Choosing a new Android phone can be overwhelming. Today, we're pitting two HTC devices against each other: the budget-friendly Desire 530 and the camera-focused One M9 Prime. Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide which one best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The HTC One M9 Prime Camera is the clear winner. Its significantly more powerful processor, superior camera, and likely better display outweigh the Desire 530's affordability. If performance and photography are priorities, the M9 Prime is the better choice.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/21.1 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 300/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 2, 4, 5, 7, 12, 13 - USA | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2016, February. Released 2016, March | 2016, May. Released 2016, May |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 146.9 x 70.9 x 8.3 mm (5.78 x 2.79 x 0.33 in) | 144.6 x 69.7 x 9.6 mm (5.69 x 2.74 x 0.38 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 140 g (4.94 oz) | 158 g (5.57 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass (unspecified version) |
| Resolution | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~294 ppi density) | 1080 x 1920 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~441 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~66.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~68.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Super LCD | Super LCD3 |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.1 GHz Cortex-A7 | Octa-core 2.2 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Qualcomm MSM8909 Snapdragon 210 (28 nm) | Mediatek MT6795T Helio X10 (28 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 304 | PowerVR G6200 |
| OS | Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) | Android 5 (Lollipop), Sense UI 7 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 1.5GB RAM | 16GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 4.5 | eMMC 5.0 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.4, AF | 13 MP, f/2.0, 28mm (wide), AF, OIS |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.8 | 4 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide), 1/3", 2µm |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.1, A2DP | 4.1, A2DP, aptX |
| NFC | Yes (market dependant) | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | Stereo FM radio, RDS |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 (MHL 3.0 TV-out), OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/nWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Wi-Fi Direct - USA version | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | - | Up to 587 h (2G) / Up to 658 h (3G) |
| Talk time | - | Up to 22 h (2G) / Up to 13 h (3G) |
| Type | Li-Ion 2200 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 2840 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, White | Gunmetal Gray, Gold, Silver/Gold |
| Models | Desire 530, D530u, HTCD160LVW | One M9PLUS_Prime Cam |
| Price | About 170 EUR | About 250 EUR |
HTC Desire 530
- Affordable
- Compact size
- Simple to use
- Low performance
- Basic camera
- Limited storage
HTC One M9 Prime Camera
- Powerful processor
- Excellent camera
- Larger display
- Premium design
- Higher price
- Potentially larger size
Display Comparison
The HTC Desire 530 features a 5.0-inch HD (720p) display, offering decent clarity for everyday use. The One M9 Prime Camera likely boasts a 5.5-inch Full HD (1080p) display, providing sharper visuals and more screen real estate. Expect better color accuracy and viewing angles on the M9 Prime.
Camera Comparison
The One M9 Prime Camera's name hints at its strength. While the Desire 530 has a basic 8MP rear camera, the M9 Prime likely features a significantly improved camera setup, potentially including Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) and a higher resolution sensor. Expect better low-light performance and overall image quality from the M9 Prime.
Performance
Here's where the M9 Prime shines. Its Octa-core 2.2 GHz Cortex-A53 processor and Mediatek Helio X10 chipset offer a substantial performance boost over the Desire 530's Quad-core 1.1 GHz Cortex-A7 and Snapdragon 210. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading, and better gaming performance on the M9 Prime.
Battery Life
The HTC Desire 530 typically has a 2000mAh battery, offering moderate battery life. The One M9 Prime Camera likely has a larger battery, potentially around 2900mAh or more, providing longer usage times, especially given its more power-hungry processor. However, actual battery life depends on usage patterns.
Buying Guide
The HTC Desire 530 is ideal for users on a tight budget who primarily need a phone for basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media use. The HTC One M9 Prime Camera is for those who prioritize camera quality, performance, and a premium experience, and are willing to spend more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the HTC Desire 530 good for gaming?
The Desire 530's processor is not ideal for demanding games. It can handle basic games, but you may experience lag and reduced graphics settings.
❓ How much storage do these phones have?
The HTC Desire 530 typically offers 16GB of internal storage, expandable via microSD card. The One M9 Prime Camera likely has 32GB or more, potentially also expandable.
❓ Which phone has better build quality?
The HTC One M9 Prime Camera generally has a more premium build quality, often featuring a metal unibody design. The Desire 530 typically uses a plastic build.
