Sprint recently announced official plans to release the HTC Hero in the US market, not too long after T-Mobile launched the MyTouch 3G (aka HTC Magic). While both handsets sport several similarities, the Hero offers enough advantages to make people wonder whether T-Mobile will come out on the losing end of this head-to-head battle between two Android smartphones.
Bigger RAM. While both devices use similar (though not completely the same) 528Mhz Qualcomm processors, the Hero has a distinct advantage in memory, packing 288MB of RAM to the MyTouch3G's 192MB. While less than 100MB of RAM may not sound much for a PC, it makes a world of difference for a phone, where background processes can really slow operation down immensely.
Better Camera. All phones have poor camera modules (compared to a point-and-shoot) and that's why megapixels count so much. Every extra detail adds up and the Hero's 5.0 megapixel optics simply outdo the 3.2 megapixel camera on the MyTouch 3G.
Better Multimedia Hardware. Actually, they're mostly the same, except for the fact that the Hero has a built-in 3.5mm audio jack. T-Mobile's MyTouch 3G does ship with a small adapter, though, which evens things out. Regardless, you can easily misplace an adapter; a built-in jack will stay with your phone forever.
Better UI. The Hero is the first phone to feature HTC's Sense UI, an absolutely better Android skin than what's available with the MyTouch 3G. Based on recent reports, MyTouch 3G users can't simply download and install Sense on their phones either, without using some voodoo tech skills and bypassing some security.
Bigger Battery. MyTouch 3G comes with a 1,340mAh battery; the Hero comes with a 1,500mAh unit. Given that both handsets do largely the same things, it's fair to say their energy use will foster similar numbers, making the Hero a hands-down better-lasting device.
Better Pricing For US Customers. That's right, the Hero offers a better price point than the MyTouch 3G. Of course, one can argue that the latter is smaller and lighter (not by much, but true), apart from being better-looking (arguable, although the Hero seems a bit more formal in bearing, while MyTouch 3G is just sleek). Still, with all of the other factors going for it, Sprint is selling the Hero for $179.99 on a two-year contract, a good $20 less than the MyTouch 3G. Even Sprint's plans are priced lower ($69.99 for 450 minutes with unlimited data) than what T-Mobile is bundling ($74.99 for 300 minutes with unlimited data).
If you want the kicker, some sites are reporting that the MyTouch 3G won't be receiving full firmware upgrades for Donut and beyond, because of the lack of memory. The Hero won't be having this problem.
Photo Credit: Engadget
