Ask us about the Sprint Evo 4G

[crowordove]

I know that Sprint isn't saying, but have you got any clues on individual plan pricing?

Also, will there be different pricing plans depending on whether there is 4G available where you live. For example, even though I live in the 5th largest city (Phoenix), there is no Wimax service here and in fact none in the whole state of Arizona, and none announced in the planning as yet.

So if one lives in a 3G only area, will one pay the same pricing plan as someone who lives in a 4G area?
Or will there be two different pricing plans?
Could you buy the phone with a cheaper plan with access to 3G only (I am on WiFi most of the time)?

I think that you said estimates were the phone would be priced at $600-$800 unsubsidized (ouch!)
Any idea of the subsidized price?
Any idea of what the ETF for Sprint is or would be for such a smartphone?

I think that Sprint's CEO said "more speed at the same price" or something along those lines for now with a change in billing in the next few years

 

[skeptical]

No trackpad or trackball on this phone. Is that even a concern? It's on recent (N1) and future HTC Android phones (Desire) there will be one - why take away screen real estate for a trackball if it's not necessary? So, is it?

One of the videos from CTIA has a demo rep talk about this issue. He states that due to the screen size (4.3) they don't believe there will be any issue placing the cursor where you want it by touch input, and therefore, no need for a track pad.

 

[nutflush920]

I am personally looking forward to the proximty sensor. My wife has a Hero and I have a Pre right now. I like how the screen goes dark when I have the phone up to my ear but she doesn't like that hers doesn't do the same. I can't wait for this phone. I hope SP customers can get it early.

 

[DCLocal]

Even Sprint doesn't officially say what type of 4.3" screen it is

This is interesting, maybe they are still tweaking the specs. Below is what I thought to be an offical spec sheet (press release) stating "capacitive display". Also all the other new stuff like digital compass and proximity sensor in addition to the expected g-sensor, light sensor and GPS.

HTC EVO? 4G
The ultimate multimedia experience at Sprint 4G speeds
The world?s first 3G/4G Android handset, exclusively from Sprint, HTC EVO? 4G, offers a rich mobile Internet experience with a fully integrated suite of services built on the AndroidTM 2.1 platform. HTC EVO 4G includes a blazing-fast 1GHz Qualcomm? Snapdragon? processor, the award-winning HTC SenseTM user experience, an 8.0 megapixel auto-focus camera with HD-capable video camcorder and a forward-facing 1.3 megapixel camera. The large vibrant 4.3 inch display, built-in kickstand, 3.5 mm headset jack and HDMI output make HTC EVO 4G an unparalleled platform for wireless entertainment. Download music, pictures, files, or videos in seconds ? not minutes ? and watch streaming video on the go on a network with download speeds that are up to 10 times faster than 3G speeds.1 With built-in mobile hotspot functionality, HTC EVO 4G also allows up to eight Wi-Fi-enabled devices, including laptop, camera, music player, video player and any other Wi-Fi-enabled device, to enjoy the benefits of 4G speeds on the go.

PRODUCTIVITY 3G/4G capability

• Qualcomm? Snapdragon? QSD8650 (1GHz) processor
• 4.3? capacitive display with pinch-to-zoom and tactile feedback
• World-class HTML browser ? bandwidth and quality that rival
• that of netbooks
• Android 2.1, with access to more than 30,000 apps on Android Market GoogleTM mobile services including Google SearchTM, Google MapsTM,
• Google TalkTM, GmailTM, YouTubeTM , and syncs with Google CalendarTM Access to Google Goggles? to search with pictures instead of words
• Sprint Navigation, with turn-by-turn driving directions and 3D maps
• Updated HTC Sense, award-winning user experience, which includes
• Friend Stream to integrate Facebook, Twitter and more into a single
• flow of updates
• Visual voicemail
• Messaging ? personal and business email, IM and text messaging
• 3G/4G Mobile Hotspot capability ? connects up to eight Wi-Fi enabled
• devices
• 4G data speeds (WiMAX) ? peak download speeds of more than 10 Mbps; peak upload speeds of 1 Mbps; average download speeds of 3-6 Mbps.
• 3G data speeds (EVDO Rev A.) ? peak download speeds of up to 3.1 Mbps; peak upload speeds of 1.8 Mbps; average download speeds of 600 kbps-1.4 Mbps.

ENTERTAINMENT

• 8MP autofocus camera with dual LED flash and 1.3MP front-facing camera High-quality video streaming and downloads at 3G and 4G data speeds Capture and share HD-quality video (720p) from your phone
• Output pictures, slides and videos in HD quality (720p) via HDMI cable (sold separately)
• Live video sharing with Qik
• Built-in kickstand for hands-free viewing
• Media player with 3.5mm stereo headset jack
• FM radio and Amazon MP3 store
• Sprint applications including Sprint TV? and NASCAR Sprint Cup Mobile(SM) Bluetooth? 2.1 with A2DP Stereo and EDR Built-in WiFi?: 802.11 b/g
• Digital compass, G-Sensor, proximity sensor, light sensor, GPS
• Expandable memory: 8GB microSD card included; supports up to 32GB

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 4.8" x 2.6" x .5" (LxWxT)
• Weight: 6 ounces
• Main display: 4.3? WVGA (800x480) 65K colors
• Standard removable 1500mAh Lithium (Li-on) battery
• Memory: 1GB ROM, 512MB RAM[/SIZE]

 

[Gameboy70]

The homescreen aspect can be turned off, but not Sense UI in its entirety, not on the HTC Desire and not on the EVO 4G. Sense is way too ingrained into the OS to be able to remove it without wiping and rooting the phone.

Guess I'll have to wait for Cyanogen to release a Senseless rom. As far as custom UI go, you could do worse than Sense, but Android is so much better a la carte.

You cannot remove the microSD card without removing the battery, and by removing the battery you are shutting off the phone. I believe this is the standard moving forward, at Google's request to all manufacturers, so that when they implement apps2sd as part of a future OS version no one will be able to brick their phone without first turning it off. It's hard to explain but it's the only rational explanation.

Actually, that does make sense. I hadn't considered the role of apps2sd.

 

[krisrock]

Video Chat

Will you be able to have a video chat from pc to the evo with the front camera

 

[KSmithInNY]

• Correct, if no WiMax is available then it uses 3G, if no 3G then Edge, if no Edge then WTF are you doing with a superphone?!

I think you meant "if no 3g then 1xRTT" .... edge is a GSM technology. This is a Sprint (CDMA) phone.

 

[Ozmodiar]

A lot of people must have not seen this link yet:

Android - Sprint ADP

This is Sprint's Developer site and it lists the complete specs -

Display
Type: AMOLED captive multi-touch
Size: 4.3 inches wga
Resolution: 800x480 (WVGA)
HDMI output: YES

Guess I'll have to wait for Cyanogen to release a Senseless rom. As far as custom UI go, you could do worse than Sense, but Android is so much better a la carte.

Actually, that does make sense. I hadn't considered the role of apps2sd.

First - Is there a guide somewhere on Android Central with detailed instructions on how to install custom ROMs? Also, where do you get them from? (I haven't had a lot of time to look around on Android Central yet for any of this)

Second - What is apps2sd? I mean, I have a pretty good idea based on the name, but where can I find more detailed information on this? (Again, I'm new to Android, and I'm coming from a Palm Pre, so I'm trying to learn as much as I can ahead of time).

 

[Andrew Ruffolo]

I am personally looking forward to the proximty sensor. My wife has a Hero and I have a Pre right now. I like how the screen goes dark when I have the phone up to my ear but she doesn't like that hers doesn't do the same. I can't wait for this phone. I hope SP customers can get it early.

Has she tried the proximity sensor app in the market? Its buggy but works most of the time for me. Its developed just for the hero since its the only android device without a proximity sensor


FOR THOSE ASKING, YES, THIS HAS A PROXIMITY SENSOR
Carry on

 

[c3PreO]

As far as I know, my Sprint HTC Hero and Apple's iPhone 3GS as well as the new iPad are the only 3 devices that have an oleophobic screen.

Does the Evo have an oleophobic screen?

For the kind of money these phones cost, I think all full screen phones should have this feature as standard. It really makes a difference. My HTC Hero screen wipes clean so easily.

 

[Andrew Ruffolo]

Will you be able to have a video chat from pc to the evo with the front camera

I believe thats the idea... i don't think there will be an app built in, but they mentioned opening up API for developers to use it upon release.

 

[_JKK_]

How's battery life?

All I care about, at the moment. Honestly, this phone is a superphone. It makes the Nexus One look last generation.

 

[krisrock]

I believe thats the idea... i don't think there will be an app built in, but they mentioned opening up API for developers to use it upon release.

oh okay because that would be really cool and also how's the battery life because i want something that will last me all the day no matter wat apps i use

 

[joek1971]

I thought WiMax is alread up and running in Europe and in other countries, if I travel to a country that already has WiMax running would I be able to use this phone?

Thanks

 

[Ozmodiar]

I think a lot of people have some REALLY unrealistic expectations about battery life... The circuitry in these devices are advancing MUCH faster than battery technology. The only way around it is to get one of the ABSURDLY huge batteries that requires a new back cover, and no one wants to do that either.

 

[Andrew Ruffolo]

I think a lot of people have some REALLY unrealistic expectations about battery life... The circuitry in these devices are advancing MUCH faster than battery technology. The only way around it is to get one of the ABSURDLY huge batteries that requires a new back cover, and no one wants to do that either.

Bagh, i did it on my hero. I get 2 days minimum, possibly 3 if I'm a good boy. I really don't notice the bulk anymore until today, when I played golf with someone with the same phone. Funny thing, we knew instantly whos was whos. I'm keeping the stock batter and back cover handy for an idea I'm copying from someone in XDA for the car. I'm custom making a windsheild mount for under $10 out of a garmin mount and a belt clip case for the phone. I'll post what to do in the forums here, as it can be done with any phone really.

 

[Buckaroo Banzai]

I determined several months ago, when I first heard about the HTC Supersonic, that I would get a spare battery the day I picked up the device itself. That's my new policy. No hesitation. I would rather carry a spare battery than have a phone, mp3 player, camera, and so forth taking up pocket space.

Until the day when HTC and/or other manufacturers figure out how to have a removable Li-Ion battery AND a non-removable battery akin to what's inside an iPod Nano -- set to power the multimedia aspects of phone -- the rest of the industry will progress exponentially while leaving behind the fuel to get them there. The company that solves the battery issue will make billions inside of 18 months. Lithium-Fusion, anyone?

 

[Ozmodiar]

On a different forum, I saw a really good argument for solar panel cases that charge your phone. I think it's a neat idea.

I'm not complaining about battery life at all, because I've gotten used to constantly charging my Palm Pre.

On a related note, aside from swapping the batteries to charge them both in the phone, how do you charge your extra battery?

 

[Andrew Ruffolo]

I don't charge both. I leave the other in a drawer right now. But they sell docking stations with a panel in the back where you could (but they seem kinda sketchy in quality).
I have just a dock for my computer that charges my phone.
One thing I noticed... this phone is not getting the miniUSB, it has a microUSB. I don't think they will come out with a dock for this phone as the connection is really small. :/ Its the same one on the Pre if you were wondering. MiniUSB is like the Blackberries, portably hard drives, just about everything portable.

 

[Ozmodiar]

...so what good will it do to purchase a second battery right away if you have no easy way to charge it on a regular basis?

I did know that the phone had microUSB, which makes me happy. I SHOULD be able to use all the Palm chargers I already have with either the Nexus One of Evo 4G...whichever I end up buying.

(the U.S. really needs to regulate this, like the E.U. did. All cell phone MUST have a microUSB to charge/sync by like next year. Suck on that, crApple!).