HTC Aria review
By Darren Murph 
posted June 17th 2010 11:04AM
posted June 17th 2010 11:04AM
So look, it's pretty obvious at first blush -- this is essentially an Android-infused HD Mini with a few chrome accents, a yellow interior (that no one will ever see, sadly) and a reworked button panel. While we certainly appreciated the HD Mini back at Mobile World Congress, we're going to hand the overall design award to the Aria; the silver faux screws on the rear, power strip at the top and volume rocker on the side are pure class, and the vivacious innards tickle us far more than they truly should. In a world where it's practically guaranteed that the next great smartphone will also be the most humongous smartphone, it's actually a breath of fresh air to see someone going in the opposite direction. The Aria is as cute and nimble as it is sexy, a lovely combination that we weren't sure existed prior to writing this review.
Measuring 4.1- x 2.3- x 0.46-inches and weighing 3.8 ounces with the 1,200mAh battery installed, the phone is light and tight in every respect. We also adore the matte black rear that both rejects fingerprints and slides easy in and out of the average denim pocket. We will say, however, that the über-glossy display (a 480 x 320 resolution capacitive touchpanel) was a tad too glossy when taken outside, and even with the brightness jacked, we had to squint to make out text when perusing Twitter updates under the blazing North Carolina sun. We've also got mixed feelings about the button layout beneath the LCD; the optical trackpad works well enough (though we'll confess to missing the tactility of a trackball), but the capacitive buttons just don't do it for us. We're huge fans of feeling buttons depress, even if it's subtle, and we instantly wished that the home, menu, back and search buttons were more like those found on Huawei's S7. The haptic feedback definitely helps in letting you know if your input has been recognized, but we'd still prefer physical keys for easier use when not looking directly down at the handset.
As if you couldn't tell, we're pretty big fans of the design here. Sure, we would've preferred a slightly more dense resolution than HVGA, and a couple of customizable rocker buttons around the edges would be the answer to a good many fantasies, but all in all, you won't be turning the Aria down based on build quality alone. So, if all that's kosher, how's the software? In a word... actually, scratch that. This aspect is far too complicated to sum up in a single word, and the love / hate relationship we've discovered here simply deserves a longer explanation.
For starters, we're huge fans of the HTC-built Sense overlay on top of Android 2.1. Having seven home panels (as opposed to five), a dedicated phone button at the bottom and an array of gorgeous widgets to choose from are real boons, and it's easy to miss these little things when using a stock Android build. By and large, we were shocked -- shocked -- by how quickly this phone hummed along. Given that Qualcomm's 1GHz Snapdragon was nowhere to be found (the Aria is outfitted with a 600MHz MSM 7227 alongside 512MB of ROM and 384MB of RAM), we didn't expect much on the speed front. Talk about having expectations shattered. Even with a host of apps running in the background and home screens loaded with apps, we never experienced any notable lag when going from screen to screen or app to app. We were continuously impressed with how quickly the screen recognized our swipes, and it's safe to say that you're getting every last ounce of power from this 600MHz power plant. We even dialed up a few YouTube HQ videos over 3G while having a smattering of apps open in the background in an attempt to slow it down -- needless to say, our experiment failed in spectacular fashion.
But for all the speed that's here, there's one thing that just grates our nerves to no end: AT&T's meddling. Sure enough, it's impossible to sideload apps onto the Aria. For those unaware of the terminology, this means that the only way you're getting apps onto your Aria is by downloading straight from the App Market. If you download an app from the web, have one emailed to, etc., you can forget about tossing it onto your SD card and using ASTRO File Manager to install it. There's simply no option whatsoever to allow app installations from "Unknown sources," an option that's very much in place on the Nexus One and other non-tweaked Android phones. We tried to sideload an app using the method above just for kicks, and we were greeted with an warning that our phone wouldn't allow such shenanigans, period. We're guessing that AT&T is trying to prevent its users from installing software that could potentially wreck their handset (and in turn, their AT&T experience), but not even giving users the option is absurd. There's no two ways about it. If you buy the Aria, you're buying a phone that strictly blocks a major avenue for installing apps. It's sad, and frankly, unacceptable.
The other side to having AT&T's hands in all of this is that you'll find AT&T FamilyMap, AT&T Hot Spots, AT&T Maps, AT&T Navigator and MobiTV pre-installed, though you'll have to pony up extra per month to indulge in some of those. Our take? We can live without all of 'em, but living without sideloading is something we aren't prepared to do given the wealth of other fantastic Android options on the table. The integrated 5 megapixel autofocus camera is fairly quick to focus and snap, and the image quality certainly isn't half bad for a "mid-range" phone; the VGA camcorder was also a welcome addition, and we'll leave it to you to judge the video quality based on the embed below.
Like it or not, the Aria is a hard sell on AT&T. Sure, it's the first Android phone that's even halfway respectable on the network, but the harsh reality is that the best Android phones reside on other networks. If you're out of your current contract, and you're jonesing to get a Google-fied handset in your pocket, we can't wholeheartedly recommend selecting AT&T as your carrier. Based on the issues we've experienced, it's hard to suggest AT&T as a voice carrier (data is another story) for anyone outside of iPhone loyalists and heavy international travelers, and the Aria's hamstrung version of Android 2.1 definitely doesn't help matters. We love the compact design and surprising amount of speed, and Sense remains one of our favorite UI overlays on the face of the planet. But could we recommend with a straight face that you spend a buck-thirty on a phone that you can't sideload applications to, not to mention one that won't see Froyo until AT&T says it will? No. The fact of the matter is that Apple's $99 8GB iPhone 3GS remains the best bargain smartphone on AT&T (heck, the Aria only comes with a 2GB microSD card), and if you're serious about Android, you'll either snag an AT&T compatible Nexus One or find yourself with a Googlephone on another network. Oh, and HTC -- if you're kind enough to let AT&T sell any more of your Android phones, tell 'em to keep their hands off of the software. Thanks.
I agree completely with your conclusion. The phone itself is pretty decent, but the restrictions AT&T puts on it combined with it's not-so-decent price is enough to not recommend it.
That's too bad. It would've been nice to have an awesome Android phone on AT&T.
"The search is on for cute boots."
That REALLY made me want the Backflip, let me tell ya.
@MRCUR
I usually find that if a product isn't worthy enough to reviewed by Topolsky, then it's probably not worth my time either.
You gotta admit that pic it pretty meta.
An HTC Aria reviewed on Engadget, showing a photo of Engadget's hands-on with the HTC Aria.
@Smart People Play Tuba
ha! the space - phone continuum has been blown apart...worlds are colliding
great effort, will definitely sell though. size looks nice, android device (not the backflip), good speed on internet (where available).
im still trying to find the $529 to pony up for the sexy nexy though
@doug - I just got an N1 about two weeks ago and I'm in love with Android. I got tired of waiting for Froyo OTA, so I unlocked the bootloader and flashed it. Ah-fricken-mazing!
I also flashed a Desire ROM with Sense... Definitely the most gorgeous UI I've ever used.
@MRCUR
Called the Wildfire in Hong Kong, you can get an unlocked version for about $350 so you would avoid the AT&T restrictions.
@rpahk
Wildfire specs:240x320 QVGA. It's also a 528mhz processor. It also looks very much like a mini Desire.
@MRCUR
So, if it is released in the UK, it's a perfect phone?!
I'm in
@benwb - If you could get this phone for free or very cheap, yes, I think it'd be a fantastic phone.
@Waltah I think the aria has a 600 mhz processor doesn't it?
@MRCUR - I agree - "If you buy the Aria, you're buying a phone that strictly blocks a major avenue for installing apps. It's sad, and frankly, unacceptable."
I often why iPhone users put up with this.
@Patriot - TBH, that's not something I mind at all. What I don't like about it in this case is that AT&T is disabling a part of the OS. I don't agree with AT&T doing that, which is why I mentioned it in my original comment.
I'm very happy with my N1 running Froyo, and I'm sure I'll be pleased with the iPhone 4 once I get it.
@MRCUR I can't agree that the iPhone 3GS is the best value, the value on that phone sucks next to the iPhone 4 next to it for $100 more. Double the storage, get a better screen with double the memory, front facing camera plus an extra year of software support.
The two phones aren't even close, I always supported the 3G on sale at the same time as the 3GS. I think it's a shame that Apple is letting this phone get sold, even if it is in the interest of their bottom line to get a phone in at the $99 price point.
HTC HD mini! oh nope. HTC EVO mini.
@Paul Elmy actually looks like an HTC Incredible mini.
@Paul Elmy Except for those crazy ass Nine Inch Nails inspired screws on the back.
@Paul Elmy
legend and hd mini had an affair. legend's brains and mini's looks.
Well, something is better than nothing for people on AT&T who don't want to go with an Iphone. Hopefully AT&T will get something closer to flagship phones (Incredible, EVO, Galaxy S) on their network to really give ppl a choice!!
Still it is good to see them diversifying!
@mjkxxl they wouldn't allow anything that can threaten the iphone on their network.
@Lucian Armasu Good point, however I think they for sure want to start to position themselves for when the Iphone jumps to other companies (if it ever does).
I still wonder if Apple will ever leave AT&T because they have such a sweet deal with them picking up such a large percentage of their phone's actual cost. When you compare the EVO non-contracted price alongside Apple's non-contracted price, Apple is higher by a good amount. That cost is picked up by AT&T and in return they get the luxury of being the only Iphone provider. Perhaps other companies would consider giving Apple a similar deal now.......however when Android becomes the second largest cellphone OS in the world (behind Nokia's) it will be interesting to see if other companies are willing to pick up as much of the tab as AT&T is.
@Lucian Armasu
See: Samsung Captivate.
Att fail once again.
very true. Though if the great people over at xda can remove att's restrictions via a custom rom, it might deserve a second look from me.
@SParklingCYaNide...@ Chris Zeigler....... hey i read Darren's review of the HTC aria. but i wanted to know your opinion. i found out that it runs sence at 60 fps, has 382mb of ram which is really good. most phones have 256mb. the small size is a plus to me. and it has crystal talk technology so calls are very clear. and from what another reviewer has said better reception than the 3gs. i watched a bench marking video of the aria compared to the evo 4g N1 and droid. and the aria bested the droid on most test. and beat all the others in 3d bench marking(neocore) with 31 fps. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rKJhpioh51k and about that side loading app business, give it a month and the aria will be rooted with a custom rom that enables all the features att blocked. which was few in my opinion. its a good phone if you ask me. and i preffer it over the 3gs, i qualify for a upgrade and i am buying the htc aria over the iphone 4. android is just prettier and the notification system is the best. lastly i went to att web site and the htc aria is 130 out the door w/ free shipping.
i just though i might say something cuz the phone is actually good. and is actually slighty faster than the original droid. and engadget had nothing but good things to say about it.
ps: it does have googles free turn by turn directions
Hmm.... Well, i guess verizon and sprint will keep the android crowd. If only At&t would get a good android phone they could maybe stop the bleeding of people who are switching to other networks (myself included). however, the iphone is doing well if by looking nowhere else than pre orders.
@BobStewart
"bleeding customers"? For Android? Get serious.
@Pure Calculus i didnt say it was a gusher... but yes, there are people leaving at&t for android phones. Is a HUGE number, no. But if at&t would maybe release a good android phone on their network it would be even less
@BobStewart
You do realize AT&T has the least churn out of the 4 major carriers right? Why change things now when you are bringing in more customers than anyone and losing less customers than anyone?
@BobStewart
I'm sure SOME people have switched for Android. And true, if AT&T had a flagship Android handset they would've retained those customers. But I'm sure the influx of new iPhone customers are enough to offset that. Most people that want Android phones now are hardcore and there's the Google Nexus One for that on AT&T. I'm an iPhone fanboy but I can stand back and objectively say the iPhone is the best thing rolling and AT&T would be foolish to destroy that relationship by embracing its archrival. Verizon iPhone drops? All bets off.
@Pure Calculus you are right, the influx for iphone 4 is incredible and will likely offset much of what may have been lost.
I just saw this post http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/17/samsung-captivate-is-atandts-version-of-the-galaxy-s-launching/1#c28706401
Looks like at&t will be getting a good android phone after all....
Hmm, looks nice, but once again, AT&T grabs another Android phone from behind.
Yucky analogy, however I'm with you on the fact that users should have the option to sideload. You have the option to do so on EVERY OTHER carrier, why not here?
Such a mystery that we'll not likely get a GOOD answer out of. You're better off getting the Nexus One, or any other Android unlocked and then running it on their network to avoid AT&T's grasp.
@N900
What I want to know is why carriers have the right to take android and add/remove features as they so wish but the end user (i.e. us) finds themselves with no right to do the same, voiding our warranty in the process.
@N900 you cant think of any reasons why they would block external downloads. the reason is there crappy networks and those tethering apps out there. they cant handle it.
"If you buy the Aria, you're buying a phone that strictly blocks a major avenue for installing apps. It's sad, and frankly, unacceptable."
Uh.. iPhone?
@James T Kirk The difference here is that the iPhone natively only allows apps from the App Store. Native Android allows sideloading apps AND app store apps. It's like blocking the installation of CAB files on Windows Mobile devices from anywhere but the Windows Mobile Marketplace. In both cases of WinMo and Android, sideloading is an"allowed" benefit and used by many whereas for the iPhone, I'm sure most don't jailbreak (voids warranty) and sideload apps...if that makes any sense.
@James T Kirk
Big difference Apple Hater. Theres no part in Apple's philosphy or iOS itself that says they would ever allow sideloading.
Apple has been clear about that from day one.
On the other hand android is all about openness so not being able to do that on an android phone apparently is a slap in the face to all android represents...
You can't criticize the iPhone for something that it has always never allowed on principle.
@James T Kirk
+1 Well stated Jim
@James T Kirk
Not being an Android (or an iPhone) guy, correct me if I'm wrong, but the iPhone is designed to be locked to its app store, whereas Android is supposed to be open . . . so the only reason the Aria ISN'T open is because AT&T screwed with it. Is that correct?
One thing I know for sure, putting homebrew apps on my AT&T Pre Plus pretty easy. Letting customers use the Konami code to open Developer Mode earned Palm some geek cred. :)
@BrookLynnsFinest
Apple hater? For the record, I have a 3GS, a Macbook Pro, and have reserved an iPhone 4 for pickup on day 1. Doesn't mean I can't poke a little fun at Apple's policies from time to time. Try not to be so hurt about it, it's a phone.
@James T Kirk Don't worry, he calls damn near everyone "Apple Haters". You'll get used to it, lol.
@James T Kirk
Like I believe that garbage...
@James T Kirk
Not nearly as bad. The Android Market is pretty wide open. They don't block apps for the numerous, patronizing and mysterious (though usually competitive) reasons that Apple does.
So a phone restricted to the Android Market is not nearly as bad as a phone restricted to the App Store.
This might not be popular here, but I think we should consider that a phone that is restricted to an app store is not so terrible IF the app store is run fairly and reasonably.
@James T Kirk
"In a world where it's practically guaranteed that the next great smartphone will also be the most humongous smartphone, it's actually a breath of fresh air to see someone going in the opposite direction."
Uhh... iPhone?
@BrookLynnsFinest I just wanted to quote you for a little context:
". . .On the other hand android is all about openness so not being able to do that on an android phone apparently is a slap in the face to all android represents..."
"You can't criticize the iPhone for something that it has always never allowed on principle."
"I honestly don't understand the point of this "sideloading"...why is it such a big deal?"
"Engadget you say that you can buy apps from the Android Market right? Isn't that what most people do anyways? . . ."
So which is it? You don't see the point in sideloading, yet you see it as a core feature of Android, and therefore a horrible omission? Are you offended by the removal of a feature you proclaim useless?
Anyway. I think Kirk's point is less about the philosophical implications of AT&T's removal of sideloading, and more about the resulting comparison to the iPhone 3G: How is the 3G the clear winner here? For $30 more you get a phone which can multitask, has upgradeable memory and a removable battery, and is by all accounts very responsive. The 3G was a great little device but it's not as snappy on the UI (I own one) and it will never have multitasking. It's a little baffling to see a glowing review of an inexpensive device which then proclaims that it has one fatal flaw which keeps it from beating its competition (and yet that flaw, lack of sideloading, is *shared* by the competition).
So maybe I just don't get your point Brooklynn, and Darren, I have to disagree with your conclusion. Bearing in mind that a true early adopter would never buy this phone, the Aria has much more staying power than the 3G. If I had to buy one or the other, it would be the Aria in a heartbeat. If I ran out of space I'd pop a larger SD card in there, and if the battery wore out I'd put a new one in. In the meantime I'd be enjoying Google Navigation and VoiceMail integration for free, I'd be listening to Pandora while checking my email, and yes, I'd be able to talk and surf the web too. (Also, Google Sky Map!)
@JPB
Clarification: For the record, it is the 3GS that the comparison was made to. That model supports multitasking and is fairly responsive running iOS4.
Concession: And yet, I still can't help but agree to choose the Aria anyhow.
AT&T blocks sideloading because they don't want any apps that could potentially use enough data to bring it's craptacular network to the ground. I'd like to say it's because they're Apple's bitch, but it's such a subtle thing to block for most users that I can't say that it's the reason.
@nutbunnies
Why does AT&T care, it shouldn't matter to them. You will have to shell out a ton of cash if you use a ton of data now. They need to be the pipeline to the internet and pipelines should be dumb but that will never happen.
@blindguymcsqueezy Because their network is made of gum and scotch tape. They already have a terrible rep for their crap service, someone using a data intensive app on Android being the straw that broke the camel's back would not be good for them.
@nutbunnies
I doubt it, they allow sideloading on WinMo and Palm phones. It has to be some idiotic "security" policy. I also have a feeling that AT&T will molest anything that isn't explicitly prohibited by the manufacturer (ie, microsoft, palm told ATT they'd be in deep shit if they crippled sideloading).