Some HTC Hero units shipping sans EV-DO Rev. A on Sprint? (update: nope!)
By Darren Murph 
posted October 12th 2009 9:09AM
posted October 12th 2009 9:09AM
[Via Examiner, thanks Tracknod]
Update: We just heard directly from HTC about this snafu, and as it turns out, the message that Sprint Hero users are seeing is merely a mislabeling. If you're within an EV-DO Rev. A area, you'll get Rev. A speeds -- despite that fact that your phone says it's only on Rev. 0. We're also told that a future maintenance release will address the message. Check the full quote after the break.
It turns out that while the phone reads that it is operating at EV-DO Rev. 0, there is a message error in the UI that states this, even if the device is working on a Rev. A network. So, the good news is that this does not at all impact the operation of the phone – if you are in a EV-DO Rev. A coverage area, you will get Rev. A speeds. However, any future maintenance releases will address the message that users see on their phones.
I live in BFE Ohio, and when I force the phone to connect as "EVDO-Only", I get 1.3Mbps downloads via Xtreme Labs Speedtest.
When the phone is in "Hybrid", I am forced to be on 1xRTT at like 94Kbps.
I would imagine HTC will have an update out (1.6?) within the next 30 days or Sprint may see a lot of unhappy customers returning their phones and/or cancelling their contracts.
Until then, there's always wifi or forced menu changes for me.
the phone is well built , but still its not an iPhone or a Pre
You're right, it's better.
Put that SAMSUNG 800 MHz processor or Snapdragon in the HERO , and here is my 299 dollars.
My Hero is pretty damn snappy.
I picked one up in the Raleigh area. Easily the best phone I've ever used and I've had no problems with data coverage. Mine has "with Google" on the back and says Rev. 0 no matter what I do.
I'm considering moving from AT&T (who has really dragged their feet on anything but iPhone) and decided to try the Hero before porting my number. I've kept both phones with me for the past three days. Voice is not quite as strong (especially in buildings or around town) as AT&T has been in this area. Data coverage has been better than AT&T in most places. Historically, I've never been impressed with Sprint's network but I'm hoping that time helped them evolve.
Overall, I'm still on the fence about switching back to CDMA.
Tell me how those 85000 apps working for u?
Let me guess you'll carry htc in 1 pocket n you'll have to go out n buy iPod touch in other pocket. Dee Dee deee
Truth be told, the Touch simply doesn't have enough capacity for me which is why I'm still an iPod Classic user. My wife carries a Touch and we use Apple computers. However, as much as I love Apple, the interface on this phone simply blows the doors off the iPhone. And while I would certainly expect that Apple will respond in the next few months to a year, Google has really leap-frogged ahead of Apple when it comes to the current generation of phones.
Hate to break it to u htc. But u got some real stiff competition.
Jd powers just voted iPhone best overall smartphone period fir 2 nd year. Highest customer satisfaction of any smartphone ever. At only $49.
Htc unless U pricing that at $48 what r the reasons I should pick Htc over iPhone for $49?
Exactly none.
Exactly ONE... AT&T!!!
I agree with tracknod. I love Apple and I love the iPhone. I have 3 Macs, and I'm typing this message on my unibody MacBook Pro.
I recently purchased the Hero, and yes, I still carry around my iPod Touch. I will never purchase the iPhone as long as it's on AT&T. Their service is miserable. Sprint is fantastic. Great customer service, great coverage, and now they have the best plans (and phones) out of all the major carriers.
Ultimately, I love the iPhone, but hate AT&T (and BlackBerry - good riddance 8830!)
I've got a few as well... my Sprint bill w/ the Hero is $50/mo less than the equivalent plan on AT&T for the iPhone (unlimited voice/text/data) = $600/yr less.
Also AT&T = still no 3G in my town, while Sprint 3G is just fine.
Third, $49 iPhone is a refurbished 8gb 3G... thanks but no thanks.
does he realize that even though he can get an Iphoney for 49 its an outdated iphone and with the money we save from being on sprint and not getting raped by AT&T we save money in the long run....tool
Why must you Apple trolls always try to make a non-iphone thread about an iphone. Really! No one here gives a damn about your gay Stevie Jobs icrap! Get over it already. There is a world outside of Apple and that world doesnt revolve around Apple either.
My HTC Hero is showing Rev.0 - and it's getting 121.2 Kbit/s Down and 44.7 Kbit/s up via the Xtremelabs Speedtest app. Ugh.
Ouch. I just ran that app and got 1030 down / 186 up.
I just ran this app, got 840 down 156 up.
At mobilespeedtest.com I got 3433kbps down.
c'mon, sprint, you're not apple
I've only played with this phone fir 40 minutes. I compared it to iPhone 3gs in regards to HTML browser sensors email client music player video player iTunes AppStore. Video games. Camera quality ability to edit n upload videos. 100% neutral review.
This seriously blows on so many levels compared to iPhone at $49..
No iphonekiller here. Agree?
If you want an iPhone get an iPhone, if you want a Hero, get a Hero, AGREE??
Stop bringing the iPhone into the conversation on every thread and acting like you are any less than a Apple troll/fanboy.
If people want an iPhone they'll get it. It's not like everybody doesn't already know it exists. You don't have to spam for them. And the $49 is for a previous gen refurbed phone, it's nowhere near a fair comparison in price. And when you add up the extra service costs it's not going to end up better than the hero.
I'm showing rev. 0 but am testing at 3 - 4.5 Mbits down here south of Houston
Just talked to Sprint. Internal email just posted about the Rev0 issue: All phones are actually RevA; early HTC Hero's that went out posted wrong. I asked her to email me the memo but it's against their policy.
I just did a mobile speedtext: 2.72Mbps. My phone says Rev0. It's a text error, it's actually RevA & Sprint confirmed it.
That's some fast texting.
whew - cuz I just ordered mine and it should arrive today.
I thought the phone was kinda fast for a it to be on Rev O, and the radio is amazing I now get good signals @ some subway stations hear in ny.
Eh thats not a Hero in the picture....
eh, yes it is
Just noticed the US versions and the European versions have different hardware/button layouts. Anyone know why?
European versions are GSM while Us version is CDMA...also sprint decided to change the layout and a few other things as well. Its actually better in my opinion.
US version is CDMA and European version is GSM...sprint also decided to change the layout and a few other things.
mines just perfect :)
Well, that's good to hear, Sweetie.
Now go and enjoy your cookies and milk on The Now Network.
^-^
I wish they increase the battery capacity , 4 hour talk time is low.
htc is releasing an update for it that will give you 20-30% more battery life. i took mine to a sprint store and they updated mine for me. i use to have less then 20% of battery left when i got home from work. now i have over 50% when i get home.
Purchased my Sprint Hero at Bestbuy on the 11th. I have Software version 1.29.651.1 Basband version 1.04.01.09.21. I checked my phone with testmyiphone.com and my results were an impressive 1.35 Mbps (1351Kbps/165 kB/s) transferred 5888KB in 35.7 sec. So I must be getting EVDO revA even though I dont see the revA indicator - so I'm pleased with the speed so far - way to go Sprint!
and why are you a troll, and um around here I never stop seeing HTCs (mostly Diamonds) and when the carrier pretty much every one uses around here (Cellular South) picks up the Hero (already annoced) I'll see allot more
Not to mention it ships with Android 1.5 and there is no plan for 1.6 before 2010.
Welcome to the now network.
Trust me. There is no way you are getting EV-DO Rev. 0 on Sprint. Sprint doesnt even have the Rev. 0 hardware in production anymore, it's strictly Rev. A. Now if you are traveling on to Verizon's network, perhaps...
I think that people with the Clitoris phone should keep their comment's away from thread...
Will the European Hero work on American 3G at all. Thinkin bout importin one....but i really don't want to be limited just to Edge....