# HTC Desire 22 Pro: A Lackluster Comeback for a Fallen Giant
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Chapter 1: The Rise and Fall of HTC
In the past, if you were on the lookout for a stylish Android device packed with features, options were quite limited. During that time, Samsung and LG were firmly rooted in their plastic design phase, while Google’s Nexus line had its ups and downs. HTC was the trailblazer in Android design, especially with its One series of smartphones. Where Samsung's offerings often felt cheap, HTC’s products exuded a premium vibe. While Google favored a minimalist software design, HTC delivered robust functionality with impressive features. However, following a series of missteps, HTC offloaded much of its smartphone expertise to Google's Pixel division and shifted its focus towards the burgeoning virtual reality market. Now, HTC returns with the Desire 22 Pro—a somewhat lackluster re-entry from a company that once led the way in smartphone design.
Section 1.1: The Reality of the New HTC
HTC's latest device is a decent contender in the mid-range market for 2022. It boasts a spacious display with a high refresh rate, a reasonably capable mid-range processor, and 5G compatibility. Yet, it exudes a feeling of mediocrity. This phone appears to be a collection of components hastily thrown together, which may look good on paper but lacks the finesse of its predecessors like the One M8 or the striking U11.
HTC's key selling point for this device is its integration with the Vive virtual reality ecosystem, facilitating access to Metaverse and VR experiences without needing a headset. Unfortunately, it pales in comparison to the design excellence of previous models. Instead of focusing on its unique features, HTC seems to rely heavily on trendy buzzwords such as Metaverse, virtual reality, cryptocurrency, and NFTs, attempting to market it as a Web3 device, likely due to its otherwise unremarkable nature.
This iteration of HTC is far removed from the brand that captivated smartphone enthusiasts nearly a decade ago when the One M7 was launched. Back then, HTC felt capable of competing with Apple and Samsung, introducing innovations like all-metal designs and market-unique stereo speakers. Today’s HTC, however, appears to be a shadow of its former self, releasing products that lack appeal and showing clear signs of having lost its creative edge.
Subsection 1.1.1: A Visual Representation
Section 1.2: The Talent Drain
In 2017, Google acquired HTC’s smartphone division for a staggering $1.1 billion, which included the engineering and design talent responsible for its smartphones. Essentially, Google bought the essence of HTC’s phone-making capability. In recent years, we’ve witnessed the influence of HTC’s former team on the design of Pixel devices, evident in the side rails of the Pixel 4, 5, and 6, which bear HTC's signature. The Pixel 3 even adopted the squeeze feature first introduced with the HTC U11.
It's safe to conclude that the spirit of HTC now resides within Google. The combination of HTC's craftsmanship with Google's AI advancements has resulted in a Pixel experience that many consider exceptional. This reality makes HTC’s continued presence in the smartphone arena feel like a betrayal to loyal fans. What remains is a mere shell of the once-thriving brand, akin to BlackBerry devices under TCL’s management or Nokia smartphones produced by HMD.
Chapter 2: The Desire 22 Pro: A Disheartening Reality
The HTC Desire 22 Pro may indeed be a competent phone capable of performing everyday tasks effectively, adorned with a sprinkle of Web3 gimmicks. However, it fails to embody the essence of the original HTC—the “quietly brilliant” company that once thrived. Instead, that spirit has transitioned to the Pixel brand, for better or worse. Ultimately, this release feels reminiscent of a boxer past their prime, stepping back into the ring for one last payday, or an aging musician on tour merely to sustain their lifestyle. The ongoing use of a brand that has lost its vibrancy only serves to tarnish the legacy of a once-great name.
This video showcases the HTC Desire 22 Pro, providing an unboxing experience and a comprehensive overview of its features and design.
In this video, the discussion revolves around HTC's revival efforts with the Desire 22 Pro, exploring its potential in the current smartphone landscape.