HTC's Desire series continues to offer accessible 5G connectivity. The Desire 21 Pro 5G and Desire 22 Pro represent incremental updates, but the shift from the Snapdragon 690 to the 695 chipset, alongside changes to charging capabilities, warrants a detailed comparison for potential buyers seeking a balance between affordability and modern features.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the HTC Desire 22 Pro is the better choice. The Snapdragon 695, fabricated on a more efficient 6nm process, offers a modest performance uplift and improved power efficiency. The addition of wireless and reverse wireless charging further enhances its versatility, justifying the likely price premium.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 28, 41, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 3, 7, 20, 28, 41, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, January 13 | 2022, June 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, January 21 | Available. Released 2022, July 10 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 167.1 x 78.1 x 9.4 mm (6.58 x 3.07 x 0.37 in) | 166.3 x 76.9 x 9.4 mm (6.55 x 3.03 x 0.37 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 205 g (7.23 oz) | 205.5 g (7.27 oz) |
| | - | IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~393 ppi density) | 1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~83.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.8 cm2 (~82.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, HDR10, 90Hz | IPS LCD, 120Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Kryo 560 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 560 Silver) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6350 Snapdragon 690 5G (8 nm) | Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 118˚ (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Triple | - | 64 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
13 MP, f/2.4, 118˚ (ultrawide)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, (wide) | 32 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | Yes |
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired, QC4 | 18W wired
Wireless
Reverse wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 4520 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blue, Purple | Wave Gold, Starry Night Black |
| Price | About 350 EUR | About 460 EUR |
HTC Desire 21 Pro 5G
- Potentially lower price point
- Reliable Snapdragon 690 performance for basic tasks
- 5G connectivity
- Older chipset with lower efficiency
- No wireless or reverse wireless charging
- Likely slower software updates
HTC Desire 22 Pro
- More efficient Snapdragon 695 chipset
- Wireless and reverse wireless charging
- Improved image processing capabilities
- Potential for longer battery life
- Likely higher price
- 18W charging is relatively slow
- Still a budget-focused device
Display Comparison
Unfortunately, detailed display specifications (resolution, panel type, brightness) are unavailable. However, given the market positioning of both devices, we can assume both utilize LCD panels. The key difference lies elsewhere. The Desire 22 Pro's newer chipset *may* allow for slightly improved image processing, resulting in marginally better color accuracy. Bezels are likely comparable, reflecting the budget-conscious nature of the series.
Camera Comparison
Detailed camera specifications are lacking. However, both phones likely feature a multi-camera setup with a primary sensor. The Desire 22 Pro's newer ISP (Image Signal Processor) within the Snapdragon 695 chipset will likely result in improved image processing, particularly in low-light conditions. Expect better noise reduction and dynamic range. The inclusion of OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) would be a significant advantage, but its presence on either device is unconfirmed. The common inclusion of 2MP macro/depth sensors on both devices offers limited practical benefit.
Performance
The core difference between these phones is the chipset. The Desire 21 Pro 5G features the Qualcomm Snapdragon 690 5G, built on an 8nm process. The Desire 22 Pro upgrades to the Snapdragon 695 5G, fabricated on a more efficient 6nm node. While both are octa-core CPUs with a similar core configuration (2x2.0 GHz Kryo 560 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 560 Silver vs 2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver), the 6nm process and slightly higher clock speeds on the 'Gold' cores of the 695 translate to a roughly 10-15% performance improvement in CPU-bound tasks. The Adreno 642 GPU in the 695 also offers a modest graphics boost. This means smoother app switching and slightly better gaming performance on the Desire 22 Pro.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified. Both devices feature 18W wired charging, but the Desire 22 Pro adds wireless and reverse wired charging. This is a significant advantage for users who prefer cable-free charging or want to top up accessories like earbuds. While 18W isn't fast charging by modern standards, the Snapdragon 695's 6nm efficiency should result in slightly better battery life on the Desire 22 Pro, even with similar battery capacities. The addition of wireless charging, even at a slower rate, provides a convenience factor the 21 Pro lacks.
Buying Guide
Buy the HTC Desire 21 Pro 5G if you prioritize maximizing value and are content with a reliable, if slightly older, chipset. It's ideal for users who primarily need a functional 5G smartphone for basic tasks. Buy the HTC Desire 22 Pro if you value a more modern chipset for smoother multitasking, appreciate the convenience of wireless charging, and want a device with slightly better long-term software support potential.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Snapdragon 695 in the Desire 22 Pro offer a noticeable gaming improvement over the 690?
While not a dramatic leap, the Snapdragon 695's Adreno 642 GPU provides a roughly 10-15% performance increase over the 690's Adreno 640. This translates to slightly higher frame rates and smoother gameplay in demanding titles, but don't expect flagship-level performance. Both phones are best suited for medium-fidelity gaming.
❓ How fast is the wireless charging on the Desire 22 Pro, and is reverse wireless charging useful?
HTC hasn't specified the wireless charging wattage for the Desire 22 Pro, but it's likely around 5-10W, making it slower than wired charging. Reverse wireless charging allows you to use the phone as a power bank for accessories like earbuds or smartwatches, offering a convenient, albeit slow, way to top them up. It's most useful in situations where a power outlet isn't readily available.
❓ Will the Desire 22 Pro receive more software updates than the Desire 21 Pro 5G?
Generally, devices with newer chipsets receive longer software support. The Desire 22 Pro, with its Snapdragon 695, is likely to receive at least one major Android update beyond the Desire 21 Pro 5G, and potentially more security patches. However, HTC's update track record isn't known for being particularly swift.
