HTC Hero for Sprint hands-on and impressions
By Joshua Topolsky 
posted Sep 17th 2009 12:01AM
posted Sep 17th 2009 12:01AM
When we first caught wind of HTC's Hero coming to Sprint, we were more than a little hopeful that the issues we experienced with the European version would be alleviated. If you'll recall, we had a bit of a love-hate affair going on with the chinny, wine-drinking iteration of the Android-powered phone due to a seeming lack of horsepower required to push HTC's totally amazing Sense UI. In the last few weeks, we've heard lots of chatter about the forthcoming Hero update and the wonders it would do for the speed of this phone... but unfortunately there's no such luck in the US, CDMA version of this device.
So, the point here is we were planning on doing a whole new review to showcase the differences between the old and new version of the Hero, but there really aren't any besides the obvious physical changes. Sprint has added some great new apps, like its visual voicemail, which works like a charm (oh by the way Coleen, you got that job -- maybe you should give them your new number too), and Sprint Navigation, though it's also muddied up the mix by including the yawn-maker NASCAR app. Of course, this phone provides a full-on 3G experience, unlike the European version (for obvious reasons), and Sprint's network seems as snappy as ever -- general web browsing was a noticeably more enjoyable experience, for instance.
Here is what we can say about the phone: the industrial design of this version versus the older model is a marked improvement, chucking that awkward chin shape for a proper bottom half, and rearranging the hard buttons so that you're not constantly getting your hands cramped up. We also have to mention the trackball, which is the most comfortable we've ever used. While the performance is still not where we think it should be, the Hero is an awesome addition to Sprint's growing line of serious contenders in the smartphone game. If that new update is all it's supposed to be (and if Sprint is expedient in bringing it to market), many of our complaints should be quelled -- and this will be the killer device we know it can be.
Update: To commenters asking for a longer review, or asking about discrepancies in our findings versus other sites -- we can only report on what we observed. In our eyes, there is nothing significantly different or improved about the Sprint version to warrant a second review. There are some very minor differences in camera quality, and obviously the network performance is better (since it's not EDGE), but a full-length review did not seem necessary (you'll note many of our contemporaries also have short-form reviews). While reports may differ (especially those stating that this phone has the updated ROM we've heard about), we're still seeing the same kind of sluggishness and slowdown we experienced with the European version. What we said in the original Hero review very much applies to the Sprint version, and we suggest you take a peek.
So, the point here is we were planning on doing a whole new review to showcase the differences between the old and new version of the Hero, but there really aren't any besides the obvious physical changes. Sprint has added some great new apps, like its visual voicemail, which works like a charm (oh by the way Coleen, you got that job -- maybe you should give them your new number too), and Sprint Navigation, though it's also muddied up the mix by including the yawn-maker NASCAR app. Of course, this phone provides a full-on 3G experience, unlike the European version (for obvious reasons), and Sprint's network seems as snappy as ever -- general web browsing was a noticeably more enjoyable experience, for instance.
Here is what we can say about the phone: the industrial design of this version versus the older model is a marked improvement, chucking that awkward chin shape for a proper bottom half, and rearranging the hard buttons so that you're not constantly getting your hands cramped up. We also have to mention the trackball, which is the most comfortable we've ever used. While the performance is still not where we think it should be, the Hero is an awesome addition to Sprint's growing line of serious contenders in the smartphone game. If that new update is all it's supposed to be (and if Sprint is expedient in bringing it to market), many of our complaints should be quelled -- and this will be the killer device we know it can be.
Update: To commenters asking for a longer review, or asking about discrepancies in our findings versus other sites -- we can only report on what we observed. In our eyes, there is nothing significantly different or improved about the Sprint version to warrant a second review. There are some very minor differences in camera quality, and obviously the network performance is better (since it's not EDGE), but a full-length review did not seem necessary (you'll note many of our contemporaries also have short-form reviews). While reports may differ (especially those stating that this phone has the updated ROM we've heard about), we're still seeing the same kind of sluggishness and slowdown we experienced with the European version. What we said in the original Hero review very much applies to the Sprint version, and we suggest you take a peek.
Old hero looked a million times better
Ye!! Look sooooo greate than before.
the fact that engadget adds a disclaimer to their review makes it null and void. Next time, please do a quality review with all of the facts, your readers will appreciate it.
NO WAY. how?
Yeah, the olde Hero design was much better than what we have TOY like design now.
The CHIN was making it different from any other phones....I hope they change the design...
I agree with JJ. Engadget's outlook is somewhat biased, they have done more than the lion's share of phone reviews and always given their opinion, but at the same time remained neutral if you understand that.
If it had been an iPhone with modest upgrades, then there would have been an in depth review...
RT: @htc: Oh! On the same token, the Hero on Sprint will indeed have the performance tweaks found in the recent EU update. Rejoice!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bRPr4K_mpkM
MINE
i still think the original looks better, minus the chin maybe
damn, i had to be the second person in a row to say, that didn't i.
god i'm sucking bad today
"...row to say that, didn't i."
does it still have the oilophobic screen? And more importantly, how is Sprint and HTC going to handle donut when it comes out?
I believe they will be required to have Donut, since it is the first android version to actually support CDMA. I just really hope they also put in the new speed upgrading firmware!
If i remember correctly, the original never had an oleophobic screen. It was however Teflon coated ( only the white one ) and my guess is that is what you mean.
@ Shravran
The original Hero had the oleophobic coating:
http://www.infosyncworld.com/news/n/10360.html
I guarentee you every single Android device from the G1 on up will get Donut. Eclaire may be another story though.
Sweet. Thanks. I wasn't sure if the Sense UI was going to screw with updates. Good to hear. My Helio contract is up (finally) and I'll probably be picking up this bad boy.
Chinny?
Ring ring ring ring ring ring ring
The Leno phone
Boo-ba-doo-ba-doop!
That could be a possible candidate name for HTCs future phones with a chin, HTC Leno..
So does this one have the new update? or we have to wait for that? I thought there was a performance boost on the new ROM that was being updated. Anyone got any ideA??!
Can you comment on the Menu, Search, Back and Home buttons? Are they touch sensitive or do they actually move a la Touch Diamond?
Blah Blah.. enough with the "Old one looks better."
I personally like the new one. I never really got over "the chin", and after having the G1 since release day.. I've grown tired of it.
Finally! Now Oct. 11 seems really far away. This phone looks incredible, albeit less aesthetically pleasing than the GSM Hero
And it feeeeeeels
And it feeeeeeeeels like
Heaven's so far away
I guess you are putting in overtime Josh
So I'm taking this to mean the Hero won't launch with Donut or the HTC update? Or is this a early evaluation version that isn't entirely representative of the launch version?
I'm guessing it's the latter since the update was just released yesterday.
Since Donut is the first Android release to support CDMA I have to assume it is required on this phone. Correct me if I am wrong?
@ Jake and Eric, those are very good questions, However, this post was not written to answer any questions. What the author clearly is trying to tell you is
1. He thinks the old phone was ugly.
2. He wanted to get to play with updated version and since he didn't he is gonna take his
ball and go home.
3. There are some good things about the phone, i'll tell you a few that you really dont care
about but that's all you get until I get to play with the updated version.
@Ron
I totally forgot that. If this has Donut, why wasn't it mentioned in the review, since Donut should have the new market as well as universal search, which warrants at least some mention.
Yeah, I thought donut was sposed to fix the sluggishness that the author seems to attribute to the hardware. Seems like worth mentioning if a software update remedies an issue that would keep people from considering the device.
Can't wait for this phone. Hopefully they get the update for this version squared away for
launch.
FINGER print haven on the back... where's the white teflon?
wtf...
The back is soft touch, so if you're leaving fingerprints on rubber you probably just need to take a bath.
tell that to the reviewer then ... lol
I have seen some reviews saying the white teflon is wearing off after only a few weeks (with some cases and pouches). I am very glad sprint picked a different finish
Hero looks intresting..i kud care less about the chin cuz people still complained about the other android phones and said.."Sure be great without that chin" Now its gone. Shut up. Be Happy.
But im gonna be attatched at the hip to my Touch Pro 2 for Quite awhile...
Josh, can you please post some shots of the phone that are taken in a brighter room?
Also, does the phone have sort of a rubberized coating?
root?
cyan ROMs?
The more I see it, the more I like it without the chin. Why couldn't these phones have been out two years ago Sprint? Sprint is doing some great work. My experiences with their support were terribly lackluster, and I went through 8-9 devices over 2 years due to faulty software programming on their part. And of course, now, they're showing up every other carrier with the best rates and devices with improved CDMA service and not many people seem to be noticing. I think I may switch back to them in a year or two. They're doing great, and I have to say, I'm rooting for them now. Sprint is the only carrier currently attempting to bring some form of innovation and improvements to their network. Kudos to them.
I agree. Sprint is on a roll - they are doing all of the right things.
Why are you asking Sprint that?
Sprint can't market and sell phones that don't exist.
Ask HTC and Google.
Do you take everything you read literally my friend? I was still with Sprint a couple years ago. I said that if they had had the level of service and quality that they have now, I probably would have stayed with them. I switched because I had some bad experiences with the hardware and service. I also wanted an iPhone, like many people. I love my iPhone, but AT&T's service has been performing sporadically for me. Now, not only does Sprint have great service and improving support, but they also have phones that are worthy alternatives to the iPhone. Best of both worlds. It's because of the iPhone that many of these phones exist today, this I know. The iPhone wasn't/isn't perfect, but for its faults it has twice as many positives. It's a pretty good phone. Now we have other phones that are arguably better in different areas. Depends on your opinion.
Why so serious? As a former Sprint customer, I was merely expressing my satisfaction with the company's renewed vitality and commitment to good service. And even if I don't go back to Sprint, their new unlimited plans ought to provoke price cuts around the country, if the other carriers know what's good for them. Sprint ain't Ol' Yeller no more; they're returning in full force.
So I guess there's no way to get this version of the phone unlocked, right?
Does it fix that problem where it runs android? lol
I'm looking forward to checking this phone out in person....Finally a good time to be on Sprint...and what do you know perfect timing my contract is up this mouth. But will the Samsung be a better contender with the full keyboard....i love hard keys....but HTC has the custom UI , may be lagy ......so will see..........
Wow thanks engadget for the fail. I'm direly waiting for this thing to come out. Could you not be bothered for a more in depth review on this US version?
Gizmodo is reporting that the Sprint Hero has an updated ROM that fixes the sluggishness.
http://gizmodo.com/5361245/sprint-hero-review-faster-stronger-uglier
Maybe it's Josh that is sluggish. It is 12:30 p.m. in NYC.
Or possibly he's just used to the iPhone 3GS. The phone is really fast. Impressively so.
I just saw the same thing so someone's bluffing.
looks like that is their review. Did they get it sooner than Engadget?
Either someone is bluffing/not seeing clearly, or Josh could've gotten a review unit that wasn't updated. Unlikely in the PR world, but...? Dunno who to believe.
And since I'm too lazy to write a second comment, I'll add here that I find the Sprint design a very sexy improvement.
Yes this seems very suspect and really makes me wonder how iCult Engadget is. I have been willing to look past their bias because I like the site overall. This type of dismissal when the other data points (other sites) all point to better performance - make me consider the professionalism of Engadget's reviews.
Of course I am a fan of Android due to the lesser stranglehold that the developing company is taking on the OS. And have pre-ordered my Sprint Hero. At least I am open with my bias :-D.
I hope gizmoid it right, i was ready to buy one, provided that it doesnt work like the initial engadget review! Actually quite surprised they would release something that laggy.
whats with engadget making big posts at 12:01. wasnt the palm pixi post at 12:01 as well?
When blogs and other tech sites get products for review or preview before the release date, they are only allowed to post or talk about it on a certain date (before its official release), apparently for the Sprint HTC Hero, that would be September 17th. Engadget, Gizmodo, Phonedog and Phonescoop all posted about this phone at 12 am eastern time... Along with the Pixi just recently.
Looks great :D
I agree i like the old hero form better and the chin it kind o fits my hand actually. The update also made my hero 100 times faster. So i have no idea how the sprint one is but i would call it a tie
Is that a 3.5mm headphone jack I see?
Also I would love it if HTC released a version of this with a physical keyboard - like a touch pro 2, that style of keyboard (not the G1 style.) That would be really awesome.
check this video out. http://www.phonescoop.com/articles/article.php?a=303
@pooh thanks for the link. I will now comment on the phonescoop video.
I am very impressed with what HTC has done with this phone. The visual bookmarks are a nice touch. Given the average hardware, 528 mhz processor, you couldn't have asked for more. That said, hopefully HTC has just been practicing on all these other phones, with the hero bieng the final dress rehearsal, before they release an android phone with specs likt the HTC LEO running donut!!
Joshua:
Can you check the rom version of the Sprint Hero to see if it got the updated rom or not (Settings->About Phone)? The old rom has a build version of 1.76.xxx.x, while the new rom has a build version of 2.73.xxx.x. Another way to see is that the people widget in the new rom (in some region, for example Taiwan) looks different. Compare this picture on Gizmodo's review:
http://cache-foo-05.gawkerassets.com/gawker/assets/images/4/2009/09/500x_DSC_1050.jpg
to this (people widget in old rom):
http://cache.gawker.com/assets/images/gizmodo/2009/07/thedesktop.jpg
Also, can you see if the Sprint's Hero spot the Donut firmware or not (firmware version 1.6)? It should since Android need verions 1.6 to run on CDMA.
Anyway, I am using a Europe Hero and have lived with both the old rom and the new rom. Not only did the new rom improve speed A LOT (by that I mean very significantly), it improved the both the quality and functionality of the camera too. The camear app in the new rom now can do "tap to focus" and has adjustable ISO setting, the latter helps a lot when taking photos in low light settings.
Anyone who is using a Hero should go an install that new rom.
Couple of notes: build on the Sprint Hero I have is 1.22.651.1 -- firmware is 1.5.
I have the new People widget (along with the others), but I'm not convinced that tells us anything. A revamped skin doesn't mean revamped guts. Remember, this isn't parallel to the Euro version -- this is an American, CDMA phone.
Thanks Joshua.
This explains everything, the new rom (in all regions) has build version 2.xx.xxx.x while old rom has version number starting with 1. I agree with you that newer skin to the people widget doesn't say much. Since it is a widget, it can be put onto any version of the rom (the same goes for the camera app). Since the final version of the new rom only got leaked at xda-developers.com about 10 days ago, and it got posted onto HTC website only as late as this week, it should not be so surprising that the Sprint Hero people are reviewing doesn't have the new rom installed.
It is puzzling that the firmware version is 1.5 though. I thought CDMA got supported only starting in 1.6. OK, I know the logic, 1.6 spots CDMA supports doesn't mean that 1.5 can't have CDMA support. It's just that, if that's the case, why call this a new feature of the 1.6 firmware?
@Josh, I can understand completely if at midnight you don't feel like giving a gull review of a phone you have already reviewed. However, the title of this post, "HTC Hero for Sprint hands-on and impressions", is in no way indicative of the contents of the post. So if you feel that you there is nothing new to report Maybe the title should read "HTC Hero, for Sprint, we still feel the same way about it" Or "HTC Hero for sprint, nothing to see here"
I have a better idea, how bout you wait to do a review until you have the f*cking updated software that will be on the phone when we consumers buy it? or, I don't know, do some actual work and install the updated software before reviewing. what's the point of this article?
NOTE: Sprint's Hero has the new ROM. Phone Scoop just posted a video review of the phone, and the clock does not 'flip' like it did with the original ROM.
http://www.phonescoop.com/articles/article.php?a=303
Kyle:
The clock on the Hero is just a widget. In principle it can be installed on any version of the rom (the same goes to the people widget and camera app mentioned in my comment and Joshua's reply above), so a non-flipping clock does not imply the new rom version.
People complain about the flipping animation of the clock widget slowing down the phone response when sliding through home screen, so HTC included a non-flipping clock widget in the new ROM. The fact is that, when I was using the old rom on my Hero, it was sluggish not matter the flipping clock widget was placed on the home screen or not. In my experience, the speed improvement comes from the code of the underlying software, rather than those widgets users can place on the Sense UI (but I believe those help too). Speed and the multi-touch experience of the browser in the new rom have improved noticeably too.
The only way to confirm the rom version is to go to "Settings->About phone" to check the Version Number. Old rom (of different regions and carriers) starts with 1 (i.e. 1.xx.xxx.x), while the new rom starts with 2 (e.g. UK version 2.73.405.5, Taiwan version 2.73.751.4).
Got it.
As I now understand it, Sprint's Hero has its own unique ROM. We'll call it ROM "A." The GSM Hero shipped with it's own ROM as well. We'll call it ROM "B." ROM "B" was sluggish, so HTC created ROM "C." ROM "C" is an updated version of ROM "B." ROM "C" is unrelated.
I agree with that Sprint is getting a special rom. But I believe that Sprint's rom, as installed on this unit reviewed by Joshua is based on the old rom (according to the version number reported by Joshua above).
The structure of the version number of these roms take the following form:
x.xx.yyy.y
yyy.y represents carrier customizations, and x.xx represents the rom version that these customizations are based on. The first x get changed if there is significant change in the rom. For the list of downloadable rom for the Hero, see
http://android.modaco.com/content/htc-hero-hero-modaco-com/291942/03-09-hero-roms-radios-in-update-zip-format/
On these Android (and many non-Android) phones, there are two roms controlling the phone. One is the radio rom, which control the underlying basic phone (receiption, making a call, etc) function of the phone. The other is the software (i.e. the user inferface and stuff). The radio rom, and the software rom can be installed separately, although some software roms require a certain radio rom to work (say, it need certain function from the radio). The latest update comes with a radio rom of version 63.18.55.06EU_6.35.06.18, while the software rom (UK) is of version 2.73.405.5.
Accoding to what HTC said (see Gizmodo review), the underlying hardware of the Sprint Hero is exactly the same as the Euro version, beside the CDMA radio chip (and the case of course). So in princple, beside carrier customization, the only difference in the rom between Sprint Hero and that in the Euro version should be the radio rom. Hence the version number of 1.22.651.1 suggests that the Sprint version reviewd by Joshua is built upon the old rom.
Is this a good time to be a phone geek or what? Two years ago we didn't have such cool options and now we have a maturing Android platform, Palm Pre, and iPhone to choose from. Maybe one day WinMo will catch up.
I so completely agree. I've been wanting to jump ship from my Sprint Mogul since they announced the Pre. But as I've waited for my 2-year to run out I'm now absolutely floored by the upgrade options, especially on my dear Sprint. The Pre, Touch Pro 2 (hmm...), Hero, the Pixi. Went from "none were quite what I wanted" to having too many excellent options!
how much is it going to be? :(
179.99 with a 2 year contract.
Damn it AT&T!!! Where's our Hero!?!?
Re: Update:
What is this "short form" review? What kind of smoke and mirrors are you trying to pull on us, Engadget? I demand to see a LONG FORM REVIEW as PROOF that Sprint's Hero isn't substantially different.
Otherwise I will continue to assume that Sprint's Hero is WORTH a close examination. I and my fellow Worthers believe you owe it to us as American citizens.
You Nazis.
"Of course, this phone provides a full-on 3G experience, unlike the European version (for obvious reasons)"
Please explain...
Yes, I wondered what that was about too...?
The European version support the 900 & 2100 3G bands. Those are not the bands supported by any US 3G network. AT&T 3G network require support for both the 850 and 1900 bands, while T-mobile USA 3G network require both 1700 and 2100 bands. Hence, the European version won't get 3G here in the US (2G - GPRS and EDGE are fine). A US-specific version, e.g. the Sprint one reviewed here, is needed.
@ Dani: He means that the european 3G is not compatible with the US, therefore you can only test a european version on edge overthere.
@ Josh:
Nobody will question your expertise on the matter. Besides, you were the one saying "I wanted so much to love this phone", so I understand how frustrated you were with the sluggishness.
However, knowing that you have a sizeable european audience around here, it would be only fair to acknoledge the amazing changes this phone has experienced with the Rom update. I have been using it with both and let me tell you, it is night and day. PERIOD. Besides, watching my phone being wiped out and then slowly updating gmail, contacts, calendar all seeminglessly and over-the-air was nothing short of magical. Byebye Itunes! Kudos to the HTC team!!!!
On your next trip the continent, please take the time to look at this.
So I guess we will never figure out the whole " with Google" thing, huh
So I'm seeing the "with Google" tag on the back, and the Sense UI on the front. Does this mean that we MT3G and G1 owners might be able to legally (without rooting) have Sense on our phones, maybe through the market? Google's original stance was that the Sense UI was not for Google branded phones, but this is obviously counter to that.
Also, I liked the chin version with the white teflon coating better, too. This one doesn't protect the screen or trackball in any way. Set that thing down face down (by accident) and watch your phone get damaged. It just looks boring now.
I do prefer much more this one that the original hero, this one is much less bulky and more "professional" looking.
Anyway it's a matter of taste
Hey what I don't get is that this phone has the "with google" branding on the back. I thought the reason for the Magics (Mytouch3g) being incompatible with the Sense UI was because it was a "google" phone.
How can you do an article without including what version of Android it has on it? Makes this article trivial and actually disturbing to those who are waiting on Sprint.
Get another job!
..and I think the hero is still ugly. I just found this review where the dude has compared it to diamond 2. I found hero to be uglier
http://gadgetmix.com/index/htc-hero-quick-review/
While we understand that you would not like to write a full review of an already-reviewed phone, Josh himself has confirmed that at least the version of the phone he has, DOES NOT have the new 2.73.xx ROM installed.
I think what people are requesting is a possible review of a phone with the new ROM which hopefully you guys can get your hands on - your Engadget after all!! Make us proud boys ;) Even if its just bullet points rather than a full free-versed, paragraphed review. It could seriously make or break the purchase of the Hero to know if the updated ROM will/is what it seems to be on the various youtube videos of it that I have seen.
All references to "the European version" in the article should be changed to "the European version running in the US". To say that the European version can't do 3G is ridiculous - of course it can, just not without a 3G network.
i don't know i like the first one...seemed more masculine
Me too. The old was looked so unique. I would be tempted to import one here if it wasn't for the lack of US 3G.
Clearly, there is a serious discrepency about speed. Gizmodo is reporting that the Sprint Hero rom is noticeably faster than the original Euro rom.
Phonescoop is reporting "SenseUI on the CDMA version of the Hero is definitely more responsive than the GSM version and works smoothly."
I really don't care why it's faster - no need to check firmware numbers and go digging...
My reasonable request: Please take a short video of this phone side by side with the Euro Hero (original rom) and SHOW us whether or not there is a difference doing normal tasks.
I though this wasn't a "with google" phone since it has Sense UI, but in the pictures it clearly says "with google". Anybody else notice that?
Check out the comments at Engadget Mobile. Someone explains the "with Google" thing. Apparently it boils down to "Google has said that any phone that doesn't restrict the app market and comes loaded with Google's suite of utilities like mail, search, calendar, etc. can bear the 'with Google' logo." Or something like that... Don't quote me.
I am also wondering if this Sprint Hero has the updated ROM? This was not clear in the article, from what I could see.
Josh has confirmed it is running the old sluggish firmware. The new one is so much faster it's unbelievable.
Really suprised they are not loading it with the new firmware out of the box.
I have the GSM Hero and have been using it on T-Mobile in the States for the last two weeks. I haven't experienced the so-called "lag" or anything else negative that Engadget claimed in their review(s). I like this site because they seem to be neutral, more or less. But honestly, Engadget your loosing me.
So let me get this strait the engadget review says the main thing keeping the Hero form being an iPhone beater is the lag so it is an iPhone equal at best. Then HTC updates the Rom to fix the lag and rather than review the update (iPhone v1.0 – 3.1 anyone) they review a handset that looks different but still has a version of the old Rom.
I usually don’t subscribe to the whole Engadget being Apple lovers conspiracy I think they just like the best technology but this post makes me wonder if I still want to keep reading this site.
Redeem yourself Josh by reviewing a Hero with a v2.xxx Rom it doesn’t matter if it’s a Euro one as the US Hero is more than likely going to receive the update sooner or later. And also don’t take 6 months doing it and then say the handset is outdated!
yo Sprint Hero i'm happy for you, imma let you finish, but the GSM Hero is the best Android phone of all time!!!