HTC EVO 4G
Key specs
Critic consensus
“The HTC Evo has flaws. I'm rating it a 4 stars rather than a 4.5 because of its harsh voice quality and especially because 4G doesn't cover many cities yet. I'm also not in love with its touch keyboard. But it's so far ahead of other Sprint phones in so many ways, it's in a class that only contains the HTC Incredible, Google Nexus One, iPhone 3GS, and itself. The EVO is Sprint's super phone, the ultimate handset for its network. Its modern Android 2.1 OS, stunning design, and 4G power easily take the Editor's Choice crown away from the HTC Touch Pro2 ($349.99-449.99, ). Still, there are caveats: Not many cities have 4G yet and the EVO's design privileges Internet and messaging over voice calling. While the EVO's groundbreaking speed and power earn it our Editor's Choice, there's still room for Sprint's aging Palm Pre ($299.99-549.99, ) and the upcoming BlackBerry Bold 9650 as smaller, simpler devices with better call quality and physical keyboards.”
“This is how it was supposed to go. Back in November of 2007 Google announced their Android operating system and the game was supposed to change. A year later T-Mobile and HTC released the platform’s first handset, the G1. We had high hopes, to say the least, but the impact was not immediate. The revolution grew slowly, but now it is coming to a head. HTC brought their Sense UI to Android with the Hero, but the first major blow across Apple’s bow was the Motorola DROID, followed by the Nexus One and most recently the HTC DROID Incredible. All this was a prelude to what’s next: say hello to the HTC EVO 4G.”
“The new Sprint HTC EVO sports 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. So the EVO's greatest draw is its 4G WiMax compatibility. How did it work? Uh ... we don't know. We tested the phone in San Francisco, which is not currently wired for 4G. If you're considering the EVO for its data-processing chops, take a look at where 4G is currently deployed.”
“The HTC Evo 4G is undoubtedly Sprint’s best smart phone to date, delivering nearly all the specs power users could possibly hope for in a well-crafted design. Though it may simply be too large for some, in many ways the Evo 4G is also the best Android phone yet, beating out the Droid Incredible because of its 720p video recording and 4G capability. Even if 4G hasn’t yet reached your neck of the woods, the Evo 4G is a killer device thanks to its zippy processor, huge display, and an interface that makes Android more intuitive and user-friendly. While the keyboard could be better and the battery life longer, the Evo 4G richly deserves our Editors’ Choice award. It’s a no-brainer for Sprint customers, and a tempting choice for those on other carriers. We just wish the device ran Android 2.2 now instead of later so you could enjoy Flash Player 10.1 out of the box. Although the next-gen iPhone is expected to boast a higher-res screen and match many of the Evo 4G’s features, based on what we (think we) know HTC’s superphone should have the goods to give Apple’s a run for its money.”
Watch before you decide
In Depth
The HTC EVO 4G is a spirited device that continues the much touted tech ripples and geek spasms created by prior HTC models. Once the hidden genius behind well known OEM brands, HTC decided, brilliantly, to strike out on its own several years ago, manufacturing and branding their own devices, and almost as quickly has risen to the top tier of brand names one considers when considering a cell phone.
4G, or fourth generation technology, promises to push the boundaries of what a cell phone can do. It’s all about upload and download speeds being much faster, making innovative and heretofore impossible applications and features possible. Think crisp video conferencing in real time. Think near- DSL speeds on your phone. Think power and backward-compatible technology. That’s why 4G, or LTE, is so important and a big reason why the HTC EVO 4G is one powerful phone. Add a user interface (UI) that is so simple even a newcomer to cell phones will be teaching you tips and tricks in a matter of days.
The HTC EVO sports an enormous 4.3 inch WVGA display, an impossibly high resolution 8MP camera with video record, HDMI-out (connects your phone to your HD television), and WiMax compatibility. All that means is this phone is powerful in your hands and almost capable of taking over your home theater, able to create an internet link in odd places and freaking you out with its sheer power… all packaged in a sweet and sexy thin exterior. The HTC EVO 4G pushes the role of the cell phone forward with unabashed self-absorption, as if unaware that any cell phone had existed prior.
True to form following function, every millimeter of this device seems to serve a genuine, meaningful purpose, and that purpose falls squarely into one of three categories: intuitive operation, sheer power (Like, well, Ford Mustang Cobra power), and capability and versatility (as in 30,000 available apps). While some cell phone users may get drunk on the steps necessary to tap, tap, tap their way to “I’ll be home in time for dinner”, the HTC EVO presents an absurdly over the top alternative. Add a touch of minimalist design, durable build materials that speak luxury and on-demand processing power waiting like a supercharger on a, well, I said Mustang Cobra before, right?, and you get the idea. The HTC EVO, in many ways, manages a Mensa-level IQ with raw blue collar power.
So what’s under the hood? How about a magnificent 480 x 800 pixel resolution display, 1 GB on board memory with 512 RAM (expandable to 8GB via microSD card, of course), a Snapdragon QSD8650 1GH processor, improved battery life, all packed into a slim and attractive casing.
If you are a fan of HTC, and who isn’t, check out the HTC EVO and see how much more your cell phone could be doing for you.
What people actually want to know
When was the HTC EVO 4G released?
The HTC EVO 4G was released on June 4, 2010.
How long does the battery last on the HTC EVO 4G?
The HTC EVO 4G has a 1,500 mAh battery.
Does the HTC EVO 4G have a headphone jack?
Yes, the HTC EVO 4G has a 3.5mm headphone jack.
Where can I get support for the HTC EVO 4G?
Visit HTC's official support page for warranty info, repairs, and troubleshooting.
Where can I download the HTC EVO 4G manual?
You can view and download the HTC EVO 4G manual on our dedicated manual page.
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