Should i buy a Htc DesireZ / G2 or wait for a phone with qwerty kbd and dual core like Snapdragon/Tegra2 ?
Is it really worth to buy a G2, or phones like i mentioned will take time to appear in the market ?
Sent from my FROYO X RED using XDA App
It depends on what you currently have, but the g2 is a good pick if you're coming from a much older device.
Up to you really. I personally just upgraded to the DZ/G2 and it's looking and feeling great. A HUGE upgrade from my previous HTC Hero with a faster CPU and RAM and all that junk.
If you really did want to wait tho, I do believe that the newer dual core/Tegra2 phones are set to be released later this year (summer/fall) so if you can hold out till then, you can pick up one of the newer ones.
Alot of people are saying the DZ/G2 is "dated" but it really isn't. It's able to keep up with my brothers DHD once it was overclocked to 1GHz and easily surpassed his stock DHD once I tried over 1GHz on the clock speed.
If you're not that finicky about hardware, the DZ/G2 is a solid choice. Easily be able to last you 2 years before the really good quad core/tegra4 phones get released
EDIT: Here's a partial list of upcoming phones with Android: http://www.611connect.com/blog/merben-upcoming-android-smartphones-2011
Regards.
I have a Touch Pro2, and want a native Android handset with qwerty kbd and fast performance.
I also want hi-res (800*480) and at least a 3.5" screen, which provides good readability without zooming and lots of content on-screen.
And the Z/G2 is the only phone that suits my prefs right now...
Sent from my FROYO X RED using XDA App
Coming from the Touch Pro 2 (like I did), and get the DZ/G2, you will wonder why you even questioned the purchase. Its so far ahead of your old WM phone, its going to knock you on your rear in terms of speed, smoothness, and stability. The DZ is the best phone around with a hardware keyboard.
Doesn't seem like there will be a better HTC phone with keyboard coming out anytime soon. And I'd only buy a phone like this (with keyboard) from HTC. The other manufacturers just can't seem to get hardware keyboards right. And this is all assuming your local carrier (or phones compatible with your carrier) will be released on a timely basis.
Obviously, the treadmill of technology guarantees that something better is always on the way. But if you go 6 months or even a year without regretting your purchase (wishing you had waited), you've done just great. And my instinct is that this will be the case.
redpoint73 said:
Doesn't seem like there will be a better HTC phone with keyboard coming out anytime soon. And I'd only buy a phone like this (with keyboard) from HTC.....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I reckon Redpoint has hit the nail on the head here. Considering the 2year gap between the G1 -> G2, i'd be v-suprised if there was a worthy successor (from HTC) within the next 9 months or so.
So it depends on how long you are willing to make do with your current handset.
I'm in a similar situation, my only concern is that I buy the DZ and then a HTC Merge variant becomes available in Europe (3.8" screen, no trackpad)
That's right, new model replaces old one usually in a year time basis...
HTC DESIRE Z is an excellent choice, and you won't regret it.
This claim comes from someone who changed this year only following devices:
- PALM PRE
- HTC HD2
- SAMSUNG B7330 OMNIA PRO
- SAMSUNG WAVE
- SAMSUNG GALAXY S
- and now last two months HTC DESIRE Z...
@ gerryr what do you have against opt.trackpad?
It is very useful when moving cursor in any text entry related app...
gerryr said:
I'm in a similar situation, my only concern is that I buy the DZ and then a HTC Merge variant becomes available in Europe (3.8" screen, no trackpad)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're holding out for a tenth of an inch screen size difference? And as already mentioned, the trackpad can be very handy for moving the cursor accurately between text characters.
It would seem very odd for HTC to make a Euro GSM variant of the Merge, basically making it back into a Desire Z (as the specs are almost exactly the same between the DZ and the Merge), which is already widely available in Europe. But who knows, cell phone companies do weird/unexpected things all the time.
I only remember using the optical track on the desire a handful of times, really don't think it's needed.
I take your point though, doubtful they'll release it in Europe given the similarities of the rest of the spec
gerryr said:
I only remember using the optical track on the desire a handful of times, really don't think it's needed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I hear ya. Many people on here have mentioned that they find the trackpad useless. But for me, I find it useful, particularly correcting text in SMS or email. I can't place the cursor with single character precision using the touchscreen.
Its also nice if you switch to CM7, or otherwise mod the phone for trackpad button wake. I press the trackpad to wake just about every
time I use my phone now.
You mean there are people that actually DONT use trackpad to wake their device but instead reach for the top right corner?
Trackpad wake for the win.. I'd go nuts if I had to use the actual power button all the time =[
I have checked and can't find out where the setting is to make the trackball work like the power button, can you help me? Oh and I run CM7RC2
Sent from my HTC Vision using XDA Premium App
bradley_e_smith said:
I have checked and can't find out where the setting is to make the trackball work like the power button, can you help me? Oh and I run CM7RC2
Sent from my HTC Vision using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure if it works for CM7, but here's a link you can try
http://www.xda-developers.com/android/trackpad-wake-for-your-htc-desire-z/
I have a G2 and its a terrific phone. The trackpad is basically only my power button since text selection in gingerbread is... well there actually is text selection.
If your phone isn't on fire though I would suggest waiting because there is going to be a wave of dual core awesome coming out this summer so you might as well wait for the next train instead of jumping on the one leaving the station.
I have a myTouch 4G and even though dual cores are around the corner I won't regret this buy. G2 and MT4G's are so quick as it is, I don't really need a dual core. Apps open in an instant and multi tasking is as quick as can be. I say if you just need a new phone now because you can't handle your old slow phone then go ahead and upgrade. The G2 is a very solid phone.
Only hold out for a dual core if you plan on doing some heavy gaming with high graphics. But other than that, go grab a G2.
bradley_e_smith said:
I have checked and can't find out where the setting is to make the trackball work like the power button, can you help me? Oh and I run CM7RC2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Settings>CyanogenMod settings>Input, and you will see an option for Trackpad wake under "Buttons".
If you want trackpad unlock (not just wake) you can go to Settings>CyanogenMod settings>Lockscreen>Unlock options. But this seems like an easy way to accidentally unlock your phone while in your pocket.
ScurvyJ said:
If your phone isn't on fire though I would suggest waiting because there is going to be a wave of dual core awesome coming out this summer so you might as well wait for the next train instead of jumping on the one leaving the station.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dualcore phones are coming out, but OP was specific about a hardware keyboard. Nothing like that has been announced from HTC yet, so it will likely be some time (has HTCeven announced any dual core phones yet?). So I'm betting it will be at least fall, if not later, before a HTC phone with a comparable form factor to the Vision (but dual core) is released. And frankly for the most part, I don't care about any other manufacturers besides HTC. They always tend to have some combination of cheap housings, poor developer support, and crappy keyboards.
Why wait troll. You could die tonight for all we know. Enjoy the now. Get your G2 and become a Vatican assassin like us. Do the right thing pal. We're watching you
meXdroid GingerMex Habanero fast
Related
I am looking to ditch Symbian and have decided that Android is the way to go (despite the downfalls along the lines of camera and sound quality).
It might seem a no brainer but I am not sure I have use for the qwerty offered by the Desire. That said, I like the latest and greatest but I am trying to convince myself that the Desire Z with its extra bulk is worth the extra if I am not going to use the qwerty much.
I might find that I grow to like the keyboard on the other hand (which is what I am hoping as I have almost convinced myself to go with the Z).
Any arguments for forgetting the Desire entirely?
If you hold back i will have both devices here once my Z arrives.....my gf has just got a desire and i wasnt sure if she would be ok with the s/w keyboard....its not too bad actully but i still prefer hardware qwerty keyboards.
Watch this space.
before owning the a desire i had a nokia e71 and i gotta say the keyboard on it was amazing. After realizing the desire z is getting released soon I decided to sell my desire. I just never got used to using a touch keyboard after using one with real hardware keys. I'd say go for the desire z if having a hardware keyboard is your thing. But otherwise the desire is pretty decent and I was extremely satisfied with it except for the fact it didn't have a keyboard.
IMO the display should not be obtruded by the input (even not my own fingers)
I use the web intensively from my phone (news, blogs, mil, etc)
so I can't imagine using internet without a keyboard
I'm using the X10 now and I've made my best to adapt, but I really miss the keyboard
Again, just IMO, but a physical keyboard makes me more productive
Well, I was holding out for the Desire Z, but needed to get a new phone, as I couldn't live with my old phone anymore. So, I got a San Francisco (SF) on Orange PAYG (it's a rebranded zte blade). Anyway, I didn't think that I would get on without a hardware keyboard, as I moved away from a touch pro 2...
Anyway, installed swype on the SF, and really getting on quite well with it. It's not as bad as I thought it would be to live without a physical keyboard.
Obviously a physical keyboard is much better to use, but for the time being, I cancelled my pre-order (did so a while back), and am just using the SF for a bit. Will give me time to see how well the Desire Z does, and whether I wanna buy one in the future, or just stick with the SF for a bit longer...
But, I would say that if you are not desperate for a hardware keyboard, and have used touch screen keyboards before and got on ok with them, then it's your choice as to whether the extra money is worth it?! I think most of the differences between the two is the physical keyboard, the internal available rom (1.5gb vs 0.5gb I think), a few differences in the network capabilities and the new sense ui and htcsense.com. So, if you put a custom rom on the phone, then you will have basically the same phone, but without the keyboard and the extra rom...
@lovelldr: are you serious ? Android 2.1, only 600MHz CPU and missing QWERTY keyboard is more than small difference. You are comparing one of the lowend models to the highend.
If we go with your analogy, HTC Dream is pretty much same phone as HTC Desire HD. Except the display size, display resolution, CPU speed, RAM, ROM, other features...
faugusztin said:
@lovelldr: are you serious ? Android 2.1, only 600MHz CPU and missing QWERTY keyboard is more than small difference. You are comparing one of the lowend models to the highend.
If we go with your analogy, HTC Dream is pretty much same phone as HTC Desire HD. Except the display size, display resolution, CPU speed, RAM, ROM, other features...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
WTF, I'm saying I'm staying with that phone until I've seen whether the Desire Z is as good as stated...
I'm stating to the OP the differences between the Desire Z and original Desire... It's then his decision whether he chooses. I was merely stating a software issue (so it doesn't matter which version of android or the hardware differences). I found that swype (again, can be used on any phone, so it doesn't matter) is a good means of input, and that the hardware keyboard isn't so much of a big deal breaker to me any more (after trying it out on the SF).
Where did I say to him to forget either of those phones, and go with an SF?! I didn't...
Then i misunderstood your post, it sounded like you are comparing Desire Z and the Orange SF.
In my experience, physical keyboard is impossible to replace. I had HTC Touch HD, it was a nightmare to type on it (and i had it for a year, so don't try to argue that i didn't tried). Even a bad physical keyboard (like the one on my Milestone) is miles ahead of any virtual keyboard.
yes, physical keyboard is better than a virtual keyboard, hands down...
But, I'm saying that if the user is thinking they can get on with a virtual keyboard (I think that swype is the best virtual keyboard I've tried, works much better than any of the other virtual keyboards, and without swype I probably wouldn't be recommending this), wants to save some money, and isn't too bothered with the small differences between the two (i.e. the internal ram, network offerings etc), then the desire z will be good to go.
If you have someone you know who has an android device, and are able to get swype for that device, then give it a go, and see how you get on... If all works well, and you're happy to save some cash, then go for the original desire I would say... But, at the end, it's your choice, and you might be unable to get on with virtual keyboard, or be a user that must have the latest and greatest...
Problem with Swype is that beta is closed, and i'm not in a mood to explore grey areas of internet . On other side, Swype still doesn't solve the biggest problem of all virtual keyboards - they take up big part of screen, so you have a keyboard instead of content.
faugusztin said:
On other side, Swype still doesn't solve the biggest problem of all virtual keyboards - they take up big part of screen, so you have a keyboard instead of content.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But it's all swings and roundabouts... When using the physical keyboard on a device, it means that the size of the device is almost twice as big... hehe. OK, enough of my argumenting
Thanks for your comments folks... a couple of things to consider but I think I am leaning more towards the Desire Z.
As I understand it, as well as the other points mentioned, the cpu in the Desire Z is a later generation than the Desire so the device runs a lot faser and smoother. I am not too bothered about the qwerty as originally stated but If the qwerty doesn't make the handset all that much bigger than the Desire then I may just take a punt - I may even grow to like the qwerty and I am sure it will be far in advance of the others I have used in the past - namely the Qtek 9100 and the Vario 3.
Price wise I don't think there is a huge difference with current UK prices for sim free handsets so I may be better just shelling out the extra £60-70 for a cutting edge device (Desire Z)?
What I am anxious to avoid is ending up with a new handset that has a qwerty that is never used. That said, apart from the HD which is too big for me I don't see that I have much alternative.
Thanks again for your thoughts ...
Desire Z, for the simple reason that it uses a next generation processor compared to the Desire. The clock speed is a bit lower, but the much faster graphics make up for it. I'm sure there will be overclocking available once the phone is rooted too.
One of the main shortcomings of the Desire's Snapdragon is its graphics capabilities. It's just not up to par with other top players like the Milestone and the Galaxy S series. The Z addresses that.
Soaa- said:
Desire Z, for the simple reason that it uses a next generation processor compared to the Desire. The clock speed is a bit lower, but the much faster graphics make up for it. I'm sure there will be overclocking available once the phone is rooted too.
One of the main shortcomings of the Desire's Snapdragon is its graphics capabilities. It's just not up to par with other top players like the Milestone and the Galaxy S series. The Z addresses that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it is rooted and overclockt
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtube_gdata_player&v=DVORX-ZFblA
Another plus point of the Z over the desire is that the multitouch screen actually works perfectly, I will dig up the video which demonstrates both the desire and Z screens showing off the multitouch hardware........
The thread HERE highlights this topic.
You're doing a good job of convincing me guys, thanks
I looked at some HD videos last night and it seems that thing is even bugger (marginally) than the HD2! Too big for me for sure so back to the Z I think.
mrvanx - I assum this is the video you were referring to?
http://pocketnow.com/android/does-the-g2-suffer-the-same-multi-touch-problems-as-the-nexus-one-video
Demo's the multi-touch differences of the DZ and the N1 very well. I assume the Desire uses the same panel as the N1.
Gone for the Desire Z and ordered from Amazon.co.uk
Delivery stated as between 3rd and 5th Nov (I ordered using Free Super Saver Delivery) but I am sure this will be delayed.
At least they don't take payment prior to dispatch so nothing to lose really.
stian230 said:
it is rooted and overclockt
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtube_gdata_player&v=DVORX-ZFblA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's not actually rooted yet, that's a temp root.
LickTheEnvelope said:
It's not actually rooted yet, that's a temp root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah but he was answering the guy that was saying once the phone is rooted, then it will be able to be overlocked. And he's correct in saying that it has been rooted now, and it is able to be overclocked. It's just semantics, it's not a permanent root, but it's still been rooted.
It's not semantics. I believe we can't flash custom ROMs, which to many people is the best thing about rooting.
I have had the desire Z for 2 months now.. love it really.
Except a few things..:
1) it's weight.. this is just the biggest turn-off for me. I like traveling lightweight and I thought I'd get used to it but right now I really just prefer a lighter phone..
2) Do i really need the keyboard? it feels good to use the keyboard to type, yes, but there are times where I tried the onscreen keyboard and it worked too, and I don't think I was much slower.
3) The hinge just feels too loose.. makes the device feel cheap. I dont like having the feeling that my front screen will fall out anytime.
4) No frontfacing camera. I will be traveling abroad next semester, and the option to be able to see my family while I'm outside is nice.
Now there are things I really like and will miss if I trade this phone in:
1) the trackpad. I just love it! I use it to wake up my phone now. I use it to slide across my screens on launcherpro just because it's so fun. I really am thinking of keep it just for the safe of the trackpad. I also find the trackpad to be the easiest button for picture taking.
2) the keyboard allows you to see the screen while inputting, instead of the white input screen.
3) camera button for quick access to camera!
Well i'm currently still deciding.. the lightweight desire S is really attractive to me right now.. but I want the trackpad so bad.. sigh.. anyone here experienced how moving away from this phone is like?
I have thought about this as well, I really like the look and feel of the desire s. But and its a big but, I wouldn't only get one when the bootloader has been cracked. I don't like sense very much, so cm7 or another aosp build is a must for me.
Sent from my HTC Vision using XDA Premium App
Well it is a more powerful phone, and it looks like it may meet more of your needs.
Sent from my T-Mobile G2
Ya Trade it.
If keyboard is not important then get the Desire S.
I hate how heavy my Desire Z is with 1800 battery but i need keyboard....
thunder9111 said:
I have had the desire Z for 2 months now.. love it really.
Except a few things..:
1) it's weight.. this is just the biggest turn-off for me. I like traveling lightweight and I thought I'd get used to it but right now I really just prefer a lighter phone..
2) Do i really need the keyboard? it feels good to use the keyboard to type, yes, but there are times where I tried the onscreen keyboard and it worked too, and I don't think I was much slower.
3) The hinge just feels too loose.. makes the device feel cheap. I dont like having the feeling that my front screen will fall out anytime.
4) No frontfacing camera. I will be traveling abroad next semester, and the option to be able to see my family while I'm outside is nice.
Now there are things I really like and will miss if I trade this phone in:
1) the trackpad. I just love it! I use it to wake up my phone now. I use it to slide across my screens on launcherpro just because it's so fun. I really am thinking of keep it just for the safe of the trackpad. I also find the trackpad to be the easiest button for picture taking.
2) the keyboard allows you to see the screen while inputting, instead of the white input screen.
3) camera button for quick access to camera!
Well i'm currently still deciding.. the lightweight desire S is really attractive to me right now.. but I want the trackpad so bad.. sigh.. anyone here experienced how moving away from this phone is like?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I will answer your question, how does it feel moving away from this phone? - Miserable - Simple one word... Well... I haven't 100% moved away from my G2/DZ, I just needed one thing which this phone doesn't have, a Front Facing Camera, it was more important to me than to have a physical keyboard... and hence I purchased Moto Atrix. Great phone and all the goodies as higher res screen, dual core processor, etc... but nothing as much fun as owning a G2/DZ.
You can mod your G2/DZ, you get the sturdy and rock solid feel holding this phone in your hand, you have the DLNA support and also you can OverClock your phone...
I don't know how Desire S really feels so no comments.
If you don'r really like the heft, you don't really need the keyboard, go for any other phone, I am sure all the new phone have some or the other advantage over G2/DZ.
Note : Since I love this phone too much, i haven't let it go, i have it as my other phone, which I don't carry with me, but I usually play with my phone as soon as I get home... it becomes primary
GF's Desire S is a nice piece of kit. If you don't want a keyboard, I'd trade it. it's definitely zippier. Not enough to make me want to upgrade out of contract, though.
How about the htc sensation... that looks nice its a bit bigger though lol
I'm not sure if I can wait that long for the sensation though
Plus even the desire Z's cpu has been enough for my needs.. I don't really know why i would need duo-core.. unless it improves the battery dramatically which will be a different story.
Today I will meet someone who may want to buy my desire Z.
If it's sold today then I shall move to the next phone. If not, then I'll just keep it.
Just wish it was a bit lighter..
Getting a Desire S is, with all due respect, a pretty bad idea unless you can get it for very cheap.
I can understand your reasons for disliking the DZ, but the DS has nearly identical specs and there has been a big leap in processing power, especially now with the SGS2's Exynos processor which is a huge step up from the DZ's MSM7230.
The DS's specs were antiquated when it was released. If thos matters to you, you might want to look elsewhere
ive always been told if your gonna do something, do it right dont go and buy the desire s on a whim when the sensation is just around the corner lol
id save my money, keep the desire z if theres nothing wrong with it and when the sensation does come out, try it out before you buy it, if you dont like it then go for the desire s... the desire s will be cheaper then as well... so its win win
Yeah, Sensation is supposed to be out this or the next month, and even though I would say Desire S is a great phone and a viable replacement I would do at least, Sensation going retail in so short timespan is rendering it obsolete. Furthermore, I can hardly imagine that Desire S will get the developers attention here as Desire did as most of them already bought DHD. Sensation might end up with load of awesomeness though
Sent from my HTC Desire using Tapatalk
no doubt about the sensation getting development.... i reckon the development around it will be somewhat like the htc hd2... which is also an amazing phone.
when htc make a huge deal over a phone, it usually means the developers are all over the phone. htc hd2, hd2 desire, htc desire hd, and the sensation lol
I have decided to get an evo shift if i have the money in time. And i was just wondering, how much do you like it?
On a scale from 1 to 10 a 12
Sent from my PG06100 using Tapatalk
wow, do you think it comes close to an epic?
arachnomancer said:
wow, do you think it comes close to an epic?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Kills the Epic.. IMO
i agree, the epic was good for a time, but, samsung stinks at giving out updates, htc sense looks WAY better than touchwiz. all in all,evo shift rocks!!!!!!!!!
my 2 cents...
arachnomancer said:
I have decided to get an evo shift if i have the money in time. And i was just wondering, how much do you like it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My first android phone was the HTC Droid Eris, which I loved. Prior to the HTC Droid Eris I had a HTC Pocket PC with Window mobile 5.0. I loved the HTC phone but hated the operating system. I actually down graded to non-smart phones (two LG) and found they were better then the windows mobile os. Anyway, after the HTC Droid Eris I switched to Sprint and my only option for a real keyboard was the Samsung Moment. Lets just say I dumped my Samsung Moment before I was due for an upgrade and ran straight back to HTC. I love my HTC Evo Shift.
In my experience, Samsung does a poor job of paying attention to the small details that shouldn't be forgotten. The Samsung Moment's touch screen sensitivity was total crap. I found my self having to almost pound on the Samsung Moment's Screen. When I switched to the HTC Evo Shift the touch screen sensitivity was great. The Samsung Moment forgot the haptic feedback with the touch sensitive menu, home, and back buttons at the bottum of the phone. Really?! Now I can't really compare the two phones completely since the htc evo shift is definitely better regarding hardware, but I can tell you that my first experience with Samsung phones is that they are not very good with their designs. To be honest I was so completely turned off to Samsung phones that I didn't even give Samsung's newer Android devices a chance. I was told by a Sprint repair rep that generally HTC and LG make better phones then Samsung.
Don't let the 800mhz rating on the processor fool you. This phone is fast. In fact, per pdadb-dot-net, the processor in the HTC Evo Shift has an clock frequency range of 800mhz to 1,000mhz. According to Phil Nickinson writing for androidcentral, "Power under the hood
And the Shift has quite a bit of muscle, with Qualcomm's single-core MSM7630 processor running at 800MHz. It's worth repeating at this point that you shouldn't read too much into the Shift's processor running at 800MHz instead of the 1GHz chip we see in other HTC phones, including the original EVO 4G. It's a different architecture. Think of water rushing through a pipe. The pipe's larger on the Shift, so you can push more water (data) without having to push it as fast. It's more efficient. Add to that the 512MB of RAM and 2GB of ROM on which to store applications, and you won't be worried about whether you've got enough muscle to get the job done. In daily use, it's fast, fast, fast."
My personal opinion, skip Samsung and go with HTC. No phone is perfect, but I have found that HTC does a good job of producing good hardware for any smartphone os, in general. I also have found that HTC support generally stands by their product and I have had positive experiences with HTC support when I had my HTC Pocket PC.
The 2GB of ROM is a lie.
^ Shift Faced
Like it!
I'm quite pleased with my Shift!
Pro's:
-Nice hardware keyboard
-GREAT battery life
-Pretty sturdy
-Screen size (800x480 resolution, which is the same as the EVO, packed into a smaller screen--pixel density isn't quite iPhone-like, but it looks great to me!)
-CPU
Con's:
-A bit on the chunky side (size/form factor is about the same as the original Droid/Droid 2)
-Display isn't QUITE as nice as others (SAMOLED...)
-HTC Sense (Don't take my word for it though; some people love the Sense UI, but I think a custom ROM without it feels way snappier and more fun to use)
My advice? It really depends on your preferences. If a hardware keyboard is a must-have for you, then get this phone! I think you'll be very happy with it, and I doubt there's any other keyboard-equipped android phones headed Sprint's way any time soon. If you don't quite need a hardware keyboard, then I say WAIT. The EVO 3D is scheduled to land in the summer. A 4.3" screen is just too big to hang with, you say? I've also heard (somewhat reliable) rumors floating around about another HTC with a 4" screen (basically a Sprint version of the Incredible S landing around the same time). So in just a short while, you will have options galore!
I love mine except for the inadequate battery it comes with.
My thoughts on the phone...
I love the phone.....before it I had the Samsung Epic.....it was nice for a short while until you use it enough to find all the little problems with it.....i did not like the Epic's keyboard.....on the other hand I love my shift.....HTC Sense is ok......but if you don't like it there is CM7......I love the Shift's keyboard and HTC has great customer service....Samsung does not keep up on the phones that are already put out.....if there is a problem they just put out a new phone (Samsung Moment-Intercept-Transform) and leave the people that have the older phones behind with all sorts of problems......HTC is the best android phone maker for sprint I have found...hope this helps
Sentinel One said:
I love mine except for the inadequate battery it comes with.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
??? I get like 16 hours easy, probably could last a day and a half just sending txts, few calls and some internet browsing
Sent from my PG06100 using XDA App
DWake014 said:
??? I get like 16 hours easy, probably could last a day and a half just sending txts, few calls and some internet browsing
Sent from my PG06100 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ikr....my shift last all day with just sending text messages....the only problem i have with the battery is if i loose sprint service and it searches or if i need to use it i put it on roaming.......then the battery time goes down but if im on sprint service and not running every app on my phone the battery lasts a long time...
I'd say if I had to do it all again and buy a new phone, I'd get two EVO Shifts . One for daily and one for testing new roms. Best phone I've ever had hands down . On a 1 to 10, it's a 13
DWake014 said:
??? I get like 16 hours easy, probably could last a day and a half just sending txts, few calls and some internet browsing
Sent from my PG06100 using XDA App
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Click to collapse
With my old-school phone 1500 mAh was enough. With a smartphone, and using it as a smartphone 1500 mAh is totally inadequate. I had to buy a Mugen 3600 mAh to correct this. Now my usage between charges is great.
I am coming from a Samsung Moment that I couldn't stand anymore. The Shift is amazing. My fiance also got a Shift before me after I told her it seems HTC makes the best phones on Sprint. Everything just works. Unlike that POS Samsung phone where it still doesn't work right.
I am coming from a G2. I wanted to know would I be missing out on anything? Sure vanilla android (blah blah) I don't want to miss out on a MAJOR factor just by switching
creepinm3 said:
I am coming from a G2. I wanted to know would I be missing out on anything? Sure vanilla android (blah blah) I don't want to miss out on a MAJOR factor just by switching
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My friend has the G2 and I don't think you'll be missing out on anything. The Shift is a great device imo. The keyboard may be a little better on the G2 but its still really solid... If you want stock Android there's plenty of good ROMs out there.
Sent from my Gingerbread Speedy 4G using Tapatalk
I'm happy with mine.
Battery life is excellent. I can generally make it 2 days on a charge (7am Monday to 10pm Tuesday). The keyboard is quite usable. The size is not too big, but not too small.
Had an epic for a couple weeks. Never used the FFC. Felt cheap and light and plasticy. Battery lasted one day, maybe. Screen was gorgeous though.
Just played with a work colleague's Galaxy S2 and now my Vision feels like the fat ugly friend you see standing with the tall hot chick in a nightclub
That phone is properly awesome...
I cannot live without a physical keyboard so I don't have the option of getting one, sadly.
Please say some stuff to make me feel better about my phone?
Sent from my 'Zed, overclocked to 1.2ghz
Consider it an evil of the technology treadmill. A newer product is typically going to be faster and better than an older one (unless the manufacturer really screwed up!). You'll drive yourself crazy envying every new phone that comes along that is newer than what you have. So unless you have wads of cash to buy every nice looking phone that comes out, most of us have to make a decision based on the choices you have at the time you want to upgrade, and live with it until you can afford the next upgrade. No doubt, even if you bought a Galxy S2, you would end up salivating the next "latest and greatest" in a few months. Appreciate the fact that you have a nice performing, solidly built phone with a hardware keyboard, that has (and will continue to have, for some time) great developer support.
Ya my roommate just got the g2x and now I hate my phone.
Sent from my HTC Vision using XDA Premium App
I know my phone is good and dev support is GREAT, which will allow it a decent enough lifespan for some time to come.
But I just wish someone would put out a super-phone WITH A DAMN KEYBOARD!! I don't care what it would cost to buy, I would buy it. Sure this phone can be OC'd quite nicely, but with the weak mono speaker, average camera and video, screen which is rubbish in direct sunlight, etc. it's not really my dream hardware :-/
Here's hoping the next Nexus comes with with a keyboard, dual (or quad!) core, a gig of ram and decent multimedia components!!
Sent from my 'Zed, overclocked to 1.2ghz
setspeed said:
I know my phone is good and dev support is GREAT, which will allow it a decent enough lifespan for some time to come.
But I just wish someone would put out a super-phone WITH A DAMN KEYBOARD!! I don't care what it would cost to buy, I would buy it. Sure this phone can be OC'd quite nicely, but with the weak mono speaker, average camera and video, screen which is rubbish in direct sunlight, etc. it's not really my dream hardware :-/
Here's hoping the next Nexus comes with with a keyboard, dual (or quad!) core, a gig of ram and decent multimedia components!!
Sent from my 'Zed, overclocked to 1.2ghz
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I hear you about the direct sunlight. That absolutely blows. Someone wants to trade me the nexus s and I would be all down for it except the no keyboard and few other quirks like no sd card.
Sent from my HTC Vision using XDA Premium App
And a 4"+ screen
Sent from my 'Zed, overclocked to 1.2ghz
setspeed said:
And a 4"+ screen
Sent from my 'Zed, overclocked to 1.2ghz
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I know i'm in the minority on this one but screens can be too big. HD7 for example. Just looks gaudy and over the top to me.
xsteven77x said:
I know i'm in the minority on this one but screens can be too big. HD7 for example. Just looks gaudy and over the top to me.
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I'm with you 4.3" is to big. My bro has a DHD and I find it uncomfortable to use.
My boss just got SGS2 and I have to admit I'm a bit jealous because it is awesome. But I can't see my self ever having a phone without a hardware keyboard so the S2 is a no go for me. I'm certain my next phone will be the successor to the G2, assuming that HTC backtrack on the whole bootloader thing.
[sig]My mission is to hit 1000 posts by 23/05/2011[sig]
cjward23 said:
I'm with you 4.3" is to big. My bro has a DHD and I find it uncomfortable to use.
My boss just got SGS2 and I have to admit I'm a bit jealous because it is awesome. But I can't see my self ever having a phone without a hardware keyboard so the S2 is a no go for me. I'm certain my next phone will be the successor to the G2, assuming that HTC backtrack on the whole bootloader thing.
[sig]My mission is to hit 1000 posts by 23/05/2011[sig]
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I hear you about the boatloader. That is a dam shame any way you look at it.
I am not envy of any other phone that does not have a hardware keyboard!
If you want to deal with odin and lack of support for updates. Go samsung. They make nice hardware. But what good is the hardware with crap support to back it up.
[G2/HTC Vision]
luis86dr said:
If you want to deal with odin and lack of support for updates. Go samsung. They make nice hardware. But what good is the hardware with crap support to back it up.
[G2/HTC Vision]
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Ditto. There may be faster bigger brighter phones out there, but the g1 and the g2 are such solid phones. They refuse to die. Specially g2 at 1.5ghz. It can still compete. Developers support is do big as compared to some other phones. Htc all the way. Hoping for unlocked bootloader on the sensation.
havikx said:
Ditto. There may be faster bigger brighter phones out there, but the g1 and the g2 are such solid phones.
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Indeed. My Z can do anyting I need from a phone including playing ps1 games and map keys to play with. What more can I ask for. I will never give it up unless there will be a new powerful mobile with hardware keyboard, which is layed out the same way as the Z keyboard where every other row is shifted.
havikx said:
Ditto. There may be faster bigger brighter phones out there, but the g1 and the g2 are such solid phones. They refuse to die. Specially g2 at 1.5ghz. It can still compete. Developers support is do big as compared to some other phones. Htc all the way. Hoping for unlocked bootloader on the sensation.
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Couldn't have said it any better myself sir! I absoletly love my phone and I have yet to be envious of any phone since getting mine back in Nov. Love the rom I'm using and couldn't see myself using any other.
Sent from my HTC G2
Running meXdroid meXperia
I had an HD2 for ages, an S2 for a few days (then sold it because I could make £160 profit on e-bay due to people paying silly prices!), now I've just ordered a desire Z to give it a go (£263.39 on ebuyer inc VAT)!
Though the S2 was nice & the HD2 does the job, I'm now much more excited about having a hardware keyboard than anything the S2 had to offer!
Unless you dislike hardware keyboards, I agree there's no point having phone envy yet - the S2 does nothing that the HD2/Desire Z can do; it just does things more smoothly!
I would agree that there are phones out there that might be 'prettier' and provide some 'eye candy' but I don't think I would trade my DZ for any other device out there right now.
I too cannot live without a hardware keyboard and the DZ has one of the best keyboards I have ever used. It took some getting used to because of its size, but after that initial period, a keyboard has never felt better in my hands.
And while it may not have the fastest Dual Core Processor on the market, I have yet to find any set of tasks that my DZ can't handle. Throw in the unlocked bootloader and arguably the best developer support of any Android Device and you have a recipe for a long-lasting, competitive smartphone.
I won't even consider upgrading until we get a phone that looks like a 'G3'...
i work at best buy and i see this same situation almost everyday. technology is a love hate thing. you just have to realize that its going to be constantly changing, and getting better. lets not forget that the vision is still a highend phone, and kicks alot of phones asses. i love my g2, but i do see myself getting a htc sensation. ive come to realize that although the kb on the vision is amazing, its not something i have to have. the vision is a great phone, along with the desire hd, nexus s, mytouch 4g and all of the phones that came out the same time this one did. its awesome. you just have to realize that if it does what you want with no problem, then why hate?
PatrickHuey said:
i work at best buy and i see this same situation almost everyday. technology is a love hate thing. you just have to realize that its going to be constantly changing, and getting better. lets not forget that the vision is still a highend phone, and kicks alot of phones asses. i love my g2, but i do see myself getting a htc sensation. ive come to realize that although the kb on the vision is amazing, its not something i have to have. the vision is a great phone, along with the desire hd, nexus s, mytouch 4g and all of the phones that came out the same time this one did. its awesome. you just have to realize that if it does what you want with no problem, then why hate?
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I'd have to disagree with the fact the Vision is high end any more. On release yes, but 6mths down the road it's only just mid-range in pretty much all areas EXCEPT the keyboard. Single core chip (albeit a reasonable one), 512mb RAM (really? The DHD had 768mb), an average 5mp camera...
I think we make a lot of excuses for this phone, just to have the keyboard. I had to think long and hard about keeping my second one because of the questionable z-hinge, and decided that I'd have to live with it since there were no other qwertys coming out (except the Droid 2/Milestone 2 which is a no-no with encrypted bootloader).
I hate the weight of the thing, I hate the battery life (which although better than my old Desire, is still pretty poor as I work in a weak 3G area), I hate the fact I struggle to see the screen in the sunlight, I hate the sh*t-arse weak speaker which struggles to get above one decibel without distorting, and I hate the fact that HTC always cheap out on cameras, the video-recording is crap.
People come to me at work and ask what phone they should buy cos I'm kind of that guy who knows a little bit. And they've all seen the recent HTC marketing campaign here in the UK, they're like "Oh you have an HTC, do you think I should get this HTC (model)?" And I find myself saying "No, get this Samsung, or get this iPhone, they have better features that you would get use out of".
I know I'm not at the point where I want to give up the awesome dev support that HTC phones usually get, but I am at the point where I hope devs start supporting other brands a lot more too. Especially in light of HTCs locking of bootloaders, and the fact it's getting harder and harder to get full access to them. HTC has the big rep as the hacker's choice, but I don't think their hardware justifies it any more. Not at the moment at least.
Don't get me wrong, there is no other phone I'd rather have at the moment, since one doesn't exist. And the rom I'm on is frigging amazing. But if Samsung bring out an S2 with a keyboard then I'd have a heard time saying no to that, as would a lot of other people I imagine. I never thought I'd consider a Samsung after last year's update debacle, and I'm still hesitant now. But if enough devs get one, then they would sort out any probs the phone has.
OK, rant over!
I just watched an unboxing of the HTC Sensation coming to Tmobile ... GODDAMN .. that is a thing of beauty..
setspeed said:
I know my phone is good and dev support is GREAT, which will allow it a decent enough lifespan for some time to come.
But I just wish someone would put out a super-phone WITH A DAMN KEYBOARD!! I don't care what it would cost to buy, I would buy it. Sure this phone can be OC'd quite nicely, but with the weak mono speaker, average camera and video, screen which is rubbish in direct sunlight, etc. it's not really my dream hardware :-/
Here's hoping the next Nexus comes with with a keyboard, dual (or quad!) core, a gig of ram and decent multimedia components!!
Sent from my 'Zed, overclocked to 1.2ghz
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While this is true and all, I still think our phones are the best overall hardware for someone who needs a physical keyboard like myself. There are plenty of physical keyboard models out there (not as many as touch only of course), and there is still yet one to come out with better overall specs than this phone.
luis86dr said:
If you want to deal with odin and lack of support for updates. Go samsung. They make nice hardware. But what good is the hardware with crap support to back it up.
[G2/HTC Vision]
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Yep, and that's the BIGGEST problem with Samsuck. They tend to make pretty incredible hardware (minus the vibrant, who the heck makes a camera without a flash nowadays?), but their support is absolutely abysmal. A friend here at work has an Epic 4G, and he's STILL on Eclair. Absolutely unacceptable support.
What do you want to see if HTC bring out a hardware keyboard phone? Also names and any news.
Personal I would want qHD screen, terga 3 CPU, + GPU, 4G, sense/ics 4.0?, better speakers, 1900 mha battery, 16GB on broad memory, 2GB RAM,
Sent from my HTC Vision using XDA App
QWERTY keyboard phones are unfortunately out of style nowadays. Moto Droid/Milestone is pretty much the only keyboard phone series with modern specs available at least over here. Samsung Captivate Glide seems intriguing with its dual core CPU and AMOLED display but it's US only.
If you are really looking for Sense, it's unfortunate that there are no rumors or leaks or anything about a HTC QWERTY flagship.
user032 said:
QWERTY keyboard phones are unfortunately out of style nowadays.
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So says you. Although declining, Blackberries still sell and I refuse to buy anything that does not have a physical QWERTY keyboard.
user032 said:
QWERTY keyboard phones are unfortunately out of style nowadays. Moto Droid/Milestone is pretty much the only keyboard phone series with modern specs available at least over here. Samsung Captivate Glide seems intriguing with its dual core CPU and AMOLED display but it's US only.
If you are really looking for Sense, it's unfortunate that there are no rumors or leaks or anything about a HTC QWERTY flagship.
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That's not true. There clearly are people out there eagerly waiting for new QWERTY-phones, otherwise e.g. Sony Ericsson wouldn't sell Xperia pro and Mini pro etc. Nokia has released a few phones with QWERTY keyboard and as you said Motorola has Droids too.
Does anyone know how many Visions has been sold? HTC has always made qwerty-phones, I can't see any reason why they should stop now.
A QWERTY Nexus would be nice - death to Sense. When I owned a Desire Z rooting and going to an AOSP Gingerbread DOUBLED my battery life.
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App
I would like to see more internal memory, better speakers, a better screen and I would like to see them keep the touch sensitive "trackball" button at the bottom of the phone!
to me, the only thing that matters is to make the soft buttons as hardware buttons, not the irritating touch
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|RIROZIZO|
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I'd love a 1080p screen, gorilla glass, tegra 3, 64gb internal, ICS of course, 4G, an INSANE camera, and no matter the mah a battery to hold it all together for 14+ hours at heavy use.
But that's just me.
let me not forget to say vanilla android!
mintaeroboy said:
What do you want to see if HTC bring out a hardware keyboard phone? Also names and any news.
Personal I would want qHD screen, terga 3 CPU, + GPU, 4G, sense/ics 4.0?, better speakers, 1900 mha battery, 16GB on broad memory, 2GB RAM,
Sent from my HTC Vision using XDA App
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4.0" 720p screen, Qualcomm krait + adreno 225, pentaband 3g, AOSP ICS, 2GB ram, 16GB ROM + SD card, 5 row QWERTY with directional keys or D-pad, dedicated camera button, metal back cover with release lever.
hey, I can dream right?
I want an HTC device, built as solid and of as good quality as this one with updated Rezound like features. Not going to happen though, HTC has successfully grabbed a large portion of the market due to their past quality and has since shifted from quality to quantity.
does the HTC Mytouch 4G Slide come 2 mind?
riahc3 said:
So says you. Although declining, Blackberries still sell and I refuse to buy anything that does not have a physical QWERTY keyboard.
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It's not my personal opinion, just look at the current phone market with slates everywhere. For one, I'd love a powerful QWERTY smartphone to replace my current primary phone GSII, which was by the way the first non-keyboard one.
eGetin said:
That's not true. There clearly are people out there eagerly waiting for new QWERTY-phones, otherwise e.g. Sony Ericsson wouldn't sell Xperia pro and Mini pro etc. Nokia has released a few phones with QWERTY keyboard and as you said Motorola has Droids too.
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Aren't most of these are mid-range phones with the exception of Droid?
At least I'm not the only one that feels a bit lonely out here.
Android phones are being pumped out by the dozen, but there are very few QWERTY phones in the mix. I could probably count them all on one hand. Everyone uses either a GSM or CDMA network, so your options are halved right there as well
The only quality phones I have seen maybe worth trading my G2 in for, are the MyTouch 4G Slide and the Samsung Captivate Glide.
But they are still fairly new phones with no CM support yet....
---------- Post added at 08:46 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:41 AM ----------
Riro Zizo said:
to me, the only thing that matters is to make the soft buttons as hardware buttons, not the irritating touch
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|RIROZIZO|
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If that's what you want, then the 4G Slide is your only option. It's one of the only phones that still retains hardware keys.
I actually prefer hardware keys as well. But the 4G Slide wasn't out at the time, and I needed a little more horsepower than the 3G Slide I was carrying...
Damnit! this is just wishful thinking lol! I thought there was some news of the G3/Desire Super Z or something Didn't we already have a wish list thread for the next big HTC qwerty model?
I do wonder about when it will happen. In tech terms, our great Desire Z/G2 is extremely antiquated. It does seem to be taking too long but the same happened with the G1. The only decent option I've seen is the MT4GS and that only a US model. Can't really compare a Samsung model because they are junk compared to their flagship models like the Galaxy line.
Even those... I'm hardly interested in those. Lack of led for battery/notifications, trackpad/ball, and plastic-ish build is too much for me to consider. Plus, even though I'm in the US, the MT4GS have literally 5 pages in the development section and has little dev support. All this is starting to get me worried! I don't think I can hold up much longer without a new phone lol! It's been way too long! I LOVE my G2 still but would love a dual core model with MORE RAM and stuff. Sino8r is getting anxious!
Plus, y'all are forgetting the Samsung Captivate Glide is only on AT&T in the US. That means no 3G. Stupid US carriers and billions of different frequencies.
It will be very interesting to see where all the G2 owners go when they need a new device. But as long as the dev scene is still hot here, I see no real reason to leave just yet. IF the 4G Slide starts to pick up once ICS is released, then I may consider it.
It's remarkable, the prices for that phone have already dropped as well to $250. Waiting for it to get around the $200 mark, and then I'll bite.
BTW, anyone looking for the absolute best value QWERTY phone, you can pick up a brand new 3G Slide from eBay for $140. And if you go through auctions, you can get it for less than that. Astonishing, considering G1 phones are going for just $30 less. Obviously all without contract.
(PS, this is not an advertisement or plug. Just a suggestion)
The droid 4 looks promising. Really love the design and the idea of a back lit keyboard. Just hoping that they will have GSM bands with the phone. Fingers crossed!
ttinjust96 said:
does the HTC Mytouch 4G Slide come 2 mind?
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I was just about to mention that. Remap the Genius button into Search, flash one of undeadk9's "Sense lite" ROMs (posted on RootzWiki), flash unity's overclock kernel, buy an Anker 1900mAh battery or two, and this phone is a BEAST.
Sent via smoke signal.
Maybe we should just make one? Like miui did with the mx
Sent from my HTC Desire Z using XDA App
mintaeroboy said:
Maybe we should just make one? Like miui did with the mx
Sent from my HTC Desire Z using XDA App
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Like Geeksphone? That's actually a good idea. Anyone know of anybody who can actually build a GSM cell phone that can work on both T-Mobile and Ma Bell?
blackknightavalon said:
Like Geeksphone? That's actually a good idea. Anyone know of anybody who can actually build a GSM cell phone that can work on both T-Mobile and Ma Bell?
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The Chinese
Sent from my HTC Desire Z using XDA App