HTC EVO 4G Android Phone (Sprint) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)To give you the perspective that I'm coming from, I'm not a dedicated techie. I upgraded to the EVO from a Treo Centro (sorry Palm OS!). Though I know what a Snapdragon processor is, my review won't be on that level of expertise. I'd rate my ability to adapt to new technology as fair-to-middling.
Here goes: The phone itself is classy looking. When off, it reminds me of the black stone monolith in 2001, A Space Odyssey. When on, the screen is bright, and has VERY sharp detail (again, I'm coming from the perspective of my Centro). The pinch and spread function (to contract or spread the picture on the screen) works very smoothly and consistently. The "flick" function, used to scroll through apps, is wonderful, don't know how I did without it before. The screen is QUITE sensitive to touch, requiring a bit of getting used to for someone who does not count manual dexterity amongst my assets. Though the phone is big (4.2 inch screen)it is very slender, not heavy, and I don't find it cumbersome in the least. It is comfortable in the hand.
The camera: first, it has two: the heavy duty one (8 megapixel) faces out the back, a 1 megapixel on the keyboard side. In a 4G area (I'm not, yet), this allows video phone calls, I'm told. The camera has autofocus and a surprisingly bright flash. Picture quality seems good to very good.
Sound: I'm a bit hard of hearing, no problems at all with this phone. The sound quality is the best I've ever had on a cell phone. EVO has very few buttons, but it does have a very easy to use up and down volume buttons on the upper left side of the phone, works great.
Keyboard. Well, hmmm. My Centro had a manual keyboard, and if there is anything that I really miss with the EVO, it's actual keys. Though the virtual keyboard is BIG when the phone is tilted to landscape mode, many functions on the phone (including entering contacts!) only allow the portrait keyboard for Qwerty. The phone has three keyboards to choose from, so if you're a whiz with the standard cell phone keyboard that kids are miraculously good at texting with, you can choose that format. I'm getting better, but still quite a few errors in keying.
Speed: in a word: fast. Very little lag between functions, even when more than one function is chugging along.
Voice recognition: the Google search by voice is (for a novice like me) nothing short of a miracle. Say "Quilt stores", and the phone takes into account your GPS location, in seconds a list of quilt stores (or Starbucks, or mountain biking trails)is at your disposal. SO cool! The directory search for phone contacts by voice is a bit more hesitant, could stand some spiffing.
Apps: Holy Cow! Again, I'm a novice, but the very accurate GPS, in conjunction with entertainment apps such as Yelp! and Flixter, is mind-boggling. Touch Flixter, and this very smart phone instantly (NO input required) brings up all theaters, movie times, trailers, Rotten Tomato ratings, AND, all the restaurants in the area of your chosen movie, AND turn by turn directions to the theater thanks to Google Maps. Basically, get off a plane anywhere in North America, you're ready to roll!
The GPS. Eerie, when combined with Google Maps. To navigate, you don't have to enter your starting place, the phone already KNOWS where you are. With a function called "layers", while navigating from point to point you can incorporate a satellite view, giving you an awesome (and distracting!) view of all the territory/buildings around you, for miles, depending on the scale that you choose. Get a (free) sports app, and the GPS/accelerometer kicks in to tell you exactly how far you've gone, maps the route you've taken, tells you how much elevation you've gained (!), and how many calories (incorporating your weight) that you've burned. Crikey, what fun! I used the GPS first day out with my EVO to find a restaurant, than used the voice turn by turn (it does call out specific street names, not just "turn left" or "turn right"). It was flawless, and VERY up to date with recent construction in the area.
WiFi, signed on to my home network without any trouble.
Ability to personalize: terrific, many options to "make it your own".
Synchronization with multiple functions: terrific. No trouble setting up e-mail accounts (you MUST have a Gmail account for full function). I calendar with the online Google calendar on my laptop, the transfer to my phone calendar is automatic and virtually instantaneous.
Bad stuff: they lie if they say that getting all your Palm OS data is going to transfer accurately. Argh. But I'm getting it straightened out. In the "Someday" category: EVO does not support Netflix instant play yet, nor Hulu. I'm a family doc, it DOES support Epocrates, an essential pharmacology data base.
Battery life: I'm guessing 4 hours of continual multi-use, way better than that for talk time only. This multi-function micro-mainframe of an instrument has multiple draws on its battery: GPS, WiFi, AND, you can actually talk on the thing.
So here's my bottom line: If they could give me an easier keyboard, or allow full voice recognition (I use and love Dragon 10.1 at work), EVO and I would become soul mates. As it is, after about a day and a half of adapting to a non-Palm OS system (I had one of the original Palm Pilots), I can tell that a long and fruitful friendship is in the making with this product. The leap from a semi-smart phone, like the Palm Centro, to this one is a quantum leap, not a simple upgrade. Without exaggeration, I can say that the EVO will change the way I operate on a day to day basis. I can also say that it is a whoppingly fun toy to play with!
7/20/2010 Addendum/Update: This is a great phone, and I'll stick by my original statement that it is a quantum leap, not an upgrade, over any previous smart phone that I've owned. BUT...the battery life is a real problem. Even with an App Killer, and even with the GPS and Wi-Fi turned off when I don't need them, well...let's talk car gas mileage and gas mileage for Army tanks. With cars, you describe gas consumption in terms of miles per gallon. With tanks, you describe it in gallons per mile (this is true). If not a tank, the EVO is at least a half-track regarding energy consumption: that little green bar informing you about battery life keeps you mentally tethered to the nearest wall outlet or USB port. I have never run the battery completely down during a workday, but I've come uncomfortably close. There is no question that the value of the EVO would be significantly improved by tripling its battery life, or making replacement/spare batteries available at low cost. Otherwise...I love my Evo!
8-14-2010 Update: The Froyo (Android 2.2) update was simple and flawlessly executed. Even better, it is a substantial improvement. From the very useful Flashlight app that uses the phone's flash LED's as a flashlight, to the quicker transition from one app to another, it's a winner. On a different note, those of you that wonder whether you can "tether" your Evo to your computer as a modem, using a cheap or free one-time app instead of a $29/month fee from Sprint: yes. Which makes the phone even more valuable in hotels and airports that want to charge $10/day for internet, not to mention being on a road trip.
9/30/10 Update: Purchased the Seido battery that has double the capacity of the OEM battery: it's for real! No question whatsoever that I'm going to get through the whole day with power to spare, even leaving Wi-Fi and GPS on, even using the screen for Kindle reading for extended periods. The battery, contrary to what some reviewers have said about it, does significantly add to the weight and thickness of the phone. For me the issue is no contest: I no longer need to know where the nearest electrical socket is, and I have freedom to use all the phone's functions without fear of the color red on the battery bar showing up.

Click Here to see more reviews about: HTC EVO 4G Android Phone (Sprint)


Exclusively from Sprint, the HTC EVO 4G mobile phone is the world's first 3G/4G Android handset, offering simultaneous voice and data connectivity and download speeds up to 10 times faster than 3G. Additionally, the HTC EVO 4G can still connect to 3G data services in areas not currently served by Sprint's 4G network (learn more about Sprint's 4G network below).

Packed full of powerful mobile communication and multimedia features, the HTC EVO 4G has a large, vibrant 4.3 inch display and a built-in kickstand for easy viewing of videos--from Sprint TV programming to HD movies captured on the 8-megapixel auto-focus camera. It's powered by a screaming fast 1 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon processor and Google's Android 2.2 operating system. With integrated Google technology, the HTC EVO 4G brings one-touch access to the popular Google mobile services millions use every day, including Google Search by Voice, YouTube and Picasa. The HTC EVO 4G also provides easy access to both personal and corporate email, calendars, and contacts supported by Exchange Server and Gmail.

And through Android Market, you'll get access to thousands of useful applications, widgets and fun games to download and install on your phone, with many more apps being added every day. The HTC EVO 4G also includes HTC Sense, a user interface overlay from HTC that makes it easy for you to create an individualized mobile experience tailored specifically to your needs.

The forward-facing 1.3 megapixel camera makes it easy to have video calls using the two-way voice and video service from Qik (upgraded account service required). And with built-in mobile hotspot functionality, the 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. Other features include music downloads from the Amazon MP3 Store, microSD memory expansion (8 GB card included; optional 32 GB cards supported), Adobe Flash support, HDMI audio/video output, and up to 6 hours of battery life (learn more about power management on the HTC EVO 4G).



Sprint's Blazing Fast 4G Network Sprint 4G offers a faster wireless experience than any other U.S. national wireless carrier, and Sprint is the only national carrier offering wireless 4G service in 32 markets (with more coming online soon). Sprint 4G delivers download speeds up to 10 times faster than 3G, giving the HTC EVO 4G the fastest data speeds of any U.S. wireless device available today. Sprint 4G network coverage is expected to reach 120 million people by the end of 2010.
Sprint 4G services dramatically increase download speeds for photos, videos and large files. You can download a favorite song, picture, sitcom or large video in seconds, not minutes, or watch live streaming video- all while on the go, not just from the home or office. Additionally, businesses can benefit from the fast connectivity speeds of 4G. Some examples include:

Real estate agents can conduct virtual property tours.
Construction teams using 4G in the field can save valuable time by sharing schematics with engineers online.
Insurance companies can speed their claims management through real-time communication with on-site adjusters.
Health care professionals can improve their ability to remotely monitor patients.
Emergency first responders can rapidly assess and coordinate disaster action with real-time on-site video and audio.
Photojournalists can instantly transfer high-resolution images to the newsroom.
Learn more about what to expect when switching between 3G and 4G coverage.


Key Features
Ultra-fast 4G connectivity with simultaneous voice and data capability (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.) in areas not yet served by 4G (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)
Wi-Fi networking (802.11b/g) for accessing home and corporate networks as well as hotspots while on the go.
Built-in mobile hotspot functionality allows up to eight Wi-Fi enabled devices to share the 3G or 4G experience on the go with a laptop, camera, music player, game unit, video player, or any other Wi-Fi enabled device.
Powered by the Android 2.2 operating system with deep integration of Google services and access to thousands of apps to customize your phone via the Android Market.
Google mobile services including Google Search, Google Maps, Google Talk, Gmail, YouTube , and syncing with Google Calendar
Access to Google Goggles to search with pictures instead of words. It works with everything from books, DVDs and barcodes to landmarks, logos, artwork and wine labels.
Updated HTC Sense user experience includes Friend Stream to integrate Facebook, Twitter and more into a single flow of updates.
1 GHz Snapdragon processor speeds up everything--from playing games to watching shows to opening files from work.
GPS using Sprint Navigation for turn by turn directions, and points of interest searches
4.3-inch capacitive display with pinch-to-zoom and tactile feedback
8-megapixel auto-focus camera with dual LED flash
Capture HD-quality video (720p)
HDMI audio/video port enables you to output pictures, slides and videos in HD quality (720p) via HDMI cable (sold separately)
Forward-facing 1.3 megapixel camera for making video calls. Two-way voice and video capability will be available as an upgrade to the preloaded Qik app on HTC EVO 4G to enable conversational, interactive, real-time sharing between mobile devices or from mobile-to-desktop.
Bluetooth connectivity (version 2.1) includes profiles for communication headset, hands-free car kits, and the A2DP Bluetooth profile--enabling you to wirelessly stream your music to a pair of compatible Bluetooth stereo headphones or speaker dock.
Memory expansion via microSD card slot with support for optional cards up to 32 GB (8 GB card included).
Digital audio player and FM radio
Access to personal and corporate e-mail with Microsoft Direct Push Technology and HTML support. Send and receive email from multiple corporate and personal email accounts. Also, get wireless email access to popular commercial POP3 and IMAP accounts like AOL, Gmail, and Yahoo!
Instant messaging via popular services including Windows Live Messenger, Google Talk, Yahoo Messenger, AOL Instant Messenger.
View documents including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and PDF on the go to maximize your productivity
Visual Voicemail gives you quick and easy access to just the messages you want to listen to by letting you go directly to a specific message, without needing to listen to or skip past previous messages.
Full HTML Web browser
Adobe Flash technology ensures that rich Internet content, such as embedded video and animation, are displayed the way they are meant to be seen.
Airplane mode allows you to listen to music while the cellular connectivity is turned off
Built-in kickstand for hands-free viewing
3.5mm stereo headset jack

Vital Statistics The HTC EVO 4G weighs 6 ounces and measures 4.8 x 2.6 x 0.5 inches. It comes with a large-capacity, 1500 mAh lithium-ion battery with up to 6 hours of battery life. It runs on Sprint's 4G network as well as the 800/1900 CDMA/EV-DO Rev. A frequencies.

What's in the Box HTC EVO 4G handset, rechargeable battery, charger, USB cable, 8 GB microSD memory card, quick start guide, user manual



Sprint Services
GPS capable with Sprint Navigation: This GPS-enabled phone provides optional access to Sprint Navigation for driving directions on your mobile phone--by voice and onscreen. Along the way, turn-by-turn directions will be announced in a clear voice and displayed on your phone. For example, Sprint Navigation will say, "Go 1.2 miles and turn right on Elm Street." As you approach the turn, you will hear, "Turn right on Elm Street." Sprint Navigation also provides proactive traffic alerts with one click re-routing. And it's easy to find restaurants, banks, cafes, hotels and more from over 10 million points of interest across the U.S.


Sprint TV enabled: With Sprint TV, you can make your cell phone your always-on source for news, weather, sports and more. This comprehensive video service combines high-quality streaming audio and video from channels including the NFL Network, ABC, The Weather Channel, Fox Sports, E!, CNN, The Discovery Channel, and more.


Stay Sporty with Sprint: With NASCAR Sprint Cup Mobile, instantly connect to the NASCAR information you want, when you want it. Follow NASCAR action from practice to race day with real-time leaderboard and alerts. Get exclusive access to your favorite NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver with real-time driver stats, breaking news and more. Live in-car audio, race radio, NASCAR on SPEED and other audio/video only available on select phones. Visit sprint.com/speed for details.
To access, just text "NASCAR" to 7777 on your Sprint phone or visit the Sprint Digital Lounge to download NASCAR Sprint Cup Mobile (standard text messaging and data rates apply).

This phone also provides access to Sprint Football Live--free for any phone with a data plan. You'll be able to follow all the live play-by-play action with the Live Game Center for both pro and college football games, as well as stay on top of the pro football draft with a Live Draft Tracker and in-depth analysis and bios on nearly 500 top prospects. Access by texting "FOOTBALL" to 7777 on the handset to download Sprint Football Live from Sprint Digital Lounge (standard text messaging and data rates apply).






Also Available for This Android Device
HTC EVO 4G Power Management
The HTC EVO 4G offers new capabilities for a smartphone that require more power, which can impact its battery life more than what you may have experienced using other smartphones.

It has more radios to power (3G, 4G, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, GPS).
It features a larger screen than most typical smartphones.
It offers more capabilities than most typical smartphones, including:
Management of multiple email accounts and syncing
WiFi access point
WiFi Router capability
4G data
GPS
Access to several 3rd party applications through the Market
Applications and Processes running in the background


With the HTC EVO 4G, you have the ability to manage your phone's power consumption to optimize its battery life. These include:
Battery Usage Tools Before you are ready to charge your phone you can view what has been using your battery during this charge cycle.
Settings -> About Phone -> Battery -> Battery use
Multiple Radios
The multiple radios on this device will use battery life even when you are not using them.

To improve battery life, turn off your Bluetooth, GPS, 4G, Wi-Fi, and Wi-Fi Sprint Mobile Hotspot if you are not using them.
4G Connectivity
The 4G radio should only be turned ON when the improved network speed is required for an application, such as YouTube, Web Browsing, or Sprint Mobile Hotspot. When not in use, its important to use the built-in 4G widget (preloaded on Home tile left of center) to turn the 4G radio OFF.

If you have your 4G radio ON, but are no longer in 4G coverage then your device will be scanning in an attempt to re-acquire the 4G network. Your battery can be significantly drained by the scanning processes, so if you know you will be out of 4G coverage for an extended period of time or if you are not acquiring a 4G signal as indicated in the task bar, it would be important to turn your 4G radio OFF.
E-mail Applications Settings
The e-mail settings allow you to setup peak and off-peak hours for e-mail sync on each email account.

Pop Account
Mail -> Menu -> More -> Settings -> Send & Receive -> Set Download Frequency

Exchange Account
Mail -> Menu -> More -> Settings -> Send & Receive -> Schedule


Generally, less frequent syncing equates to better battery life.
Google Talk
As soon as you sign up for the Google Market or Gmail with your Gmail account information, you are also signed in to the Google Talk instant messaging application. The Talk application tracks the presence of your Google Talk contacts in order to let you know who is available to instant message. Each presence change uses a small amount of power even if you do not have the Talk application open.

If you have numerous contacts who are changing presence throughout the day all of these small impacts to your battery can add up to significantly shorten your battery life.

To see a complete list of power management tips for the HTC EVO 4G, click here to read this PDF overview.



Switching between 3G and 4G coverage
When switching between 3G and 4G coverage, the HTC EVO 4G may experience a very brief interruption of data service as the device switches network connections. During this brief interruption, applications attempting to access data may be unable to do so and may display an error message. Below are some examples of how to proceed if an error message appears on the device. Other data-usage applications may experience a very brief interruption and will continue functioning once the network handoff is complete.

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