Sprint EVO 4G: All your questions answered
May 13, 2010 | by Andrew Kameka
I hit a massive amount of traffic on my way back from New York City, which is much cleaner than I remember, but I can now share with you my impressions of the HTC EVO 4G.
I’m assuming by now you’ve learned about the EVO 4G, so if not, here’s a quick rundown of the phone’s specs, and below are responses that I received from various Sprint and HTC reps at the events based on questions you all asked on Twitter.
How much will it cost?
Good news, bad news. The EVO 4G will cost $199 with 2-year agreement. You MUST buy the 4G WiMax service, even if 4G isn’t in your market. I asked several people before leaving and got a similar story – save one person – and received clarification from others that it’s not optional as originally thought.
Now as for the ability to turn the device into a WiFi hotspot, that’ll run you $29 a month. So in the end, you’ll spend about $110 (including $69.99 Everything Data plan) to take advantage of the EVO 4G’s features.
Does the phone have the noise-canceling microphone like the Nexus One?
Yes. The EVO includes technology very similar to what was seen in the Nexus One, so you’ll be able to speak clearly in a crowded room and still hear be heard in strong audio.
Will it run Android 2.2 at launch?
Come on, guys; really? Of course not, and don’t expect it any time in the future. I asked multiple people and was told it has Android 2.1 and there’s no announced plan to move to 2.2. Considering that 2.2 hasn’t even been released officially and it takes HTC a while for updating Sense and testing, DO NOT buy this phone and think you’re getting 2.2 within a few weeks. Be forewarned that you buy this phone because you love it. If updates are a dealbreaker, get a Nexus from AT&T or T-Mobile.
How does HDMI playback look?
Fricking sweet. HDMI out on a good-quality video looked great on the 50-plus-inch TV at the event. The Prince of Persia clip played on loop looked beautiful, and a video shot with the EVO’s camera was decent, though it was a little pixelated when upsized to the large screen. If you have a video stored on your phone and want to show it to family, you will have smooth playback.
What is YouTube HQ?
YouTube on the EVO 4G is CONSIDERABLY better than on any other device. The image is crisper, of higher quality, and features a special stream that no other device on the market has. The EVO 4G will be the first to offer YouTube HQ. However, testing at the event revealed that if a video wasn’t of good quality when uploaded to YouTube, it won’t suddenly be better on your device.
Flash?
Only Flash Lite, not 10.1. You won’t get full Flash until the phone is updated to 2.2, which could be a while.
What does it feel like (physically)?
Like the HD2; a tiny bit heavy but manageable. Someone from PocketNow had his HD2 and the phones are almost exactly alike aside from the camera on the back.
Can you use voice and data at the same time?
Yes, on 4G only.
Can you use video chat on 3G?
Yes. It was originally thought during the presentation that statements about the EVO supporting video chat on 3D were a slip-up. It wasn’t. I asked at least 7 different Sprint reps and they all said 3G would be supported.
However, there will be a difference in stream quality depending on 3G vs. 4G. When on WiMax, the quality of the front-facing 1.3 megapixel camera will be noticeably better.
Is 4G coming to ___________?
If your city wasn’t already on the list of previously announced cities, they haven’t confirmed any new metropolitan areas.
What’s battery life?
This was by far the most complicated question with the most complicated answer. This is the first WiMax phone, so there’s no real life testing yet to validate the claims. Battery life will depend completely on usage patterns. Because you’re streaming video in higher quality, video chatting, and using a massive screen, you could potentially drain this faster than other devices.
Sprint made sure not to oversell battery life and say it’s up to the users. The phone supports 6 hours of talk time and has a 1500 mAH battery.
Can HTC Sense be turned off?
Some people love the EVO’s hardware but are against Sense. If you don’t like it, no problem. Check a quick video below to see that it doesn’t have to be there. (Settings > Manage Applications > HTC Sense > Clear Defaults and Force Stop)
OTHER INFORMATION:
- The EVO 4G supports FM radio. However, you will need to have a headset to use it. The radio actually uses the headset as an antenna to access data, so you will need to have one for playback.
- Qik comes pre-installed. You will be able to do video chat with Qik. I naturally wondered if Skype would be available as well, but Skype hasn’t released an app for non-Motorola phones and there’s no video built into (to my knowledge). You’re going to have to wait a while to use this for Skype video chats.
$10 more for 4g sucks.dan hesse promised it would be free.he lied.i think im going to get the droid incredible instead.i don't like being lied to and dan hesse is a liar.
The buy-up IS NOT FOR 4G! I REPEAT, NOT FOR 4G SERVICE!!! It is for premium data!
Think about how much data is being transmitted, for example, during a video conference! Even on just 3G, Sprint would be giving away way too much data compared to normal Sprint smartphones. Not to talk about all the data intensive apps that you may be running simo in the background with the 1GHz processor and 512 MB RAM! Think about it! And $79/mo is still at least $10 cheaper than anything remotely similar by VZ and ATT and they don’t have any 4G, video chat, Sprint services, etc.
This guy is smart but it wont cost more for the 4g inless you use it as a wireless hot spot! Do not fear and be apart of sprints comeback!!
i know about the issue of video chat and skype but will skype still run in the background and can people still call me via skype to skype on the Evo 4G?
Extra fee for 4G is a deal breaker for me. I don’t even have 4G coverage in my area. Sprint buzzkill.
Ok I see people complaining about 4G pricing even if you don't have it but when you take a look at At&t and Verizon pricing you will end up paying up to $120.00 for everything that sprint offers for $79.99 not including Mobile Hotspot!! Think about it people!!
I will be waiting in line for this the minute the EVO becomes available. No questions asked. $10 for 4G a deal breaker? Come on guys! Don't be ridicules. This is the most advanced phone on the market running high-speed, cutting edge technology. You have to pay to play in order to run with the big boys.
I want to see it's battery life. Battery life and reception around where I live are the deal breakers. $10 for 4G is ok. I happen to be living in a 4G city but I still want to make sure it's TRUE 4G speed and not phantom of Sprints imagination.
Mike check YouTube.com/Androinica we used the Speedtest app to see the 4G speeds from Sprint and they were reliably in the 3-6 (mainly 4 MBps) range for downloads.
is it true that you can use the HTC Heros battery on the EVO4G?
no. the Hero battery is smaller than the EVO battery.
I thought if you had the Sprint Family Everything Plan or the $95.00 everything plan (NOT the $69.00 plan), there would not be additional charges for the EVO. Are you sure the extra charges are not only for the $69.00 per month plan?????
I do not want the WiFi Hotspot, as I'm sure this will be available down the road for free, as soon as some other carrier gets a comparable plan. As for the extra $10.00 per month, even if you do not have 4G in your area. This does not make sense, but is not a deal breaker for me. I have a Pre right now, and I need a screen I can read
So I read that Sprint is "capping" the upload rate to 1 meg. Does anyone know if Sprint is capping the download rate? This is important to me as I am consolidating my Palm Pre and Sprint Overdrive into one HTC EVO account (I save $20/month even if I get all the options for the EVO).
It does top out at 1 meg uploading. It downloads at about 4Mbps, but it can go as high as 10Mbps theoretically. That's not really a cap, but more a limitation of the technology.
Thanks for the great break down of the Sprint Evo, it has given me a lot to think about. I am currently using the Palm Pre. I love the WebOS and the pure multi-tasking ability, but the weak hardware, crappy battery life, and lack of apps are making me want to get the Evo. Does anyone know how the battery life will compare to the Palm Pre? Also, what is everyone's opinion on multi-tasking on android vs WebOS, if anyone here has experience that would be great.
I also have a Palm Pre and I have already preordered my Evo!! A friend of mine has the Nexus One and he can multitask also, although it's not as "pretty" as it is on WebOs but it's still does the job. The only thing I will miss on the Pre are the gestures but other than that I'm tired of the hardware that was anounced in January of 2009!!! We are almost halfway through 2010 and At&t is getting the same dman hardware with a little more RAM!! Have you heard that saying about putting lipstick on a pig…it's still a pig and I want a thorughbred racing horse that's called Evo!!!
I think the presentation of multitasking is actually better in webOS. It makes it easier to switch between apps and see what's running. Android multitasks in the background well, but switching between apps is not as slick (visually). I doubt you'll have a problem using it, however.
As for hardware…yeah, there's going to be a WORLD of difference. Pre can't match it in any capacity aside from having a physical keyboard, but I've used the HTC on-screen keyboard and its incredible. You'll enjoy Android. Be sure to check our beginner's guide.
I am sorry sir, but many of your statements on the Evo4G and the Sprint services are very misleading and some are just plain incorrect.
1) The most obvious is your response to simo voice and data. You can use simo voice and data when connected to 4G AND WHILE ON WIFI!
2) The $10 buy-up IS NOT FOR 4G WIMAX! I REPEAT, NOT FOR 4G SERVICE!!! It is for premium data! Think voice-conferencing, live video streaming, Sprint TV, FM Radio. Imagine how much data a 1 ghz device that runs virtually infinite simo apps, regardless of 4G, uses in a month versus other Sprint data phones. I am sure you are well aware.
3) The hotspot service is obviously optional so you don't need to "spend about $110 (including $69.99 Everything Data plan) to take advantage of the EVO 4G’s features."
I'm in a similar boat as the other webOS users. WebOS is an awesome concept that has been poorly managed by Palm and the Pre hardware just isn't quite up to the task of running it. If HP does good things with it I'm anticipating going back to it in the future but for now I am very excited about the Evo 4G.
Thanks for your work in breaking it down and I will definitely be checking out the beginner's guide.
Sprint KILLS all other serious competition when you compare the plans. ESPECIALLY when you add unlim txt and data. This is even with the $10 PREMIUM DATA add-on. Nuff said. Do the math.
I'm not as crazy pro Sprint as Daniel A. but I am a happy Sprint customer. I live in the Ft. Lauderdale, FL area and have great coverage, great speed, and even with the $10 extra I'll have no problems coughing it up for the Evo 4G.
I am not "crazy pro Sprint". I have had my problems with Sprint's CS and billing problems in the past. I am just tired about people bitching about ten freaking dollars, when it is still far cheaper than on VZ or ATT.
Sprint is price gouging families with an interest in the EVO. Here is how:
If your like me, you want an Android phone and your spouse just wants a basic phone without data. Sprint is attempting to rip off customers like us with the EVO plans. For this scenario, Sprint is $40 more expensive than Verizon, $50 more expensive than AT&T and $65 more expensive than TMobile and on a monthly basis when you go with the cheapest family plan. Sprint is closer to the other carriers on the individual plans but still $10 more expensive (the EVO “premium data” BS).
They will tell you that you are going to use more data with the EVO and that is why they need the extra $10, but 4G is anything but widespread right now and they are not going to let you get away without paying the $10 if 4g is not available in your area. So Sprint is really just searching for ways to squeeze more money out of you. Either that, or they know they can’t handle a large amount of data users.
Here are the monthly costs for individuals and families looking for the cheapest way to get a single Android phone or the EVO in Sprint’s case. Because of these prices, I will wait for either the Samsung Galaxy S which has a 4″ AMOLED screen among other things. Besides in the Android world, a better phone is announced every month. The EVO is a beautiful phone that should be a big hit. Unfortunately Sprint got involved and is holding all of that great hardware for a hefty ransom. If Sprint doesn’t correct their family plan pricing, I’ll wait a short time for the next great Android phone.
Sprint data is a compilation of 3 online chats with Sprint customer service and two in store visits. The other numbers are from shopping carts online.
Sprint
—————————
Individual:
$70 for 450 min voice including data
$10 for the EVO
$80 Total
Family:
$130 2 lines sharing 1500 min voice including data
$10 for the EVO
$140 Total
Verizon
—————————
Individual:
$40 for 450 min of voice
$30 data
$70 Total
Family:
$70 2 lines sharing 700 min voice
$30 data for 1 of those phones
$100 Total
T-Mobile
—————————
Individual:
$30 for 500 min voice
$25 for data
$55 Total
Family:
$50 2 lines sharing 750 min voice
$25 data for 1 of the phones
$75 Total
AT&T
—————————
Individual:
$40 for 450 min voice
$30 for data
$70 Total
Family:
$60 2 lines sharing 550 min voice
$30 data for 1 of the phones
$90 Total
You aren't factoring in the items that come with the Sprint Everything plan that you will need to pay extra for with most other vendors.
Dude, the plans you are comparing aren't even compatible! Who do you think you are fooling?
As previously said, you are not factoring in all the options included with Sprints $69.99 plan. With this plan, you get 450 anytime minutes, nights and weekends start at 7pm instead of 9pm, Anymobile, Anytime, Unlimited text, picture and video messaging, Unlimited data, GPS Navigation, SprintTV….
Time to power UP!!!.. This phone will increase my productivity by atleast 50% compared to htc touch pro
i find it funny how customers are complaining about the extra 10 bucks. these are the same customers that request extra discounts and are bleeding Sprint. If you don't want to pay the 10 bucks don't get the EVO case close. Sprint is not forcing you to get the EVO.
I can live with the 10 dollars for the 4G but the extra 30 for hotspot is annoying. Anyway I don't see how sprint control the hotspot feature? Once you have the phone won’t there be apps to utilize the phones hardware for free?
they dont force you to get both phones on a family plan. just get 80 bucks for the evo and an idividual plan for your spouse. dont they start at $30?
Sprint has the best features and best plans. I have the 1500 mins a month family plan with unlimited to any cell and unlimited data for 130 a month. we only use 300 mins a month combined. I’m added a third line for 27 more dollars a month and have my lil brother my old touch. I’m using the hero until the evo come out next Friday. Tmobile flat out sucks and have no features. Verizon has the best service but they don’t appeal to anyone. Sprint owns several different phone companies and I’m sure will buy up more.
Does the evo work with the headset buttons and microphone (if you have a pair with a mic) on a pair of iPod/iPhone headphones? Specifically, can you use the mic for calls, and the buttons to answer calls and navigate through music?
No.
I have the EVO and the HERO. Battery life is better than most just make sure to properly charge it. It also depends on your usage. With about 2-3 hours of talk, couple hundread texts and alot of music playing and web surfing i got about a day and a half off one charge. It amazes me how much people cry about battery life, but its always the noobs who have no idea how to manage the phone thats always crying.