Evo vs Epic

[Mike20PR]

Epic = Hardware
EVO = Software

IMHO

Congrats to EVO owners (coming from an Epic owner myself) even though I wouldn't count something like this as a deciding factor, but nice to see the EVO still strong. Different devices for different needs, personally I'm a hardcore user / gamer so a CPU like Hummingbird, camera like Samsung's, and sAMOLED def caught my eye... what I miss dearly is Sense. HTC really did a bang up job on it and stock android is really "bleh" after having a sense device so kudos.

 

[relic419]

I laughed at the "superior" camera bit.

 

[caliskimmer]

CNET is a joke to me. Only their tv, headphones, etc reviews are helpful.

They ride Apple d**k too hard. I know this bcuz I've been following the site for 3+years.

sent from the current baddest cell phone on the planet.....the HTC Evo 4G

whoa whoa whoa. They voted the Klipsch Image S4s on top last year! Were they on something when they made that choice? They're good with reviews, but not with voting

 

[Fletch F. Fletch]

Musician/Blogger: Evo Epic decision

Fellow Android Lovers,

Yes, I HAVE read ALL the Epic/Evo debates, in both Epic and Evo camps.

As a musician, I want to take and stream/upload video/audio/photo media (ustream, justin.tv, youtube, flickr, etc.) as well as maintain a website (self-hosted WP blog) and social media pages (facebook fan page, twitter, myspace, and others), etc. SO, I really value high-quality media, including video AND audio capture, as well as processor power, etc. In terms of blogging, I could PROBABLY get used to virtual or slider keyboard (I'm impressed by the EVO's virtual kybd), but I definitely see the value of the Epic's actual keyboard. And I have long admired Sense UI, but gather I could probably make the Samsung work with Launcher Pro, Beautiful Widgets, etc.

Needless to say (is it??? ), excellent call quality and speakerphone, and good function & ergonomics on all standard phone features, should also be solid.

I am taking a chance on YOU GUYS, posting this in the EVO camp, because my impression is already that camera, video, processor, and keyboard are all better on the Epic (and so I'm leaning toward the Epic). Can you PLEASE be objective, rather than justifying YOUR purchase or situation, and tell me which you think would serve THIS specific scenario above the best? (I've seen what's happened in the other Epic/Evo threads....)

Can't wait to fire up one of these two bad boys. It's win-win, to be sure.

Android FTW,
Fletch

 

[Pure87]

I haven't played around much with the Epic, but you should check out CNET's prize fight below. That may help a bit.

Videos - Free video downloads and streaming video - CNET TV

I've also been a fan of HTC's build quality. I've abused my G1 more than you can imagine and it ran pretty well until I traded it for my Evo, which is pretty solid. The large screen is a plus too, since you won't really miss a keyboard and it is great for websurfing.

I guess my best advice would be to head over to the nearest Sprint store and play with them both. Even though the Epic is $50 more, I reckon it would be worth it if you really like the device and are going to keep it for a year or two.

 

[project.in.process]

i played with an Epic while waiting for my EVO to be serviced.

Epic=really does feel like a toy. it's way too light. but it does have...um...Media Hub (for the extra fee?)
Evo=flash capability + froyo + 60fps + 3500 mah battery option + htc sense (imho--in contension for the top 2 features of the phone) + bigger screen

Evo. times 5.

 

[Fletch F. Fletch]

I haven't played around much with the Epic, but you should check out CNET's prize fight below. That may help a bit.

I checked it out, and it's helpful, but what I really want is the depth of knowledge and experience that this community has--cnet clearly didn't dig as deeply or as long as the AC scene did and does. Thanks!

 

[Marty1781]

The Epic is currently capped at around 150kbps upload speed over 3G. Sprint has stated that a fix is in the works but did not give a date when the update would be released so if uploading is important to you, that's probably something that you would want to consider.

As far as the keyboard goes, I bought the Epic specifically for that reason (and returned it for an Evo). I have owned most Sprint QWERTY smartphones from the past couple of years (Treo 300/600/650, PPC-6700/6800, TP1, TP2) and consider the QWERTY a requirement for any smartphone I purchase. However, after a few minutes with the Evo's landscape virtual keyboard, I realized I had nothing to worry about. It is so big that its just about as easy to type on as the Epic's. I'm getting faster every day with it and have no doubt that in a few days, I'll be just as fast with it as I was with the Epic's physical keyboard.

 

[Fletch F. Fletch]

The Epic is currently capped at around 150kbps upload speed over 3G. Sprint has stated that a fix is in the works but did not give a date when the update would be released so if uploading is important to you, that's probably something that you would want to consider..

@Marty, do you know if this affects real-time streaming, i.e. to ustream or justin.tv (or qik usage)? Or does it only affect file uploads?

(and THANKS for addressing my specific scenario!)

 

[colecoyates]

Honestly its up to you. You can't lose with either phone like you said. They are basically even with the only differences are that the evo has froyo and is made by htc and the epic has eclair and the keyboard. Other than that its a toss up. Just pick the one that is best for you because it is a win-win situation cause its all ANDROID BABY!!!!!

 

[Marty1781]

@Marty, do you know if this affects real-time streaming, i.e. to ustream or justin.tv (or qik usage)? Or does it only affect file uploads?

(and THANKS for addressing my specific scenario!)

Not sure what the 150kbps upload cap specifically affects. Here are two threads that are actively discussing the issue in case you want to research it some more:

http://forum.androidcentral.com/spr...st-your-upload-speed-3g.html?highlight=upload

Samsung Epic:3G Upload Capped?

 

[Fletch F. Fletch]

Not sure what the 150kbps upload cap specifically affects. Here are two threads that are actively discussing the issue in case you want to research it some more:

http://forum.androidcentral.com/spr...st-your-upload-speed-3g.html?highlight=upload

Samsung Epic:3G Upload Capped?

Wow, Marty, this is an EPIC fail for Samsung/Sprint, and may very well be the knock-out factor for me. It DOES appear to affect streaming video such as via Qik, so I doubt I can expect any better via ustream or justin.tv. Granted, it's only over 3G, so may or may not be an issue in a particular setting, but picture quality doesn't matter much if people can't SEE the picture!

I am still all ears if there are other notable issues to consider here!

 

[youngzayiles]

Personally I love the evo because:

Htc Sense... Now this isnt the best for everyone but it offers great contact integration... 2nd to none on android if you ask me.. Since u stated that u will be using twitter, facebook etc... Also sense widgets.. Why do u think they are copied so much? Beautiful widgets, Laucher Pro widgets and plenty more copy htc sense.. Theres a reason...

#2 Updates... Samsung has not always been the best when it comes to updating their phones... The Evo has already had 3 updates to fix users issues and address complaints.. Froyo came really fast for the evo...

#3 build quality... I love how good the evo feels... Does not feel cheap and looks great and has no moving parts for longevity except the kickstand... Love the kickstand though as well (you will too since you love to stream media. Its nice to not always have to hold it. On a plane, Desk, Etc.) hdmi out may also be useful to you..

#4 Development community for HTC vs. Samsung if you decide to root.... HTC is a million times better when it comes to this...

I havent really played with the epic alot but have read about the upload cap which may bother u.

Hopefully this helps

 

[youngzayiles]

Oh yeah fletch check this out too since this is one of your main points.. We dont have this problem on the evo...

http://forum.androidcentral.com/sprint-epic-4g/35554-epic-has-trouble-streaming-certain-video-content.html

For some reason the link isnt working but check this thread in the epic section... The title is below..

Epic has trouble streaming certain videos..

 

[2CupsWithString]

I think you'll be fast tying on both phones as soon as you get used to them. You've expressed some good needs but what's also important is how the thing feels in your hand if you're going to be doing so much typing on it.

I have a 3hr commute everyday by subway so needless to say I use my Evo a lot, I love the thing but after a while it gets a little annoying to hold.

I agree with you about the raw power of the epic and it's display is the best I've seen, that being said unless you have an Epic right next to an Evo, the Evo's screen looks great too. Now that the Evo's fps cap has been removed it should be close to that epic level of "snappyness".

I don't know if you've used android before but personally I got a little sick of Sense and went the root route and am just running stock android.

Re: HQ media, both phones are capable but it really depends a lot on where you'll be capturing said media. If there's not a lot of movement and plenty of light you will see similar results from both sets. - That being said using my camera at a low film speed has helped dramatically when using it at low light. I can't speak to this for the Epic.

 

[Fletch F. Fletch]

Oh yeah fletch check this out too since this is one of your main points.. We dont have this problem on the evo...

Epic has trouble streaming certain videos..

Thanks, I read through this thread earlier. Looks like it's an issue of what streaming content it can view/play, not what content it can stream on the outgoing direction. I appreciate you pointing it out, though!

 

[Fletch F. Fletch]

I think you'll be fast tying on both phones as soon as you get used to them. You've expressed some good needs but what's also important is how the thing feels in your hand if you're going to be doing so much typing on it.

I have a 3hr commute everyday by subway so needless to say I use my Evo a lot, I love the thing but after a while it gets a little annoying to hold.

I agree with you about the raw power of the epic and it's display is the best I've seen, that being said unless you have an Epic right next to an Evo, the Evo's screen looks great too. Now that the Evo's fps cap has been removed it should be close to that epic level of "snappyness".

I don't know if you've used android before but personally I got a little sick of Sense and went the root route and am just running stock android.

Re: HQ media, both phones are capable but it really depends a lot on where you'll be capturing said media. If there's not a lot of movement and plenty of light you will see similar results from both sets. - That being said using my camera at a low film speed has helped dramatically when using it at low light. I can't speak to this for the Epic.

Fred,

I agree with you about the typing, if other issues point strongly one way or the other. I liked the Evo fine for that in tests so far. (I will admit I'd love to get back all that screen real estate from the virtual qwerty by using the slider.) And great great point about actually holding one long enough to experience that "interaction"--I wish I could get them both out of those awful security tethers they're always displayed in. I hope that all the reports of giddiness from the frame cap change are well-founded and that processor response will be comparable enough with the evo.

I have fawned over android while waiting for the right opportunity to jump in, just finishing a tour with a palm centro, and ready to take the plunge. I really like what I've seen of Sense, but that's from reading reviews and from spending time testing it out in Sprint stores, not from long-term usage.

As for shooting pics and videos, could be anywhere, but the most likely scenarios are in lower lighting situations, as we're talking mostly about concerts and the like. Think I'll feel a big favorable difference on the epic? And does the Evo have zoom capability? I see that feature all over the Epic but don't ever see it mentioned on the Evo. Sprint/Samsung's slow and shady response about the upload speed fail is disconcerting at best, until an OTA really fixes it, if it will. Great video without the ability to stream or upload it will diminish its value, if they never actually fix the problem.

Incidentally, I saw your name a lot in the various Epic/Evo threads. Didn't you at one point have or talk about having an Epic? What made the choice for you, ultimately?

 

[DirkBelig]

A friend who couldn't get an EVO went with the Epic and brought it to me to see if I could configure it to get better battery life and I was stumped at getting around it because I'm so used to Sense UI and the menus were missing categories the EVO had. Very odd. I didn't feel the slightest twinge of regret that I didn't have an Epic over the EVO.

 

[Fletch F. Fletch]

A friend who couldn't get an EVO went with the Epic and brought it to me to see if I could configure it to get better battery life and I was stumped at getting around it because I'm so used to Sense UI and the menus were missing categories the EVO had. Very odd. I didn't feel the slightest twinge of regret that I didn't have an Epic over the EVO.

Dirk,

I DO understand your affection for Sense because I've been impressed with what I've seen, but as I'm not really accustomed to either UI yet, it's not a huge priority compared to the other issues. What's your opinion in terms of video/audio/image capture, streaming (upload cap aside, for the moment), and in terms of processor power, response, and overall use?

 

[igotsanevo4g]

Honestly, I hate to turn against my evo, but I'd recommend epic for ya.
They fixed 150kbs cap and if your gonna be running a blog and doing allot of typing the keyboard will be nice.

But, the community for the evo is 1,000,000,000 times better for the evo and htc is committed to consumer happiness. Htc without a doubt has better if not the best build quality and software fixes.

But you really can't go wrong, both are awesome phones.

Oh and p.s. Theres a reason why evo's at still sold out and epics aren't, juss sayin'

P.s.s. The evo's camera does have zoom, and is really good in all situations for me personally.