Nostalgia for older Android phones? Let's pit two HTC devices against each other: the premium Butterfly S and the budget-friendly Desire 516 dual sim. We'll break down their specs, performance, and features to help you decide which one deserves your attention (and potentially, a retro purchase).
🏆 Quick Verdict
The HTC Butterfly S is the clear winner in terms of performance and display quality, boasting a significantly faster processor and exceptional sunlight readability. However, the Desire 516 dual sim offers dual SIM functionality and a lower price point, making it a viable option for budget-conscious users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - all versions | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - Asia version | HSDPA 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 3, 7, 20 - EMEA | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA |
| | 1, 3, 7, 8 - Asia version | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2013, June. Released 2013, July | 2014, June. Released 2014, June |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 144.5 x 70.5 x 10.6 mm (5.69 x 2.78 x 0.42 in) | 140 x 72 x 9.7 mm (5.51 x 2.83 x 0.38 in) |
| SIM | Micro-SIM | Dual SIM (Mini-SIM, dual stand-by) |
| Weight | 160 g (5.64 oz) | 160 g (5.64 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | - |
| Resolution | 1080 x 1920 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~441 ppi density) | 540 x 960 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~220 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~67.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~68.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Super LCD3 | IPS LCD, |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.9 GHz Krait 300 | Quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7 |
| Chipset | Qualcomm APQ8064T Snapdragon 600 | Qualcomm MSM8625Q Snapdragon 200 (45 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 320 | Adreno 302 |
| OS | Android 4.2.2 (Jelly Bean), upgradable to 4.4.2 (KitKat), Sense UI 5 | Android 4.2.2 (Jelly Bean), Sense UI 5.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDHC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 2GB RAM | 4GB 1GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 4.5 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash |
| Single | 4 MP, 1/3.0", 2µm, AF | 5 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, HDR | 720p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 2.1 MP | 2 MP |
| Video | - | 480p |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP, aptX | 4.0, A2DP, aptX |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| NFC | Yes | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS |
| Radio | Stereo FM radio, RDS | No |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 (MHL TV-out) | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | Up to 544 h (2G) / Up to 659 h (3G) | Up to 220 h (3G) |
| Talk time | Up to 29 h (2G) / Up to 25 h (3G) | Up to 9 h (3G) |
| Type | Li-Po 3200 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 1950 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, White, Red, Gray | Black, White |
| Price | About 300 EUR | About 160 EUR |
| SAR | 0.37 W/kg (head) 0.43 W/kg (body) | 0.57 W/kg (head) 0.59 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality |
Noise -93.7dB / Crosstalk -93.6dB | - |
| Battery life |
Endurance rating 81h
| - |
| Camera |
Photo / Video | - |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: 1044:1 (nominal) / 1.867:1 (sunlight) | - |
| Loudspeaker |
Voice 66dB / Noise 61dB / Ring 72dB
| - |
HTC Butterfly S
- Superior Performance
- Excellent Display (especially sunlight readability)
- Exceptional Battery Life
- Premium Build Quality
- Older Device (potential software limitations)
- May be difficult to find parts/support
- Potentially higher price on the used market
HTC Desire 516 dual sim
- Dual SIM Functionality
- Affordable Price
- Compact Size
- Slow Performance
- Lower Quality Display
- Basic Camera
- Limited Storage
Display Comparison
The Butterfly S shines with its impressive contrast ratio, particularly its 1.867:1 sunlight readability – a huge advantage outdoors. The Desire 516 likely has a standard, lower-quality display typical of budget phones of its era. Expect less vibrant colors and poorer visibility in bright conditions.
Camera Comparison
While specific camera specs are missing, the Butterfly S likely had a superior camera sensor and image processing capabilities due to its higher-end positioning. Expect better image quality, dynamic range, and low-light performance from the Butterfly S. The Desire 516's camera was likely adequate for basic snapshots.
Performance
The Snapdragon 600 in the Butterfly S is a powerhouse compared to the Snapdragon 200 in the Desire 516. Expect significantly faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance on the Butterfly S. The Desire 516 will feel sluggish by modern standards.
Battery Life
The Butterfly S boasts an incredible endurance rating of 81 hours, suggesting exceptional battery life. The Desire 516's battery life was likely decent for its time, but nowhere near the longevity of the Butterfly S.
Buying Guide
The HTC Butterfly S is ideal for users who prioritize performance, a vibrant display, and a premium feel, even if it means dealing with an older device. The HTC Desire 516 dual sim is best suited for those needing dual SIM capabilities and a very affordable Android experience, accepting compromises in performance and features.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the HTC Butterfly S worth buying in 2024?
It depends. If you value performance and a great display and don't mind an older device, it can be a fun retro experience. However, software support will be limited, and finding parts might be challenging.
❓ What is the main difference between the two phones?
The primary difference is performance. The Butterfly S has a significantly more powerful processor and a superior display, while the Desire 516 focuses on affordability and dual SIM functionality.
