📱 HTC Desire 22 Pro 5G Review: A Modern Mid-Ranger with a Glimpse of the Metaverse
HTC, a name synonymous with Android’s early glory days, made a notable return to the mid-range segment with the launch of the HTC Desire 22 Pro 5G. Positioned as a versatile smartphone—especially for the international market—this device offers a compelling blend of modern features, including 5G connectivity, a smooth 120Hz display, and, most uniquely, a strong focus on the company's "Viverse" metaverse platform. This detailed review explores what the 'Starry Night Black' International Version brings to the table for today's demanding smartphone users.
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| HTC Desire 22 Pro 5G |
🏗️ Design and Build Quality: Sturdy and Familiar
The Desire 22 Pro adopts a contemporary design that feels both familiar for an HTC device and competitive against its rivals.
Aesthetic: The 'Starry Night Black' color variant features a glossy, wave-patterned plastic back panel.
2 While visually appealing, it is a fingerprint magnet, making a case highly recommended. The overall build is robust and feels solid in the hand, though its weight (around 205.5g) and thickness (9.4mm) make it somewhat hefty.3 Durability: A significant pro for this mid-ranger is its IP67 dust and water resistance rating, a feature often absent in this price bracket.
4 This adds a layer of reassurance against accidental spills or submersion.Ergonomics: The phone features rounded corners for a comfortable grip.
5 The side-mounted fingerprint sensor, integrated into the power button, is generally fast but has been noted by some users as being occasionally inconsistent.
🖥️ Display: Smooth, But Not the Brightest Star
The display is one of the phone’s standout features in terms of fluidity, though it makes a clear compromise on panel technology.
| Feature | Specification | Comment |
| Type | 6.6-inch IPS LCD | Durable, but lacks AMOLED vibrancy. |
| Resolution | FHD+ (1080 x 2412 pixels) | Crisp and detailed for a mid-ranger. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | Provides incredibly smooth scrolling and gaming. |
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass | Good scratch and drop protection. |
The 120Hz refresh rate is excellent for enhancing the user experience, making daily interactions feel lightning-quick.
⚙️ Performance: Reliable Mid-Range Power
Under the hood, the Desire 22 Pro is equipped with reliable hardware designed for efficient 5G performance.
Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G (6nm)
7 RAM & Storage: 8GB RAM + 128GB UFS 2.2 Storage
8 Connectivity: 5G (Dual SIM), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac), Bluetooth 5.1, NFC
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The Snapdragon 695 is a proven, energy-efficient 5G chipset. Paired with a generous 8GB of RAM, the phone handles everyday tasks—multitasking, web browsing, and app switching—with ease and smoothness.
📸 Camera System: Good for Daylight, Average Indoors
HTC has equipped the Desire 22 Pro with a capable triple-camera setup on the rear and a high-resolution selfie shooter.
Rear Cameras:
Main: 64MP,
14 $f/1.79$ (with PDAF)15 Ultrawide: 13MP,
16 $f/2.4$ (118° field of view)17 Depth: 5MP,
18 $f/2.4$
Front Camera: 32MP,
19 $f/2.0$
In bright daylight, the 64MP main sensor captures sharp, detailed photos with good color reproduction. The ultrawide camera offers versatility, though the quality dips slightly compared to the main lens. The 5MP depth sensor assists with portrait mode, delivering decent background separation.
However, the camera performance is a mixed bag, particularly in low-light environments, where noise and blurring can become noticeable. Furthermore, video recording is capped at 1080p at 30fps for both front and rear cameras, a letdown considering that some rivals offer 4K video capture at this price point.
🔋 Battery and Charging: Excellent Endurance and Bonus Features
The 4520mAh battery offers solid endurance, easily lasting a full day of moderate-to-heavy use, especially with the efficient Snapdragon 695.
Capacity: 4520 mAh
21 Wired Charging: 18W Fast Charging (Quick Charge 3.0)
22 Wireless Charging: 15W Wireless Charging
23 Reverse Charging: 5W Reverse Wired Charging
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While 18W wired charging is slower than the rapid-charging solutions offered by many competitors, the inclusion of 15W wireless charging and reverse wireless charging is an extremely rare and valuable feature in a mid-range phone, adding a premium layer of convenience.
🌐 Software and The Metaverse Connection
The Desire 22 Pro runs on a relatively clean version of Android 12 (with subsequent updates).
The phone's main marketing hook is its Metaverse compatibility. It comes pre-loaded with apps like VIVE Wallet (for managing cryptocurrencies and NFTs) and is designed to be the companion phone for the HTC VIVE Flow VR Headset.
⚖️ The Verdict: A Feature-Rich, Niche Mid-Ranger
The HTC Desire 22 Pro 5G is a respectable mid-range device that makes some smart trade-offs while offering genuine premium features.
| 👍 Pros | 👎 Cons |
| IP67 Dust/Water Resistance (Rare in class) | IPS LCD Display (Lacks AMOLED) |
| 120Hz Smooth Display Refresh Rate | Max Video Resolution of 1080p |
| Includes Wireless Charging (Very rare in class) | 18W Wired Charging is relatively slow |
| Good everyday performance with 8GB RAM | Rear panel is a fingerprint magnet |
| Dual SIM, Factory Unlocked International 5G Support | Metaverse focus is niche/non-essential |
Who should buy it?
The HTC Desire 22 Pro is the perfect choice for the user who values durability (IP67) and convenience (Wireless Charging) above all else in a mid-range phone.30 It’s also an excellent option for travelers or professionals who need the flexibility of the GSM Unlocked Dual SIM International Version combined with 5G.
If your absolute priority is peak screen brightness (AMOLED) or the fastest charging speed available, you might find alternatives more appealing. However, the unique combination of wireless charging, IP67 rating, and a 120Hz screen ensures the Desire 22 Pro holds a distinct and valuable position in the crowded mid-range market.