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08
Oct
Sprint HTC Hero: Quick Thoughts
Written by Rick Bonkestoter   
Thursday, 08 October 2009 18:49
HTC Hero "Sprint style"

HTC Hero "Sprint style"

There's no question that the Sprint HTC Hero is one of the most anticipated Android phones, well, ever. It's Sprint's first Android device, looks relatively pleasing, and runs the beautiful HTC Sense UI. We've spent some quality time with the Sprint HTC Hero and have gathered some of our quick thoughts to hold you over until our full review. However I think that the hero is not the correct name for this phone, because of its looks, the original HTC Hero is a bit different then this one but it has the same hardware inside. The only difference is the trackball.

  • The build quality is wonderful. There's no creakiness like the T-Mobile G1 and it feels much more luxurious than the myTouch 3G.
  • We're not the biggest fans of the flush hardware buttons, it's too difficult to differentiate and much too easy to accidentally click. We've had the phone unlock multiple times and make calls without even knowing.
  • On the other hand, the trackball is easily the best of the HTC Android family.
  • The soft matte finish on the backside of the phone greatly improves the overall feel.
  • HTC Sense UI is simply a joy to use. We're not having any of the lag or slowness problems that have been reported elsewhere.
  • Peep, HTC's Twitter client, is very well designed. Actually, all of the HTC apps and widgets are very impressive.
  • Multitouch in the browser is great--a much more intuitive way to navigate. Flash, not so much--on first impression, it's just too clunky for everyday use.
  • Battery life is perfectly adequate.
  • Sprint catches a lot of flack in the media but our experience with its service and data speeds has been entirely positive.
  • We love the Hero

Stay tuned to Android Features for more coverage on the HTC Hero! This is only the beginning, we're going to give you as much information about the Hero as we can before the October 11th launch date.

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08
Oct
Meet the Samsung Moment, Sprint's Second Android Phone Available November 1st for $179
Written by Rick Bonkestoter   
Thursday, 08 October 2009 18:29
Samsung Moment

Samsung Moment

We've heard whispers of a second Sprint Android device before and now it's official--meet the Samsung Moment. The Moment is a QWERTY-slider device that packs a 3.2-inch AMOLED screen, 800MHz processor, 3.2 megapixel autofocus camera with video and flash, and an 'optical joystick'. And of course, the usual slew of wireless options--Wi-Fi, GPS, Bluetooth, and EV-DO.

The Samsung Moment will be the second Android device on Sprint and it certainly looks like a winner. The Moment is most definitely the previously rumored InstinctQ and we applaud Sprint and Samsung for delivering a top-notch Android device without the baggage of a previously used name. The Moment will be available for $179 on 2-year contract ($100 mail-in-rebate) on November 1st.

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07
Oct
Dell Bringing Mini 3i Android Phone to the US ?
Written by Rick Bonkestoter   
Wednesday, 07 October 2009 19:51
dell-mini-3i-portrait

Dell Mini 3i

When we first heard that Dell was making an Android-powered smartphone we couldn't help but get excited. Seriously, the biggest US computer manufacturer creating a smartphone powered by our favorite OS? We were immediately on board. Then came news that the Dell Mini 3i, the much anticipated Dellphone, was going to be China-only. To say we were disappointed is an understatement--we were absolutely crushed. How could a US company, like Dell, ignore the US market? Especially when we were thirsting, starving even, for more Android devices??

Luckily, it looks like the Dellphone, the Mini 3i, might just find its way home--rumors are pointing towards a US release and it's going to be even better than what we already know. As it exists now, the Dell Mini 3i won't cut it in the states--they'll likely add Wi-Fi, bump up the camera to 5 megapixels, and improve the device. It's going to be thinner than the iPhone and have a similar feel to the Palm Pre.

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06
Oct
Sprint HTC Hero $329.99 Off-Contract
Written by Rick Bonkestoter   
Tuesday, 06 October 2009 20:58
According to Leakdroid, the Sprint HTC Hero will be available off-contract for $329.99.
HTC Hero "Sprint"

HTC Hero "Sprint"

Considering the price of the HTC Hero with 2-year contract is already $179.99 and the various advantages in not signing a new contract, the $329.99 price seems to be a relative steal. So if you're lucky enough to be a Sprint subscriber with a great monthly plan, we suggest you strongly consider the off-contract pricing.
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06
Oct
Samsung Behold II Officially Runs Android, Heading to T-Mobile
Written by Rick Bonkestoter   
Tuesday, 06 October 2009 20:53
Samsung Behold II

Samsung Behold II

And the Samsung Behold 2 II runs Android! And it's going to be offered on T-Mobile! And it'll be available in time for the holidays!

In all seriousness, the Samsung Behold II is a device that's been relatively overlooked but now since it's official, we think it deserves another look (especially since the targeted release date is this year!). Take a look at the specs:

  • 3.2 inch AMOLED screen
  • TouchWiz UI (3D cube menu for multimedia access)
  • 5-megapixel camera with autofocus, flash, and video
  • 3G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
  • microSD expansion

There's no doubt that T-Mobile is building the best-to-date Android product portfolio--the T-Mobile G1, myTouch 3G, Motorola CLIQ and now Samsung Behold II--are all wonderful options for any Android user. With Sprint (and Cellular South) being the only other Android game around, T-Mobile has started to corner the Android smartphone market. Time will tell if they can maintain their head start.

We're very interested to see how the TouchWiz UI will work with Android and more specifically, excited to see if Android can become the media powerhouse the Behold II aims to be. We're not even putting words in T-Mobile or Samsung's mouth, to quote T-Mobile product marketing director, Travis Warren:

“The premium screen and quality camera coupled with Samsung’s innovative cube menu makes the Behold II a multimedia powerhouse that’s made even stronger by T-Mobile’s high-speed 3G network.”

We're looking forward to the end of 2009 because it's looking to be new Android phone release after new Android phone release. So who's excited for the Behold II? And does anyone else think that the Behold II should just be an entirely new name?

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06
Oct
A Close Look At The T-Mobile Motorola CLIQ
Written by Rick Bonkestoter   
Tuesday, 06 October 2009 20:44
Motorola Cliq

Motorola Cliq

Mobile-review got their hands on the T-Mobile Motorola CLIQ and put it through the harsh light, snapping every angle of the device imaginable. Though the Motorola CLIQ doesn't release until November 2nd for $199.99, these high-quality snapshots should provide prospective buyers with a better idea of how the device looks.

Sadly, Mobile-review never managed to activate the device so we don't get a real-life look at how MOTOBLUR actually works. We'll definitely have our own in-depth look of the Motorola CLIQ in the future, so stay tuned! In the mean time feel free to hit the read link for the full gallery or the jump to see more pictures of the Motorola CLIQ!

[mobile-review]

Click on Read more to see all the pictures!

 

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