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HTC First
HTC First
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7.4/10
Informr score
The HTC First currently has an Informr score of 7.4 out of 10. This score is based on our evaluation of 21 sources including reviews from users and the web's most trusted critics.

Releasing a dedicated “Facebook phone” isn’t entirely new to HTC but the HTC First is definitely the first smartphone to come with the Facebook Home Launcher. According to Steve Kovach of Business Insider, “You can argue about technicalities all you want, but the HTC First is the first real Facebook phone.”

For those unfamiliar with the “Home” feature, think of it as a visual slideshow of status updates and photos from your Facebook news feed. This Facebook “in your face” experience will appeal to some but as Armando Rodriguez of PC Advisor put it, “Doing anything that wasn't related to Facebook, such as playing music or browsing for apps, took more effort than it did on other smartphones.”

Note: If you don’t want FB Home, you can turn it off and run the stock Android 4.1, also known as Jelly Bean.

Categorized as a mid-range handset, the First comes with modest hardware but most reviewers report that it still performs smoothly. Unfortunately there is not much storage space for photos or videos and the lack of expandable memory aggravates this. Experts also agreed that the camera was a weak point on the phone, with pictures coming out a bit soft and blurry.

The HTC First is not for everyone, but if want an affordable mid-range smartphone it’s probably a good choice, especially for Facebook addicts.

The Good: Affordable price tag and performs well despite modest specs.

The Bad: Minimal storage with no option to expand and the camera is a letdown.


Android
Operating system
Operating system
Android
1.4 GHz
Processor
Processor
1.4 GHz
4.3"
Screen Size
Screen Size
4.3"
5+ MP
Camera
Camera
5+ MP
2000 mAh
Battery


What the Critics Are Saying...


Phonedog
Phonedog

I'd recommend the First to a select group of interested parties, but I think the First misses its mark as a widespread, national hit. There are just better options, all of which can use Facebook Home as well. The First doesn't do anything exceptionally well, but the price tag doesn't warrant that ne...

- Evan Selleck, Phonedog
Daily Mobile
Daily Mobile

The HTC First is a great mid-range device once you shut off the Facebook Home launcher. The screen is brilliant, the device feels great in hand, and the dual core processor runs all your apps smoothly without killing your battery. This device is either for the average user who is looking for a great...

- Kevin Everett, Daily Mobile
DroidDog
DroidDog

In conclusion, I really like the HTC First. I think it’s a great little device at a killer price point. My only hesitation is if it will be updated with the latest in greatest in the long run. You’re signing a 2 year contract. Is the device going to be great for the next 2 years? Is ther...

- Brooks Barnard, DroidDog
MobileBurn
MobileBurn

As someone who sporadically uses Facebook, the HTC First has zero appeal to me as a "Facebook phone."

- Andrew Kameka, MobileBurn
Pocketnow
Pocketnow

Is the HTC First the most impressive and amazing phone to ever pass through our hands? Not by a long shot. Is it the most memorable? Hardly. But neither of those two things make it a bad device. In fact, we’re keen on many aspects of the First. It’s much larger (metaphorically) than jus...

- Taylor Martin, Pocketnow


Prices (Where to Buy)




Common Questions


We've got you covered! Download a free PDF copy of the HTC First user manual here.


HTC backs up the First with a 1 Year parts & labour warranty.


If your First has problems and is still within its warranty period, you could contact HTC support or the retailer you purchased the phone from. You'll find HTC's contact information here. If your phone is off warranty and needs repair for a physical problem such as a broken screen or bad battery, you should visit an authorized service centre or a local phone repair shop. You can also connect with others in The Informr Community Forum to find and share answers to questions.



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Quick view

Screen Size
4.3"

The HTC First's screen size is 4.3 inches with x pixels resolution.

Processor
1.4 GHz

There is a Qualcomm MSM8930AA Dual core 1.4 GHz processor (CPU).

OS

The phone runs on proprietary operating system firmware.

Camera
5+ MP

You can take photos or capture video with the phone's onboard 5+ MP camera.

There is also a secondary front facing camera with 1+ megapixels resolution.

Storage
16 GB

Internal memory is 16 GB. No external card slot is available for expansion.

Battery
2000mAh

The phone is powered by a Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion), 2000 mAh battery. HTC's performance ratings are 18.2 days standby time, 858 minutes, 399 minutes Wi-Fi surfing.

HTC First Specs

Overview
Release Date April 12, 2013
Regions Available USA, United Kingdom
Operating System No

Compare Android Smartphones

Processor Qualcomm MSM8930AA Dual core 1.4 GHz
Internal Storage 16 GB
RAM 1 GB
Hearing Aid Compatible Yes
TTY/TDD Yes
Noise Cancellation Yes
SAR Head: 0.92 W/kg
Body: 1.45 W/kg
Manufacturer Warranty 1 Year
Accessories Included AC Charger, Manual, Standard Battery
Cellular
Networks
GPRS, EDGE, HSDPA, HSPA+, LTE
Mobile / Cellular Data
4G/LTE
Push-to-talk (PTT) No
Wi-Fi Calling No
Voice over LTE (VoLTE) No
SIM card size
Yes
Dual SIM No
Connectivity
USB Micro-USB 2.0
USB OTG Support No
GPS Type A-GPS
Infrared No
Bluetooth 4.0
Bluetooth Profiles A2DP, AVRCP, OPP/FTP, HFP, HSP
Bluetooth Audio Codecs SBC
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n
Mobile Hotspot Yes
Memory Expansion Slot No
Expansion Slot Info
NFC Yes
Data Tethering Compatibility Yes
Camera
Main Camera
Resolution / Aperture
5+ Megapixels
Zoom
4x digital
Flash
Yes (LED)
Additional Rear Camera Info
Auto focus, Panorama, White balance, Exposure, Scene mode
Video Recording Formats
3GP / 3GPP, H.264 / AVC, MPEG-4
Video Recording Parameters
Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels), 30 fps
Front Camera
Resolution / Aperture
1+ Megapixels
Additional Front Camera Info
No
Video Recording Parameters
Display / Screen
Type Color
Technology LCD
Colors 16.7 million
Resolution x pixels
Pixel Density 341 pixels
Size 4.3 inches
Secondary Display No
Sensors Ambient Light, Proximity, Motion / Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Digital Compass
Multi-Touch Yes
Fingerprint-Resistant Coating No
Additional Display Features Capacitive touch screen
Power & Battery
Battery Type Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion)
Battery Capacity 2000 mAh
Removable Battery No
Wireless Charging No
Fast Charging No
Video Playback Time Up to 603 minutes
Internet Use (Wi-Fi) Up to 399 minutes
Internet Use (Cellular) Unknown
Talk Time Up to 858 minutes
Standby Time Up to 18.2 days
Mixed Usage
Physical Characteristics
Design Type Bar
Material Plastic
Colors Black, White, Pale Blue, Red
Dimensions [H x W x D] 12.6 x 6.5 x 0.9 cm (5 x 2.6 x 0.4 in)
Weight 124 grams
Water Resistant / Waterproof Unknown
Rugged design No
IP Rating No
Headset Jack 3.5mm
External Speakers Yes
Input / Navigation
Sleep / Wake Key No
Home Key Yes
Input / Keyboard Type Touchscreen
Navigation Type Touchscreen
External Volume Control Yes
Fingerprint Sensor No
More
Additional Information Messaging: SMS, MMS, Google Talk
Multi-Use Smart Phone / PDA: Yes
Graphics: Yes
Backlit Illumination: Yes
Zoom / Magnification: Yes
Screen Orientation Lock: Yes
Predictive Text Entry: Yes
Voice Commands: Yes
Keypad/Screen Lock: Yes
Multiple Numbers Per Contact: Email address, Other fields
Contact Groups: Yes
Voice Activated Dialing: Yes
Photo Caller ID: Yes
Web Browser: Yes
Email Client: Yes
Email Protocols: POP3, IMAP, SMTP, Microsoft Exchange
PC Synchronization: Yes
ECML / Digital Wallet: Yes
Audio Formats: MIDI, MP3, eAAC+, AAC+, AAC, AMR, WMA, WAV
Video Playback Formats: 3GP / 3GPP, H.264 / AVC, MPEG-4
Streaming Video: Yes
Custom Ringtones: Yes
Vibration Alert: Yes
Downloadable Ringtones: Yes
Ringer ID: Yes
Speakerphone: Yes
Haptic Feedback: Yes
Data Tethering: Yes
Mobile Hotspot: Yes
Radio: Yes (FM)
Games: Downloadable
Apps: Downloadable, Pre-installed
Included Software / Apps: -
Calendar, World Clock, Alarm, Calculator, Maps, Voice Memos / Recorder

Other Names (AKA):
Related Links Quick Start Guide (PDF)
Manual (PDF)
HTC First Reviews
Where to buy HTC First
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