Sprint's recent update to the Mogul by HTC packs some impressive performance boosts. So why is this now the phone to beat?
Review summary of the HTC Mogul:
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 The Sprint Mogul's update couldn't come at a better time, as the device is running in a crowded field of HTC QWERTY-slider contenders, including the recent Verizon Wireless XV6800 and the AT&T Tilt. But the updated Mogul is easily the best of the bunch. Besides the Sprint Music store and GPS navigation, which are still available only on Sprint's iteration of this device, we were very impressed by the tethered modem speeds, which bested even our fastest PC Card modem, let alone the other phone's in its class. The phone is still limited where Windows Mobile stumbles, in its media player and Web browsing, and it suffers the same graphics issues as other HTC sliders. Still, if this is the design you're looking for, the Mogul is the best of the bunch. Release: June 2007. Price: $200.
Pros: Fastest tethered modem we've seen. Best-in-class address book integration. GPS for Sprint Navigator service.
Cons: Call quality could be better. We'd like more IM clients.
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Good |
75%
VERY GOOD |
Excellent |
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Full review of the HTC Mogul:
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Editor's note: Make sure to also read our original review of the HTC Mogul here.
Laptop sidekick - Excellent
Sprint recently upgraded the ROM on the HTC Mogul, giving it access to the faster EV-DO Rev. A network, as opposed to the Rev. 0 on the older software. We were expecting a boost in upload speeds, but we weren't prepared for the significant boost we saw in downloads as well. While our original test unit achieved speeds in the 700Kbps range, the Rev. A upgraded device we tested regularly achieved downloads at 1.2Mbps, and topped out at an impressive 1.5Mbps. This is an increase of more than 100%, at its best moments, and the Mogul has become the fastest tethered modem we've used. In fact, even our AT&T HSUPA PC Card modem couldn't keep up, though AT&T claims theirs is the fastest network in the U.S. Upload speeds also got a shot in the arm, and we saw regular uploads read 150Kbps, which is quite respectable for a tethered modem.
Music - Very good
The Mogul now has access to the Sprint music store. It was a strange omission from the original software package, and we're pleased to see the music store make its way to smartphones, where music files are easier to manage thanks to regular synchronizing with a desktop. Though the interface isn't as clean and quick as Apple's iTunes store on the iPhone, the selection of music and pricing is still competitive. Plus, we were already please by the Mogul's A2DP for stereo Bluetooth headsets, so having the music store on board is simply another bonus, especially considering the upgraded download speeds.
Interface design - Good
It's hard to give so much credit for a simple drop down menu, but the Task Manager that HTC has added to the Mogul is really a necessary addition to Windows Mobile. WinMo has a nasty habit of letting programs remain open and clog the device's memory, and the Task Manager basically gives you a list of open programs and an easy way to close the ones you aren't using. It's something we always ask for on Windows Mobile phones, and we complained about the lack of the Task Manager in our original review, so we're pleased to see it make its way to the phone. Of course, better application management would mean that the Task Manager isn't necessary, but at least HTC and Sprint are going to lengths to improve the experience.
Navigation - Very good
We were pleased with the Mogul's navigation performance using Sprint Navigator, which is powered by TeleNav. The default 3D view was very smooth, and the GPS sensor reacted quickly to find us on the road. It wasn't quite sensitive enough to pick us up inside, but we had no problem once we were under open sky, and we almost never drive in the office. The faster networking speeds clearly helped the navigation software, which opened up a map of our route quicker than most devices that rely on a server for maps.
Room for improvement?
Even though Sprint has answered some of our earlier complaints with the Mogul update, there are still a few issues we wouldn't mind seeing sorted out. Though HTC's sliders are very well built, they are infamous for lagging graphics capabilities, and the Mogul couldn't keep up switching its screen orientation as we opened and closed the slide. We'd also like to see more instant messaging options built in, instead of settling for just MSN Live. While we're adding software, how about the Opera browser instead of Internet Explorer, as well?
Comparison
Compare the HTC Mogul with similar products
Who is the HTC Mogul for?
Business usersTouch screen addicts
Price and availability
The HTC Mogul is available from Sprint for $200 with a contract agreement.
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