It is safe to say that the iPhone and the BlackBerry are probably the two premier Smartphones in the market today. Both are pioneers in their own regard and have definitely revolutionized the mobile phone arena in one way or another. HTC also wants its taste of the glory and they intend to take some home through the new HTC Hero. Here’s how the new Hero fares against the big boys.
BlackBerry Blues
What made the BlackBerry what it is today can be vastly attributed to its immaculate QWERTY keyboard. It was one of the firsts in the business to have this type of keypad and theirs was definitely a game changer. They revolutionized mobile messaging by not only having excellent messaging applications, but also by accompanying them with probably the best QWERTY keyboard in the market today.
There isn’t much to compare with the HTC Hero as it actually makes use of a digital on-screen QWERTY pad. Although nothing beats the real thing, HTC has done a commendable job here. They’ve improved the functionality and responsiveness of the keyboard which makes typing a breeze on the HTC Hero. But then again, there’s nothing like an actual physical QWERTY keyboard.
iPhone Madness
The HTC Hero definitely has appeal; it makes use of an exceptional and attention-grabbing design. Nonetheless, it still lacks the wow factor of the iPhone which honestly, we don’t think anyone can match in the near future.
OS-wise, the HTC Hero has given the Android a major makeover. They have come up with an excellently revamped OS that when combined with the exceptional Sense UI, makes for a viable contender for the iPhone’s unparalleled operating system.
However, when all things are considered (i.e. application and widget set, hardware, data connectivity, social networking integration, etc) the HTC Hero is definitely able to hold its own. Although it isn’t exactly a pioneer (although its work on the Android is quite revolutionary), it is categorically an excellent device in its own right.
As the middle of summer approaches we thought that we would compile a list of the hottest handsets on the planet right now and then tell you the cheapest contract that you can get them on. We opted for the middle ground of an 18 month contract on all handsets, although you can save even more by going for 24 or even 36 month deals, although we have no idea why anyone would want to commit for that long! So here is what we found
1) Nokia N97 deals – The hottest Nokia handset on the planet right now, we’re not sure that there is anything that it can’t do. It is a little pricey at £40.00 per month, but for that you are getting 800 minutes and unlimited texts on T-Mobile and let’s face it, a phone like this deserves a big monthly allowance.
2) Nokia 5530 deals – If you don’t want the QWERTY keyboard and want to pay about half the price of the N97, then the Nokia 5530 is the one for you. Just over £20.00 gets you a wopping 600 minutes and unlimited text messages on Vodafone. You also get the added bonus of an Xpressmusic subscription for unlimited download of tracks.
3) Sony W995 deals – Sony Ericsson have produced a superb phone here, although the camera does not quite live up to the one on the C905 (no more LED flashes please). However the music functionality is excellent. You can get the W995 for £21.00 per month with 400 minutes and 500 texts on Orange.
4) HTC Hero deals – The best Android phone out there and a true iPhone rival in our opinion. The ting is with HTC is that you always know there is something better just around the corner. However until that is made known you can get the Hero for £31.00 per month on Vodafone with the ever popular 600 minutes and unlimited texts.
5) Samsung Jet deals – Another Android phone and one that hasn’t received the marketing push it truly deserves. We love this handset and with the ever increasing amount of Android Apps available we reckon it is well worth spot number 5. 400 minutes and 3000 texts on Orange for £21.20 per month is a bargain as well.
6) Blackberry 8520 deals – The latest Blackberry to hit the shelves sticks to its well known looks and design. You know what they say, if it aint broke, don’t try and fix it and this is exactly what Blackberry have done. Our pick is the O2 deal with 600 minutes and 500 texts with £170 automatic cashback for £35.00 per month.
7) HTC touch diamond 2 deals – A very much improved version of the original touch diamond, the interface is much more user friendly and it looks great too. O2 win the day here, offering 400 minutes and 500 texts for under £30.00 Samsung Pixon 12 deals – For the serious mobile phone user, the Pixon 12 sports a much better camera than the original handset, but you are looking at a £40.00 per month deal with 900 minutes and unlimited texts.
I’m sure we have missed some great phones out and if you find a deal that you think should be on here, let us know in the comments section and we will let everyone know.
There’s something that falls a little flat with the HTC Hero for us, which is a shame because it has a lot, a hell of a lot, going for it. It’s running Google’s Android OS, of course, meaning that its packed to bursting with all that Google goodness you know and love. It’s also doing so through HTC’s first genuine User Interface for Android, called HTC Sense, which is downright lovely as it goes. It’s got a 3.5mm jack socket (finally, HTC, you listened to us!). A decent camera. GPS. Etc. So on. And so forth. (Have a look at the product overview, or this HTC Hero review for a full specs download.)
But what then, we hear you bleat, is wrong with it? Well, just look at it. Right? Take a look at the video at the bottom of this post. Google some images of the thing. Zoom in. Then zoom out and blink a few times. Then reassure yourself that it’s okay, that you’re alright, it was just a bad dream. But then, it wasn’t. The HTC Hero really is that ugly. Maybe it’s just us, maybe there are plenty out there who want there phone to look like it’s just been punched in the jaw and disfigured. Or like it’s been left next to a roaring fire for a little bit too long and has gone all droopy. Not us though, unfortunately.
HTC claim that the weird bend at the bottom is to make talking on the thing more natural. Okay. But has any out there ever had trouble with straight phones? Do you find yourself straining your mouth to get it closer to the receiving mic to make yourself heard? No, us neither. And come on, are you supposed to expect us to put that thing in our pocket? Then travel around in public places with it there?! We’d get ourselves arrested for indecency in no time. Again.
So, sorry HTC, that bend/curve/lip/whateverthehellitis is not for us. But then who are we to talk.
As the middle of summer approaches we thought that we would compile a list of the hottest handsets on the planet right now and then tell you the cheapest contract that you can get them on. We opted for the middle ground of an 18 month contract on all handsets, although you can save even more by going for 24 or even 36 month deals, although we have no idea why anyone would want to commit for that long! So here is what we found
There’s something that falls a little flat with the 