Still want a Windows Mobile handset for your next smartphone? Have it your way. If you're looking for the best the platform has to offer, there's really only one unanimous choice: the HTC HD2.
Physically, it's a heck of a looker and is arguably HTC's most beautiful release. While build and construction feels solid, it's a tad big (67 x 121 x 11 mm). You can fit it into a pocket, but probably not when you're wearing your skinny jeans. It's tough to complain, though, when you glance upon the gorgeous 4.3 inch capacitive touchscreen with 800 x 480 resolution.
Despite the generous screen size, the device didn't turn out as huge as I expected. Credit to the company's design wizards here. Not only is the screen bright and detail-rich, the extra size actually makes using Windows Mobile easy (especially the parts HTC didn't cover up).
As a phone, it manages excellent calls - clear sound, no interruptions and natural voices. Speakerphone performed similarly, although there was noticeable tinniness at the upper ranges. Battery life didn't disappoint either. Despite the huge display, it lasts for a good two days of regular use before requiring a recharge.
Now, HTC has become the most popular Windows Mobile handset maker for one reason - they craft amazing UIs for the platform. The same holds true for the HD2, especially the social network-friendly homescreen, although they did leave out some parts (such as Activesync and the email viewer). Props should be given for the onscreen keyboard (easily one of the best I've ever used) and the multi-touch implementation (across many apps).
On the features end, the phone doesn't let expectations down either. It's got the Windows Mobile staples, from heavy messaging capabilities to useful PIM tools to a bevy of preinstalled apps. Software runs fast on the HD2, by the way. Sure, Android will probably be faster on this kind of hardware - but this isn't bad at all.
With both 3G and Wi-Fi available, getting online is a pleasant experience here. It comes with Opera Mobile as the default browser and looks amazing on the bumped-up display size. You might want to switch between Opera and IE, though, as the latter supports some amount of Flash.
Media playback, by the way, is excellent, whether you're watching a video from a microSD card, using the built-in YouTube app or listening to music. It's a very capable entertainment phone. The 5.0 megapixel is decent, but nothing special. Other features include aGPS, stereo Bluetooth and, of course, support for the Windows Mobile Marketplace.
Overall, there's not a single Windows Mobile phone that can claim they're better than the HTC HD2. Not by a mile. We know not everyone loves the Androids and iPhones of the world, so there's a huge market out there for this handset. The Euro version is priced between $700 to $800 unlocked (costs may vary depending on where you purchase), which is admittedly expensive. If you want the champion of Windows Mobile phones, though, there's nowhere else to turn to.
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 HTC HD2 Unlocked US $570.00--> Ends In 6h 30m <-- |
 HTC HD2 Unlocked HTC T8585 US $685.00--> Ends In 5h 32m <-- |
 HTC HD2 Unlocked with 5 MP Camera Windows Mobile 65 US $560.00--> Ends In 12h 18m <-- |
{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
It’s a shame such amazing hardware is going to waste with Window Mobile 6.5
I’m no Android fanboi, but until WinMo 7 is here and we can see what’s it all about, phones like this are very much stillborn running anything but WebOS, Android or iPhone OS. In HTC’s case, that means Android all the way for now.