Sprint has started selling the next-gen HTC EVO 4G. HTC EVO 4G has generated a lots of buzz with many “first of its kind” features, including 4G network speed. The reviews of HTC EVO 4G phone has been in general very positive, except for a low battery life and not so wide 4G network. Here is a round up of the HTC EVO 4G reviews from the top two tech sites.
Super Fast, But Bad Battery Life: WSJ’s Walt Mossberg
Walt Mossberg’s verdict on HTC EVO 4G after testing a for week in two cities is that
The HTC EVO 4G, when used on Sprint’s 4G network, offers the highest consistent downstream data speeds I have ever seen on a cellular network when used on Sprint’s 4G network, offers the highest consistent downstream data speeds
His tests found that in Baltimore, where Sprint 4G is available, he could get the download speed of 3.4 mbps and just under 1 mbps upload speed. However, in DC, where the 4G is not yet complete, the download speed varied widely from a high of 4mbps to a low of 1 mbps
Walt Mossberg was also impressed by the number of strong features of HTC EVO 4G, including the front-facing camera for video chatting, and its ability to serve as a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot. He warned that the data speeds during the “weren’t spectacular, or anywhere close to the typical maximum Sprint claims” even in the city where Sprint offers 4G network.
Sprint claims that its 4G network can be up to 10 times faster than the 3G. However, one has to read the fine print. Sprint compares the lowest average 3G speed (600 kbps) with its highest average 4G speed (6 mbps) to come up with “up to 10 times” faster.
Walt Mossberg was also not impressed HTC EVO 4G’s battery life. He says
When using 4G, the EVO’s battery runs down alarmingly fast.
HTC EVO 4G did not last for a full day when he used with 4G turned on.
Walt Mossberg’s final take on HTC EVO 4G is that
If you are hungry for more cellular data speed, and live in a current 4G Sprint city, the EVO may be just what you need, as long as you’re prepared for short battery life.
HTC EVO 4G Feels Like the Future: Wired Magazine
Wired magazine’s review is also pretty similar to that of Walt Mossberg’s review. On HTC EVO 4G’s hardware, Wired Magazine says that HTC EVO has
some of the nicest hardware you can find on any mobile device on the market and boasts some of the burliest specs we’ve ever seen in a phone (4G finally!). What’s more, it’s just drop-dead gorgeous; the kind of thing that compels others to ask about it when you take it out of your pocket.
Wired’s review did not have much to say on HTC EVO’s 4G capability, as it tested the phone in San Francisco, which is not 4G ready yet. However, Wired found that HTC EVO performed better than 3G with iPhone. It also went on to gush
On the hardware front, the giant 4.3-inch display makes the iPhone and Nexus One feel dinky in comparison, yet it remains small and light enough to slip easily into a pocket.
Wired’s only complaint about HTC EVO’s hardware is that its OLED display could have been a bit brighter and crisper. When compared to iPhone, HTC EVO “looks slightly fuzzy”.
Impressed by the user interface, Wired said
The overall interface is excellent, easily one of the most user-friendly of all the Android phones we’ve laid hands on. When we handed the phone off to a user who had never before tried Android, she was immersed in seconds and able to do e-mail, surf the internet and tweet without instruction.
Wired’s major complaint is HTC EVO 4G’s battery life; it did not last a day. It said,
EVO is shorter-lived than a plotline in a Seth McFarland show.
Wired could also give some numbers on the battery life. For a normal usage, HTC EVO gave about 6 hours of battery life. While testing the GPS and 3G signals by driving around San Francisco, EVO “ran out of juice in just over 4 hours”. It got even worse when 4G antenna was switched on. However, unlike an iPhone one can carry a replacement battery.
Wired magazine’s final verdict is
Overall, we loved this phone. The hardware is smart and well-appointed, the interface is pleasant and straightforward, and it just plain worked. In short, it felt like a call from the future; one not dropped by AT&T.
Related posts: