HTC Raphael to show up in Europe as T-Mobile MDA Vario IV, specs listed

Without much ado, the HTC Raphael, now called the T-Mobile MDA Vario IV in Europe, will hit streets sometime in Q2 2008. As for specs, we're looking at 158 grams, 300 minutes of talk time, 480x640 pixel screen, tri-band GSM, a 528MHz processor, 256MB on-board RAM, Bluetooth, WiFi, GPS, FM radio, and a 3.2MP camera. Don't expect a stateside release -- at least in this incarnation -- given the tri-band action, so we'll continue to hold out for the Sprint version.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

[PhoenixFox Posted May 28th 2008 1:42PM]

It's a round D-Pad with a "zoom wheel" on the outside

[(Unverified) Posted May 28th 2008 12:13PM]

yep when my contract ends this september, this will be the next phone i get with t-mobile.

wow europe gets some gadgets first for once! thanks HTC!

[andrewkfromaz Posted May 28th 2008 12:25PM]

*cries*
Me want!
Us poor T-Mo US users.

[umeadigmailcom Posted May 28th 2008 12:45PM]

Does anyone know how much thickness the keyboard adds?

[(Unverified) Posted May 28th 2008 1:18PM]

The linked t-mobile spec page states it's 18mm.

[HOT LIKE FIRE Posted May 28th 2008 12:51PM]

DECISIONS!

I really really want the X1 now, seeing that its basically the same phone with autofocus and 160 more pixels, and its keyboard looks more comfortable, and not to mention that its screen is centered vs being upward/to the right of the keyboard.

BUT, the X1 doesnt appear to have a flushed screen! That leads me to believe its the old htc autoscrath plastic! This screen is flushed and ready to be touched! (although i dont like the idea of the sweat patterns my face will leave on it)

I'm with sprint now, but im willing to switch to a 3g tmo, but not at&t or verizon, i hear they have crappy internet plans and im reserving hope for tmo..... I have a feeling that the x1 is going straight to at&t and verizon and raphael is coming to sprint and of course tmo

[(Unverified) Posted May 29th 2008 8:01AM]

I can't believe it my contract is up in July and hopefully this will be available but may wait to see when the X1 comes out to make my choice. But I very much doubt that T-Mobile will get the X1 as Vodafone and O2 in the UK always get the nice Sony Ericssons as usual and thats where T-mobile fails for me.

But I might go with the MDA Vario IV as I might be able to get a good package as it a T-mobile phone (basically) because you can get the diamond for free compared to other phones with less specs.

[PhoenixFox Posted May 28th 2008 2:15PM]

this HAS autofocus.

[3 Phones Jugglin Posted May 28th 2008 1:30PM]

Sprints gettin this in the U.S first right after the Touch Diamond. So Verizon lovers chances of getting this are slim. And even so...Sprint gets it in Late September/ Early October which means Verizon gets theirs.....

March Sometime.....

[PhoenixFox Posted May 28th 2008 1:45PM]

LOVING the dedicated capslock key and extra length on the left shift and enter! Dual shift AND a control key too!

[jerbear Posted May 28th 2008 2:07PM]

Looks like a worthy upgrade from my Mogul. I think it will end up being a toss up between this and the Dream depending on specs and how well the new Google OS works. This looks like they upped the RAM and CPU while polishing the phone and keeping the great things about the Mogul (keyboard, gps, etc). When this rolls out on Sprint I will definitely be giving it a look.

[(Unverified) Posted May 28th 2008 3:25PM]

The keyboard looks quite cumbersome compared to the Moguls. Also the Sony Ericsson Xperia XP1 last I checked has a 3" 800x480 screen which beats the Raphael's 2.8" 640x480 screen by a long shot. I don't get it, if HTC makes the Xperia why not throw a 3" 800x480 screen in the Raphael and call it a day?

[Ioncloud9 Posted May 28th 2008 4:24PM]

Yikes this will definitely be a toss between this phone, the X1, and the Dream, all depending on which carriers get which phones when my contract expires. at&t will get the X1, Sprint, Alltel, and probably Verizon will get this phone and the diamond, but if Google's OS is spectacular, i might just jump the WinMo ship once and for all. Apple OS phone is out of the question.

[zkolev Posted May 28th 2008 7:47PM]

I'd like to get one. unless at&t shafts me a third time and removes the front camera. I've already had a castrated 8525 and Tilt.

[(Unverified) Posted May 29th 2008 5:26AM]

Cool device.

Just two things:

1) What happened to eGPS, one of the cooles features that were rumoured before launch

2) When will I be able to buy one of these in Germany without Contract or branding?