Sprint selling HTC EVO 4G on June 4 for $199
By Chris Ziegler 
posted May 12th 2010 6:13PM
posted May 12th 2010 6:13PM
Unfortunately, there's a downside to all this: customers will be paying a mandatory (as confirmed to us by Sprint reps) $10 per month "Premium Data add-on" on top of their plan -- ostensibly for the privilege of enjoying WiMAX when they're in a Sprint 4G market -- and the 8-device WiFi hotspot feature runs an extra $29.99 a month, which Sprint is quick to point out is half what you'd pay for a dedicated mobile broadband account. As we saw at CTIA, the phone is the first to offer on-phone YouTube high quality video, a feature that automatically kicks in when you're in the sweet confines of a WiMAX tower. Oh, and check this out: Sprint was hesitant to commit to offering simultaneous voice and data before, but HTC must've worked out the kinks, because it's all systems go -- you'll be able to yap and browse on 4G at the same time.
We're at the EVO 4G's announcement in New York as we type, and we can tell you that everything Sprint is demoing is crazy fast -- we'd expect no less from an WiMAX device with a 1GHz Snapdragon -- and we're particularly stoked to see them demo Need For Speed Shift on it, which will be launching on Android around the same time as the device. Follow the break for Sprint's full press release!
Update: According to Phone Scoop, that $10 premium add-on has the benefit of no data cap for either WiMAX or 3G connections. Since we're on the subject of updates, have you seen our bevy of new EVO 4G videos yet?
Update 2: Starting today, Best Buy is accepting pre-orders for the device, and per usual, they won't require you to wait for the mail-in rebate -- it's just $199.99 straight-up on contract. Thanks, all!
America's First 4G Phone, HTC EVOTM 4G, Debuts on June 4 Packed with Industry-Leading Features Including Access to Mobile Video Chat, Simultaneous Voice and Data and HD Video Capture
Sprint leads the 4G revolution with the highly anticipated, award-winning HTC EVO 4G priced at just $199.99; add mobile hotspot capability for up to eight devices for just $29.99
NEW YORK, May 12, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) --If you were creating your dream wireless device what would it look like? Two cameras and video chat so you can say goodnight to your children when you are away on a business trip? Simultaneous voice and data, so you can call in your take-out order while you look at their menu on the Internet? The ability to plug your phone into your HDTV, so you can let your children finish the movie they started watching in the car's backseat when you get home? And a huge screen for watching the videos you download in seconds - not minutes - with the fastest wireless data speeds available in America today? Stop daydreaming and get ready for Sprint (NYSE: S) to make your dreams come true on June 4 when the highly anticipated HTC EVO 4G debuts.
The critics agree that HTC EVO 4G is this summer's must-have wireless experience as it continues to win their accolades and endorsements. CNET, LAPTOP and eWeek gave HTC EVO 4G awards for Best of Show when it was announced at CTIA this spring. Engadget said, "It's easily the best specced phone we've ever witnessed." The Financial Times cooed, "The first 4G phone in the U.S., the HTC EVO ... ticks just about all the boxes for my ideal phone."
"HTC EVO 4G is a fantastic 3G device, but when you use it in our growing 4G coverage area, it becomes a multimedia powerhouse," said Dan Hesse, Sprint CEO. "The EVO 4G experience is much like going from TV to HDTV. But EVO has more than just an impressive list of features - it is also fun to use with remarkable gaming, video and web-browsing capabilities."
With the launch of HTC EVO 4G, Sprint customers will be able to enjoy capabilities they have never experienced before with a new video chat service from Qik. The two-way voice and video capability will be available as an upgrade to the preloaded Qik app on HTC EVO 4G to enable conversational, interactive, real-time sharing between mobile devices or from mobile-to-desktop.
Amazing Features, Beautiful Design
HTC EVO 4G features the latest version of the increasingly popular Android platform, Android 2.1, offering more than 35,000 apps, as well as a mind-blowing list of features, including:
* Simultaneous voice and data capability in 4G and Wi-Fi coverage areas, enabling Web surfing and more while the conversation continues.
* Offering a new way to search with pictures instead of words, Google Goggles(TM) works with everything from books, DVDs and barcodes to landmarks, logos, artwork and wine labels.
* Superfast 1GHz Qualcomm(R) Snapdragon(TM) processor, ensuring a smooth and quick movement within phone menus.
* Two cameras - an 8.0 megapixel auto-focus camera with HD-capable video camcorder and a forward-facing 1.3 megapixel camera.
* Built-in mobile hotspot functionality allowing up to eight Wi-Fi enabled devices to share the 3G or 4G experience on the go with a laptop, camera, music player, game unit, video player, or any other Wi-Fi enabled device.
* Integrated HD video capture with the ability to capture and share live video via the Qik Web site, Facebook, YouTube or Twitter(TM).
* Ability to easily watch video with the device on an HDTV via an HDMI cable (sold separately).
* Custom Web browser optimized for the 4.3 inch display and Sprint 4G speeds to deliver a full, no-compromise Internet experience.
* A handy kickstand built into the back, making it easy to watch videos on-the-go.
* Adobe Flash technology ensures that rich Internet content, such as embedded video and animation, are displayed the way they are meant to be seen.
* Pinch-to-zoom and automatic text reflowing provide easy Web page views.
HTC EVO 4G boasts the newest version of the highly acclaimed HTC Sense user experience. With HTC Sense, HTC EVO 4G users can use Friend Stream to aggregate multiple social communication channels, including Facebook and Twitter into one organized flow of updates; a "Leap" thumbnail view to easily switch between home screen "panels;" the ability to download new, interactive widgets; and a "polite" ringer, which quiets the ringing phone once lifted up.
While the performance of currently available Android applications will be enhanced by access to 4G data speeds, a Sprint 4G developer guide is available today from the Sprint ADP Web site at http://developer.sprint.com. The Sprint 4G developer guide provides details on developing for an Android 2.1 handset and how to take advantage of HTC EVO 4G's unique hardware and software capabilities and the Sprint 4G network. The Sprint Application Developer Program has been providing tools for third-party developers since Sprint first launched the Wireless Web on its phones in 2001.
Worry-Free Pricing
HTC EVO 4G will be available in all Sprint retail channels, including Sprint.com and national retail partners, RadioShack, Best Buy and Wal-Mart. Sprint will price the award-winning device at $199.99 with a two-year service agreement and after a $100 mail-in rebate (taxes excluded) with a new line activation or eligible upgrade. Pre-registration is available now at www.sprint.com/evo.
In order to provide the best experience, HTC EVO 4G will use Sprint's industry-leading Everything Data or Business Advantage Messaging and Data plans that include unlimited Web, texting and calling on the Sprint Network to every mobile in America with Any Mobile, AnytimeSM. Everything Data plans start at $69.99 per month. A $10 per month Premium Data add-on will apply allowing customers to take advantage of a richer data experience than ever before.
Additionally, an optional pricing add-on will turn HTC EVO 4G into a mobile hotspot connecting up to eight Wi-Fi enabled devices, such as laptops, gaming devices and digital cameras, simultaneously at 4G speeds where available and at 3G speeds anywhere on the Sprint 3G network for just $29.99 per month - half the monthly cost of the current Mobile Broadband plan (pricing excludes surcharges and taxes).
With the Sprint Free Guarantee, customers can take advantage of HTC EVO 4G for 30 days and if not completely satisfied, may return the device within 30 days to get reimbursed for the device purchase and activation fee, get both the early termination and restocking fees waived, and receive a full refund for the monthly service plan charges.1
Blazing trails with Sprint 4G
Sprint 4G offers a faster wireless experience than any other U.S. national wireless carrier, and Sprint is the only national carrier offering wireless 4G service today in 32 markets. Sprint 4G delivers download speeds up to 10 times faster than 3G2,giving HTC EVO 4G the fastest data speeds of any U.S. wireless device available today.
As the first national wireless carrier to test, launch and market 4G technology, Sprint made history by launching 4G in Baltimore in September 2008. Today, Sprint 4G covers 41 million people and expects to have up to 120 million people covered by the end of 2010.
Sprint currently offers 4G service in 32 markets: Georgia - Atlanta, Milledgeville; Hawaii - Honolulu, Maui; Idaho - Boise; Illinois - Chicago; Maryland - Baltimore; Nevada - Las Vegas; North Carolina - Charlotte, Greensboro, (along with High Point and Winston-Salem), Raleigh (along with Cary, Chapel Hill and Durham); Oregon - Portland, Salem; Pennsylvania - Harrisburg, Lancaster, Philadelphia, Reading, York; Texas - Abilene, Amarillo, Austin, Corpus Christi, Dallas/Ft. Worth, Houston, Killeen/Temple, Lubbock, Midland/Odessa, San Antonio, Waco, Wichita Falls; Washington - Bellingham, Seattle. For more information, visit www.sprint.com/4G.
In 2010, Sprint expects to launch 4G service in multiple markets, including but not limited to, Boston, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Denver, Los Angeles, Kansas City, Miami, Minneapolis, New York City, Pittsburgh, Salt Lake City, San Francisco, St. Louis and Washington, D.C.
About Sprint Nextel
Sprint Nextel offers a comprehensive range of wireless and wireline communications services bringing the freedom of mobility to consumers, businesses and government users. Sprint Nextel served more than 48 million customers at the end of the first quarter of 2010 and is widely recognized for developing, engineering and deploying innovative technologies, and the first and only wireless 4G service from a national carrier in the United States; offering industry-leading mobile data services, leading prepaid brands including Virgin Mobile USA, Boost Mobile and Assurance Wireless and instant national and international push-to-talk capabilities; and a global Tier 1 Internet backbone. With its customer-focused strategy, you can learn more and visit Sprint at www.sprint.com or www.facebook.com/sprint and www.twitter.com/sprint.
@Cold Dead Fingers
Your "iPhone 4G" has a mini A4 chip actually, so that will most likely result in less than 700mhz CPU speeds.
Sorry to disspoint, but the iPhone 4G is dead, when it isnt even out yet.
I CANT WAIT FOR THIS TO COME TO CANADA... AHHHH WHY HTC WHY!!! I WANT THIS PHONE NOWWWWWWW
Except it's not the 1st to offer high-quality YouTube Video. The T-Mobile HD2 has it as well. Heck, even the old Touch Pro2 had that.
For those of you without an employer/corporate discount, you can save some money by using their employee referral program. 500 minutes any mobile any time plus unlimited data and text for $59.99. When the EVO is available, you can get it with this plan and add $10 to the data plan; then, you are back to square one: $69.99.
here's the link:
http://delivery.sprint.com/m/p/nxt/epc/epclanding.asp
enter the following info to get in (it's legit):
Sprint Employee Email Address:Russ.S.McGuire@Sprint.com
Last 3 Digits of Employee ID (CID): 383
@thewinn
So do you think I will be able to get that deal below over at Bestbuy in June. Or do I have to do it online.
http://delivery.sprint.com/m/p/nxt/epc/epclanding.asp
@cerchiarax
I think you can buy your EVO at BestBuy and change your plan to the referral plan anytime. However, once you are on the referral plan, any future phone upgrade must be online or at sprint retail stores.
Here's the FAQ from their website.
I want to change rate plans, unrelated to a device upgrade. Can I do this? How?
Yes, you can change rate plans to any of the Everything Plus (Individual or Family) rate plans. SERO rate plans, however, are not available for rate plan changes. In order to change your rate plan, please email everythingreferral@sprint.com or call Sprint Care at 888-876-8381.
As a SERO/Everything Plus customer, are there restrictions on where I can upgrade my device?
Yes. You can upgrade through any of the following channels: any Sprint-owned Retail Store, Telesales (888-882-4030), or Sprint.com. You will not, however, be able to upgrade your device through a 3rd party dealer or national retail partner and you will not be required to provide a referring employee's email address and CID in order to upgrade your device.
Sprint's family plans are actually more expensive.
@godwheel
Yes, it appears to be that. Currently, on Verizon, my wife and I have a 500 minute plan. It is $70 for the first phone and $10 for the additional phone. That is $80 per month for two phones. Then I pay $10 for my 6800 as an addon phone. I add on $29.99 for an unlimited data plan. So, I pay $120 per month for our three phones and an unlimited data plan. I don't see anything at Sprint that is comparable.
I was really looking forward to leaving Verizon and getting one of these EVO babies, but considering the higher cost, I think I may just make do by just upgrading the 6800 an Incredible and stay with the same family plan at Verizon.
No keyboard, no buy. If this thing had any sort of keypad I would be all over it. Sure the iphone sold a lot but there are many more people out there with Palm, BB or winmo devices that cant use a phone with no keypad.
Failure for the iPhone, Failure for the incredible, hero and Evo.
@grubish Have you seen the size of the Virtual keyboard?
Its absurd.
@DougB541 It is.... but.... but...... ummmm..... without the physical keys... its so hard to text while driving.... HAHAHA....:)
@DougB541
Yes I have seen them but you have to think that the entire smartphone market doesnt consist of 20 somethings with great vision and fine tuned touchscreen fingers. I serve 5000 enterprise devices and can tell you what would happen if we gave these touchscreen phones to our staff. Half would love it and the other half wouldnt be able to use it. With a keypaded device, everyone can use it.
We arent in the business of deploying cool phones. We deploy working devices that can be used by a broad spectrum. RIM has this right right now but they should be worried.
@watswrongwiththesecompanies
So you want to text while driving huh?
ever heard of Swype? thats the way to go.
Im sorry, but most of these posts are ridiculous. If $10 is your breaking point for a phone, then stay. No one is making you get it. From mu point of view, Im going to pay it. I dont live in a 4G area but I travel to places that are, so $10 to use 4G there isnt that big a deal. Im also going to add the wifi hotspot for $30 and get rid of my dsl at home that im paying $45 for. With my Everything data 450 plan at $69.99, and the $40 in add ons, i'll pay $110 for all of it and be happy. I dont know or care what Verizon and AT&T charge for comparable plans, and I dont care.
Also, if you are going to be new to Sprint and belong to a credit union, tell them. Crecit union members get $10 off of monthly charges and waived act fees. If you dont, tell them to chach for discounts based on where you work. They range from 10-25%. Mine is 23% so my $110 dollar plan is going to be $85 pre tax. Not bad for everything I get.
@cunning stunts The whole "no one is forcing you" argument is not a good one. No one is forcing you to read our complaints.
@godwheel
Fair enough. I just think its stupid for people to come and complain about something as insignificant as a $10 add on just to say they wont get one. If $10 breaks you, then maybe smartphones are a bit out of your league. If the data add would have been a price I wasnt willing to pay, but I wouldnt waste my time on a blog complaining about it, I just wouldnt get it, but hey, thats me.
@cunning stunts
$10 is my breaking point to pay for something that I will likely never be able to use. This is like taxing Canada for our health care. I would be willing to switch but not if my city (Columbus, Ohio) isn't even on the road-map to get 4G. Don't make me pay for someone else's 4G upgrades which is what this amounts to.
I will stick with the superior Palm Pre until Palm releases their new device and I will switch carriers after ten years to someone who wants to earn my business.
Just went to my local Best Buy to lay down my money.
They had no idea what the fuck was going on. I had to show them on their own damn website. Even then, they had no pricing or plan information.
Hour, wasted. FML.
Just went to my local Best Buy to lay down my money.
They had no idea what the heck was going on. I had to show them on their own damn website. Even then, they had no pricing or plan information.
Hour, wasted. FML.
@DSwarP
Lol, they are still in shock that HTC has actually allowed them to take pre orders.
@DSwarP
Same for me, they knew about it, but something about they don't have the paperwork yet? Double fail for BB also because they didn't have a working archos home tablet or flo tv device at the store either when I went :(
Alright, so what I've read says that the $10 upcharge removes the 5gb data cap on the 3g. Since I don't have 4g and will not for a long time, I'm a little disappointed that this is a mandatory charge. I can see that there are alot of people that will be on 3g and will not be using more than 5gb/month of data. Personally, I will be streaming alot of video and using pdanet to tether so I don't have a problem w/$10 for unlimited data.
I am so getting one
@ cunning stunts
I agree with you 100%. I can't believe people are bitching over $10. Give me a break. This phone is worth the extra $10 (especially if it helps get 4g out alot quicker). We don't have 4g yet in the Los Angeles area, but it's coming soon and I don't mind paying the $10 now. I am also getting the tethering as well and my wife gets a 25% discount from her job and we will pay $82 plus tax. that's a damn good deal to me. I will be 1st in line that day.
@GHODZILLA5150
Thats just the way I look at it. To me, what I feel I can get while having to pay a little more outweighs what I dont get. I Dont live in 4G but it will be nice to know when I travel to those areas I will have it. I would prefer to not have to pay it, but it is by no means a deal breaker. I look at all the things I do pay without getting much from it (taxes, dating) and feel like I get nothing in return (other than bad government, and well...you know) and I can live with $10.
@beenyweenies I think that the iPhone will eventually get 4G. AT&T will have LTE maybe in 2012?
I'm wondering if the $10 4G addon truly does remove the cap from 3G. If that's the case than it's really great because I have a feeling the 4G coverage in my area is going to be spotty. I'd just really like to read information on the addon removing the data cap from the horse's mouth itself.
I'm still 7 months from my AT&T (sigh) contract being over and going back to Sprint (who I wish I never had to leave), but I have one question about this phone. If I pay full price for the phone, do I get out of having to pay for the "mandatory" 4G tax? It's unlikely Detroit will be getting WiMAX anytime soon and I hardly am out of the area, so paying $10 a month for 4G seems a bit... useless.
@Apocalyptic 0n3 My guess is which is probably amplified by all the other theories here. The $10 is a tax on the early 4G adopters. The extra money from these customers goes to help expanding the WiMax network and offsets costs of potential 3G data usage over the norm from EVO users who get unlimited data over both infrastructures. Plus Sprint probably is going to market the hell out of this device.
Well I went over to the Sprint Store by my job at lunchtime and put my name down on the list (I was 3rd) so I will be able to get this phone day 1:) The Sprint Rep said 4g should be in So. Cal by the end of June and that it's already in Lancaster (about 50 miles North of where I live). He said it's already in Las Vegas (I happen to be going to Vegas that weekend so I will be able to test out 4g)
In a manner similar to that of AN EMPLOYER.
just preordered mine at bestbuy, there taking preorders now, without the rebate.
also $10 bucks thats nothing come on not to mention if your not in 4g it gives you unlimited 3g access instead of the regular 5gb cap.
And if you are in a 4g area all the better, i am :).
The power of preorder so long Pre helloooo EVOOOOOO!!!!
What would be the speed differences between 3g hotspot and a regular road runner connection?
Also life would better if my employer would let me buy this at launch oh well i am sure other stores will take my money.
I'm not denying that is phone is awesome, but to make it fully awesome it should have webOS on it rather than Android.
Just saying.
I am #3 at my local Best Buy. Is it June 4th yet? Never pre-ordered anything before. I'm psyched, now when will wimax be open for business in NYC?
I would love to trade in my HTC Hero for this thing!!!
Have few spare dollars burning a hole in my pocket.... Evo or IPAD I know apples to oranges... But look... the extra $10 Evo/4g tax is a real put off. Its my money (even though some think its just $10 p/m....its still my $10 that I would be giving away for nothing gained) Leaning towards sticking with my 3g phone and go with the IPAD... Sorry Sprint.. You had me ready to switch!... then you blew it!
I AM OUTRAGED AT SPRINT!
The $10 fee is MANDATORY on the EVO whether you have 4G in your area or not. I was so excited about getting the EVO and in fact I was the first to to Pre-ordered one at my local Best Buy yesterday and I am sure won’t be the first or last to cancel that pre-order out of principle. I live in NYC and we don’t have 4G so I am canceling my order because in principle, Sprint is ripping people off. I’m a 16 yr. sprint customer w 4 lines and a USB Broadband card. I’m becoming a new Verizon customer soon after my contract expires and getting the Palm Pre Plus that comes with the MiFi feature FREE and no mandatory $10/month complete robbery Sprint fee since I don’t even have 4G in my area. It’s a matter of principle. Sprint is robbing it’s loyal customers and making new Verizon customers. Just my 2 cents.
People, please read this with an open mind: you may be a loyal fan of Sprint (I myself am a loyal customer for 16 yrs) but please stay objective and realize that Sprint is RIPPING you off! The $10 Fee again is MANDATORY whether you live in a 4G area or NOT! Sprint is ARBITRARILY charging it’s most enthusiastic base…the early adopters a fee that is completely unjustified because if you don’t live in a 4G area and therefore DO NOT have 4G service, why are you being charged a $10 surcharge just because you are an enthusiast and want the latest and greatest phone???? Sprint is holding all enthusiasts hostage! Furthermore, Verizon includes it’s MiFi functionality on the Palm Pre Plus for FREE!!!! Sprint wants to nail you for $30 plus TAXES! and the $10 MANDATORY fee! Wake up!!!!! You are being ROBBED!!!!! Please write to Sprint and let them know that as loyal Sprint subscribers and enthusiasts, please don’t rob us Sprint!
I AM OUTRAGED AT SPRINT!
The $10 fee is MANDATORY on the EVO whether you have 4G in your area or not. I was so excited about getting the EVO and in fact I was the first to to Pre-ordered one at my local Best Buy yesterday and I am sure won’t be the first or last to cancel that pre-order out of principle. I live in NYC and we don’t have 4G so I am canceling my order because in principle, Sprint is ripping people off. I’m a 16 yr. sprint customer w 4 lines and a USB Broadband card. I’m becoming a new Verizon customer soon after my contract expires and getting the Palm Pre Plus that comes with the MiFi feature FREE and no mandatory $10/month complete robbery Sprint fee since I don’t even have 4G in my area. It’s a matter of principle. Sprint is robbing it’s loyal customers and making new Verizon customers. Just my 2 cents.
People, please read this with an open mind: you may be a loyal fan of Sprint (I myself am a loyal customer for 16 yrs) but please stay objective and realize that Sprint is RIPPING you off! The $10 Fee again is MANDATORY whether you live in a 4G area or NOT! Sprint is ARBITRARILY charging it’s most enthusiastic base…the early adopters a fee that is completely unjustified because if you don’t live in a 4G area and therefore DO NOT have 4G service, why are you being charged a $10 surcharge just because you are an enthusiast and want the latest and greatest phone???? Sprint is holding all enthusiasts hostage! Furthermore, Verizon includes it’s MiFi functionality on the Palm Pre Plus for FREE!!!! Sprint wants to nail you for $30 plus TAXES! and the $10 MANDATORY fee! Wake up!!!!! You are being ROBBED!!!!! Please write to Sprint and let them know that as loyal Sprint subscribers and enthusiasts, please don’t rob us Sprint!
@johnn2010
well I am a ex verizon employee and they are going to tier their 4g service so you think that this high wait till you switch over you will be back. the 10 dollars is for unlimited data 3g or 4g. it cost to add the service to your area so like a tax on the highways help pay a little so that you can get alot. look at it as paying for a 4g highway coming your way soon. Cause verizon and att are going to charge the shit out of you. Trust me I have seen 4g first hand on vzw.
@johnn2010
calm down... buy another phone?
$10 is for unlimited data, not to just access 4G. even with $10 more it's still cheaper than anything ATT or Verizon has.
So when will it come to the UK? :(
Can't wait for two more weeks to ditch AT&T, and my iPhone even for this device. I'm going to use it as a hotspot for my iPad for sure, great option to use with regular wifi iPad and not the AT&T locked 3G one instead!
id rather not have wimax if i gotta pay extra for it. how do i know if there's wimax in my area?
@acme64 http://lmgtfy.com/?q=sprint+4g+coverage
lolz.
This is BS....I got the evrything data plan and it's going to cost 10 bucks more? Is that what I'm hearing. I guess they better change that everything data plan to "evrything data plan except 4g or it will cost you 10 bucks more" plan. Was looking forward to this phone but forget it now. 4g coverage is even slim in my area according to the map...not worth it.
With the much anticipated launch of the HTC EVO 4g on the Sprint network, www.VUEMobile.me has launched a new social networking site geared to EVO Owners, Lovers and Enthusiast. Check out www.HTCEvo.me. This will me the destination for the truth about the EVO! All content and reviews will be the voice of Today's consumer. Join today and let your voice be heard. www.HTCEvo.me
Yeah, expecially iphone 4G well be released in June,
After that , Apple iphone well selling more iPhones than ever.
I'm waiting for that. how amazing when I saw "A Review of Apple iPhone 4G "
http://www.ifunia.com/iphone-column/a-review-of-apple-iphone-4g-hd.html
wait wait wait....