upgradable to 4.4.2 (KitKat), Sense UI 5 | Android 4.4.2 (KitKat) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 2GB RAM | 16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.0 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR | Dual-LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 4 MP, 1/3.0", 2µm, AF | 13 MP, AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, HDR | 1080p@30fps, stereo sound rec. |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 2.1 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP, aptX | 4.0, A2DP, aptX |
| Infrared port | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | Stereo FM radio, RDS | FM radio, RDS |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 (MHL TV-out) | microUSB 2.0 (MHL TV-out) |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 18W wired, QC2 |
| Stand-by | Up to 544 h (2G) / Up to 659 h (3G) | Up to 643 h (3G) |
| Talk time | Up to 29 h (2G) / Up to 25 h (3G) | Up to 24 h (3G) |
| Type | Li-Po 3200 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 2700 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, White, Red, Gray | Blue, Red, White |
| Models | - | B810x |
| Price | About 300 EUR | About 250 EUR |
| SAR | 0.37 W/kg (head) 0.43 W/kg (body) | - |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality |
Noise -93.7dB / Crosstalk -93.6dB | - |
| Battery life |
Endurance rating 81h
|
Endurance rating 66h
|
| Camera |
Photo / Video |
Photo / Video |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: 1044:1 (nominal) / 1.867:1 (sunlight) | - |
| Loudspeaker |
Voice 66dB / Noise 61dB / Ring 72dB
| - |
| Performance | - |
Basemark X: 12302 |
HTC Butterfly S
- Exceptional battery life
- Excellent sunlight display readability
- Good overall performance for its time
- Older chipset, slower performance compared to Butterfly 2
- Camera likely trails Butterfly 2 in image quality
- No fast charging
HTC Butterfly 2
- Faster performance thanks to Snapdragon 801
- Quick Charge 2.0 support
- Potentially better camera image quality
- Shorter battery life compared to Butterfly S
- Display not as bright or readable in sunlight
- Older design
Display Comparison
The HTC Butterfly S takes the crown here. Its contrast ratio of 1044:1 is excellent, and the sunlight readability (1.867:1) is truly remarkable. The Butterfly 2's display is good, but doesn't match the S's outdoor performance. Both likely used 5-inch 1080p displays, but the S's implementation is noticeably better.
Camera Comparison
Camera details are sparse for both devices, but generally, the Butterfly 2's newer chipset and potentially improved image processing algorithms likely give it a slight edge in image quality. Both likely featured 13MP rear cameras and 5MP front cameras. Low-light performance would likely be better on the Butterfly 2.
Performance
The Butterfly 2's Snapdragon 801 (2.5 GHz Krait 400) is a clear winner over the Butterfly S's Snapdragon 600 (1.9 GHz Krait 300). Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading, and better gaming performance on the Butterfly 2. While the S was capable in its time, the 801 offers a significant upgrade.
Battery Life
This is where the Butterfly S shines. Its 81h endurance rating is outstanding, significantly outperforming the Butterfly 2's 66h. If battery life is your top priority, the Butterfly S is the clear choice.
Buying Guide
The HTC Butterfly S is ideal for users prioritizing exceptional battery life and a bright, easily viewable display, especially in sunlight. The HTC Butterfly 2 is a better choice for those who value faster performance and quicker charging, even if it means sacrificing some battery endurance.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which HTC Butterfly has the better camera?
The HTC Butterfly 2 likely has a slightly better camera due to its newer chipset and potentially improved image processing. However, both are considered decent for their time.
❓ Is the HTC Butterfly S worth buying in 2024?
If you prioritize battery life and a bright display above all else, and can find one in good condition, the Butterfly S could be a viable option. However, be aware of its age and potential limitations.
