5.5-inch Desire 820 with octa-core 64-bit chip made official

The newest device in HTC’s mid-range lineup was introduced today at a Berlin press event ahead of IFA.
The new Desire 820 is the spiritual successor to the Desire 816 in a category that HTC calls premium mid-range. The 816 did really well in the markets it was released in, and HTC hopes for a repeat performance with the 820.
The Desire 820 features a 5.5-inch display  of 720p resolution, just like its predecessor. This is a rather large phone, weighing 155 grams, though the relatively thin profile of 7.74 millimeters should help with handling.
The highlight of the Desire 820’s spec sheet is the 64-bit octa-core chip that powers it. The Desire 510 was HTC’s first 64-bit device, but the 820 features a superior Snapdragon 615 chip, with eight A53 cores running at up to 1.5GHz and an Adreno 405 GPU. This configuration will probably power many of the mid-range devices coming over the next six months, so expect to hear a lot more about it. Of course, harnessing the new architecture will require a 64-bit compatible OS, but HTC promised in the past a fast rollout for the L release expected later this fall.

HTC paired that Snapdragon 615 chip with 2GB of RAM, and there’s 16GB of expandable storage. The battery is a respectable 2,600 mAh unit, while the signature BoomSound speakers should provide a loud and immersive sound experience. Like with other recent devices, HTC is emphasizing the camera features of the Desire 820. There’s a 13MP f 2.2 camera on the back, while the front one offers 8MP and several software modes to enhance your self-portraits. The Desire 820 is a Category 4 LTE device (up to 150 Mbps) that will ship in some markets in a dual-SIM configuration.

The Desire 820 is typical for HTC’s recent design efforts, with a glossy plastic unibody shell available in multiple two-tone configurations. At launch the device will be available in Marble White (glossy), Tuxedo Grey (matte), Santorini White (glossy), Milky-way Grey, (glossy), Tangerine White (glossy), Saffron Grey (glossy), Flamingo Grey (glossy), Blue Mist (glossy).
The Desire 820 will become available “worldwide” beginning at the end of this month. There’s no official word on pricing yet, but we expect it to be in the $300-$400 unlocked.
Stay tuned for a hands-on video with the Desire 820 coming very soon and more IFA 2014 coverage throughout the day!