HTC EVO 3D Smartphone Review
Design
The EVO 3D looks and feels a lot like its older brother, the EVO 4G. In fact, if you compare many of the hardware specifications of the two phones, you'll see some definite similarities. However, you'll also see some notable differences. Here's a closer look at some of the key specifications for both phones side-by-side:
| |
HTC EVO 3D |
HTC EVO 4G |
| Processor and memory |
1.2 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon dual-core processor 4GB Internal memory 1GB RAM 8GB microSD card included |
1 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon QSD8650 processor 1GB ROM 512MB RAM 8GB microSD card included |
| Operating System |
Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) |
Android 2.2 |
| Display |
4.3 inch Super LCD 540x960 QHD resolution 3D display |
4.3-inch WVGA resolution Capacitive Multi-touch Screen |
| Size and weight |
5.0 x 2.6 x 0.48 inches 6 ounces |
4.8 x 2.6 x 0.5 inches 6 ounces |
| Cameras and multimedia |
1.3 megapixel front-facing camera Dual 5 megapixel rear-facing cameras |
1.3 megapixel front-facing camera 8 megapixel rear-facing |
| Battery |
1730 mAh Lithium-ion Up to 6.0 hours of continuous talk time |
1500 mAh Lithium-ion Up to 6.0 hours continuous talk time |
As you can see from the chart above, key areas where the EVO 3D improves upon the original EVO 4G is with a faster dual-core processor, additional memory, Android 2.3, and a QHD 3D display. The EVO 3D also has dual 5 megapixel cameras on the back of the phone that enable you to capture 3D images and video, but they are a trade-off for the single, higher resolution 8 megapixel rear-facing found on the EVO 4G. The EVO 3D also does away with the kickstand found on the EVO 4G.
Like the EVO 4G, the EVO 3D is one of the heavier phones we've reviewed. Here's how the EVO 3D stacks up:
| Samsung Galaxy S 4G | 4.2 ounces |
| Samsung Captivate |
4.5 ounces |
| Nexus S |
4.55 ounces |
| HTC Droid Incredible |
4.6 ounces |
| Apple iPhone 4 |
4.8 ounces |
| Samsung Droid Charge | 5.04 ounces |
| Motorola Droid X |
5.47 ounces |
| Samsung Epic 4G |
5.47 ounces |
| HTC EVO 4G |
6 ounces |
| HTC EVO 3D | 6 ounces |
| HTC Thunderbolt |
6.23 ounces |
The EVO 3D ships with Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) installed. As the latest version of Android for handsets, this OS offers some key improvements over Froyo (Android 2.2) including speed improvements, new themes, improved copy and paste functionality, better power management, better application management, and more. Although we're seeing many phones (including the EVO 4G) get an over-the-air update to Android 2.3, it's still nice to have it installed from the start.
As with many phones today, the majority of the front of the EVO 3D is covered by the large 4.3 inch display. This smartphone is the first in the U.S. to ship with this a 3D qHD display. qHD is a resolution standard of 540x960 (quarter HD). Below the screen, you'll find four touch-sensitive backlit buttons (Home, Menu, Back, and Search).
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The EVO 3D's 1.3 megapixel front-facing web cam is above the display to the right of the earpiece. A 3.5mm headset jack as well as the power button is located on the top edge of the phone. When you flip the phone over, you'll see the dual 5 megapixel rear-facing cameras as well as a dual flash. A speaker is located in the red ring that surrounds the cameras near the top right edge of the ring. The volume rocker, 2D/3D switch, and camera button are located on the right edge of the phone. On the left edge of the EVO 3D, you'll find the microUSB connection.
To access the EVO 3D's microSD card slot, you'll need to remove the battery cover. Although the card slot is visible after removing the cover, you'll have to remove the battery if you actually want to swap microSD cards. The back battery cover has a rippled and soft rubbery feel.
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