The HTC EVO 4G LTE which is heading to Sprint’s network later this quarter may have a lot of the same internal components as the HTC One XL or the One X that’s heading to AT&T this spring, but you wouldn’t know if simply by looking at the device. HTC has chosen to go in a completely different direction with the HTC EVO 4G LTE and has created a phone that stands out in a crowd due to a few bold design choices.
The main thing you will notice when you pick up the HTC EVO 4G LTE is that its uni-body aluminum shell gives it a solid feel, yet the device is less than 9mm thick. The aluminum shell features a black soft-touch texture which allows for a solid grip. The sides of the phone features a light brushed aluminum strip which encompasses the edge of the entire handset, giving the HTC EVO 4G LTE a two-tone look even though the handset’s shell is crafted from a single piece of aluminum.
The back side of the phone is accented by a red stripe (the kickstand) which cuts the device in two. The kickstand on the EVO 4G LTE is extremely thin, yet HTC has beefed up the hinge so that it can support the weight of the phone when it is place on either of its sides while in landscape mode. If you’re careful you can also manage to balance the phone on its kickstand in portrait mode, though HTC’s people said that it is not one of the recommended positions.
One other feature which makes the HTC EVO 4G LTE stand out from the One series is the handset’s prominently features camera shutter button located along the edge of the device. Last year’s HTC EVO 3D had one of the best shutter button’s we’ve ever used on an Android smartphone, so we’re glad HTC has chosen to bring it back. The button is thin and long (unlike the large rounded shutter button on the EVO 3D), but it does feature a two-step click which allows you to focus by holding the button half way down and snap the picture when pressing the button completely.
On the software side, the HTC EVO 4G LTE is nearly identical to the HTC One family. Sprint does have some of its own applications pre-installed on the phone but it looks like they will keep things light. The Sprint HTC EVO 4G LTE even features the same ImageSense technology which allows the phone to capture amazing images with its f2.0 wide angle lens and BSI imaging sensor.
So far, we’re fairly impressed with the HTC EVO 4G LTE and can’t wait to get our hands on a demo unit once they are made available. The HTC One X and HTC One S are considered to be the Android phones to beat in 2012 and we could definitely see the HTC EVO 4G LTE be added to that list.
Looks like a great phone, but… Sprint lied about their Wimax coverage so hard to believe that LTE will be available anytime soon. I live on Long Island less then 10 miles from NYC and can’t get 4G. When in city it is sporadic and 3G is very slow in many places. My EVO 4G and now my EVO 3D spend a lot of time roaming on Verizon, even in Midtown Manhattan. I would’ve considered this phone if Sprint didn’t end their Premier membership. I have a year left on my contract and unless Sprint steps up and LTE is readily available in my area I will be leaving. Hopefully HTC will have something even better on Verizon then.
I was told by a sprint rep that if I live in the perimeter of the city I would get 4g outside the perimeter you only get 3g..Also he went on saying your city has to offet the 4g network…I think HTC is good with phones, but I do think the investment there for sprint ugrading their network…I’ve had 4 HTC phones this one im have to get when it comes out