Two new Android devices have been recently added to HTC’s expansive mobile device lineup: the HTC mid-range Desire 601 aims to please users with some high-end specs, while the more budget-friendly HTC Desire 300 offers lesser hardware.
As its name implies, the 4.5-inch HTC Desire 601 comes with close resemblance to the HTC Desire 600. However, the newer 601 has only a single SIM configuration and a thicker build, but it also employs a battery with larger capacity (2100mAh). Processing speed is faster, too, thanks to the 1.4GHz dual-core Snapdragon 400 processor and 1GB RAM.
Proprietary software features that originally appeared in the Taiwanese company’s flagship devices have found their way into the LTE-capable HTC Desire 601. Along with a couple of camera shooting modes, there are HTC Zoe and Video Highlights for average photo junkies to enjoy through the 5-megapixel rear-facing camera. Playing music should turn out great with the front-facing stereo speakers, collectively termed as the HTC BoomBass.

When only the basic functionalities of a smartphone—calling, messaging, and social networking—are all that’s necessary for the user, HTC Desire 300 should be sufficient enough without hurting the wallet. Its hardware doesn’t stray too far from the 601’s: a 4.3-inch screen with WVGA (800×480) resolution, a 1GHz dual-core Snapdragon processor, and 512MB RAM. There’s no HTC Zoe this time and the camera has a relatively inferior aperture and lens. Only 1.2GB worth of data can be stored onboard and the bundled removable battery has a capacity of just 1650mAh.
HTC has not yet confirmed if Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean will natively run in the Desire 300 like it does in 601, though the HTC Sense 5 custom UI is certainly set to come into the device. HTC Blinkfeed will also be present, allowing users to convert their homescreen into a continuous source of information and updates from popular news sites and social networks.
Both the HTC Desire 601 and HTC Desire 300 will launch in October. Would-be buyers can forego the aluminum chassis found in HTC’s flagship devices, because these two new smartphones use cheaper polycarbonate material to cut down prices.