HTC Evo 4G
One of the latest, and most talked about, Android-based phones on the market is the HTC Evo 4G from Sprint. We’ve been testing in our labs since its release and have found it to be a top notch contender in the cell phone wars.
So let’s get to the specs…
The world’s first 3G/4G Android handset, exclusively from Sprint, HTC EVO™ 4G, offers a rich mobile Internet experience with a fully integrated suite of services built on the AndroidTM 2.1 platform. HTC EVO 4G includes a blazing-fast 1GHz Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ processor, the award-winning HTC SenseTM user experience, an 8.0 megapixel auto-focus camera with HD-capable video camcorder and a forward-facing 1.3 megapixel camera. The large vibrant 4.3 inch display, built-in kickstand, 3.5 mm headset jack and HDMI output make HTC EVO 4G an unparalleled platform for wireless entertainment. Download music, pictures, files, or videos in seconds – not minutes – and watch streaming video on the go on a network with download speeds that are up to 10 times faster than 3G speeds.1 With built-in mobile hotspot functionality, HTC EVO 4G also allows up to eight Wi-Fi-enabled devices, including laptop, camera, music player, video player and any other Wi-Fi-enabled device, to enjoy the benefits of 4G speeds on the go.
PRODUCTIVITY
* 3G/4G capability
* Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ QSD8650 (1GHz) processor
* 4.3” capacitive display with pinch-to-zoom and tactile feedback
* World-class HTML browser – bandwidth and quality that rival that of netbooks
* Android 2.1, with access to more than 30,000 apps on Android Market
* GoogleTM mobile services including Google SearchTM, Google MapsTM, Google TalkTM, GmailTM, YouTubeTM , and syncs with Google CalendarTM
* Access to Google Goggles™ to search with pictures instead of words
* Sprint Navigation, with turn-by-turn driving directions and 3D maps
* Updated HTC Sense, award-winning user experience, which includes Friend Stream to integrate Facebook, Twitter and more into a single flow of updates
* Visual voicemail
* Messaging – personal and business email, IM and text messaging
* 3G/4G Mobile Hotspot capability – connects up to eight Wi-Fi enabled devices
* 4G data speeds (WiMAX) – peak download speeds of more than 10 Mbps; peak upload speeds of 1 Mbps; average download speeds of 3-6 Mbps.
* 3G data speeds (EVDO Rev A.) – peak download speeds of up to 3.1 Mbps; peak upload speeds of 1.8 Mbps; average download speeds of 600 kbps-1.4 Mbps.
ENTERTAINMENT
* 8MP autofocus camera with dual LED flash and 1.3MP front-facing camera
* High-quality video streaming and downloads at 3G and 4G data speeds
* Capture and share HD-quality video (720p) from your phone
* Output pictures, slides and videos in HD quality (720p) via HDMI cable (sold separately)
* Live video sharing with Qik
* Built-in kickstand for hands-free viewing
* Media player with 3.5mm stereo headset jack
* FM radio and Amazon MP3 store
* Sprint applications including Sprint TV® and NASCAR Sprint Cup Mobile(SM)
* Bluetooth® 2.1 with A2DP Stereo and EDR
* Built-in WiFi®: 802.11 b/g
* Digital compass, G-Sensor, proximity sensor, light sensor, GPS
* Expandable memory: 8GB microSD card included; supports up to 32GB
SPECIFICATIONS:
* Dimensions: 4.8″ x 2.6″ x .5″ (LxWxT)
* Weight: 6 ounces
* Main display: 4.3” WVGA (800×480) 65K colors
* Standard removable 1500mAh Lithium (Li-on) battery
* Memory: 1GB ROM, 512MB RAM
1 “Up to 10x faster” based on download speed comparison of 3G’s 600 kbps vs. 4G’s 6 Mbps. Industry published 3G avg. speeds (600 kbps-1.7 Mbps); 4G avg. speeds (3-6 Mbps). Actual speeds may vary. Sprint 4G currently available in over 25 markets and counting, and on select devices. See www.sprint.com/4G for details. Not all services available on 4G and coverage may default to 3G/separate network where 4G unavailable.
Note: Device features, specifications, services and applications are subject to change.
The Review
If the specs don’t boggle the mind, then the build-quality will. HTC is consistent, well-engineered and in my humble opinion, the best of the big 5. This phone is no different. Buttons on the side have a firm resistance…so it is less likely to “butt-dial” someone…without being “child-proof” for us adults. The Evo is the first of the Android-based phones from Sprint to be on the 4G network. We just happen to be lucky enough to sit about 300 feet away from a Sprint 4G tower so we have been “really” happy with the speed. Considerably faster than the 3G standard, 4G will be a thing of beauty once we start to see more coverage areas.
The Android Marketplace is chock full of free and not-so-free apps that are sure to put a smile on your face . The entertainment options are abundant and with the kick-stand, you can enjoy your latte while watching HD video at your local java house or while waiting for the next flight out of hell.
As a gadget-freak, I must admit that with all the new technologies available to us today, the upcoming tablet PCs are going to be stiff competition to the slurry of Android-based phones. With tablets, you’re looking at larger screens, laptop-like power and notepad portability. Still can’t stick one in your pocket but it will be looked at seriously by many, especially in the business world since the tablets will have cell-phone capability. Is it too late to invest in Bluetooth? 
The HTC Evo 4G has been a solid performer thus far and after using dozens of Smartphones such as Blackberries, Treos and the like, the Android-based phones are far easier to use and just simply work. More business applications are being designed to run on them and with the tablets breathing down their necks, prices (hopefully) will start to come down as well.
