HTC Desire first hands-on (updated with video)

Well, we just got a little up close and personal with HTC's "superphone," the Desire. What you're looking at is basically the Nexus One, sans trackball (though plus an optical touch area). Certainly the specs are the same, though you've got the new Sense UI on board for good measure. At a glance the phone actually doesn't seem as snappy as we were expecting, and there are obviously a few kinks to work out with some of the new Sense concepts (Leap for instance -- the pinch-to-card view -- was giving our demo person some trouble). Still, the Desire is definitely high on our gadget lust list right now. We're obviously reserving final judgment for a later date, but until we get some more time with this guy, feast your eyes on the gallery below.

Update: Added a quick video after the break showing the Sense UI... not behaving.

Update 2: We've been told by an HTC rep that the Sense build on the Desire unit we played with is actually quite early, so it's probably not indicative of the actual performance of the pinch-to-card view. We played with a Legend that had a later, nearly final build of the UI and it was definitely snappier and more responsive.

HTC Desire first hands-on

[HarshM Posted Feb 16th 2010 6:29PM]

Will this Desire still have turn-by-turn google nav? I'm asking cause this is not made by google, but will have google-maps.

[starsandsky87 Posted Feb 16th 2010 8:39PM]

Looks great, I'd take this over the Nexus one anyday ;-)

[idoozy Posted Feb 16th 2010 9:27PM]

From that video, i wouldn't want that. it's non responsive. i'll stick with my 3GS until a company makes an andriod phone that actually works and on vzw. htc needs to step up their game.

[ArticiaS Posted Feb 17th 2010 5:44AM]

It's not the same phone as the Nexus.

The Desire has:

* HD video recording (720p)
* UKW radio

[tycoon11 Posted Feb 17th 2010 5:46AM]

I feel sorry for people who already bought Nexus One. This is even better than the Nexus One.

[liamlah Posted Feb 25th 2010 10:53AM]

@tycoon11 It's not a huge deal IMO, i have tried the desire rom on my nexus one (thanks modaco) The sense UI is very nice and polished, but not amazing, The Nexus one has the hardware for an FM radio, so i can see that coming in later roms.

[Dognip Posted Feb 17th 2010 7:12PM]

Anyone know how the screen looks in day light viewing?
Maybe how it compares to the new Samsung Wave that is supposed to be awesome.
Not being able to view my screen outside in the sun really pisses me off...

[Plazmic Flame Posted Feb 26th 2010 6:50PM]

Thank goodness I didn't get a N1. I hate trackballs so much. When those things fail, it's the hardest thing ever to operate your phone. Ready to stomp this BB good from frustration...

[mr9872 Posted Feb 28th 2010 10:37PM]

No DivX/ Dolby support? Nor 720p video recording?

[cj88 Posted Mar 22nd 2010 11:27AM]

Liberty Phone Limited is a SCAM. Stay away. Want proof? Check out the forum below. Cheers.

http://www.gsmarena.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=27774