HTC ChaCha

HTC ChaCha

Bucking the trend of skinny black boxes is an endeavour with as many risks as rewards, but HTC takes a punt with the new ChaCha Android smartphone, and we definitely think that it pays off.

HTC Status (AT&T)

Facebook the world, two lines of text at a time! The $49 HTC Status, the country's first "Facebook phone," entices you to share everything you're doing by pressing its softly glowing dedicated Facebook logo button.

HTC ChaCha

The ChaCha makes a strong first impression, but this hasn't stayed with us through the review process. HTC does a great job or redesigning its Sense UI for the small screen of the ChaCha, but we can't help wishing that it had just given us a bigger screen, instead.

HTC ChaCha Android phone

The HTC ChaCha offers smart integration with Facebook and also possesses an excellent physical keyboard. Its small screen will frustrate users keen on mobile Web browsing, but if you can live with these drawbacks, the ChaCha is very good value for money. If you're a heavy Facebook user, and you're looking for an affordable smartphone, HTC claims it has the answer for you. The HTC ChaCha combines a full QWERTY keyboard and touchscreen with a dedicated Facebook button that allows easy integration with the world's most popular social networking service. Although the keyboard is a winner and the Vodafone-exclusive ChaCha is good value at this price, its small screen will frustrate those keen on Web browsing.

HTC ChaCha review: Status update

Standing out in the ever growing crowd of droids is a tall task indeed. Doing so while keeping the whole thing affordable, is next to impossible. HTC – of all makers – somehow managed to achieve it, vastly improving the market prospects of...

When we first heard of HTC's Facebook phones, we had our doubts on how a mobile device will integrate with Facebook. To be frank, we are quite impressed with the innovative idea of a dedicated Facebook button. It is definitely more than just a marketing gimmick, it is practical.

With an 800MHz processor, the HTC ChaCha is a fast, capable and comfortable handset. It's not the most stylish, but it's affordable and is packed with features – including a 5-megapixel camera, 3G/HSDPA connectivity, Bluetooth 3.0 and Wi-Fi.

HTC ChaCha

The world's first Facebook phone has got its work cut out: HTC is hoping that it will attract younger customers to the brand and help it shed its geeky image.

HTC ChaCha

A good keyboard, but the Facebook button of dubious value and the screen is too cramped to be practical

So it's a pretty mixed bag. While good in some departments, the ChaCha disappoints in as many others. But all these positives and negatives are are nothing next to the small screen and awkward UI customisations.