Designed for markets outside North America, the HTC Trophy isn't getting as much mention as some of the other Windows Phone 7 handsets.  Not that we're saying WP7 smartphones are getting that much attention to begin with, but this particular handset does deserve some love.

Physically, the device doesn't bring much bells and whistles.  If you like your phone to be attractive without drawing too much attention, this could very well be your style.  The metallic-like bezel and soft-touch finish give it a nice, premium feel, despite having a primarily plastic make.  Display is a 3.8-inch capacitive touchscreen with 480 x 800 resolution and excellent touch response.  Images look bright and sharp, although quality tends to wash down under sunlight.

As a phone, the HTC Trophy makes for good calls.  Conversations went through clear, although the sound seemed a little piercing with the volume turned max.  Speakerphone quality is about average.  Expect around 7 hours of talk time with the 1,300 mAh battery.

The quad-band world phone packs all the usual smartphone elements, including  multiple voice calling options, basic and advanced messaging, WiFi, aGPS, Bluetooth and 3G.  Do note that this isn't designed for North American use -- as such, it won't support 3G bands in the US.

We've done a review of Windows Phone 7 as an OS before, which you can check out to get a better idea of the platform.  The phone handled all functions and apps well, so it's very capable on that end.  Being an HTC release, it gets HTC Hub, where you can find the Sense UI widgets and apps.

For multimedia, it's an average performer, managing playback of 720p videos adequately.  There's only 8GB of internal storage with no SD card expansion, though, so you'll probably be deleting media files regularly.   The 5.0 megapixel camera worked well outside, but didn't do too well indoors, even with the LED flash.  The good thing is, it comes with a pretty good photo enhancer app that you can use to clean up shots that need a makeover.

Overall, the HTC Trophy is a decidedly average smartphone that just works.  Unlocked price is pretty good, as well, at around $400.

There aren't many 4G phones in the market right now, so we aren't exactly bombarded with too many choices yet.  As such, it's quite easy for handsets to separate themselves from the pack with just little changes and the HTC Evo Shift 4G manages to pull that off nicely.

Physically, the handset brings a high-quality design that makes you feel like you're handling a really premium phone.  The aluminum accents, soft-touch finish and beefy dimensions take it a step up the style ladder.  Display is a 3.6-inch capacitive touchscreen (800 x 480 resolution) that manages sharp and clear pictures, with plenty of bright colors.  The slide-out landscape QWERTY keyboard works great, although the lack of dedicated number keys might put off some users.  Regardless, it's one of the best keyboards for its size and makes a good case for choosing the Shift over the other keyboard-less 4G offerings from Sprint.

As a phone, the Evo Shift 4G makes for above average call quality.  Everything went through clearly on both ends of conversations, with no background noises to disrupt.  Speakerphone, however, was just average, although we appreciate the high volume level.  Battery should last you over six hours in continuous talk time.

The phone comes in at a cheaper price than other 4G handsets right now.  To allow that, it makes some compromises, such as the lack of a front-facing camera and an HDMI port.  Most notable, though, is the 800MHz processor, which is a downgrade from the 1GHz standard for other 4G devices.  For the most part, though, you'll only notice the slight drop in speed when you've got a plethora of apps open -- for regular use, it should be fine.  Plus, it plays Flash even with the lower CPU clock.

As a full-fledged Android 2.2 smartphone running HTC Sense, you get all the usual features you'll expect: a variety of calling options, basic and advanced messaging and a variety of preloaded apps (both Google's Mobile Suite, as well as HTC's own apps and widgets).  Connectivity support is full-blast, with 4G, 3G (when WiMax isn't available), WiFi, GPS and Bluetooth.  It also supports mobile hotspot capabilities for up to eight phones at a time.

On the multimedia end, it provides average playback of content.  Naturally, Sprint loaded it with their various streaming services, which you'll likely find plenty useful over the high-speed 4G network (hopefully, you have coverage in your area).   The 5.0 megapixel camera offers plenty of editing options, all while taking above average shots and very watchable 720p clips.

Overall, the HTC Evo Shift 4G is an excellent choice for an Android smartphone, provided you spend most of your time in an area with Sprint's 4G coverage.   The $149.99 price further makes a compelling case, especially if you’d like a physical keyboard to go with your Android smartphone.

Got no qualms about  carrying a big slab of a smartphone in your pocket?  Then you might be interested in the HTC HD7, the largest of the current roster of Windows Phone 7 releases.

Physically, the handset is quite a handful at  4.8 inches tall and 2.7 inches wide.  To HTC's credit, though, they kept it slim at just 0.4-inch thick, all while having a study build and solid-feeling construction.  The size, of course, is a direct result of packing  a large 4.3-inch capacitive touchscreen (800 x 480 resolution), which is bright, crisp and very responsive to touch controls.  While it's not as good as the Super AMOLED panels we've seen, there's really nothing to complain about.  By the way, it comes with a built-in kickstand on the back, so you can easily use it for tabletop viewing.

As a phone, the HTC HD7 makes for great call quality on both ends.  There were some occasional hisses, but nothing to distract from your conversations.  Speakerphone, however, was a different story and could have benefited from a bit more volume.  Battery is rated at 6.5 hours of talk time, which should last you roughly a day of normal use.

We won't get into the specifics of the platform here - you can check our Windows Phone 7 review for that.  Suffice to say, the device's 1GHz CPU managed to run the OS well, with no lags or delay, other than some waiting time for Xbox Live games to load.  Data connection over T-Mobile's 3G network is fast, too, loading most heavy sites in under 20 seconds and YouTube videos after a few seconds of buffering.

The HTC HD7 has quad-band world roaming, along with a slew of voice calling options.   All connectivity options are onboard, too, including 3G, WiFi, Bluetooth 2.1 and GPS.  As you've probably heard, Sense UI is absent on WP7, although HTC did throw in an extra hub (HTC Hub), where you can get the familiar widgets and apps that usually come with the manufacturer's phones.

Messaging options are adequately covered, with SMS, MMS, IM and email all available.  Again, we'll refer you to our WP7 Review for the specific features of the platform, all of which the handset inherits.  T-Mobile has preloaded it with a number of apps and services, as well, including  Netflix, Slacker, TeleNav GPS Navigator, Family Room and T-Mobile TV.

As a multimedia phone, it's very good, thanks to both the capable hardware and the Zune software.  Because of the big screen, both video viewing and web browsing are also ideal.  There's no microSD support, though, so you're restricted to dumping your files on the built-in 16GB of storage.  The 5.0 megapixel camera took fairly average photos (a bit on the disappointing quality, in fact).

Overall, the HTC HD7 is a solid phone, especially for those who prefer a larger display.  Apart from the spacious screen, there's really nothing spectacular, but it's well worth the $199.99 price on a two-year contract with T-Mobile.



The HTC Surround is a multimedia-centric device with surround sound speakers and a kickstand for tabletop viewing.  That, of course, on top of rather high-end hardware running Windows Phone 7.

Physically, the handset adopts HTC's familiar styling (complete with a soft-touch finish and a metal frame around the screen), paired with high quality construction.  It's a tad bulky, but that's a direct side effect of the slide-out speakers, which pop out on the right side.  Display is a 3.8-inch capacitive touchscreen (480 x 800 resolution) with crisp images and bright colors.  It's also perfectly usable in daylight.

As a phone, the quad-band HTC Surround makes for good calls.  While clear, it did attract some light background noise on our end.  Those on the other end reported a similar experience.  Speakerphone lacks volume, but the mic picks up voices very well.  The 1,230 mAh battery is rated at four hours of talk time and manages an entire day of regular use.

We'll have a separate review of Windows Phone 7 in the next day or so.  Suffice to say, this is the best mobile platform Microsoft has ever turned up.  In fact, there are some areas where we found it superior to the Android experience.

Aside from quad-band world roaming, the Surround bundles the usual voice features, along with a range of connectivity options that include Bluetooth, WiFi, 3G and GPS.  We love the dialer, as it's simple, straightforward and designed for efficient use.  Messaging is a well-serviced feature, too, with SMS, MMS, IM and email (POP3/IMAP accounts, Exchange/OWA), although it lacks a unified inbox.

The handset's 1GHz processor, 512MB ROM and 448MB RAM are put to good use, with performance proving satisfying.  While there were some brief lags (especially when launching large apps, like games), they're hardly noticeable, based on the overall experience.

Being a multimedia phone works to this handset's favor, as WP7 features full Zune integration.  That means it inherits the Zune HD's playback talents, all of which work beautifully with the device's built-in surround sound speakers.  The 5.0 megapixel camera offers standard editing options and average image captures.  Do note that you're restricted to using the phone's 16GB of built-in storage as it makes no room for microSD expansion.

Overall, the HTC Surround is a great option if you're really on the lookout for a smartphone with excellent onboard speakers.  Given that those same speakers add considerable weight to the handset, that selling point might prove to be the very reason you want to stay away from this one.  AT&T will sell the HTC Surround beginning November 8 for $199.99 on a two-year contract.

HTC announced a sleek-looking new handset today.  Billed as the HTC Gratia, the smartphone sports mid-range hardware, paired with Android 2.2.

Possibly the biggest news for this release is that it will come in a choice of colors that include "forest green." No, really, as in a lovely dark shade of green, as pictured above.    Wouldn't that be awesome as a regular colorway for everything else HTC releases?  That's aside from the usual blacks and whites, of course, in case your tastes run more towards the familiar.

Details of the HTC Gratia include a 3.2-inch capacitive touchscreen (320 x 480 resolution), a 5.0 megapixel camera module (only with VGA video, though), 3G with HSPA, WiFi, Bluetooth 2.1 and microSD card expansion.  Core hardware consists of a 600MHz processor, with 512MB of ROM and 384MB of RAM.  There appears to be no GPS radio.

Phone dimensions measure up at 4.09 x 2.27 x 0.46 inches, with 4.06 ounces of weight.  It runs Sense UI over the latest version of Google's mobile OS, along with the usual set of preloaded apps (from both the Android and Sense UI side of the spectrum).

American fans hoping to get some of that striking color will have to bow their heads in sadness, as the HTC Gratia is only slated for a European release (for now, at least).  Pricing will vary depending on carrier deals when it drops across the continent starting November.

[via Gizmodo]

The HD2, hands-down, was the best Windows Mobile phone ever built.  With the advent of Windows Phone 7, its successor, the HTC HD7, looks poised to take the crown as the best of the platform's first-generation devices as well.

In many ways, this is a carbon copy of the original HD2, with a few enhancements to properly round out the package.  It's big, it's powerful and it's packed with features, making it a likely favorite among users waiting to get their paws on a WP7 smartphone.

Details of the HTC HD7 include a 4.3-inch capacitive touchscreen (480 x 800 resolution), a 5.0 megapixel camera module with dual LED flash and 720p video recording, aGPS, Bluetooth 2.1, WiFi, 3G with HSPA, a choice of internal storage (8GB or 16GB) and a 1,230 mAh battery.  Core hardware consists of a 1GHz Qualcomm MSM8250 system-on-a-chip, 576MB of RAM and 512MB of ROM.  The handset measures 4.8 x 2.68 x 0.44 inches, with a weight of 5.7 ounces.

Like the HD2, the phone should prove a multimedia powerhouse, with Dolby Mobile and SRS surround sound onboard, apart from the new platform's tight integration with Zune and Xbox Live.  The US version will come preinstalled with plenty of entertainment apps, too, including Netflix, Slacker and T-Mobile TV.  A pop-out kickstand is installed in the back of the phone, so you can stand it on a tabletop for convenient viewing.

Expect the HTC HD7 to drop in US stores beginning mid-November.  No word yet on pricing under T-Mobile, but you can register at the official site to be notified of any new developments.

[HTC HD7 T-Mobile Page]

T-Mobile has announced the long due follow-up to the original Android phone.  Called the T-Mobile G2, the HTC-built handset will be the first one equipped to work on the carrier's brand new high-speed network.

Billed as HSPA+, the service claims to offer 4G download speeds (peak speeds of 14.4 Mbps) and will be available in at least 55 metropolitan areas across the US when the phone first launches.    Aside from the beefed-up broadband capabilities, the smartphone also boasts tight integration with Google Voice, allowing you to create a new account using your current mobile number right from the phone.

Details of the T-Mobile G2 include a 3.7-inch capacitive touchscreen (800 x 480 resolution), a four-row, hinged QWERTY keypad (with one-touch quick keys), a 5.0-megapixel camera module (with 720p video recording), aGPS, WiFi, stereo Bluetooth, 4GB of internal storage, memory card expansion (8GB pre-installed, up to 32GB supported) and a 1,300 mAh battery.  Surprisingly, it skimps a bit on the processing power, throwing in an 800MHz Qualcomm Snapdragon CPU, instead of the standard high-end 1GHz.

It runs Android 2.2 Froyo, which means full Adobe Flash support, among other things.  There's the usual slew of pre-loaded Google apps, support for Microsoft Exchange (for e-mail, contacts and calendar), Swype and Voice Actions, which lets you control various phone operations on voice command.  T-Mobile claims it's optimized for excellent multimedia performance and long battery life, although that's obviously something we'd want to see to believe.

The T-Mobile G2 will be available for pre-order later in the month, with price slated at $199.99 on a two-year agreement.

[G2 via Gizmodo]

The anticipation and hype that surrounded the lead-up to the HTC Evo 4G's release was pretty heavy.  Fortunately, it doesn't disappoint, easily setting itself up as one of the best, most full-featured smartphones in the market today.

Physically, it's a large device with solid, sturdy construction.  HTC did manage to slim it down to half an inch thick, making the slate almost pocketable in a "bursting out of your pants" sort of way.  The size, of course, is due to the huge 4.3-inch capacitive touchscreen, which shows sharp lines and vibrant colors.  It's quite mesmerizing to look at, apart from offering a spacious onscreen keyboard, although the colors do wash heavily under sunlight.

As a phone, the Evo 4G makes for excellent calls.  Voices came through loud and clear,  with no distortion of any sort.  Those on the other end reported the same thing.  Speakerphone calls were  also good, making for serviceable quality even in loud environments.  Battery is good for around one day of moderate use, although we'd recommend carrying a charger with you, just in case.

The handset is a veritable feature showcase, with literally every modern convenience you can find in any other smartphone and at least one (4G connectivity) that you can't.  Sure, the network isn't available in most places, but if you happen to be in one of the lucky cities, you can enjoy really fast download speeds that put current HSPA networks to shame.  Well, not that much, since when we tried it, we did run into some lags with SprintTV (yes, believe it or not).  YouTube HQ and Hulu went hitch-free though (the latter with a few seconds initial loading).  Do note that with 4G, you can use simultaneous voice and data, allowing you to keep the phone alive as a mobile hotspot even while taking calls.

It runs Android 2.1 out of the box (which you can now update to 2.2, by the way), which brings all of the platform's latest capabilities into your hands.  Suffice to say, everything is here, from the robust messaging to the Google's suite of apps.  It also runs the latest version of HTC Sense, which comes with numerous useful tools, such as  Agenda, Group Contacts and Friend Stream.

Android is notorious as a less-than-ideal multimedia phone, but the Evo 4G changes all that.  With support for 720p processing, an HDMI out and superb audio quality, it lays a strong argument for being a solid multimedia device.  It also has an 8.0 megapixel camera that shoots impressive photos and pretty good 720p videos.

Overall, the HTC Evo 4G easily finds a place in the top of the heap among Android devices.  The data charges can be expensive, but could be worth it, especially since the phone costs the same as other high-end handsets at $199.99 with a two year contract from Sprint.

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Looking for a mid-range Android smartphone with a smoother interface than the OS default?  The HTC Aria from AT&T fits that bill like hand in glove, running Sense UI inside a compact frame.

Physically, it's quite petite for a new model of smartphone.  Measuring 4.6 x 2.3 x 0.5, it's particularly pocket-friendly - a far cry from the present trend of bigger devices.  It features a clear and bright 3.2-inch capacitive touchscreen, with 320 x 480 resolution.  The small size, coupled with the sturdy feel, makes it comfortable to handle.

As a phone, the HTC Aria makes for good calls.  There was some detectable harshness to the voices, but it was clear and had very few instances of interference.  Those on the other reported excellent quality, with natural-sounding voices.    Speakerphone was usable, with ample volume and decent sound.  Battery life is rated at six hours of talk time, which should be good for a day or two of regular use.

Despite the size, this is a full-featured Android smartphone, with version 2.1 of the OS and the Sense experience.  As such, it gets the full range of Android staples, from the robust messaging to the integrated Google services.  HTC's apps (Peep, Footprints and some widgets) are onboard too, along with numerous apps for AT&T's various services.  The phone runs a 600MHz CPU, which should be adequate for moderate needs (in fact, the phone's about as responsive as any Android handset we've seen).

One quick negative: AT&T crippled the phone's ability to install apps that don't come from the Android Market.  It's annoying, especially if you want to use some of the better out-of-market apps (and there are a number of them).

The phone has quad-band world roaming, along with all the usual voice and messaging capabilities you see with Android smartphones.  It has both 3G and WiFi, so you can get your fast broadband fix most of the time, allowing you to take full advantage of the HTML browser and AT&T's bevy of multimedia streaming services.   Just so we're clear, web video stream fast, but quality leaves much to ask for.

Onboard music and video player sticks to the standard Android stuff, so it's far from spectacular.  The 5.0 megapixel camera takes good outdoor shots.  Lacking flash, however, indoor shots are just too degraded to matter.  Oh yeah, there's aGPS too.

Overall, the HTC Aria is a full-featured Android phone that's pocket-friendly on both the size and the price ($129.99 on a two-year contract with AT&T).  The only real sticking point is the restriction of access to third-party app sources.  If that doesn't matter to you (it matters to me), then this is an excellent pick.

HTC just announced a new phone for AT&T.  Billed as the HTC Aria, it's a pocket-sized smartphone earlier rumored to be the HTC Liberty.

Unlike large slabs of hardware that's been the norm for most of HTC's Android phones, it's actually  a lot closer to the HTC HD Mini in dimensions, at  just slightly over 4 inches long and 4.05 ounces in weight.  Unlike the Mini, though, it comes with Android 2.1 at the helm, along with the whole suite of new features this OS version comes with.

Details of the HTC Aria include a 3.2-inch capacitive touchscreen (480 x 320 resolution), a 5.0 megapixel camera module, aGPS, stereo Bluetooth, WiFi, 7.2Mbps HSDPA and microSD card expansion (2GB card included in the box).  Core hardware consists of a 600MHz CPU and 384MB of RAM.  It packs a 1,200 mAh battery, rated at six hours of talk time and 15 days of standby.  Like the rest of HTC's Android efforts, it comes with the latest version of Sense UI, which includes a number of unique features, such as the feed aggregator, Friend Stream.

The HTC Aria will hit retail stores beginning June 20 for $129.99 with a two-year contract and a $100 rebate.  Sounds like a good price point for a pretty capable smartphone.

[Press Release]