HTC Desire 21 Pro Overview, Features, and Buying Guide
The HTC Desire 21 Pro launched in January 2021 as HTC’s attempt to reclaim relevance in the competitive mid-range smartphone market. Built around the Snapdragon 690 5G chipset and featuring a 6.7-inch display with 90Hz refresh rate, this device represents HTC’s vision for balancing performance with affordability during the early 5G era.
What distinguishes the Desire 21 Pro is its combination of a smooth 90Hz HDR10 display and genuine 5G capability at a time when many budget devices still relied on 4G LTE. The phone sports a quad-camera setup headlined by a 48MP main sensor, along with an ultrawide lens for versatile photography. With 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, the device aims to handle multitasking without the premium price tag.
HTC equipped this model with a 5000mAh battery and 18W fast charging, recognizing that modern users demand endurance. The phone measures 167.1 x 78.1 x 9.4mm and weighs 205g, giving it a substantial feel that houses dual SIM functionality. Running Android 10 at launch, the Desire 21 Pro targets users who want reliable performance and future-ready connectivity without flagship costs.
What Makes the HTC Desire 21 Pro Worth Buying?
The 90Hz refresh rate makes scrolling through apps, browsing websites, and navigating menus noticeably smoother compared to standard 60Hz displays. Paired with HDR10 support, the 6.7-inch IPS LCD screen delivers vibrant content with good color accuracy for watching videos and viewing photos. The display occupies 83% of the front panel, providing an immersive viewing experience.
5G connectivity through the Snapdragon 690 chipset ensures the device stays relevant as networks continue expanding coverage. Download speeds on 5G networks dramatically outpace 4G LTE, making cloud storage access, video streaming, and large file downloads significantly faster. The Adreno 619 GPU handles everyday graphics tasks smoothly.
The camera system offers genuine versatility with its 48MP main sensor featuring phase detection autofocus. The 8MP ultrawide lens captures 118-degree field of view, perfect for landscape photography and group shots where everyone needs to fit in frame. The inclusion of gyro-EIS during video recording helps stabilize footage, while 4K@30fps recording capability adds creative options.
That 5000mAh battery provides substantial endurance for a full day of typical use. Heavy users might still need an evening top-up, but the capacity outperforms many competitors in this segment. Quick Charge 4 support through the 18W charger means less time tethered to an outlet.
Dual SIM functionality proves valuable for travelers or users juggling work and personal numbers. The side-mounted fingerprint sensor placement feels natural and responds quickly. NFC support enables contactless payments where accepted.
Things to Know Before Choosing the HTC Desire 21 Pro
Launching with Android 10 in 2021 already put the Desire 21 Pro behind the curve, and HTC’s inconsistent update history raises concerns about long-term software support. Users seeking the latest features and security patches should seriously consider this limitation before purchasing.
The absence of a 3.5mm headphone jack forces reliance on wireless audio or USB-C adapters. For users with quality wired headphones, this omission adds inconvenience and potential additional cost.
At 205g, the phone carries noticeable weight. Combined with its 9.4mm thickness, it feels bulkier than sleeker alternatives. Pocket comfort and one-handed use become challenging during extended sessions.
The microSD card slot shares space with the second SIM, creating a frustrating choice between expandable storage and dual SIM functionality. Users wanting both features simultaneously will face disappointment.
Camera performance beyond the main sensor falls short. The 2MP macro camera and auxiliary lens contribute little practical value, serving primarily as spec sheet padding. Low-light photography reveals the limitations of the f/1.8 aperture compared to flagship alternatives.
The 18W charging speed feels modest in 2021 and beyond, especially with competitors offering 30W, 65W, or faster charging solutions. Refueling that 5000mAh battery takes considerable time.
HTC’s diminished market presence means limited accessory ecosystems and uncertain service center availability in many regions. Finding replacement parts or getting repairs might prove challenging compared to mainstream brands.
Is the HTC Desire 21 Pro Right for You?
5G early adopters in regions with developing 5G infrastructure will appreciate the Snapdragon 690’s network capabilities. The device provides a pathway to faster connectivity without flagship pricing, though the dated software dampens this advantage.
Media consumers benefit from the 90Hz display and large 6.7-inch screen. The HDR10 support enhances streaming content, making Netflix, YouTube, and other video platforms look better than standard displays. The screen size suits extended viewing sessions.
Casual photographers get adequate tools for social media sharing. The 48MP main camera captures detailed shots in good lighting, and the ultrawide lens adds creative flexibility. Video creators working with 4K footage will find the recording capability useful, though stabilization only works at 1080p.
Mobile gamers should temper expectations. The Adreno 619 GPU handles casual games smoothly but struggles with demanding titles at high graphics settings. The 90Hz display helps lighter games feel responsive, yet AAA mobile games will require compromise.
Business users managing dual SIM requirements benefit from the practical implementation, though the shared microSD slot creates limitations. The 5000mAh battery handles conference calls, email management, and productivity apps throughout work days.
Budget-conscious buyers face a difficult decision. While the phone offered competitive value at launch, aging software and HTC’s uncertain market position make it risky compared to alternatives from manufacturers with stronger support track records.
HTC loyalists who appreciate the brand’s design philosophy and build quality might find the Desire 21 Pro appealing. However, nostalgia shouldn’t override practical concerns about software updates and ecosystem support.
Best Alternatives to the HTC Desire 21 Pro
The Google Pixel 4a 5G delivers superior camera performance and guaranteed Android updates directly from Google. The software experience remains cleaner, and long-term support makes it more future-proof despite similar pricing.
Samsung Galaxy A52 5G offers better water resistance with IP67 rating and a vibrant Super AMOLED display. Samsung’s One UI provides regular security updates, and the ecosystem integration appeals to users invested in Samsung products.
OnePlus Nord N10 5G brings faster 30W charging and a cleaner OxygenOS interface. The user experience feels snappier, and OnePlus maintains better community support for troubleshooting and accessories.
Motorola Moto G 5G Plus provides stock Android experience with guaranteed updates and dual selfie cameras for enhanced video calls. The 90Hz display matches the Desire 21 Pro while maintaining lighter weight.
Xiaomi Mi 10T Lite delivers a 120Hz display and faster charging in a similar price bracket. The MIUI software includes more customization options, though it comes with additional bloatware.
HTC Desire 21 Pro Frequently Asked Questions
Does the HTC Desire 21 Pro support 5G networks?
Yes, the HTC Desire 21 Pro features full 5G network support through the Qualcomm Snapdragon 690 5G chipset. The device works with GSM, HSPA, LTE, and 5G networks, providing compatibility across multiple network generations. This makes it suitable for users in areas with expanding 5G coverage who want faster download and upload speeds without investing in flagship devices.
What is the screen refresh rate on the HTC Desire 21 Pro?
The HTC Desire 21 Pro features a 90Hz refresh rate IPS LCD display with HDR10 support. The 6.7-inch screen delivers 1080 x 2400 pixel resolution at a 20:9 aspect ratio, resulting in approximately 393 pixels per inch. The 90Hz refresh rate provides smoother scrolling and more responsive touch interactions compared to standard 60Hz displays, enhancing the overall user experience for gaming, browsing, and general navigation.
Can the HTC Desire 21 Pro record 4K video?
Yes, the HTC Desire 21 Pro can record 4K video at 30 frames per second using its rear camera system. It also supports 1080p recording at 30fps with gyro-based electronic image stabilization for smoother handheld footage. The front-facing 16MP camera records at 1080p@30fps. The inclusion of 4K recording capability provides content creators with higher resolution options for video projects and memorable moments.
Does the HTC Desire 21 Pro have a headphone jack?
No, the HTC Desire 21 Pro does not include a 3.5mm headphone jack. Users who prefer wired audio will need to use USB Type-C headphones, a USB-C to 3.5mm adapter, or rely on wireless Bluetooth headphones. The phone supports Bluetooth 5.1 with A2DP and LE for connecting wireless audio devices.
How much does the HTC Desire 21 Pro weigh and what are its dimensions?
The HTC Desire 21 Pro measures 167.1 x 78.1 x 9.4 mm (6.58 x 3.07 x 0.37 inches) and weighs 205 grams (7.23 ounces). The device features a dual Nano-SIM slot and houses a 5000mAh battery, which contributes to its substantial weight and thickness. While this makes the phone feel solid and durable, users who prefer lighter, slimmer devices might find it somewhat bulky for extended one-handed use or pocket carrying.