HTC Desire 530

Low price ; Solid build ; Android 6.0 Marshmallow

Drab display ; Slow performance ; Limited storage

The HTC Desire 530 is a sluggish, entry-level Android phone that simply cuts too many corners to be worth considering.

Neat-looking dotty back ; 16GB storage ; Decent-enough screen

Feels slow ; Mediocre cameras ; Non-stereo speakers ; Disappointing stamina for its size

A phone that cheaps-out too often and ends up being little fun to use

Aside from the interesting design, there's nothing particularly outstanding going on with this entry-level smartphone. We’re actually pretty disappointed with the spec, as the Qualcomm Snapdragon processor and GPU used are featured in smartphones 2-3...

T-Mobile currently sells the Desire 530 for $159.99. In addition the carrier offers various subscriptions, like 24-months contract for $6.67 a month and a free phone. Soon the phone will also be available through Verizon. New device purchase requires a...

The HTC Desire 530 is a disappointment. It looks the part, and the screen is pretty decent for a £120 handset, but things fall apart as soon as you use the thing for any length of time. It’s laggy, sluggish and has a distinctly average camera.

Funky design, lightweight and well put together this. It grabs and holds the phone signal well and the screen – although perhaps not up to higher-spec competitors – is better than most low-end devices. The lack of an LED notification light and the...

micro-SD card can be used as system storage ; latest Android Marshmallow ; accurate touchscreen ; reliable GPS module ; LTE support ; good call quality via earpiece ; good sound via headset jack ; decent battery life ; smooth to use Android user interface

total performance below average ; relatively big casing ; primary camera quality middling ; quiet microphone in hands-free mode ; WiFi only in 2.4 GHz band ; no Miracast, MHL or USB OTG support ; no notification LED ; non-removable battery ; screen's...

Whether HTC's attempt at making a unique design statement with the Desire 530 has been successful is probably a matter of taste. Regardless of that, the casing pleases with its decent build and good hardware buttons. However, it hardly conveys a...

The Desire 530 feels solid and dependable in your hand, thanks to a smooth, well-machined plastic shell.

Its processor is a travesty in this day and age, so slow that even basic scrolling through text is a laggy, frustrating experience.

HTC kept the Desire 530’s price down by sacrificing its display and processor, the two critical components you need for a remotely decent phone experience. You’re better off buying a refurbished flagship than you are a new 530.