HTC Desire 530 Android Smartphone review

September 1, 2016GeneralEdward Kiledjian

Customer

Reading most online device review sites will make you dizzy. It seems reviewers (professional and amateur alike) are chasing the next big phone. They want you to buy the beefiest phone currently available with crazy specs and a crazy price. Truth is that not everyone needs the latest and greatest, especially when it typically costs $800-1000.

I know a bunch of readers purchased the Motorola MotoG 2015 last year when I recommended it and this phone competes in that space. It is a decent mid-range phone for someone that wants a basic smartphone to browse the web, watch videos, listen to music and read the occasional PDF or Amazon book.

And it can be purchased online from HTC unlocked with minimal bloatware.

Specifications

5" 720p display in the front
1.1 GHZ quad-core Snapdragon 210 processor
1.5 GB of RAM
16 GB of internal storage
Micro-SD card expansion (up to 2TB)
8MP camera in back
5MP camera on the front
2200 mAH battery

If you want a slight spec bump, you can always opt for its bigger brother the Desire 626 which comes with some small and welcome improvements.

Let's get physical

The Desire 530 is a mid-range budget smartphone with a polycarbonate body and has a design reminiscent of previous desire phones. HTC is using a unique "pain splash" on the back they call MicroSplash. Microsplash is said to be unique for each phone and is a way to make the phone look unique and hip.

“Microsplash means each HTC Desire 530 will be slightly unique design on the back”

You can add lanyards since the phone comes with a lanyard loop hole (a grey one is provided in the box).

The power button is orange and nicely textured which means you can identify it with feel only. The plastic volume rockers feel very plastic but are functional and tactile.

The SIM and SDCard slots are behind a plastic flap (on the left hand side) and the flap feels flimsy and I was worried about breaking it. Ultimately being careful, It came off and was put back on without a hitch but you have to be careful.

HTC is known for its impressive sound quality. Although the HTC Desire 530 has 2 speaker grills on the front, the top one is the earpiece (for phone calls) and the bottom is the speaker. This is where I had high expectations. For me, good sound is a signature feature of HTC devices and here I was a bit disappointed. Whether I was playing OGG, MP3, local videos or clips streamed from youtube, the internal built-in speaker sounded very tinny with little bass (even for a smartphone).

The screen has a black border which makes the screen feel bigger than it actually is. I handed the phone to a bunch of friends and colleagues and many of them liked the smaller size of the phone. Many preferred the easy to hold one handed usability of this device compared to the gargantuan monsters being peddled by Samsung and Apple. I'm a big guy with big hands so I prefer a slightly bigger screen on my everyday carry devices. There is an option in the settings that allows you to hide the navigation buttons so you recover some extra space that way.

The screen is 720p and ultimately this isn't necessarily a bad thing. A lower display resolution means you should get better battery life (which is more important to the average user) but don't expect to use this phone with Google Cardboard. Additionally even at full brightness, the colors left a lot to be desired but it isn't any worse than the Motorola MotoG.

The HTC Desire 530 allows you to use the SDCard as flexstorage (aka Adoptable storage) on Android Marshmallow. This means you can add the SDCard capacity to the built in 16 GBs... well... sort of.. kind of.. This is an Android issue. Apps aren't all automatically copied on the SDCard (even if you use a fast one) and there were times when I filled the internal memory and the adoptable storage had GB of free space yet the phone kept giving me out of storage space warnings.My recommendation for all Android devices is to use SDCards as external storage to host large collections of music, movies and pictures.

Having used the HTC Desire 530 as my primary device for a couple of days, I noticed that there was slight lag when browsing a web page, scrolling a home screen with a couple of widgets. Opening apps takes a bit longer than I would hope and the phone slows down a bit with multiple apps are open in the background.

I tried playing a few games and the experience was ok. Strategy and role playing games worked well once loaded but more complex games like car racing either weren't supported or didn't work well.

Using the phone like a typical mid range consumer (some emails, some web browsing, some music with the screen off and a handful of calls) meant the device lasted a full day (8am - 9pm). This is probably the result of the 7209 screen and lower end processor. As long as you don't play too many games, the device should get you through the day. A clear win.

The stock camera app is basic with selfie, normal, panorama, HDR modes and video modes. I could complain that it isn't very customization but most users want to click a button and take a picture. Pictures taken in low light indoors or outdoors come our noisy and grainy. Images taken outside in good light are flat and not very engaging. I'm sure HTC can improve this with some software tweaks.

Software

The phone I am holding in my hands is running Android Marshmallow 6.0.1 with the June 2016 security updates. Security updates make me happy. HTC has layered their SenseUI on top of Android and it will be familiar to anyone that has used an HTC phone in recent years.

SenseUI has the vertical scrolling app drawer, blinkfeed and a relatively clean user interface.

I then loaded my Google tools such as the Google Now Launcher and Google Keyboard.. which is how I prefer to use Android devices. SenseUI isn't bad but nothing is quite as good as vanilla android.

The phone I received had no bloatware... None... Nada... Ziltch... Way to go HTC. This is something that can't be overstated. I love clean phones and love the fact chose this route. They could have made some extra cash by crapping up the phone with garbage apps but they didn't. Thank you HTC!

I asked HTC PR 2 questions:

Will HTC delivery Android Nougat to the Desire 530? If so when?
"We have not made any announcement re Nougat to HTC Desire 530."
What is HTC's commitment to delivering Android Security Updates?
"We are aligning resources around our most popular products where the most customers will benefit, and the roll-out may vary by regions and operators."

Conclusion

So what is my overall verdict? I think this is a decent phone for the price ($US179 or $CAD199). I know many people that have smartphones without any additional apps installed and that are looking for something affordable and usable. The HTC Desire 530 is a decent option for these people.

A second market could be travelers that want a second unlocked phone that can be used with a local SIM at the destination.

My other gripe is that we don't know if the Desire 530 will receive Android N (Nougat) or how regularly it will receive security updates. Security updates are more critical for me than an upgrade to Nougat.

Your phone calls and SMS messages aren't secure

August 31, 2016GeneralEdward Kiledjian

Image by Matthew Hurst used under Creative Commons License

In the above 2015 presentation, security researchers broke the secrecy around a protocol called SS7 and explained how a technically proficient user can "break it" and easily compromise your mobile phone call data and text messages. Seeing an opportunity, 60 minutes produced a popular segment that scared viewers and I still receive emails from readers asking if this is "a real thing".

Let's take a look at this together.

What is SS7?

SS7 is short for Signalling System 7 and is a carrier interconnect technology that allows one mobile carrier to connect to another and send calls and SMS to each other. It allows allows you to roam on another carrier's network when travelling. It is an old (1975) technology developed before the world went security crazy and thus is has much more basic security built in.

What can hacker access?

A skilled hacker can use SS7 to gain a huge amount of insight into the victims use of a mobile device. It will allow him (masculine being used for simplicity) to listen in on phone calls, forward phone calls, collect call metadata, ability to intercept SMS messages and ability to track the phone.

Think of all sites using SMS as a second factor authentication tool. Any bank, social network or other site using SMS to authenticate users are jeopardizing your security. Always choose another authentication option (other than SMS).

No one would be surprised if a government performed these types of tracking activities but SS7 makes it possible for anyone to do this.

Am I vulnerable to the SS7 hack?

Anyone using a smartphone (anywhere in the world) is vulnerable to the SS7 hack when using traditional mobile phone service (phone calls, SMS messages, etc),

How can I protect myself from the SS7 hack?

If you don't use traditional mobile phone services, your information can't be hacked with SS7. The only way to protect yourself is to use alternatives (which in most cases are better anyway).

As an example, instead of sensing plain SMS messages, you an encrypted messaging service like WhatsApp, Apple Messages, Google Hangouts/Allo, or any other encrypted messenger. To be clear, each of these has its own security issues which can lead to compromise but they are immune to the SS7 attack.

What about phone calls you ask? Many of the above text messaging alternatives also provide voice calling services which would also be immune to SS7 hacking because they use an encrypted data channel instead of the traditional mobile phone voice system. My favorite encrypted calling app is still Signal (which was even endorsed by Edward Snowden).

Preventing phone location tracking is more complicated. Anytime your phone is on, a network operator can track your location using triangulation. The only option here is to turn it off and maybe even store it in a Faraday cage bag (like the ShieldSak which I will review). A less abrupt technique (good but not perfect) is to turn off connectivity to the mobile network and only use WIFI.

How Android N will save you money on your monthly data plan

August 24, 2016GeneralEdward Kiledjian

Image by Gord Webster used under creative commons license

Android N (Nougat) has a handful of new very useful features but nothing catches my attention like a feature that can save you cold hard cash. This witchcraft is a result of a feature called Data Saver.

One thing most mobile carriers are good at is charging you top dollar for any data overage you incur. This is true whether you are at home and especially abroad. It is true whether you are in Canada, the US or Hong Kong.

Most of the time users don't realize they busted their data cap until it's too late. Overage can happen because of excessive streaming (music or movies) but it can also happen because some apps aggressively update data in the background without you realizing it....

Google wants to help you tame the data monster intelligently. Instead of just reporting on data usage or cutting off data at a certain threshold, Data Saver can prevent background processes from downloading data when on a metered connection.

Data Saver is a feature that users will have to enable but luckily it isn't an all or nothing option. By turning it on, it prevents almost all background apps from consuming metered data but you can add apps to a whitelist if you want.

There are some apps, by their very design, that must connect in the background to function (think of instant messaging apps, VOIP, etc). For these special cases, developers will be able to ask the user to be added to the whitelist during installation.

Hopefully developers will make these Android N (Nougat) changes intelligently and modify the operation of their apps to minimize background data usage when they detect Data Saver is enabled but they are granted a slot on the coveted whitelist. Unfortunately we'll see some lazy developers just ask for the permission then continue as usual and hopefully users will uninstall those apps sending a strong signal to the developers.

As a Canadian, I am envious of my american friends on one of those beautiful Sprint or T-Mobile unlimited plans. They can ignore this new feature and continue guzzling huge amounts of glorious data. For the rest of us, we should turn this feature on immediately.

My main phone has been an iPhone since the iPhone 3G days (even though I always have other phones available). Until recently, IOS was still superior to Android but not anymore. With the latest changes introduced by Google in Android N (Nougat), I truly feel Android has become a more cutting edge platform and Data Saver is a clear example of that. Hopefully most of you are on devices that will eventually receive Android N.

I can already see the emails flying in asking what devices will be upgraded. We won't know for sure until a manufacturer publishes a statement but here is my bet:

Samsung - Expect most devices since the Samsung Note5/Galaxy S6 to eventually get updated.
LG - LG G5 is probably the only one
Motorola - All 2016 devices will get upgrade and probably the 2015 Moto G
OnePlus - Expect the OnePlus 3 to eventually get updated but don't expect it soon. My guess is sometime mid next year.Don't expect other OnePlus devices to receive Android N
ZTE - The ZTE Axon 7 seems to be a huge hit (I'm trying to get one to review). I expect it to receive an Android N update but like the OnePlus 3, I wouldn't expect it soon

You can pickup a Blackberry PRIV for $299

August 24, 2016GeneralEdward Kiledjian

Blackberry is one of the few Android devices where users are receiving regular security updates. You can pickup an unlocked AT&T version of the Blackberry PRIV for $US299 on eBay.

This is a fantastic price for this device. It is the same price as the new DTEK50 but offers a larger screen and a physical keyboard. Great medium performance phone with a physical keyboard.

Source : eBay

Samsung Note 7 to come bundled with McAfee security

August 23, 2016GeneralEdward Kiledjian

Itell Security (formerly McAfee) announced that the Samsung Note 7 will come bundled with McAfee VirusScan mobile security. The press release claims "Samsung customers can enjoy better protection from more diverse and sophisticated threats in mobile world."

Truth be told, I do not advocate using an antivirus on Android smartphones but you have to ensure you don't break any of the built in security features (like side loading apps). To me, this looks like the kind of bundling cash grab we see in the PC space (manufacturers get $1-$5 to bundle an app in the base image helping make the device a bit more profitable). What's surprising is that Samsung would do this kind of bundling deal on its premium $800+ flagship smartphone.

“Intel Security to expand mobile security technology to Samsung Galaxy Note7 and Tizen OS based Samsung Z2

- Samsung’s latest Galaxy Note and Tizen OS based Z2 smartphone will come pre-installed with McAfee® VirusScan® mobile security and anti-malware technology
- New ransomware grew 24 per cent quarter-over-quarter in Q1 2016 in Intel Security McAfee Labs Threats Report – June 2016
- Samsung agreed to expand protection from new Samsung Galaxy Note7 to Tizen OS based Samsung Z2

SANTA CLARA, Calif. – Aug. 23, 2016 – Intel Security announced that Samsung’s latest smartphone, Galaxy Note7 and Tizen OS based Z2 will come pre-installed with McAfee® VirusScan® mobile security. McAfee VirusScan Mobile is an anti-malware technology solution that is already helping to provide a more secure mobile experience to millions of Samsung Galaxy users globally. With this collaboration, Samsung customers can enjoy better protection from more diverse and sophisticated threats in mobile world.

According to Intel Security’s McAfee Labs Threats Report – June 2016, there are 305 new threats every minute, or more than five every second. New mobile malware grew 17 per cent quarter over quarter in Q1 2016. Total mobile malware grew 23 per cent quarter over quarter in Q1 2016 and 113 per cent over the last four quarters. In particular, new ransomware rose 24 per cent in Q1 2016 due to the continued entry of relatively low-skilled criminals into the ransomware cybercrime community. This report showcases the need for security against a growing volume of mobile malware and expanding attack surface.

“Mobile threats continue to grow and be more sophisticated as we become increasingly connected. Now mobile devices are the tip of the spear for new hacking methods,” said John Giamatteo, corporate vice president at Intel Security. “Intel Security is combatting these growing mobile threats by collaborating with mobile device manufacturer Samsung to keep customers’ mobile devices, data and privacy safe from vulnerabilities.”

”New customers of Samsung Galaxy Note7 and Samsung Z2 now can enjoy mobile experiences securely with the latest anti-malware solution that Samsung offers,” said Henry Lee, vice president of Mobile Security Technologies of Samsung Mobile. “Security and privacy are at the core of what we do and what we think about every day. It is very important to provide a high level of protection at all times to our customers.”

About Intel Security

Intel Security, with its McAfee product line, is dedicated to making the digital world safer and more secure for everyone. Intel Security is a division of Intel Corporation. Learn more at www.intelsecurity.com.”

— Intel Security