The HTC First was a mid-range device designed to be the flagship for Facebook Home, a radical new interface that put the social network front and center. Its design was simple and functional, with a soft-touch plastic back and a comfortable grip. While it wasn’t as premium as HTC’s flagship models, the First was well-constructed and felt sturdy.

Display

The 4.3-inch Super LCD display offered decent color reproduction and viewing angles, but it wasn’t the sharpest or brightest in its class. While suitable for everyday tasks, the display wasn’t exceptional by any means.

Performance

Equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 processor and 1GB of RAM, the HTC First provided adequate performance for basic tasks and social media browsing. However, it struggled with demanding apps and games, showing its mid-range limitations.

Software

The HTC First’s defining feature was Facebook Home. This interface replaced the traditional Android home screen with a heavily Facebook-integrated experience. While it offered a fresh take on smartphone interaction, it also faced criticism for its lack of customization and performance issues. Users could, however, switch back to the standard Android launcher if desired.

Camera

The 5-megapixel rear camera produced average image quality. While sufficient for casual snapshots, it lacked the low-light performance and detail of higher-end smartphones.

Battery Life

Battery life was a weak point of the HTC First. Users often found themselves needing to recharge before the end of the day, especially with heavy use of the Facebook-centric interface.

Overall

The HTC First was a bold experiment that aimed to redefine the smartphone experience through deep Facebook integration. While it was a pioneering effort, the device’s mid-range hardware and the limitations of Facebook Home prevented it from becoming a mainstream success. For those who were heavily invested in Facebook and wanted a dedicated device for the social network, the First offered a unique experience. However, for most users, other options on the market provided a better overall package.