The amazing HTC EVO 4G has been available for a little while now — the device was released on June 4 of this year exclusively on Sprint. I recently had the chance to play with one unit, and I must admit that I’m very impressed. The HTC EVO 4G is definitely not only one of the best Android-powered devices, but one of the greatest smartphones at moment. As with every other modern device, the HTC EVO 4G has its shortcomings though. Check out my entire review of the HTC EVO 4G in the full post to learn more.
Features:
The HTC EVO 4G features an incredible 4.3-inch WVGA TFT LCD capacitive multi-touch display. The device is currently powered by Android 2.1, also known as Eclair. The HTC EVO 4G has also been equipped with a powerful 1GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon QSD8650 processor, which will allow users to perform their favorite tasks at great speeds. The device also includes two cameras and four touch-sensitive buttons.
The HTC EVO 4G, as the name suggest, is capable of running on Sprint’s WiMAX 4G network. I was fortunate to try out the device in one of the many markets where 4G is currently available, and the speeds were indeed faster than 3G. Those lucky enough to live in a 4G market will indeed enjoy this feature very much.
As many new smartphones nowadays, the EVO 4G is capable of creating a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot for up to eight different devices in both 3G and 4G market. Wi-Fi in 4G areas was noticeably faster.
Software:
As mentioned above, the HTC EVO 4G is as of this writing powered by Android 2.1 [Eclair] with HTC Sense, which allows users to customize and organize the interface according to their own personal choice. Sprint along with HTC will upgrade the device to Android 2.2, also known as Froyo, in the coming months. We can expect the HTC EVO 4G to become an even better device than it already is with Froyo. Unfortunately, the update will not be made available sooner.
The device also comes pre-loaded with several applications such as Amazon MP3 Store, Qik, and the NASCAR Sprint Cup Mobile among others. Additionally, the device includes the Android Market, where users can now find more than 75,000 different paid and free applications to enhance the functionality of the HTC EVO 4G.
Display:
The device features a 4.3-inch TFT LCD capacitive multi-touch display. The colors are vivid, the 800 x 480 resolution is phenomenal, and the responsiveness is great. As you can imagine, watching videos on the gigantic screen is an absolute dream. The built-in stand on the back of the device only makes it easier to enjoy any videos while leaning back on chair or relaxing at your desk. Also, Images and letters are very sharp and smooth.
Hardware:
The HTC EVO 4G is 4.8-inch long, 2.6-inch wide, and 0.5-inch thick. Despite its massive size, the device feels very light in your hand, as it only weights approximately 6 ounces. The HTC EVO 4G is widely more available in black. However, Best Buy exclusively sells a white version. Sprint is expected to begin selling the white HTC EVO 4G in the coming weeks.
Just as other Android-powered smartphones, the HTC EVO 4G feels very strong built. It is also pretty sleek and aesthetically pleasing. The device includes touch-sensitive “Home,” “Menu,” “Back,” and “Search” keys. The problem with these keys is that you will most likely accidentally touch them, and sometimes interrupt what you’re doing — it depends on which key is touched.
The device also includes a power/lock button on top as well as a volume button on the side. The HTC EVO 4G also features a very convenient built-in stand on the back, HDMI jack, micro-USB port, and a 3.5mm stereo headset jack.
Battery:
The device includes a standard removable and rechargeable 1500mAh Lithium (Li-on) battery. I do have to say that battery life is bad. Sprint states that the battery is enough for 6 hours of talk time. However, I found myself charging the device really often, specially after a long phone call or while running several applications in the background. The company is careful to say that battery life depends on both usage and 3G/4G coverage though. I believe that statement is correct, as there were times that I’d only charge the batter once or twice per day.
Network:
As the name suggests, the HTC EVO 4G is the first 3G/4G smartphone in the United States. Paired with Sprint’s 4G WiMAX [Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access] network, the device becomes a fast and reliable machine. The Wi-Fi hotspot functionality works great and swiftly in either 3G or 4G areas. The same goes for voice and data. I am glad to report that during my time with the HTC EVO 4G, I didn’t experience any dropped calls or data outages.
As of this writing, the Sprint 4G WiMAX network is available in more than 30 cities.
Camera[s]:
The HTC EVO 4G has been equipped with two different cameras, one in the front and one on the back. The 1.3-megapixel front-facing camera is one of the best features on the EVO 4G. It’s great for two-way video calling and conferences. Despite its low resolution, the front-facing camera manages to render sharp images. It also has a fast frames per second rate. It definitely puts several computer webcams to shame.
Now, the 8-megapixel camera on the back is capable of both taking photos and recording high quality 720p video. The dual-LED flash and auto-focus make it easier for non-professionals to take beautiful photos outdoors and indoors. Users can also utilize the LED lights when recording video.
Additionally, the camera application includes various filters and editing tools to give your images a fun twist.
Price:
The HTC EVO 4G is currently and exclusively available from Sprint for $199.99 after $100 mail-in rebate and a two-year contract. Unlike other smartphones in the market, the device retails for $449.99. Besides the standard voice and data plan, which starts from $69.99, Sprint requires all HTC EVO 4G owners to pay an additional “Premium Data” monthly fee of $10. Optionally, customers might choose to pay an extra $29.99 per month to enable the mobile Wi-Fi hotspot functionality.
Packaging:
The HTC EVO 4G comes in an environmentally-responsible box made from sugar cane, which is renewable, 100% recyclable, and decomposes fast. Additionally, the relatively small user guides and terms of agreement were printed with certified soy inks and water-based coatings to reduce the use of paper and toxic chemicals. A recycling envelope is also included to encourage users to mail-in and recycle their old phone.
Conclusion:
As with any other device and according to my own personal preferences, there were some things that I didn’t like. For instance, the battery dies too fast. Additionally, the device should be upgraded to Android 2.2 sooner than it’s currently expected to enhance the experience even more.
Another thing I didn’t like was the lack of push email. Android works great with Gmail, but not so much with other email clients. Lastly, I found the $10 monthly Premium Data charge to be pointless, considering that 4G is still not widely available yet. The $29.99 Wi-Fi hotspot fee is also a bit too high, given that there might be applications in the Android Market that might allow users to enable it for a one-time fee.
Overall, I was very satisfied with the HTC EVO 4G. The main purpose of a phone is to be able to make phone calls, which the EVO 4G accomplished beautifully. The fact that it’s able to perform several other tasks is definitely a plus. The 4G experience was undoubtedly great. The form factor and look of it is brilliant. I would definitely recommend the HTC EVO 4G. It’s absolutely one of the best smartphones in the market right now.
Full specifications:
CPU Speed |
1GHz Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ QSD8650 processor |
Platform |
Android™ 2.1 [Éclair] with HTC Sense™ |
Memory |
1GB ROM [358 MB Free] 512MB RAM |
Dimensions (LxWxT) |
4.8″ x 2.6″ x 0.5 ” [122mm x 66mm x 12.7mm] |
Weight |
6 ounces [170 g] |
Form factor |
Slate/Candybar smartphone |
Color |
Black or White |
Display |
4.3″ WVGA [800×480] TFT LCD Capacitive Multi-Touch Display — 65K colors — 216.97 ppi |
Network |
CDMA 800/1900 MHz EVDO Rev. A, WiMAX 2.5 to 2.7GHz; 802.16e |
GPS |
GPS/aGPS |
Sensors |
Digital compass
G-Sensor
Proximity sensor
Light sensor |
Connectivity |
Bluetooth® 2.1 with with A2DP stereo and EDR
Built-in Wi-Fi®: 802.11 b/g
3.5mm stereo headset jack
micro-USB |
Camera |
8-megapixel autofocus camera with dual LED flash
1.3-megapixel front-facing camera |
Battery |
Rechargeable 1500mAh Lithium [Li-ion] battery
Up to 6 hours of talk time. [Time may vary depending on 3G/4G coverage and usage] |
Expansion Slot |
8GB microSD™ memory card. Up to 32 GB card support |
Special Features |
HDMI out, built-in kickstand, WiMax mobile Wi-Fi router, FM Radio, Friend Stream, HTC Sync, Amazon MP3 store |
In-Box Content |
Main unit, Micro USB cable, Battery [1500 mAh], AC adapter, Sprint Service Agreement, Basics Guide, Get Started guide [English and Spanish] |
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