HTC Hero for Sprint hands-on and impressions
By Joshua Topolsky 
posted September 17th 2009 12:01AM
posted September 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.
I don't see a microSD slot.
It's behind the battery slot, isn't it?
The microSD slot is behind the battery cover. Cnet has a pic with the cover off here:
http://reviews.cnet.com/2300-6452_7-10001572-9.html?s=0&o=10001572&tag=mncol;thum
So, maybe I'm not understanding this, but the Sprint version is not launching with the new rom? And forgive my ignorance, b/c I'm new to this, but can you download it or is there some other way to get it?
I don't think the Hero (old or new) is being given a fair review on any sites.
It is a totally different phone with the update. Flies like shit of a greased shovel.
Even better with MCR custom ROMs ;-)
Josh,
At least maybe give an update at the end of the article stating that this review was not conducted on a Hero with the *updated* ROM. Honestly, a lot of people depend on Engadget's reviews before purchasing products, and now that you have a null and void floating out there, people might read this, and call it a day, and move on. This means it could be costing Sprint money in my eyes. "Oh Engadget, who normally has great unbiased reviews, said the Hero was still slow, I'm getting a Fruit Phone."
So please please please just post an *Update - New ROM NOT tested, will update this review later once we get our hands on a new one" Maybe even a "check Gizmodo out for a review of the new ROM"
Thanks!
WOW!! The Europe version of the phone looked sooooo much better! This one has no flare, I hope Sprint loses customers because of this change! I was going to get it if it looked like the Europe version, but I guess I will wait for a phone that looks good.
Do I spy a recessed headphone jack?
This is just recycled info from others sites... that's why you want go in depth probably never touched the phone
Whats the best deal to buy the hero? Best Buy or Sprint.
Read a real review:
http://www.geek.com/articles/mobile/review-htc-hero-from-sprint-20090928/