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HTC EVO 3D an excellent smartphone

Although not quite as big as Samsung’s Note, which at 5.3-inches straddles the somewhat diverse worlds of smartphones and tablets, HTC’s EVO 3D still boasts a very large display at 4.3-inch.

First impressions of the EVO 3D are really good. I like how hefty and solid it feels. Although it doesn’t have the presence of aluminum that the Sensation and Desire S have, it still offers an impressive feel. For many it would be too big and too heavy though. It’s not a phone that you just throw in your pocket and forget it’s there.

If you’ve experienced any recent HTC phones you know what the design is like, the EVO doesn’t stray too far away from what we’ve come to expect. The display harbours 540x960 pixels, and it’s crisp, bright and clear. Inside spins a 1.2GHz dual-core processor, giving the smartphone enough kick that you never really have to wait for anything to happen; it just feels snappy. The 1GB of RAM probably contributes to this and there’s microSD card slot for all your storage needs.

Android 2.3.4 is what you get on the EVO 3D and on top of that version 3 of HTC’s own Sense user interface. Sense is one of the better Android customisations available right now and offers, for most users, a simpler experience with access to most information and functionality in one place.

Obviously the “3D” in the EVO’s name is something that you as a consumer should be interested in. The smartphone has two camera lenses on the back, each five megapixels, taking 3D photos as well as video. There’s a switch on the side, changing between 3D and 2D mode. You can also enjoy your 3D creations on the display without the need for special glasses. This is an exciting concept, however it doesn’t work out as well in real life. I found it very hard to shoot any photos and video in 3D that turned out well on the display. There was always considerable crosstalk, when the pictures don’t really line up. It looked like 3D, for sure, but it didn’t look like anything I could use for anything beyond a bit of fun.

Based on my experience with the EVO 3D, I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, 3D is still a gimmick without much practical use. You will pay a premium for 3D, and it’s up to you decide whether it’s worth it. Personally I don’t think it is.

Summing up, I’d say HTC’s EVO 3D is an excellent smartphone, which is fast and has a great display. It feels very solid to hold and use, and I like most everything about it. But at Dhs 2,799 it’s too expensive and 3D is not of any practical use, at least not yet. If you want an Android smartphone with large display, I’d look elsewhere.

Magnus Nystedt, emiratesmac@gmail.com,
@mnystedt

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