HTC
Radar

The HTC Radar was unveiled at a dedicated event in London in September 2011, launching alongside the massive 4.7-inch HTC Titan. While the Titan was the "spec-monster" flagship, the Radar was positioned as the more accessible, lifestyle-oriented device, serving as part of the second wave of handsets to run Microsoft’s Windows Phone 7.5 "Mango" operating system. In typical HTC fashion for the era, the build quality was a standout feature. The Radar used an aluminium unibody construction, reminiscent of the HTC Legend, giving it a premium, solid feel that contrasted with the plastic-heavy designs of many competitors. It was most famously available in a striking "Active White" finish (see image), which paired silver aluminium with white plastic accents for the antenna and battery covers, aiming for a clean, modern aesthetic. The device featured a 3.8-inch Super LCD display with a resolution of 480 x 800 pixels. This size was considered the "sweet spot" for one-handed use at the time. It was powered by a 1GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, 512MB of RAM, and 8GB of non-expandable internal storage. While the specs were mid-range, the Windows Phone "Mango" OS was highly optimised, providing an experience that often felt faster than contemporary Android devices with similar hardware. Photography was a key pillar of the Radar's marketing. It featured a 5-megapixel rear camera with a bright f/2.2 aperture lens and a back-illuminated (BSI) sensor to improve low-light performance. It also included a dedicated physical camera button—a requirement for Windows Phones of that era—and a VGA front-facing camera, a notable addition that supported selfies and mobile video calling. Software-wise, the Radar showcased the best of Windows Phone 7.5, including the deeply integrated "People Hub" for social media and the "Live Tiles" interface. HTC added its own flair with the "HTC Hub," which provided its striking weather animations and a suite of photo-editing tools. The Mobile Phone Museum owns several HTC Radar models. The device shown is a rare prototype unit.