HTC Desire 20+ Snapdragon 720G 48MP Cameras: Specs

Yes, the HTC Desire 20+ was launched in October 2020 with the Snapdragon 720G processor and a 48MP quad-camera setup. This mid-range Android phone is notable as one of HTC’s few 5G-less devices from that era, focusing instead on battery life, a large display, and a versatile camera system. Below, we break down its specifications, performance, camera capabilities, and how it compares to other phones from the same period.

Key Specifications at a Glance

The HTC Desire 20+ (model number: HTC Q 5G – though this is not 5G, the naming is confusing) was announced on October 19, 2020. It features:

• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G (8nm, octa-core Kryo 465 up to 2.3 GHz)
• GPU: Adreno 618
• RAM: 6GB LPDDR4X
• Storage: 128GB UFS 2.1, expandable via microSD up to 1TB (dedicated slot)
• Display: 6.5-inch IPS LCD, 720 x 1600 pixels (HD+), 20:9 aspect ratio, ~269 ppi
• Rear Cameras: 48MP main (f/1.8) + 8MP ultra-wide (f/2.2, 118°) + 2MP macro + 2MP depth
• Front Camera: 16MP (f/2.0) in a punch-hole
• Battery: 5,000 mAh, 15W wired charging (USB-C)
• Software: Android 10, HTC Sense UI
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, GPS, no 5G
• Colors: Black, Blue, Orange (varies by region)

It was priced around NT$9,990 in Taiwan (approximately $350 USD at the time) and later saw discounts in other markets.

Performance and Snapdragon 720G

The Snapdragon 720G is a mid-range chipset introduced by Qualcomm in early 2020. It uses an 8nm process, which balances power efficiency with decent performance. The “G” suffix indicates gaming-oriented features, including support for certain Qualcomm Elite Gaming optimizations like Game Color Plus and aptX Adaptive audio.

In practice, the Desire 20+ handles everyday tasks smoothly: scrolling social media, streaming video, and light photo editing are all fine. For gaming, it can run PUBG Mobile at Smooth + High settings (around 40fps) and Call of Duty Mobile at Medium graphics. However, heavy titles like Genshin Impact require low settings to maintain playable frame rates. The 6GB RAM is adequate for multitasking, though the HD+ display (720p) actually helps the GPU render fewer pixels, which can improve frame rates.

One limitation is the lack of 5G. The Snapdragon 720G does not have an integrated 5G modem, so the Desire 20+ is strictly a 4G LTE device. For those in areas with 5G coverage, this may be a dealbreaker, but for others, it’s not an issue.

Camera System: 48MP Quad Setup

The main camera uses a 48MP Sony IMX586 sensor (1/2.0-inch, 0.8µm pixels) with an f/1.8 lens. By default, it pixel-bins to 12MP for better low-light performance, but you can manually switch to full 48MP mode in the Pro mode. The ultra-wide camera has an 8MP sensor with a 118° field of view, which is useful for landscapes and group shots. The macro camera is 2MP with a fixed focus distance of about 4cm, and the depth sensor is also 2MP, used for portrait mode bokeh effects.

In daylight, the main camera produces sharp, well-exposed images with vibrant colors, though sometimes oversaturated. Low-light performance is average – the lack of optical image stabilization (OIS) means you’ll need a steady hand, and Night mode (available in the camera app) helps but doesn’t work miracles. The ultra-wide camera is noticeably softer and struggles in dim conditions. Macro shots are fun but require precise positioning due to the fixed focus.

Video recording tops out at 4K/30fps on the main camera, with no stabilization at that resolution. 1080p/60fps is also possible, and there is a “steady video” mode that uses electronic stabilization (EIS) but crops the frame.

Software and User Experience

The Desire 20+ runs Android 10 with HTC’s Sense UI. HTC has always kept its software close to stock Android, and this phone is no exception. There are a few additions like a customizable always-on display (though it’s not true always-on – it only shows for a few seconds when you tap the screen), a “Boost+” app for cleaning memory, and a “HTC Health” app that tracks your steps.

One major downside is the lack of software updates. HTC promised only one major OS update, and the phone received Android 11 in mid-2021, but that’s it. Security patches have been irregular, so as of 2024, the phone is stuck on Android 11 with outdated security patches. This makes it unsuitable for security-sensitive use today.

Battery Life and Charging

The 5,000mAh battery is the phone’s strongest feature. With the power-efficient Snapdragon 720G and a low-resolution display, the Desire 20+ easily lasts two full days of moderate use. In our typical usage (Wi-Fi on, 2 hours of video, 1 hour of gaming, constant notifications), we got about 9-10 hours of screen-on time. Charging is limited to 15W, which is slow by modern standards – a full charge takes about 2 hours. There is no wireless charging.

Comparison with Contemporaries

In late 2020, the Desire 20+ competed with several other mid-range phones:

• Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro: Similar Snapdragon 720G, but with a 64MP main camera, 33W fast charging, and a 1080p display, all at a lower price. The Redmi Note 9 Pro was generally considered better value.
• Realme 7: Also Snapdragon 720G, but with a 90Hz display and 30W charging. The Realme 7 had better performance and a faster screen.
• Samsung Galaxy M51: Snapdragon 730G, 6.7-inch Super AMOLED Plus display, and a massive 7,000mAh battery. The M51 had a superior screen and battery life.
• Google Pixel 4a: Snapdragon 730G, but with an exceptional camera and guaranteed updates. The Pixel 4a was smaller and had less battery, but better software support.

HTC’s brand loyalty and the clean software were the main draws, but the lack of 5G, low-res display, and slow charging made it hard to recommend against those competitors.

Common Problems and Issues

Owners have reported a few recurring issues:

• Fingerprint sensor reliability: The rear-mounted fingerprint sensor works well when clean, but some users find it slow to recognize after a few months.
• Speaker quality: The single bottom-firing speaker is tinny at high volumes.
• No NFC in some regions: Some units sold in certain markets lack NFC, which is unusual for a 2020 phone. Check your region’s spec sheet.
• Software bloat: While close to stock, the phone includes some pre-installed apps like Facebook and LinkedIn that cannot be uninstalled, only disabled.

These are minor annoyances rather than dealbreakers, but they add up.

Should You Buy It in 2024?

As of 2024, the HTC Desire 20+ is not recommended for most buyers. The lack of security updates means it’s vulnerable to known exploits, and the performance is now below entry-level standards. If you can find it for less than $100 used, it could be a decent backup phone or a media player, but not for daily use with sensitive accounts.

If you’re looking for a modern HTC phone, note that the company has mostly exited the smartphone market. The last notable release was the HTC U23 Pro in 2023, which is a completely different device with a Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 and 5G. But for the Desire 20+ specifically, it’s a piece of history.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the HTC Desire 20+ support 5G?

No, the Desire 20+ is a 4G LTE phone. The Snapdragon 720G chipset does not include a 5G modem. If you need 5G, look at the HTC U23 Pro or other brands.

Can the 48MP camera take true 48MP photos?

Yes, you can. In the camera app, go to Pro mode and set the resolution to 48MP. The photos will be 8000×6000 pixels, but they take up about 10-15MB each. In Auto mode, the camera uses pixel binning to produce 12MP images with better low-light quality.

Is the battery replaceable?

No, the battery is non-removable. However, it’s a 5,000mAh battery that lasts long, so you might not need a replacement for a few years. If you do, a service center can replace it for a fee.

Does it have a headphone jack?

Yes, there is a 3.5mm headphone jack on the top of the phone. It also supports FM radio, but only when wired headphones are plugged in.

How many software updates did it receive?

It launched with Android 10 and received one major update to Android 11. No further updates have been released, and security patches stopped in 2022.

Is the phone water-resistant?

No, the Desire 20+ has no official IP rating. It can handle light rain, but you should keep it away from water.

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