Homtom HT16, a cheap but powerful smartphone

It’s not a secret, here in Gizlogic we like cheap phones because they’re breaking the myth that has been created that to have a smartphone, or as our mothers or grandmothers would say to have Whatsapp, you need to spend several hundred euros. To continue breaking this myth, we analyze a very, very affordable device, the Homtom HT16.

Design and materials

For a long time Chinese devices were limited to copy the design of Apple, Samsung and other high-end devices or they have used flat designs without any personality, fortunately things have changed.

The Homtom HT16 is a good example of this change in trend since, even with low cost materials, the design of this device attracts the attention.

Talking about materials, they chose plastic for the rear and glass for the front, without 2.5D. We can choose between three colors, white, black and a nice blue, however, they only apply to the back, since in all three variants the front is black.

Concerning the design, Homtom associates this device to summer and romanticism. Perhaps this is pretentious, but it seems clear that it’s intended for a young audience because it has a texture that gives a very informal touch and also provides a nice grip and touch, however we regret that this is not available in lighter colors where it would be more striking.

Finally, I would like to stress that this is a device with a great design which is its strong point compared to its technical features that we’ll see below.

Smartphone Technical Specifications

HOMTOM HT16
DESIGN
Dimensions	72,1 x 144 x 89 mm
Weight	220 gr
Colours	Black, white and blue
NETWORK
Technology/Bands	2G GSM: 850/900/1800/1900MHz; 3G WCDMA: 850/1900/2100MHz
SIM type	Dual SIM 2 x MicroSIM
SCREEN
Screen technology	IPS
Dimension	5 inches
Resolution	1280 x 720 pixels
Multitouch	Yes
PERFORMANCE
Processor	Mediatek MT6580 Quad-Core 1.3GHz 32 bits
RAM Memory	1 GB
MEMORY STORAGE
Capacity	8 GB
SD slot	Yes, microSDs up to 64GB
OS
Version	Android 6.0 (Marshmallow)
CAMERA
Resolution	8.0MP, LED Flash, 720p Video Recording
Secondary Camera	5.0MP
Manufacturer	N/A
BATTERY
Capacity	3000 mAh
Fast Charge	N/A
PORTS CONNECTION
Charging Port	MicroUSB
USB OTG	Yes
Headphones	Yes (mini jack 3.5mm)
CONNECTIVITY
Wifi	Yes, 802.11 b/g/n
Bluetooth	Yes, 4.0
GPS	Yes, GPS + AGPS
NFC	No
Radio	Yes, needs headphones
OTHER FEATURES
Fingerprint Sensor	No
Box Content	Mobile Phone, Power Adapter, USB Cable and User Manual

As you can see, it hasn’t got a powerful hardware, but with such a low price we weren’t expecting anything else. Let’s analyze it point by point.

Let’s start with the screen, which is a 5-inches with IPS technology that gives a viewing angle of 178 degrees. The panel has a resolution of 1280×720 pixels, which is HD. Since Homtom has chosen a 5 inches screen, the density of pixels per inch is maintained at a very high level.

Now let’s move to the SoC. The Homotom HT16 equips a Mediatek MT6580, which is a 1.3GHz quad-core processor with a 32-bit architecture definitely common into low-end devices, as it can be found in more than 80 Chinese smartphones, most of them below 100€. The graphic chip of this SoC is the very popular Mali 400 that we saw in renowned devices such as the Samsung Galaxy S3 and that continues to appear in new terminals. We regret the lack of 4G connectivity.

Onboard RAM is 1GB, somewhat limited for the most active users but it will not give problems if you don’t use it very intensively. The same goes for storage, 8GB is a low amount of memory but many others, with the help of a MicroSD, will not have many problems. As for the cameras, which are respectively 8 and 5 megapixel, they meet the conditions but require the use of LED flash at nightfall.

One of the biggest pluses of this device is the battery that with 3000mAh can be more than able to overcome the day with a moderate use, especially if we consider the size and resolution of the screen.

We’re ending up with the Android 6.0 software that comes in handy to Homtom HT16. Why do I say this? Because Android Marshmallow allows to send most of the applications to the SD and using DOZE we’ll spend the night with a little consumption.

Homtom HT16 vs Homtom HT5

Since its recent birth, this Doogee’s branch has not stopped releasing phones. One of the most eye-catching was the Homtom HT5, already discussed here on Gizlogic. Now let’s compare it to the smartphone we’re talking about.

Let’s start comparing the design, although HT5 has an imitating wood rear that was not bad, HT16’s textured plastic is much more attractive. Regarding materials, HT5 mounts an aluminum chassis while the Homtom HT16 is built entirely with plastic. On the front side, we see that both screens have the same size and resolution, but the HT5 has the Gorilla Glass 3 protection.

In terms of power and storage, the Homtom HT5 exceeds the HT16. On the other hand, shared RAM and the resolution of the main camera, even if the sensor of the HT5 is signed by Sony, give better results.

Being the Android 6.0 software the latest version (pending the deployment of Android Nougat), it makes the HT16 better than the HT5 (which uses Lollipop). In the battery, we see a clear advantage of the Homtom HT5 which has 4250 mAh against 3000 (which is fine) of the HT16.

No doubt that the HT5 is a smarter choice, but beware, the price difference is remarkable. While we found the HT5 for about 100 euros (depending on the store), the Homtom HT16 can be found for around 50 euros, a bargain that makes differences less important.

Availability and price of Homtom H16

The Homtom H16 is a very interesting device to introduce old people, or children, to smartphones. Its cost is very low and it has sufficient functions. In addition, to this price if your son makes it fall to the ground… it hurts less.

You can buy this Homtom for only €42.29, a ridiculous price for a smartphone with Android 6.0 (for now, it’s still on presale).

PROS:

• Design
• Price

CONS:

• 1GB RAM
• No 4G connectivity