Is it just me or does the Evo 4G look inferior to the Iphone 4?

[MJinZ]

You know how much I rag on Apple products, but...

http://www.anandtech.com/show/3763/sprint-htc-evo-4g-viveks-first-impressions

I mean... I would probably buy an Iphone over that EVO.

Humongous EVO? Check
Useless 4G? Check

 

[Suspicious-Teach8788]

4G is just like when 3G first came about. The coverage is spotty and I bet part of the reason battery life sucks SO BAD is that it's searching for the signal forever. Trying to fight for a 3G signal over a 2G signal is bad enough.

Do you guys remember trying to use 3G in 2007? Oh wait... the iPhone 3G wasn't out yet.. I doubt the US really cared that much about it, but using other unlocked phones in the US was a PITA. 3G reception was terrible on AT&T back then and coverage was only in a few areas. If you thought 3G coverage was bad when the iPhone 3G came out, just take a look at 2006-2007.

I remember most Nokia forums told people to just shoot for GSM only and turn off UMTS. It was night and day with battery life.

But perhaps 4G tech itself is very bad on battery. I would need some WiMax whitepapers to figure that out...

I wouldn't say 4.3" is bad. For many people it won't work, but for those with larger hands, it's not bad. Plus, SenseUI is always nice to have.

 

[MJinZ]

4G is just like when 3G first came about. The coverage is spotty and I bet part of the reason battery life sucks SO BAD is that it's searching for the signal forever. Trying to fight for a 3G signal over a 2G signal is bad enough.

Do you guys remember trying to use 3G in 2007? Oh wait... the iPhone 3G wasn't out yet.. I doubt the US really cared that much about it, but using other unlocked phones in the US was a PITA. 3G reception was terrible on AT&T back then and coverage was only in a few areas. If you thought 3G coverage was bad when the iPhone 3G came out, just take a look at 2006-2007.

I remember most Nokia forums told people to just shoot for GSM only and turn off UMTS. It was night and day with battery life.

But perhaps 4G tech itself is very bad on battery. I would need some WiMax whitepapers to figure that out...

I wouldn't say 4.3" is bad. For many people it won't work, but for those with larger hands, it's not bad. Plus, SenseUI is always nice to have.

You need large pants to fit it in too.

 

[sswingle]

I prefer the Incredible, but would still want an Evo vs an iPhone.

 

[TheWart]

Uhh yea:

But regardless of 4G speed, one thing the 4G radio definitely does is massacre battery life. You can basically kiss it goodbye if you have the 4G radio enabled. On launch day, I had to run almost as soon as I got my hands on the phone, so I just basically turned it on and threw it in my backpack. It was at around 40% battery when I did that. Two hours (of completely idle time) later, it gave me a 10% battery warning and a half hour after that it was dead. Apparently, 4G and GPS were enabled out of the box and I hadn't looked at that beforehand. With the 4G radio running, expect around 6 hours of IDLE battery life. If you're really hitting the 4G, expect far, far less than that. When we do our full review of the device we'll have detailed battery life tests.

 

[mosco]

Engadget said it best when they said that the iphone 4 should be compared more with the HTC Incredible and I agree.

I would never buy the HTC phone just based on its size. Yeah, the large screen is nice, but not if it means the phone has to be that big.

However, obviously a lot of people would rather have a bigger screen, and thats certainly a valid preference. It really just comes down to preference.

 

[Spoooon]

My brother bought an HD2 a couple weeks ago. The screen is huge and amazing and the phone didn't feel awkward or uncomfortable to handle. I'm guessing that the Evo and HD2 are pretty close in terms of size. I think it'd be uncomfortable in a tightish pair of jeans, but no problem in khakis or cargo pants or something.

 

[Fingolfin269]

I think we're getting close to that point in the life of cellular tech where we get to learn just how big is too big. After all these are no longer really phones. They're multimedia devices that happen to make phone calls. I really like what Apple has done in terms of the size/resolution on the iPhone 4. Is that the sweet spot? I think it will take a few more EVO sized phones before we know for sure.

 

[TheWart]

I think we're getting close to that point in the life of cellular tech where we get to learn just how big is too big. After all these are no longer really phones. They're multimedia devices that happen to make phone calls. I really like what Apple has done in terms of the size/resolution on the iPhone 4. Is that the sweet spot? I think it will take a few more EVO sized phones before we know for sure.

It will be interesting to see how consumers decide when it comes to size. Is the EVO too big? Is the Dell Streak too big to use as a phone? Do people mind carrying a phone and a streak? etc etc

Personally, I want something that fits in the pocket of my normal (read: not baggy cargo or baggy jeans) pants, but some of my friends think that the Streak is an acceptable size for a phone. Interesting times...

 

[mosco]

My brother bought an HD2 a couple weeks ago. The screen is huge and amazing and the phone didn't feel awkward or uncomfortable to handle. I'm guessing that the Evo and HD2 are pretty close in terms of size. I think it'd be uncomfortable in a tightish pair of jeans, but no problem in khakis or cargo pants or something.

The Evo is 4.8 inches in height, 2.6 inches wide, 0.5 inches thick, weighs 6oz
The HD2 is 4.74 inches in height, 2.64 inches wide, 0.43 inches thick, weighs 5.54 oz
The iPhone is 4.5 inches in height, 2.3 inches wide, 0.37 inches thick, weighs 4.8 oz

Evo is a little wider, a little less tall, and a little thicker, but yeah, pretty close.

 

[Brian Stirling]

It will be interesting to see how consumers decide when it comes to size. Is the EVO too big? Is the Dell Streak too big to use as a phone? Do people mind carrying a phone and a streak? etc etc

Personally, I want something that fits in the pocket of my normal (read: not baggy cargo or baggy jeans) pants, but some of my friends think that the Streak is an acceptable size for a phone. Interesting times...

If you think the Evo is too big just wait -- there will be still larger phones. When the additional functionality that a larger phone with larger higher resolution display can offer I think we will see the phone get larger and larger until it really is too large. In my view the Evo is not that point and I expect to see phones of 5" and larger within the next couple years and if the package is right I may well be in the market.

If you can shrink the bezel to a minimum you could build a phone with a 5" screen that is only a tad larger than the Evo and the Evo, my Evo, fits in the same case as my now abandoned 3G iPhone. Yep, it is a bit tighter in the case than the iPhone was but the old case (Eddie Bauer) works just fine.

Give me such a phone with a 5" screen and 1920x1080 resolution with a battery in the 15WHr range capable of permitting me to view an AutoCAD drawing and pull a dimension in the field and I'd be a REAL happy camper. The biggest problem smart phones have had are two: screens that are too small with insufficient resolution to surf the net for an extended time, and a battery that's too small to operate the phone in this manor for more than a few hours.

I've had the Evo since Friday and have not had enough time to fully sort it out but the size is a non issue for me. I wish they had opted to make it a couple mm thicker so they could have provided a much larger battery. The phone makers, and too many of the customers, are still thinking along the old paradigm of smaller is better and always err on the side of making it too small.

But, if the larger phones with nice big screens are too big for you then don't buy one! Of course, if you don't you will NOT be able to do the things these larger phones can. The newer generation of smart phones with larger screens make the netbook a dieing breed...


Brian

 

[zerocool84]

Uhh yea:

Well duh any new technology is going to have growing pains. When I get the Evo I probably won't use 4G at all unless I'm somewhere I can charge it right after. Look at how long ago 3G was widespread and smartphones have barely been getting acceptable battery life just recently. It takes time to optimize the phone for it.

 

[sjwaste]

I love the size of the Evo, and I have somewhat smaller hands. The 4.3" screen was actually the #1 reason I was after this phone.

The iPhone does look cooler - its metal and glass, it IS sweet. But I'm not a huge fan of the OS. It's just a grid of icons. Android's interface, while a little less stable, is quickly growing into the more intuitive and usable of the two.

Look at it this way. Do you think the iPhone will ever have swype? Can I replace the shitty stock mail app? Android lets me do that. I'm not a fanboy in either direction. I love apple products, we have lots of them between my wife and I. I will buy the better product, I don't care who makes it. For me, the Evo is still it, even against the iphone 4.

Also, 4G for casual surfing is probably not that necessary. But I'm going away this weekend. I'll need local info, internet access at the hotel, restaurant reviews, etc. For that kind of use, I'm very convinced 4G will serve me well.

 

[TheWart]

Well duh any new technology is going to have growing pains. When I get the Evo I probably won't use 4G at all unless I'm somewhere I can charge it right after. Look at how long ago 3G was widespread and smartphones have barely been getting acceptable battery life just recently. It takes time to optimize the phone for it.

Yea, but the battery scenarios outlined in numerous reports are pretty egregious imo, and something I have a hard time seeing as popular with consumers.

Especially if Sprint is making sure to brand this as a "4g" phone, but then advise everyone to turn it on and off all the time lol.

 

[Pliablemoose]

Unless you're planning on attempting to smuggle your phone into prison, the HD2/EVO are fine, I keep my HD2 in a shirt pocket, and a bunch of other crap too...

The EVO sucking down electricity when on 4G like there's no tomorrow is somewhat disconcerting, I really hadn't anticipated that. I am willing to bet that Google will improve power management significantly in it's next upgrade of Android.

 

[zerocool84]

Yea, but the battery scenarios outlined in numerous reports are pretty egregious imo, and something I have a hard time seeing as popular with consumers.

Especially if Sprint is making sure to brand this as a "4g" phone, but then advise everyone to turn it on and off all the time lol.

I bet the biggest killer is that since there's not 4G in a lot of places yet it only gets a low 4G signal and we all know low signals kill battery faster. With 4G getting more widespread I'm sure that'll help with battery life.

 

[TheWart]

I bet the biggest killer is that since there's not 4G in a lot of places yet it only gets a low 4G signal and we all know low signals kill battery faster. With 4G getting more widespread I'm sure that'll help with battery life.

Yea, that is probably a good point. I guess Sprint decided that it was more important to win the marketing trophy of having "a 4G phone!!" than it was to get reasonable battery life. I wonder if it backfires though and associates sprint 4g service with horrid battery life in the mind of the consumer. The first to market doesn't always fare best.

 

[CTrain]

The Evo is 4.8 inches in height, 2.6 inches wide, 0.5 inches thick, weighs 6oz
The HD2 is 4.74 inches in height, 2.64 inches wide, 0.43 inches thick, weighs 5.54 oz
The iPhone is 4.5 inches in height, 2.3 inches wide, 0.37 inches thick, weighs 4.8 oz

Evo is a little wider, a little less tall, and a little thicker, but yeah, pretty close.

Thank you for posting the dimensions of the phones.
People are just ignorant when they say the HD2/Evo is too big especially compared to the iphone.
The HD2/Evo is barely biggger than the iphone yet people make ignorant comments like "it won't fit in my pant pockets".
I don't ever recalling people crying about the iphone being too big.
I like the iphone and will definately get a iphone 4 to play with once its out but 3.5" is just too small these days.
I like the specs of the iphone 4 but they should have made it with a 4" screen.
Now thats a perfect compromise.
Apple wouldn't even have to make it much bigger. Just reduce the bezels as much as scpossible.
BTW, I'm a HD2 owner(also have an iphone sitting around) and I love the screen size.
I can't imagine going back smaller but I would settle for a 4" screen since using the phone with 1 hand would greatly improve.

 

[sswingle]

Thank you for posting the dimensions of the phones.
People are just ignorant when they say the HD2/Evo is too big especially compared to the iphone.
The HD2/Evo is barely biggger than the iphone yet people make ignorant comments like "it won't fit in my pant pockets".
I don't ever recalling people crying about the iphone being too big.
I like the iphone and will definately get a iphone 4 to play with once its out but 3.5" is just too small these days.
I like the specs of the iphone 4 but they should have made it with a 4" screen.
Now thats a perfect compromise.
Apple wouldn't even have to make it much bigger. Just reduce the bezels as much as scpossible.
BTW, I'm a HD2 owner(also have an iphone sitting around) and I love the screen size.
I can't imagine going back smaller but I would settle for a 4" screen since using the phone with 1 hand would greatly improve.

But if the screen was bigger they couldn't come up with fancy new titles like retina display.

 

[TheWart]

Thank you for posting the dimensions of the phones.
People are just ignorant when they say the HD2/Evo is too big especially compared to the iphone.
The HD2/Evo is barely biggger than the iphone yet people make ignorant comments like "it won't fit in my pant pockets".
I don't ever recalling people crying about the iphone being too big.
I like the iphone and will definately get a iphone 4 to play with once its out but 3.5" is just too small these days.
I like the specs of the iphone 4 but they should have made it with a 4" screen.
Now thats a perfect compromise.
Apple wouldn't even have to make it much bigger. Just reduce the bezels as much as scpossible.
BTW, I'm a HD2 owner(also have an iphone sitting around) and I love the screen size.
I can't imagine going back smaller but I would settle for a 4" screen since using the phone with 1 hand would greatly improve.

The absolute measurements might not be all that great, but when it comes to a portable/pocketable device, even a third of an inch is pretty significant. Once again, it comes down to preference. Just like some people don't mind having a huge bulging wallet, others dont mind a heavier/bigger phone. Personally, I like super thin phones, and the new iphone is great in that regard. Now, if only they could make the screen bigger without making the phone bigger...

 

[sjwaste]

The Evo fits in the damn change pocket in most of my suit pants. Anyone that says its too big has some sort of defect.

 

[Spicedaddy]

I'd prefer an Android phone, but I'll be getting the new iPhone when it comes out here. I've learned one thing with phones over the years: hardware is what counts. (reception, call quality, volume, build quality, size, etc.) HTC is decent, but Apple has them beat IMO.

Software-wise, they all pretty much do the same things anyways, and you get used to what you're using.

 

[sjwaste]

I'd prefer an Android phone, but I'll be getting the new iPhone when it comes out here. I've learned one thing with phones over the years: hardware is what counts. (reception, call quality, volume, build quality, size, etc.) HTC is decent, but Apple has them beat IMO.

Software-wise, they all pretty much do the same things anyways, and you get used to what you're using.

I don't know about that. Apple's had antenna issues leading to poor reception, after all. And if reception is what you're after, you should buy based on the best carrier in your area, not the handset anyway.

And if you think they all do the same thing software-wise, you're missing the heart of the Android vs iPhone debate. It really depends on what you want to do, but you generally have more flexibility with Android.

 

[sciwizam]

The absolute measurements might not be all that great, but when it comes to a portable/pocketable device, even a third of an inch is pretty significant. Once again, it comes down to preference. Just like some people don't mind having a huge bulging wallet, others dont mind a heavier/bigger phone. Personally, I like super thin phones, and the new iphone is great in that regard. Now, if only they could make the screen bigger without making the phone bigger...

Should be quite simple, remove the inch thick bezels...

 

[zerocool84]

Yea, that is probably a good point. I guess Sprint decided that it was more important to win the marketing trophy of having "a 4G phone!!" than it was to get reasonable battery life. I wonder if it backfires though and associates sprint 4g service with horrid battery life in the mind of the consumer. The first to market doesn't always fare best.

Everyone knows Sprint needs as much hoopla as it can get. They've been bleeding customers for too many years now. First to 4G and first to have a 4G phone is important to them so I don't think they cared about battery life. They'll lock in those customers for another 2 years and get the stocks up with a jump in customers which is all they care about.