Thunderbolt First Impressions/Reviews

[Jude526]

If you really want it check around for the best price. What device are you using now? It is in good shape that you can sell your current phone to help offset the costs of paying full retail? People do pay full retail for a phone.....

 

[Bob61]

Just activated my Thunderbolt yesterday, coming from DroidX. Initial impressions is I like what I see with the 4G LTE. I'm getting about 6meg D/L and 4meg U/L (compares to my wifi of 13 and 3 meg respectively, so nice boost in speed. 3G for me was running about .7meg D/L, so huge gain when on the 'network'.

Coming from DX the unit is similar in operation (duh) but just different enough to be, well, different. Oddity for me is the placement of the home and menu key, they are flipped on DX so hitting wrong keys. I find I prefer the downward swipe for the lock screen vs. side swipe for DX. But much the same between the two units. Not sure why the TB is an ounce heavier than DX. I also find the smooth rounded back of the TB to be somewhat "slippery" when in my hand and taking it out of my pocket compared to DX that had slight offset to the back that made gripping it easier.

What I did find interesting is they put the kickstand on the unit and then put the USB connector on the side of the unit that would rest of the desk/table top. Seems like a silly design, if I have the unit sitting with kickstand I might as well charge it. It's all goofy looking resting on the charger plug.

 

[MegaSoundwave76]

Just got mine today. As far as build quality, HTC does a pretty good job of putting the phone together. It was either this or the Droid Charge and I just came from the Fascinate, so putting up with TouchWiz again was not in the cards (but the Charge screen is way nicer!). So far, love LTE downloads (I just pulled a 20.50 download and a 5.89 up with a ping of 105 on my last Speedtest check here where I live). Tomorrow will be my first full day so I'll see how the battery holds up. I'm pretty stoked!!

 

[englishpanther]

Android = overhyped Apple-ish dung

I own a thunderbolt because of my previous experience with HTC devices, but I can honestly say that stock Android is a complete joke. I knew that I would benefit from community development, but I didn't realize how much it was needed -until I tried to download a text file attached to a work e-mail. I can't believe what an overhyped heap of Apple like dung Android really is. I have a lot of faith in the community but it seems ridiculous that I am so dependant on them with this OS. Even with flash, Android is most definitely a leap backwards from Windows Mobile 5.

That said battery life is low, but phone is quick. Fair tradeoff... But I will be getting an extended battery like I had on my imagio.

Camera is nothing special, but with 32gb you have a great videocamera that rivals the quality of the bulky units our parents carried.

Google maps / navigation is very cool. Speech input is nearly flawless, absolutely amazing.

Dolphin HD (market browser) is better than the stock browser, Miren or Skyfire. Pain in the butt to download files from any of them.

I will be trying hard to make the best of all the great hardware on this device, hoping cm7 is going to help.

 

[tbns]

I've been through two Thunderbolts so far - first one had three dead pixels, second one had annoying creaking coming from the frame around the screen (left side, right where your thumb would be if you're holding the phone for a call). All replaced with no hassle.

Now this third one has a creak when you press the power button down, and creaks in the same place as the last one, on the frame where my thumb goes for a call. I've never taken the battery cover off, and it seems to be in place well. Sounds like it's coming from the frame itself. The models in the store didn't have this; my friend's iPhone 4 is rock-solid (Just saying! And no, I don't want an iPhone - I just feel like HTC should rival Apple hardware quality). I've already ordered a case, so I figure I'll see if the case covers up the creaks so I can avoid looking like 'that guy' who's way too nit picky and taking back my phone a third time.

As far as battery life goes... yeah, it's pretty bad for me to say the least. I'm just making sure I have a charger at home, at work, and in the car.

With all that being said, I do love this phone - awesome screen, and Android is leaps and bounds more fun than iOS. So I'll just chalk up the problems to the Thunderbolt being the first 4G LTE phone.

 

[jerzeedevl]

I made the switch from a Crackberry to this beautiful piece of technology. The following day I decided to root it and run B.A.M.F rom. Now the phone is complete!! Battery is so much better with the rom and kernel combo I am running. 4G is INCREDIBLE!

 

[fj40dave]

Coming from a BB, I think the jury is still out for me and I’ve only had my TB for 3 days. Not real liking the feel even with the extended battery. I’m waiting for a case from Seidio today. I’m not sure if it’s because this is the first time in years that I’ve had something other then a BB or I kicking myself for not getting a Droid Charge. Either way I have 11 days before I can return or not.

 

[owendylan]

I got my wife one for mother's day and was a little concerned about the battery life. She didn't have any issues with light use, the battery would last at least 8 hours, so I got one myself. Over the past week we have put them to the test. My wife gave birth on Saturday morning and between the texting, Facebook updates, phone calls and emails I expected the battery to die pretty quick. It didn't. It didn't last the days that my 3G work blackberry but it wasn't the apocalypse that some have experienced. The battery lasted more than a recently fed baby (2 hours) but less than a nurses shift (12 hours). We got about 9 hours or so of pretty constant use in a 4G area with the stock battery. I was pleasantly surprised, so much that I may not opt for the extended battery.

Overall I like the phone a lot and the camera on it is really good. Got lots of great baby pics with it.

 

[cbr600f4i2]

The Thunderbolt is the single worst phone I've ever owned. Period.

My first phone was an NEC which was mounted to my car and I've had close to 12 other phones since then including Motorola, Nokia and Blackberry.

I loved the Nokia. Having a small phone which lasted weeks on a charge was perfect. When smart phones came around and needing to use a phone which connected to my company's network, the BB was perfect. There is no better phone to make calls, use email and text. My BB would last a good week on a full charge. With one or click button pushes you could do anything with a BB.

Now today, my new company made me change phones, which required leaving T-Mobile and going to VZW. T-Mobile was great and always had great phones and the latest technology and the best customer service. Not to mention their close relationship with Google.

I ended up with the Thunderbolt. Absolutely the worst phone I've even seen. Not only is is unintuitive, a 4-6 hour charge to last 4-6 hours is unacceptable. I know, I know, people's response has been to disable blue tooth, don't connect to wifi, don't watch movies, don't you use games, don't use any apps, don't surf the web, etc. WTF? Are you kidding me? So to use this super new hi tech smart phone I need to NOT use any of the features? SO basically I have a phone I can talk on, right? I might as well go back to my tiny Nokia which was perfect.

This phone is horrible. NO, it's pathetic. No, it's unacceptable!!! It's not even really anything, since you can't talk for very long on it, and it's 4 times heavier than my smallest Nokia.

I can't wait for the class action lawsuit against VZW and HTC around putting out one of the worst consumer products in history.

 

[Treknologist]

The Thunderbolt is the single worst phone I've ever owned. Period.

My first phone was an NEC which was mounted to my car and I've had close to 12 other phones since then including Motorola, Nokia and Blackberry.

I loved the Nokia. Having a small phone which lasted weeks on a charge was perfect. When smart phones came around and needing to use a phone which connected to my company's network, the BB was perfect. There is no better phone to make calls, use email and text. My BB would last a good week on a full charge. With one or click button pushes you could do anything with a BB.

Now today, my new company made me change phones, which required leaving T-Mobile and going to VZW. T-Mobile was great and always had great phones and the latest technology and the best customer service. Not to mention their close relationship with Google.

I ended up with the Thunderbolt. Absolutely the worst phone I've even seen. Not only is is unintuitive, a 4-6 hour charge to last 4-6 hours is unacceptable. I know, I know, people's response has been to disable blue tooth, don't connect to wifi, don't watch movies, don't you use games, don't use any apps, don't surf the web, etc. WTF? Are you kidding me? So to use this super new hi tech smart phone I need to NOT use any of the features? SO basically I have a phone I can talk on, right? I might as well go back to my tiny Nokia which was perfect.

This phone is horrible. NO, it's pathetic. No, it's unacceptable!!! It's not even really anything, since you can't talk for very long on it, and it's 4 times heavier than my smallest Nokia.

I can't wait for the class action lawsuit against VZW and HTC around putting out one of the worst consumer products in history.

After reading your rant (sorry, I can't call it anything else), I have to wonder if you have ever used a smartphone before. Seems to me that you have not. Smartphones are larger and heavier than feature phones, like your old Nokia. If all you wanted was a BB, you should have gotten one with Verizon, they have plenty of them. I'm not sure why you "ended up" with the TBolt, as you state.

In any case, you now have it and if you are willing to learn a little bit, you will be able to make use of your TBolt and see what it is capable of.

First, to learn about Android and how to take advantage of what it has to offer, take a look here: http://forum.androidcentral.com/general-help-how/31622-getting-started-android-tips-tricks.html This should help you "intuit" your way around.

Second, there are two ways to address the battery issue: (1) you can purchase more 1400 mAh batteries (there are plenty of cheap ones on ebay) or (2) you can get an extended battery. The extended battery does add a little more weight but it lets you use the phone the entire day without problems. And when I say use the phone, I mean use it and all its features. You have to keep in mind that a smartphone like the TBolt is pretty much a computer in your hands. It is capable of doing a lot of things but it does consume a lot of power and battery tech is lagging behind. A small Nokia phone uses a fraction of the power a phone like the TBolt uses, hence, it can last much longer on one charge.

Third, if you try this stuff and you still don't like the TBolt, you can just return the phone to Verizon if you are in the 14-day return window and get a BB if all you want to do is make phone calls, email and text. Like I said, they have plenty and the reality is that smartphones are not for everyone.

 

[mman609]

I can think of nothing in my life that has been perfect. Some things have been dreadful and others have been near perfect. After a week with my TB, I'd say it is pretty darn good. My battery life has been much better than expected after reading reviews and forum comments -- and I've been hammering it pretty hard as I explore it. Now I'm way out in the middle of nowhere, with an expectation of 4G in about 2020, so perhaps the battery drain has not been as great as others have experienced.

Android phones are that not that old and so I don't expect the phone to be perfect, just as my first, early stage computer wasn't perfect and only a pale shadow of what I use today. I'm happy with the phone today and only hope that Verizon will be fair in their future pricing schemes.

 

[surfbumhuey]

Even with all the somewhat iffy bugs with the Thunderbolt, after looking at the X2, Droid2, and Incredible2 I decided on the Thunderbolt (could not stand reading the endless rabble about when the Bionic will come out either). I am officially a convert from Blackberry even within 3 hours of having my phone, and feel that tonight will be a sleepless night having to personalize everything.

Although one thing I already do miss about my Berry is the inability to throw all the Verizon bloatware and hide them so I never have to see them again... (why on earth did they not make it so you can delete the ish Im never ever going to use?

 

[Cyber Warrior]

Even with all the somewhat iffy bugs with the Thunderbolt, after looking at the X2, Droid2, and Incredible2 I decided on the Thunderbolt (could not stand reading the endless rabble about when the Bionic will come out either). I am officially a convert from Blackberry even within 3 hours of having my phone, and feel that tonight will be a sleepless night having to personalize everything.

Although one thing I already do miss about my Berry is the inability to throw all the Verizon bloatware and hide them so I never have to see them again... (why on earth did they not make it so you can delete the ish Im never ever going to use?

I use to also be a long time BB user. Blackberry gives you the option to hide apps but there was no way of actually deleting the Verizon bloatware. With Android, you can hide the apps by using a different launcher (ex. Launcher Pro Plus) and you can delete the Verizon bloat along with many other options if you're willing to root the phone. Welcome to the forums and enjoy your new device.

 

[Unobtanium]

Two weeks with Thunderbolt

A little over two weeks ago, on a Sunday afternoon, we walked into our local Verizon Corporate store with our "feature" phones, and walked out with the 'droids we were looking for - I got a ThunderBolt, my wife got the Incredible 2. My phone going in was the GZ1 Boulder, hers the Moto v750. This is a bigger leap for her - I have been surfing here as the 4G phones launched and have followed the issues - plus I have had Blackberries from work for over 5 years.

I have been with Verizon since they were Airtouch, and have had few Customer Service issues with them, plus their coverage mostly matches my needs. Because I was up for my last “New Every Two” phone, I got an acceptable price on the Thunderbolt ($150), with the 2-year contract. We cut back on our voice minutes (we’ve been below 500 a month fr four months) to cushion the blow of two data plans.

I went into VZW several times in the last few weeks, and looked at the ThunderBolt, the Charge, and the Revolution. I have wanted a personal Smartphone anyway, and work has Websensed our BES and started tightening up on “acceptable incidental use” policies. It’s their stuff, so I don’t mind that, but the need to divorce my personal stuff from work is becoming more important.

I live in the Atlanta area, have 4G coverage at my house, and my work takes me all over East and NE Georgia, plus I travel some. I was in Washington, DC last week, so I’ve done air travel with the TB, too.

I am stock, not rooted, and running SW version 1.12 – whatever, so apparently no updates. I have had no reboots that I have not initiated myself, and GPS capture seems fast (though to be fair, GPS capture on the BB 9650 Storm is faster than the Curve they replaced at work 4 weeks ago).

Things I like:
The SCREEN! This thing kicks the BB “half” screen’s rear. It’s bright, and I can read it, though I still need my “cheater” glasses.

Sense. I like the standard clock/weather widget, and, having never had an Android device, I don’t really know the difference at this point, though I appreciate that there are differences.

Google /GMail Integration, and almost “easy button” set-up for my other e-mail accounts.

The heft and the overall feel of the phone, though it has spent most of its time with me in a Seidio Platinum / Rugged / Convert.

4G, and even good speed in 3G areas.

The FM radio. I walk early in the morning; the FM was great on the treadmills last week, and lets me listen to the news as I start my day.

The Camera. I have not used it much, but I have a Nikon “Prosumer” camera and come from a 35mm photography background. Pretty good for this type of device.

The desk clock. This is GREAT for the hotel room overnight.


Things I didn’t expect:
Android App market. Lots of stuff to choose from, probably too much stuff. I am only using free apps right now, but I already see a few I will probably pay for. I am glad to have stumbled across Pimlical – DateBk was my favorite Palm application.

The Geek/Coolness factor. Kid of the 1960’s, watching the space program, etc. Yes, I have the Tricorder App. Now I have a Tricorder AND a communicator in one package.

The simplicity of Android – I am so used to managing Windows machines for myself and my family that some of the Android stuff seems almost too easy.

The battery life. I know, I know, been reading about it for weeks. I can say, based on the airplane rides, it’s as much the display as the 4G radio so far. But coming from a plain phone where the extended battery rarely go below 2 bars is still an adjustment.


Things I want it to do/things it lacks:
Blackberry-style sound profiles. Playing with various apps right now, but I would REALLY like a “day noisy profile” where everything makes noise and vibrates, a “day quite profile” where everything vibrates, and a “night profile” where the only noisemaker is the phone ringer.

The USB port in a different place. This seems to me to have been a fundamental design error. I know it had to go somewhere, but why there? I may hack or buld my own dock, since I need the ruggedized case.

A sturdy place to hook a lanyard. Something to keep the hone from falling/dropping, etc.


Stuff I need / want, etc.:
A calendar that also has a good diary /notes function like my paper Moleskine.

Looking hard at the Trident Cases – I like the idea of the distinctive colors and it looks like the Cyclops at least has a lanyard connection.

Extended battery? Still unsure – mostly because of the case issue. The Seidio case is protective, but disappointed in a couple of ways that I already mentioned in an case thread. Before I go for an extended internal, I will probably get something like the New Trent IMP880 IPod Battery 4G Life Extender, IPad IPhone Itouch Extended Batteries. We recently vacationed in Orlando (pre smartphone), and I noticed (1) we were always on the move, and (2) “public” AC outlets in the theme parks are scarce – I could not find one in any of the “sit down” eating places we chose.

Bluetooth compact keyboard. I had a stowaway for another device, but it fell apart on me.

Overall, I have had a positive experience with the ThunderBolt. I can see how it will help me better track my life, stay in touch, and keep up with stuff for the annual tax ritual.

 

[OhioG]

Got this phone Friday and so far I am very impressed. It only rebooted once randomly, when i was in the middle of lake Michigan. I was also drinking so it could have been a user error.

The battery with 4g on and moderate use (a few calls, a lot of texting, bit of web surfing, streaming music from online, driving through areas where it went from 3g to 4g to 1x for 3 hours) I got 9 hours.

The one thing I hate is that when it goes from 4g to 3g it for some reason messes with my google voice app. so i have to restart the app as well as cycle the thing into 3g only mode then back to 4g.

I love the big screen. I looked at the HTC Incredible my cousin had and man it looked worthless next to this beast. I was like Shaq next to a midget.

Overall, I wish i could end some of the useless services in the background, which i think will help the battery just a bit more and the annoying 4g 3g cycle where it messes with google voice. Besides that, this phone is solid.

 

[Cyber Warrior]

Overall, I wish i could end some of the useless services in the background, which i think will help the battery just a bit more and the annoying 4g 3g cycle where it messes with google voice. Besides that, this phone is solid.

Check out the hack threads... If you root your phone, you will have full control over it.
http://forum.androidcentral.com/thunderbolt-rooting-roms-hacks/

 

[Highwaystar131]

I've had my Thunderbolt since May 30th and I am LOVING IT! I had switched from a family plan with my dad on Sprint to a family plan with my girlfriend on Verizon. My previous phone was the Samsung Moment (a phone I liked at first, since it was my first Android phone, but I grew to hate it for various reasons) and a Blackberry Curve 8330 before that (my first smartphone).

This is the first phone I've ever managed to get at the peak (or near) of its existence (got the Curve weeks before it was being offered as a free phone to upgrade to, and the Moment a month before they cut the price in half). This phone blows anything I've ever owned out of the water. The speed, the number of apps it can handle (one reason I hated the Moment), the huge screen. Not to mention Verizon's network is better than Sprint's (another reason I ditched the Moment/Sprint, dropped calls, failed text messages, support for free text alert services being dropped by the day [ie. ESPN no longer sending text alerts to Sprint customers]).

I haven't had any of the widespread issues I've seen while browsing the forums. In fact, the only issue I've had was one I couldn't find searching through 10 pages of threads (stock news app was opening automatically when it finished charging, but the issue was resolved).

I haven't had a chance to experience 4G yet (in fact this is my first experience with 3G, since the Moment didn't support 3G like I was told) since I don't get to downtown Grand Rapids too often, and the suburb I live in is on the fringe of the 3G/4G "Extended Coverage Area" zone. If the 3G is this good, though, I'm expecting great things from 4G.

Overall, I'm impressed with the speed, the large screen, and the apps I'm able to download and experience that just weren't possible with the Moment. I've had no issues with it outside of the one I mentioned above about the news reader, but since that was solved, I'd say the Thunderbolt is perfect... for now.

 

[o2bnclemson]

Re: Two weeks with Thunderbolt

Things I want it to do/things it lacks:
Blackberry-style sound profiles. Playing with various apps right now, but I would REALLY like a ?day noisy profile? where everything makes noise and vibrates, a ?day quite profile? where everything vibrates, and a ?night profile? where the only noisemaker is the phone ringer.

Look up the app Timeriffic. It's free and can do a lot of what you're talking about. There are others out there that are similar, too, all the way to nearly full-out programming of any option you can think of.

 

[Cyber Warrior]

Things I want it to do/things it lacks:
Blackberry-style sound profiles. Playing with various apps right now, but I would REALLY like a “day noisy profile” where everything makes noise and vibrates, a “day quite profile” where everything vibrates, and a “night profile” where the only noisemaker is the phone ringer.

The app "Bedside" works great for that night time profile that BB has. You can set it to turn off all sounds and setup a whitelist of certain contacts that you want to receive phone calls and messages from. It also has a very nice looking alarm clock screen that can be fully customized.

 

[Jude526]

I came from BB, then the HTC Droid Incredible and now the Thunderbolt. I was given an early upgrade and am glad to have this amazing device. I think I will be happy for the next two years. With all the devices Verizon is now offering, including the iphone, I do believe the HTC Thunderbolt is the best out there at this time. I love HTC Sense UI and I knew I was going to love this device. I live in Cave Creek and 4g isn't in my area, but everywhere else in the valley it is offered. I have seen how fast and responsive it is, but I have it set to CDMA only for saving on the battery and because simply there is no 4G in my home area. It also helps to not have it constantly looking for the best signal. And having only two days, I want to see exactly how the batter life will be. I am not a fan of the larger battery, I don't want added bulk to the phone. I don't mind having to charge and there is a slender, extended battery I can get if needed.
3G on the Thunderbolt is also faster than on the Droid Incredible. The screen is very vivid and bright. It is difficult to see in sunlight like it was with the Incredible, but it isn't a deal breaker for me. Love the screen and the size. The new task bar is great and having the capability to quickly view previous viewed programs is a plus. The keyboard is great but I installed the smartkeyboard pro that I have been using on the Incredible. I am used to it and like it. The door cover is difficult to remove and the power button is in an awkward location for a person who is left handed. I wish the power button was on the right side like that of the Incredible.
You can't beat this phone. Call quality is great and my jawbone Bluetooth is perfect with it.
I love this device and have only had it two days. I highly recommend it.
I know the biggest complaint of any high powered smartphone is the battery. Just have to deal with it. You can tweak it and there are ways to conserve. Overall, this is absolutely a fantastic device.
I also like how you can talk and use data at the same time even on 3G.