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HTC Reveals Octa-Core 64-Bit Desire 820

 & Chloe Albanesius Executive Editor, News

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HTC today revealed the Desire 820 smartphone, which will be the first Android smartphone to be powered by an octa-core 64-bit processor.

The device is a follow-up to the Desire 816 and runs the Qualcomm Snapdragon 615 processor, which includes a 64-bit, multi-core CPU.

HTC Desire 820"With an integrated LTE modem and the latest high performance multi-core, 64-bit processing power, entertainment lovers can revel in the ability to stream music, download films and juggle multiple social feeds or apps both smoothly and effortlessly," HTC said. "Thanks to Qualcomm Technologies' processing capabilities, with separate performance and low power clusters within the processor for managing intensive and lighter workloads, the HTC Desire 820 also operates at maximum power efficiency, ensuring you get more from your phone for longer."

Last month, HTC revealed the Desire 510, which runs the quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 410 and is technically HTC's first 64-bit phone. But as PC World pointed out, it's currently using 32-bit with no immediate plans for a 64-bit upgrade.

The A7 chip in the Apple iPhone 5s was the first mobile processor capable of 64-bit operation. For more on that, check out Why Launch a 64-Bit iPhone 5S? Think iPads and Macs.

Otherwise, the Desire 820 sports a 5.5-inch HD display, 2GB of RAM, and 16GB of internal storage, expandable up to 32GB via MicroSD. There's a 13-megapixel rear-facing camera and 8-megapixel front-facing shooter, both of which support 1080p video recording.

"Our new HTC Desire model gives entertainment lovers exactly what they are looking for; a powerful, fast, stylish smartphone that delivers their favorite content on a big screen at a competitive price," HTC chief Peter Chou said in a statement. "With the HTC Desire 820, we've combined the most advanced technology with the best possible entertainment experience and bold, distinctive design to deliver a handset that is both desirable and affordable."

The Desire 820 will launch in Marble White, Tuxedo Grey, Santorini White, and Milky-way Grey at the end of September. HTC did not specify exact launch markets or price.

About Our Expert

Chloe Albanesius

Chloe Albanesius

Executive Editor, News

My Experience

I started out covering tech policy in DC for The National Journal, where my beat included state-level tech news and all the congressional hearings and FCC meetings I could handle. I later covered Wall Street trading tech before switching gears to consumer tech. I now lead PCMag's news coverage.

My Areas of Expertise

Getting my start in DC means I still have a soft spot for tech policy; Congressional hearings can sometimes be as entertaining as a Bravo reality show, for better or worse. But PCMag is all about the technology we use every day, as well as keeping an eye out for the trends that will shape the industry in the years ahead (or flop on arrival). I've covered the rise of social media, the iOS vs. Android wars, the cord-cutting revolution that's now left us with hefty streaming bills, and the effort to stuff artificial intelligence into every product you could imagine. This job has taken me to CES in Vegas (one too many times), IFA in Berlin, and MWC in Barcelona. I also drove a Tesla 1,000 miles out west as part of our Best Mobile Networks project. Of late, my focus is on our hard-working team of reporters at PCMag, guiding and editing their robust coverage.

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