htc evo 4G

So far the best device offered by the HTC as for its technical specs was definitely HTC HD2. While the time is changing and the need to create something more powerful and having a list of most desired functions comes, the company is being pushed  to design a smartphone of new generation- having exclusive list of specs including 4G connectivity, the latest version of Android OS, front camera and much more. And now we have this exact device- HTC EVO 4G. Let’s say that the device truly deserves the earlier mentioned name HTC Supersonic.

HTC EVO 4G specifications:

• Network: CDMA 1xEV-DO Rev A (3G), WiMAX (4G)
• Platform: Google Android 2.1, HTC Sense UI
• Display: touch-sensitive, capacitive, 4,3 “, 800 x 480 pixels, TFT
• Camera: 8 megapixel, autofocus, flash, record HD-video (720p)
• Additional camera: 1,3 Mp
• Amount of RAM: 512 MB
• Size of ROM: 1024 MB
• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon, 1 GHz
• Expansion slot: microSDHC (up to 32 GB)
• A-GPS
• Bluetooth 2.1 EDR
• Wi-Fi
• FM-radio
• microUSB 2.0
• 3,5-mm jack
• HDMI-out
• position sensor, digital compass, retractable stand
• Form factor: monoblock with touchscreen

Hardware

Starting the main description we should consider the fact that the hardware of the device is a great mixture of Nexus One, Droid Incredible, HD2 and HTC Desire. The smartphone is based on the Qualcomm Snapdragon QSD8650 processor (CDMA-edition QSD8250, established in HD2 and Nexus One) with 1 GHz frequency (with the possibility to get overclocked to 1.267 GHz) . The OS equipped on the device is Android 2.1, while Sprint carrier promises to update it up to 2.2 Froyo version by the end of the year. The memory capacity of the device is simply impressive 512MB of RAM and plus 1 GB of ROM. And this is not all of it. The device comes in a box with an 8 GB Micro-SD card, although if desired it can be expanded up to 32GB!
The connectivity of HTC EVO 4G leaves no space to apply any kind of criticism. Feels like the list of them goes up endless- Wi-Fi, WiMax, CDMA, Bluetooth, GPS… And as a cover there come the digital compass and the FM-radio ans surely the update to get wireless N support.

Display

The device itself looks rather huge, while the display of the device is only 4,3 inch. The basis for it is TFT, which means that the shortage on the AMOLED touchscreens will not influence this device and thus there’s not need to get worried about the future of the device.
The only disadvantage part of the phone that in comparison with HTC HD2, which was packing its huge screen in a rather light-weight box, while in case of the HTC EVO 4G the weight goes up to 170grams with the huge dimensions of 122 X 66 X 12.7mm. This is the main reason that the analysts call the device “mostly-man”. The main argumentation is that none of the female segment representatives would hold out such a huge gadget.

Design

Big, thick and heavy! Those aren’t the words to best describe HTC EVO 4G in short.
While being devoted to the classical rectangular shape typical for HTC, the device fully integrates round-edges and the metallic elements making the “gigantic” device to look even more massive. This is a great solution to make an emphasize on the huge display, which stretches almost from one edge to another. And the small free space is devoted to the touch-buttons. Some say that these touch buttons (Home, Menu, Back and Search) on the front panel seem to be difficult to get used to but you might try it out for yourself.
Another good point is made upon the color scheme of the device. While at the first glance the gadget proves to be entirely black, then you discover the red accents decorating the camera lens and the classical silver for the speakers.
The main feature of the design that has both advantages and disadvantages is the kickstand. The thing is that it serves perfectly for the landscape mode while watching videos, but as we all know the less are the moveable elements, the more reliable is the device itself.

Camera

This is one of the main features that makes the device unique in the list of the smartphones offered by HTC. The thing is that EVO 4G is not only equipped with an 8 megapixel camera, but also a 1.3 megapixel front camera. The front camera is a great feature to use while making video calls and trying to get some kind of self-images.

While the main camera has a goal to create high quality images not only during the daytime, it also functions perfectly at the most inconvenient lighting condition. As a plus you also receive a chance to shoot video at 720p.
The double camera idea seems to be something new in HTC portfolio which makes the new device even more unique.

Battery Life

This is the part where the most of the expectations are being overleft from the desired ones. The “typical” 1500mAh battery is not enough powerful to go on with the most of the functions of the device. And it’s interesting itself.

How come the 1300mAh battery is perfect for HTC HD2 and 1500mAh is too poor for HTC EVO 4G? The thing is that the work with 4G takes lots of powerful leaving the device without the needed energy.
Here comes up the necessity of the second HTC EVO 4G battery for those who want to get some additional energy to stay tuned for the entire day or try to use some battery life increase tips.

Software

Due to the fact that HTC got a chance to integrate its brand HTC Sense UI with the Android OS ideally, the newest establishment of the company is also based on this same UI. The version used on the smartphone is identical with the ones used for HTC Desire and Legend. The main difference here is that the capacity of the touchscreen of HTC EVO 4G gives an additional drama to the overall performance. The animated wallpapers, widgets and the actual homescreens (there are seven of those) look excellent.
Those who do not agree with the list of “limited” number of apps for the device can always use the list of new apps added by the Sprint for Sprint TV. And to stay tuned with the latest world sport events, you will also receive a number of special add-ons.

Android Apps

The essential applications designed for Android are all present here: YouTube, Goggles,Voice, Qik, PicDay and YouTube. But while these are rather typical apps you might want to try getting additional application with the help of which your device will become more manageable and attractive. Let’ s get through some of them:

Fring
This application is exclusively available for the HTC users. The main purpose of it to make IM and VoIP access available for the users without the need of paying extra money. As you make the progress through the application you might get a chance to use the video-chatting!
Adobe Reader
This feature allows the users to view, read and do some of the other basic actions with the documents in PDF and other formats. Especially useful for those who are looking forward to use the device for the business purposes.
LauncherPro
This application makes the homescreen usage simpler transforming it into something more adjustable and customizable. This app is being updated simultaneously. The latest of the updates makes it possible to use the application to customize multi-touch, add new shortcuts and much more.
The Weather Channel
Finally! More improved tracking, customized tabs and homescreen widgets! And all of this makes the opportunity to access your device even easier and softer.

Performance test

As it’s clear from the name of the device, the main advantage of the device is the possibility to work in forth-generation networks. This makes the overall performance of the device much faster and reliable. Earlier there was a list of bugs for the device applications which were simply solved together with the update of the device right after the actual release.
And this is not all of it. Soon the device will be receiving Android Froyo, which will increase the performance and the convenience of the device with a significant rate. This should be the best way to make some improvements for the 4G as the present rate does not feel to be satisfying some of the critics. Anyways, the release date of the update is not announced yet.

Availability

HTC EVO 4G is getting distributed via Sprint carrier in the U.S. When signing a two-year contract you can get the device for only $199.99. There’s another option of $99.99 for those planning to get unlimited data+voice+SMS. To make your device performance the best you might need to pay a fee of $10 per month to get most out of the device applications and functionality.

Conclusion

This new device seems to become the first realistic step of HTC to compete with Apple. The device itself got released earlier than the iPhone 4 of the American corporation which made the carrier to run short on the device not once but already twice. Then the 4G connectivity and the overall quick performance make this device something irreplaceable. At least so far none of the HTC and other brand device got a chance to turn out to be that impressive. Let’s give this device the highest mark for now!

htc aria

As of Jun 20th the latest HTC phone Aria has been available from AT&T carrier for $129.99 with a 2-year contract and an online discount. Not to be left alone in the list of monster carriers, AT&T decided to add a smartphone, that will be compatible with such device as EVO 4G and HTC Droid Incredible offered by Sprint and Verizon.

“The bigger the better” isn’t always true and Aria is a good example of that – it’s powerful yet tiny and extremely slick. In smartphones‘ weight division it’s a featherweight. HTC Aria is designed to fit your pockets perfectly, while at the same time living up to the latest word in technology.

HTC Aria Specifications

Operating System – Android™ 2.1

Touch Screen – Yes (Capacitive)

Screen Size – 3.2 inches

Band - HSPA/UMTS/EDGE/GPRS/GSM; Dual Mode UMTS/HSDPA/HSUPA (1900/850MHZ) & GSM/GPRS/EDGE (Quad band 850/900/1800/1900MHZ); HSDPA/UMTS (3GPP Release 5 Compliant; 7.2 Mbps Enabled) EGPRS Functionality

Integrated GPS – Yes (GPS/AGPS)

Camera Resolution – 5 megapixels

Video Camera – Yes

Speaker Phone – Yes

Expandable Memory Capability – 32GB

Memory Card Type – microSD

Bluetooth® V2.1

Hearing Aid Compatible HAC M3 – T3 Class

MP3 Player – Yes

Napster Mobile Compatible – Not preloaded

Mobile Internet – Yes

E-mail Sync – Yes

FM Radio – Yes

Talk Time Hours – (up to) 6 hrs

Stand By Days (Max) – 15.5 days

Weight – 115g

Ford Sync – Yes

HTC Aria Video Review

Enjoy Iren’s video review of HTC Aria (AT&T)

HTC Aria Hardware Review

HTC Aria with its minimalistic and modern design is only 4.1″ x 2.3″ and 0.46″ thick. The 3.2″ capacitive TFT LCD touchscreen has 320×480 resolution and has barely visible pixelation under certain angles. The biggest problem I experienced was using the phone on the beach on a sunny day – like most LCD screens you can barely figure heads from tails unless you cast a shadow over the screen.

The sensitivity is high so no need to tap your finger twice – just slightly touch it! The screen will rock your world of Internet browsing. Also, you can also use the D-pad for navigation – it might be tiny but it works perfectly and precisely just takes some getting used to. You’ll find the volume rocker situated on the left side really convinient for easily thumbing up and down the volume.

The power button along with a 3.5mm headset jack are up top, the microUSB port, microphone hole and lanyard loop are on the bottom. The back soft-coated panel will make holding the phone pleasant and sturdy. On the back of the phone is the 5 MP camera with the speaker right next to it. It’s a little bit disappointing that there is no flash even though high light-sensitivity settings will make up for it when the light is dim just fine. The 4 tri-wing screws are part of the design as they are not covered by the back panel which gives the phone a little bit more modern-grotesque look than it would be without them exposed.
Taking the back panel off is easy – just hold tightly on the sides and press on the right side of the speaker. But before opening your phone up you better put sunglasses on as the bright yellow inside might blind you a little bit. The fact speaks for itself that HTC cares about its customers and pays attention not only to outside design and functionality but also to such little details as inside design . The battery is yellow and black as well. The SIM card and the SD card (expandable memory capability is 32MB) are situated right under the battery and can be accessed easily. The two metal contacts situated on bottom left turn the whole back panel into an antenna.

The processor is a Qualcomm MSM 7227 600 MHz but don’t get freaked out by “low” number of Hz – when you use it you think at very least it’s 1 GHz. The phone comes with 512MB of ROM and 384MB of RAM so don’t worry – you won’t have to blink twice before something is loaded. The battery is a standard Li-Ion 1200 mAhThe and will hold up to 6 hours of talk-time. Some will say you’re not likely to play games for hours since the screen is small (comparatively to say Evo) but don’t you believe that! If you find the right game you will lose track of time and keep playing. I played for 2 or 3 hours non-stop and the phone needed to be charged only next morning! Besides, the proximity sensor for auto turn-off will save you lots of power.
Other noteable hardware features include an accelerometer, integrated GPS/AGPS, Bluetooth 2.1, and Wi-Fi support. What else could you have asked for? The accelerometer sensor for UI auto-rotate works well and only certain rare apps will have issues with it. However, that’s more of an app problem.

HTC Aria Accessories

HTC Aria comes with a User Guide (which you might no need – just boot up the phone, you’ll know what to do), standard Li-Ion 1200 mAhThe battery (up to 6 hours of talk time), 2Gb microSD memory card, micro USB cord used for connecting the phone to your computer and also to the charger and a 3.5 mm headset adpator. If needed you can get more HTC Aria Accessories and Aria Apps.

HTC Aria Software Review

Operating system on HTC Aria is Android 2.1. with Sense UI. Aria’s Sense is practically the same as Sense on HTC Legend, Droid Incredible, and HTC EVO 4G. Unlike EVO you don’t have the option of turning Sense off. The homescreen has 7 pannels to help you have the most important things within the reach of fingertips – there is a weather, messages, mail, favorites, and news panel, and 2 more – one empty and one with a desk clock. The panels are customizable with market apps or host HTC Sense ones like Calendar, Time, and so on. Sense has 3 buttons for showing all your programs, easily bringing up dial screen, and adding content to your homescreen.
The first time you boot up it might take a while but it’s worth the wait. The phone lets you connect to Wi-Fi almost immediately making the first setup so much easier. Set up your Facebook, Twitter, e-mail, Flickr, Youtube, IM, and import contacts on the go. What’s neat is that you can link your phone, facebook, and email contacts between each other. So, when you text or call there will be a Facebook or Gmail photo displayed next to the contact by default unless you set a specific photo. Aria allows you to always stay in touch with your friends no matter where you or they are.

The on-screen keyboard is a little bit small and often times you might hit the wrong key especially on vertical view. What makes up for it is an excellent auto-complete feature which will get better and better the more you use it as it saves words that weren’t in the library. Aria also has a voice search and voice dialer. The first one will Google for you anything you say, and the second one will call your contacts, open apps, etc. The on-screen keyboard has a microphone button so you can always say something instead of typing it in. I would say it works pretty well until it comes to people’s names and last names especially if they are foreign. But the results often times are so hilarious (like “Roland’s remains” instead of “Rolen Romanes”) that I still keep using it for a good laugh.
One thing worth warning you about is that AT&T locked down the phone which means you are stuck exclusively with what’s available from the Android market. Though you can still install apps through SDK so if it is a big deal to you there is a work-around. Also, as usual AT&T loads its apps on the phone which you may never use. Those include AT&T FamilyMap, AT&T Hot Spots, AT&T Maps, AT&T Navigation, AT&T Radio. I don’t know why you would use AT&T Navigation instead of Maps (Google) but hey you get options to pick from. Maps is excellent and once you input your destination you can either show it on the map, or you can pick Navigate which will take you to Navigation app which will make sure you never get lost on the road.
The music player and FM radio do everything you’d expect them to do. Because of the phone’s small size you can use it as an MP3 player when you go jogging, biking, or whatever else you do. So the future existence and popularity of MP3 players is questionable now. The antenna for FM radio is placed on the ear-buds of the headphone.

Conclusion

If you like having the world in your pocket this phone is for you. Stay connected to people at all times, dig the web, watch Youtube. This stylish little toy might not have the biggest screen but is light and pocket-sized and with tens of thousands of apps available from the market you will always find something interesting to do. The downsides are lack of a flash for the camera and jumping through hoops for installing third-party app (which is AT&T’s fault). The small size might be regarded as both a plus and a minus depending on what you want – if you like having a bigger screen or have bigger hands then it won’t be the best choice. But I absolutely love it and won’t trade it for anything else. It was a big step for me as I was a loyal Nokia user and fan and was a little bit nervous about switching. But the UI is very intuitive and you get used to your new phone in seconds. The price is very reasonable especially depending on the contract. In fact, HTC Aria was the only thing that made me stay with AT&T instead of switching to Verizon.
In the meantime please enjoy our gallery of photos taken of HTC Aria and with the help of Aria.