The HTC Desire 10 series aimed to deliver a balance of features and affordability. However, the Desire 10 Pro and Lifestyle represent distinct choices within that range. The Lifestyle prioritized accessibility, while the Pro attempted to offer a more robust experience. This comparison dissects the core differences, focusing on the critical hardware choices that define each device.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the HTC Desire 10 Pro is the superior choice. Its Mediatek Helio P10 chipset, with its octa-core configuration, provides a significantly more responsive experience than the quad-core Snapdragon 400 in the Lifestyle. While both share a similar manufacturing process, the architectural advantage of the P10 translates to noticeable gains in multitasking and application loading times.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 40 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 300/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2016, September. Released 2016, September | 2016, September 20. Released 2016, December 20 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass), aluminum back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 156.9 x 76.9 x 7.7 mm (6.18 x 3.03 x 0.30 in) | 156.5 x 76 x 7.9 mm (6.16 x 2.99 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 155 g (5.47 oz) | 165 g (5.82 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass (unspecified version) | Corning Gorilla Glass (unspecified version) |
| Resolution | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) | 1080 x 1920 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.5 inches, 83.4 cm2 (~69.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.5 inches, 83.8 cm2 (~70.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A7 | Octa-core (4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.0 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm MSM8928 Snapdragon 400 (28 nm) | Mediatek MT6755 Helio P10 (28 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 305 | Mali-T860MP2 |
| OS | Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) | Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 4.5 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Laser AF, Dual-LED dual-tone flash, panorama |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), AF | 20 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.8, 34mm (standard) | 13 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, dual mono speakers |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | - |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.1, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Music play | - | Up to 53 h |
| Stand-by | Up to 672 h (3G) | Up to 480 h (3G) |
| Talk time | Up to 24 h (3G) | Up to 19 h (3G) |
| Type | Li-Ion 2700 mAh, non-removable | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Stone Black, Polar White, Royal Blue, Valentine Lux | Stone Black, Polar White, Royal Blue, Valentine Lux, Mint Green |
| Models | Desire 10 lifestyle | Desire 10 pro, D10i |
| Price | About 200 EUR | About 260 EUR |
HTC Desire 10 Lifestyle
- More affordable price point
- Potentially longer battery life due to less powerful processor (depending on battery capacity)
- Simpler user experience for basic tasks
- Significantly slower performance
- Struggles with multitasking and demanding apps
- Limited future-proofing
HTC Desire 10 Pro
- Faster and more responsive performance
- Better multitasking capabilities
- 10W wired charging support
- Slightly higher price
- Potentially shorter battery life under heavy load
- May experience more heat during intensive tasks
Display Comparison
Unfortunately, detailed display specifications are unavailable. However, given the market positioning, it's reasonable to assume both devices utilized IPS LCD panels. The focus here isn't display quality, but the processing power needed to drive it. The more powerful Helio P10 in the Pro likely handles display rendering and animations more smoothly, especially in demanding UI elements.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera sensor information, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the Desire 10 Pro’s more powerful processor likely enables more sophisticated image processing algorithms. This could translate to better noise reduction, dynamic range, and overall image quality, even if the sensors themselves are similar. The Lifestyle’s Snapdragon 400 may struggle to process images quickly, leading to slower capture times and potentially lower-quality results. The presence of a more capable ISP (Image Signal Processor) within the Helio P10 is a key advantage.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipset. The Desire 10 Lifestyle’s Qualcomm MSM8928 Snapdragon 400, featuring a quad-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A7 CPU, is a decidedly entry-level processor. This architecture, while power-efficient, struggles with demanding tasks. Conversely, the Desire 10 Pro boasts the Mediatek MT6755 Helio P10, an octa-core processor split into 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 and 4x1.0 GHz Cortex-A53 cores. This configuration allows for better task distribution and significantly improved multi-core performance. The P10’s architecture is better suited for modern applications and multitasking, resulting in a more fluid user experience. Both are fabricated on a 28nm process, meaning thermal efficiency differences will be minimal, but the P10’s superior processing power will still be noticeable.
Battery Life
Battery capacity data is missing for both devices. However, the Desire 10 Pro’s inclusion of 10W wired charging is a notable advantage. While not fast charging by today’s standards, it’s a feature absent from the Lifestyle. The more efficient Helio P10 processor may also contribute to slightly better battery life, as it can complete tasks more quickly and return to an idle state sooner. The 10W charging on the Pro will reduce downtime compared to a device without any specified charging speed.
Buying Guide
Buy the HTC Desire 10 Lifestyle if you prioritize extreme budget-friendliness and only need a smartphone for basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media. It's suitable for users who rarely push their devices. Buy the HTC Desire 10 Pro if you value smoother performance, enjoy occasional gaming, or frequently multitask between applications. The Pro offers a more future-proof experience and a better overall user experience for a modest price increase.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Desire 10 Pro handle modern mobile games like PUBG or Call of Duty?
The Helio P10 is capable of running these games, but you'll likely need to lower the graphics settings to medium or low to achieve a smooth frame rate. The Snapdragon 400 in the Lifestyle will struggle significantly with these titles, even on the lowest settings.
❓ Is the difference in performance between the two phones noticeable in everyday use?
Yes, the difference is quite noticeable. Simple tasks like browsing the web and checking email will feel snappy on the Desire 10 Pro, while the Lifestyle may exhibit lag and slowdowns. Multitasking is where the Pro truly shines, allowing you to switch between apps without significant delays.
❓ Does the Desire 10 Pro's processor generate a lot of heat during prolonged use?
While the Helio P10 is more powerful, both chips are manufactured on a 28nm process, so thermal throttling isn't a major concern. You might experience some warmth during extended gaming sessions, but it shouldn't be excessive.
