GADGET WATCH: HTC EVO 3D

The Android devices keep coming. One of the big advantages Google has over the iOS platform is that there are simply so many devices coming on the market – users have a lot more choice when it comes to finding a phone they like and want to keep for a two-year contact.

The HTC Evo is one of several Android phones released this year, catering to the slightly more advanced user. But can it stack up against the competition?

Hardware and features

The HTC Evo features a 4.3-inch screen at 960 x 540 resolution, and weighs 170 grams. Powered by the Gingerbread version of Android, it also comes with a dual-core Qualcomm processor, 1GB of RAM and 4GB of internal storage, although that can be extended.

Feature-wise, the device uses multi-touch technology, an accelerometer, a gyroscope, digital compass and proximity sensor. It also features WiFi, Bluetooth, a Micro-USB port and HDMI, along with WiFi hotspot capability.

What’s the consensus?

The 3D Evo is one of the first phones to feature a 3D effect without the need for glasses. Users can shoot and capture film and video in 3D, but while the feature is definitely a novelty, reviews suggest the make-up of the device is a little clunky.

Over at TechRadar, the site judged the build of the phone as “chunky and outdated”.

“It measures 126.1mm x 65.4mm x 11.3mm, which is just a hair thinner than the LG Optimus 3D (11.9mm), but not even in the same league as the Samsung Galaxy S2’s 8.5mm. The HTC Evo 3D also feels a bit hefty, with a weight of 170 grams – two grams heavier than the Optimus 3D.”

However, the site did note that although the phone itself is larger, the quality of the large screen is good. Both TechRadar and TechWorld noted the phone is speedy, with the latter observing the Evo has more RAM and a bigger battery than the Sensation model.

“The EVO 4G had a start-up time of 74 seconds (!), while the EVO 3D had a much faster start-up time of 13.7 seconds. File transfer speed was about the same for both phones with the EVO 4G clocking in at 7.8 megabits per second versus the EVO 3D with 7.2 megabits per second.”

Engadget wrote the design of the phone is good, but its build quality is slightly lesser than that of rival models. On the other hand, it praised the 3D photography and capture, although noted it can suffer exposure problems.

“Both cameras share what appears to be a decent quality five megapixel sensor with better than average low-light performance and low noise. The limiting factor here is the optics – not the autofocus lenses per se, but the panel protecting the camera pod. We’re still not sure if it’s made of glass or optical grade plastic, but it causes noticeable halos in the periphery of images containing bright light.”

It also said the touch-screen wasn’t as good as it could have been, and said the performance was quick and fluid enough not to cause problems, despite some in-built apps needing deletion.

PcMag noted poor reception quality as well, although it operated on American networks.

Who’s it for?

Mostly, reviews have praised the Evo for supplying one of the best 3D cameras on a phone so far, along with the swift ability to switch between 3D and 2D cameras easily.

But despite its sturdy build, users may want to check out the Sensation. The Evo is a good phone, but it’s bigger, slower and a little clunkier than its counterpart, and unless you’re desperate for a 3D phone, you may want to start looking elsewhere.