Display and Processor

The Desire 816G boasts of a 5.5 inch display with 1280×720 HD resolution and a pixel density of 267 pixels per inch. The Galaxy Grand 2, on the other hand, features a 5.25 inch display with HD resolution that results in a pixel density of 280 ppi. The displays are not too different and they will provide almost similar user experience. The Desire 816G is powered by a 1.3 GHz processor from MediaTek’s stable, whereas the Samsung offering employs a 1.2 GHz Qualcomm, Snapdragon 400 SoC. In terms of multi-tasking, the latter makes use of 1.5 GB of RAM and the HTC phone comes with 1 GB of RAM.

Camera and Internal Storage

HTC offerings are usually packed with capable imaging hardware in their class. Likewise, the Desire 816G comes with a 13 MP primary snapper with auto focus, LED flash, support for FHD video recording and simultaneous HD video and image recording. There is a 5 MP front facer onboard to take charge of the multi-tasking and video conferencing departments. Going by comparison, the Samsung Galaxy Grand 2 features an 8 MP primary camera at its back with auto focus, LED flash and FHD video recording support. The device also has a 1.9 MP front facing selfie snapper that can handle video conferencing. Storage wise, both the smartphones come bundled with only 8 GB of internal storage capacity, however they can be extended externally using micro SD card slots. The additional storage limit on HTC phone is 32 GB, whereas that on the Samsung offering is 64 GB.

Battery and Features

Both the smartphones are fueled by an identical 2,600 mAh battery that is rated to provide 10 hours of talk time and 460 hours of standby time to Desire 816G and 17 hours of talk time and 370 hours of standby time to Galaxy Grand 2 respectively. While the HTC phone is pre-installed with Android 4.4.2 KitKat, Galaxy Grand 2 is upgraded to Android 4.4.2 KitKat platform. The primary difference is that the Desire 816G is topped with Sense UI 6.0, whereas the Samsung phone is layered with the TouchWiz UI that would provide different set of features altogether. Furthermore, the HTC phone features BoomSound and dual frontal stereo speakers and the Samsung phone is preloaded with usual features such as S Health, Group Play, S Travel, S Translator and others. The handsets come with connectivity aspects such as dual SIM functionality, Bluetooth 4.0, 3G and Wi-Fi.

Key Specs

Price and Conclusion

Both the smartphones are mid-rangers that would provide a great value for the money paid, but they pack in almost similar specifications. If you need a better imaging hardware, you need to opt for the HTC Desire 816G, whereas the Samsung Galaxy Grand 2 is better in terms of battery backup. Also, it boasts of an attractive build that remsebles the Galaxy Note 3 with faux leather back cover. Otherwise, if you are looking for a decently specced mid-ranger in the sub Rs 20,000 price bracket, any of these could be a better buy.