The HTC EVO 4G has received an early review, revealing that Mobile WiMAX may not be a smartphone's best friend.
Later this year Verizon Wireless will open its new 4G LTE network, operating on the 700MHz frequency to enable a smooth experience for its users. Early reviews of the HTC EVO 4G reveal that Clearwire's Mobile WiMax network, which operates on the 2.5GHz frequency, will in some cases have a hard time reaching equipment that doesn't have an external antenna. The higher frequency, the stronger antenna a smartphone will need to receive signal. According to Engadget, the HTC EVO 4G's internal antenna may not be strong enough to get good Mobile WiMax coverage indoors in some areas.
Furthermore, Walt Mossberg reports that while the HTC EVO 4G on Clearwire's Mobile WiMax network is capable of offering data speeds that are twice as fast as an average 3G connection (like AT&T and T-Mobile's new HSPA+ networks will likely do), the battery didn't last through a full day. The development of efficient Mobile WiMAX radios are simply not what the industry is focusing on, leaving HTC and others with the only choice of incorporating whatever is available. Sprint encourages users to turn off the Mobile WiMax when they don't need it, but to quote Walt Mossberg: "This undercuts the whole idea of faster cellular speeds."
During our ten years of testing phones, we've seen one manufacturer that consistently delivers top-notch cellular radios: Nokia. That's the very same company that eventually decided to not offer devices for Clearwire's network. Most likely, they figured out that Mobile WiMax on the 2.5GHz frequency would only end up with quotes like Walt Mossberg's above. Nokia has decided to focus entirely on LTE development, and Clearwire recently stated that they'll move on to LTE as well. Clearwire would still be operating on the 2.5GHz frequency, but at least their partners like HTC would then be able to get hold of radios that are optimized for mobile devices.
All that said, the HTC EVO 4G also operates on Sprint's traditional EV-DO network, and it'll by far be the best consumer smartphone this carrier has to offer when released on June 4. So check out its many highlights and our video below:
Where will the HTC EVO 4G work at full data speed?
For more information on where the HTC EVO 4G will connect to the Mobile WiMAX network, check out Sprint's 4G site. At the time of writing, Sprint offers Mobile WiMAX in 32 markets, covering 41 million people. By the end of 2010, Sprint expects to cover up to 120 million people, by expanding its service to markets such as Boston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York City, San Francisco and Washington D.C.
Will apps be optimized for the increased data speed?
Android applications will be enhanced by access to the increased data speed, and a Sprint 4G developer guide is available today from the Sprint ADP website. The Sprint 4G developer guide provides details on how developers can take advantage of the HTC EVO 4G's hardware and software capabilities and Sprint's high-speed data network.
Additionally, HTC EVO 4G customers will be able to enjoy capabilities they have never experienced before with a new video chat service from Qik. The two-way voice and video capability will be available as an upgrade to the preloaded Qik app on the HTC EVO 4G to enable conversational, interactive, real-time sharing between mobile devices or from mobile-to-desktop.
HTC EVO 4G's Many Highlights
- Simultaneous voice and data capability in 4G and Wi-Fi coverage areas, enabling Web surfing and more while the conversation continues.
- Offering a new way to search with pictures instead of words, Google Goggles works with everything from books, DVDs and barcodes to landmarks, logos, artwork and wine labels.
- A 1GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, ensuring smooth and quick movement within phone menus.
- Two cameras - an 8-megapixel autofocus camera with HD-capable video camcorder and a forward-facing 1.3-megapixel camera.
- Built-in mobile hotspot functionality allowing up to eight Wi-Fi enabled devices to share the data connection ($30 per month).
- Integrated HD video capture with the ability to capture and share live video via Qik Web site, Facebook, YouTube or Twitter.
- Ability to easily watch video with the device on an HDTV via an HDMI cable (sold separately).
- Custom Web browser optimized for the 4.3-inch display and Sprint 4G speeds to deliver a full, no-compromise Internet experience.
- A kickstand built into the back, making it easy to watch videos on the go.
- Adobe Flash technology ensures that rich Internet content, such as embedded video and animation, are displayed the way they are meant to be seen.
- Pinch-to-zoom and automatic text reflowing provide easy Web page views.
Price and release date
The HTC EVO 4G will be available from Sprint on June 4, selling for $200 with a two-year contract and after a $100 mail-in rebate. To connect the phone to the Mobile WiMAX network, there's an additional fee of $10 per month on top of the regular data plan.
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