HTC Thunderbolt 4G Android Smartphone Review


Introduction & Specifications

HTC was the first manufacturer to provide a 4G phone though a US carrier when it shipped the HTC EVO 4G from Sprint. At the end of last year, HTC promised it would once again be the first to 4G with another carrier. And days later, the company announced the Thunderbolt smartphone with Verizon Wireless.  It's been a few months since the announcement, and although there were many rumored release dates for the phone, it only recently became available for consumers to purchase.

As the first 4G LTE device in the United States, the Thunderbolt is definitely a hot smartphone that many users can't wait to get their hands on. Not only does it boast of 4G speeds, but it also has a large 4.3-inch display, fast 1GHz Snapdragon processor, plenty of storage space, and the ability to share its fast connection with up to eight Wi-Fi enabled devices through the Mobile Hotspot feature.

Click to enlarge

The Thunderbolt by HTC runs on Android 2.2. It is the first smartphone to take advantage of Verizon Wireless' 4G LTE network, which boasts of download speeds between 5 and 12 Mbps and upload speeds of 2 to 5 Mbps. When 4G coverage is unavailable, you'll still have a respectable data connection through Verizon Wireless' 3G network. The phone is currently available through Verizon Wireless stores and online for $249.99 with a new two-year customer agreement.

Verizon Wireless and HTC definitely have a phone that's attracting a lot of attention. But is it all it's cracked up to be? Read on as we take a hands-on look at the HTC Thunderbolt from Verizon Wireless.


HTC Thunderbolt
Specifications & Features
Processor and memory
Qualcomm MSM8655, 1GHz, Qualcomm MDM9600
8GB emmc + 768 RAM Memory card
preinstalled 32 GB microSD
Operating System
Android 2.2 + HTC Sense
Connectivity
LTE 700, CDMA EVDO Rev A
Bluetooth 2.1 with EDR (3.0 when available)
GPS/AGPS
802.11 b/g/n
Mobile Hotspot for up to 8 devices
microUSB
Display
4.3-inch WVGA (480x800) TFT capacitive touch screen
Size and weight
4.75 x 2.44 x 0.56 inches
6.23 ounces (with standard battery)
Cameras and multimedia
8MP with autofocus, LED Flash (2x LED)
1.3MP front facing camera
3.5mm audio jack
Additional Features
Dual mics with noise cancellation, Surround sound, Compass sensor, G-Sensor, Proximity sensor, Light sensor, FM radio, LTE SIM slot , TI audio DSP
Battery
Usage: 378 minutes
Standby: 330 hours
Carrier
Verizon Wireless
In-Box Content
Standard Lithium Ion Battery
Wall/USB charger
32GB microSD card
Product Safety & Warranty Statement
Getting Started Guide
Important Consumer Information Brochure
 

Related content