Comparing IPhone 4 with the HTC EVO 4G

The Android Market is growing exponentially having reached the key milestone of 100,000 apps (as of Oct 2010). Launched on October 22, 2008 , the Android mobile operating system has achieved momentum sales over the last two years. According to the NPD Group, the company's sales in May 2010 were increased by 8% from December 2009, achieving 28% of US smartphone sales. Moreover, according to Gartner Research, Android had a global market of 25.5% at the end of Q3 2010.

Being globally acknowledged as the "iPhone killer", the HTC EVO 4G is the first Android phone around the globe to feature 4G technology. Launched on June 4, the HTC EVO 4G has been one of the most anticipated technology products of 2010,because of itsunique characteristics and innovative technology.

HTC EVO 4G vs. iPhone 4 - Stating the Facts

Featuring a powerful QSD8650 1GHz Snapdragon CPU that allows users to have the benefit of high-quality multimedia applications on its huge 4.3" TFT LCD display, the HTC EVO 4G has at least matched the iPhone 4 in several specs. For some users, the iPhone 4 remains the absolute leader on the market, while for others, the HTC EVO 4G is better, mostly because of its Android 2.2 OS and the 4G network.

On the upside:

a) Operating System: introducing the Android 2.2 OS, also known as Froyo, since August 2010, the HTC EVO 4G actually targets the average consumers, and not necessarily the more tech savvy ones. The Android 2.2 OS has better features, can be highly customized and is easier to use.

b) Network Access: simply put, HTC EVO's 4G network over iPhone's 3G network provides data and streaming media at a much higher data rate allowing users to download and share multimedia files much quicker.

c) LCD Display : although its display resolution is lower (800 x 480 pixel over 960 x 640 pixel), the HTC EVO 4G has a larger display (4.3" TFT LCD display over 3.5"). Display resolution is definitely a consideration, but the larger display (that actually feels like a rugby field) gives the HTC EVO 4G an advantage over the iPhone 4.

d) Dual Camera: the HTC EVO 4G features an 8-megapixel primary camera over iPhone's 5-megapixel primary camera. Moreover, the HTC EVO 4G features a secondary 1.3 megapixel front-facing camera for live video chat and personal portrait photo shooting.

On the downside:

a) Dimensions: the HTC EVO 4G is heavier than the iPhone 4 (6 ounces over 4.8 ounces) and slightly bigger in size (4.8" x 2.6" x 0.5" over 4.5" x 2.3" x 0.37").

b) Network Access: currently 4G network is offered by Sprint at 2.5GHz, offering higher bandwidth over lower frequencies, but it cannot penetrate buildings and elevators. This means that the 4G network is flawless depending on the coverage in the location of the user.

c) Battery Life: rather miserable considering 6 hours talk time over 7 hours talk time on 3G and 14 hours on 2G for the iPhone. Even worse, having the phone on "Cell standby" with 4G off "Phone idle," and "Android system" mode, it consumes 75% of the battery life, which means that, practically, the battery life lasts on average up to 3 hours. There are tricks to extend EVO's battery life, but this is definitely an important factor to consider for a device like this.

d) Cost:The retail price of HTC EVO 4G starts at $599.99 and can go down to $199.99 through service agreements and special offers at Best Buy. The retail price of the iPhone 4 16GB starts at $599.99 and can go down to $199.99, while for the iPhone 4 32GB the retail price starts at $699.99 and can go down to $299.99 through service agreements and special offers at Best Buy. However, the maintenance costs and the monthly expenses for the HTC EVO 4G make it more expensive. Sprint offers the Sprint Everything Data 450 plan for $79.99 where it practically offers everything unlimited (calls, text messaging, web and 450 Anytime minutes). Moreover, the cost for carrying extra battery is between $10 and $50.

Android 2.2 Froyo vs. iOS 4

As already said, many users prefer the HTC EVO 4G over the iPhone 4 because of the Android 2.2 OS.

Here are several reasons why the Froyo is better than the iOS 4:

1. Froyo features a lot more applications allowing users to download what they want and not what Apple allows them to download.

2. Froyo has great built-in browsers that allow the use of third party browsers such as Opera or Firefox.

3. Froyo turns the phone into a Wi-Fi hotspot by giving Wi-Fi access to devices. Actually, it takes tethering to the next level by allowing users to freely use their EVO 4G as a broadband modem. The iPhone offers Bluetooth and 3G tethering as well, but users can freely use the Wi-Fi spots only if they jailbreak their iOS4 with the risk of destroying their phone.

4. Froyo gives access to more carriers. Apple is stuck with AT&T.

On the other hand, for business users, the iPhone 4 is better because the iOS4 features the unified e-mail inbox and better management tools that allow users to deploy, monitor, and manage their iPhone for business purposes.

In conclusion, by comparing the HTC EVO 4G and the iPhone 4 results are mixed, verifying that both devices are revolutionary and innovative. The bottom line is that choosing the best or the better between the two is a matter of subjective preferences and use. The decision may be more or less dictated by what is offered by the carrier and the intended use of the phone.

Sources:

http://www.htc.com/us/products/evo-sprint#tech-specs

http://www.apple.com/iphone/specs.html

http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2010/06/iphone-4-vs-htc-evo-4g/