HTC EVO Shift 4G

“Debuting just before CES 2011, the HTC Evo Shift 4G is Sprint's third 4G smartphone and also the most affordable one in its lineup. At $149.99 with a two-year contract, it's $50 less than the Samsung Epic 4G and the HTC Evo 4G and sure, the cheaper price comes with some trade-offs--smaller display, 800MHz processor, no front-facing camera or HDMI port--but the Evo Shift still has plenty to offer. Running Android 2.2, the smartphone has 4G support and solid performance. It also combines an easy-to-use physical keyboard in a more compact and solid design. If you're counting your pennies or prefer your devices on the smaller side, the HTC Evo Shift 4G is a great alternative to the Epic 4G.”

“For $149, the Shift 4G is a reasonably priced 4G smart phone that gives Sprint customers a physical keyboard option. Plus, it's more affordable than the Samsung Epic 4G and Evo 4G, both of which are $199. We prefer the keyboard and the brighter and bigger Super AMOLED display on the Epic 4G, but the Shift 4G lasts more than an hour longer on a charge. Overall, the Shift 4G is a solid pick for what you're paying. It offers faster web speeds than the T-Mobile G2 and Motorola Droid 2 and a good typing experience.”

“The Slide-out QWERTY keyboard is a texter’s dream. I found myself typing more e-mail and texts on the Shift’s keyboard than on my first-generation EVO although the keyboard is tough to operate single-handed. I often got annoyed when it came time to slide out the keyboard, regardless of the benefits of doing so. Like its big brother, the Shift demands that you carry an extra, fully charged battery. The standard 1500-mAh battery on both devices will last about four hours when using the phone as a hot spot or pushing the limits of surfing and streaming content over 4G. But while there are many cheap aftermarket batteries available for the EVO, you’re stuck using pricier name-brand batteries for the EVO Shift. But here’s the bottom line for all the original EVO fanboys out there, including myself: Don’t consider the EVO Shift an upgrade unless you really miss a physical keyboard.”

“There is no arguing that the HTC EVO Shift 4G is a respectable Android smartphone based on its overall performance, but there is this nagging feeling pulsating in the back of our minds about it. Specifically, it plays in direct contention with the HTC EVO 4G and Samsung Epic 4G – which is primarily due to its 4G WiMAX connectivity. However, when you factor in that you're paying an extra premium for its data plan, it begins to look sour for the HTC EVO Shift 4G since it lacks some extras such as a front facing camera for video chat functionality. And when you compare it to its most direct competitor, the Samsung Epic 4G, the $50 price difference is substantial as the Epic 4G just offers more value and features with its pricing. In the end, the HTC EVO Shift 4G is a good handset, but if it were priced more competitively, it could potentially garner some additional attention.”