The HTC Hero just landed at my humble office/abode and I’m pleased to report that it is, in fact, all that and a packet of crisps. The phone is slim and sexy with a great UI – one of the best I’ve seen on a smartphone since the phone that starts with ‘i’ and ends with Phone – and it’s quite snappy, a huge improvement over my experience with the G1.
Photo Gallery by Picturesurf
I’m going to put this old girl through her paces this weekend and I’ll report back on my findings. Until then, feast your eyes on these photographs taken in my back yard.
Initial findings? I love the widget systems, especially the Bell & Ross-style clocks and the 5-megapixel AF camera is a real treat. The onscreen keyboard takes some getting practice. To type numbers and special characters you’re expected to hold down the letter until a small window pops up. You can then let go to make the number appear. I’ll do a video later to show you.
Otherwise, I’m finally excited about Android. This is running Cupcake with an amazing skin.
I am sorry, but I believe the HERO has a 5 megapixel camera. Other than that anxiously waiting to hear your impressions. Cheers.
damn. you’re right. i thought it said three on the back.
The more pixels, the worse the picture. The sensor size is still puny.
you’re ‘tarded
You’re not making sense
To those saying that he is making no sense, you are wrong. The more pixels you cram onto the same size sensor the more cross talk there will be and therefore more noise. You can compensate for this to a certain extent with a very expensive sensor and some decent post-processing software/firmware but I doubt you’ll find either here and most pro cameras go the “bigger sensor” route as that gets better results.
I had the same idea when mobiles went from 2 to 3 MP. But the fact is that the 3MP looked better then the 2MP, and the 5 then 3 and 8 better than 5. And thats in any situation. So even if more pixels in theory would result in worse pictures in practis it just doesnt.
Looking forward to 12Mp mobile cameras
So what I gather JayBee is that this phone is an ihone aSsassin? It isnt an iPhone killer yet but the possibility is there?
Let’s not go there. Biggity will never get rid of his iPhone and probably won’t ever carry more than one device. What makes the Hero stand out is the awesome job that HTC did skinning Android. The hardware is wicked nice, too. HTC is killin’ it right now.
An iPhone knockoff will never beat the iPhone, they’re going to have to one up them to win. By the way, who’s girlish hands are those in the photos?
Calling it the iPhone Killer or Assassin is a bit pre-mature because I don’t think that any smartphone available in the market today is capable of replacing the iPhone. It has to be something totally new and mind-blowing to be able to do that.
zunephone?
It doesn’t have to be an iPhone killer. That is one sweet device. A shame that it won’t be coming to the US though. Which begs the question… how did you get yours and on what network will you be using it?
It’s really not hitting the US? I’ve been waiting for this phone since it was announced. I sure as shit hope it does.
Who says the Hero isn’t coming to the US? Haven’t you seen the FCC filing? But don’t count on a GSM version.
The Hero works on both T-Mobile and AT&T, but you’re relegated to EDGE on both.
The 3G baseband on the Hero only works with AT&T’s 3G network.Wait just a tick… the unlocked HTC Hero supports AT&T’s 3G network!?!? I thought that wasn’t the case? If so I am definitely selling internal organs to buy one.
yeah. it seems to be working.
Yeah, thanks John.
wow, if it supports att 3g that is….AWESOME.
Wait — You need to be very clear here. Every other site has said that the current, European version of the Hero will only work on Edge here in the states (AT&T or otherwise). Are you saying the device you have is compatible with AT&T 3g? You need to put that on the front page if that is the case, it’s big news.
Cool
I was curious with 3g it would work with
Mea culpa. The Euro Hero does not run on 3G for either GSM network in the US.
That’s was my understanding. Yet Biggs seemed to imply that he was getting 3G love from AT&T’s network. Could that be possible? If so, then somehow the unlocked EURO model supports US 3G.
I’ve confirmed with HTC that the Euro model does not work over 3G in the US on AT&T or T-Mobile. For some reason, I thought it worked on AT&T.
Biggs, you want to chime in here big guy and let us know for sure?
You don’t believe me, John? I confirmed with HTC.
relax. not that I don’t believe you but it’s his post and he’s the one with the hardware in hand.
He can’t reply, he’s busy soaking his girlish digits is palmolive.
The Hero is giving me nerdgasms. I haven’t seen a smartphone yet capable of rivaling iPhone’s mix of usability and features (sorry Pre) until today.
Thanks for confirming this. SOLD!
People have been modding the Hero software for a while now and putting them on the G1. As slow as it is on the G1, maybe the radio software needs to be changes to accept the T-Mobile’s 3G network. I hope modding the ROM is as easy as the G1 is now.
My next phone without a doubt
been drooling over it since I first saw it
bit expensive though, £399 without a contract on expansys, ah well
just means a child less in the house :-)
you can eat simply eat the new child, pat!
The fact that Google CEO is on the board of Apple only confirms this website is in bed with Apple (or Google). You guys are totally pwned by Apple.
I want it. When is at&t getting it?
Who said HTC would ship a GSM version of it to the US?
Where did HTC say they wouldn’t?
How is typing? Those soft keys look awfully small, unless you have Shaq-size hands.
I got used to the touch keys. I have fairly big hands as well. There’s a little error but it’s mostly ok.
I’ve got the Hero ROM on my Ion. I actually like the keyboard better than iPhone 2.0. (iPhone 3.0 still wins though).
Unfortunately, many apps still expect you to have a physical keyboard. I’ve heard that holding menu will usually bring up the virtual one though.
Ok. What a retarded analogy.
Maybe if you said “If you had MIDGET-SIZED hands.” Then that would be a logical and valid statement.
As for you other clowns, this is way better than the iPhone. It will be the iPhone killer/assassin/lover all in one.
Open source is life.
That;s a really nice looking phone!
Wow, is it just me or is the UI looking eerily similar to the iPhone?
It’s just you.
This model is going to be a monster. Probably not an iPhone killer but HTC nailed it IMO.
Is this the Brown version from HTC? Or is this the special Graphite colour, that only comes with branded phones?
Meh, prefer physical keyboards over smudge-typing.
Did they finally relent and put a real, 3.5mm audio jack on this model?
Yes, real 3.5mm audio.
Also, not only does it run on At&t 3G, but it’ll support both 1900 and the new and improved 850mhz 3G as well!
i’m holding out for a Hero :P
What carriers will the Hero be available on? Someone said not to expect it on GSM. But others said it is available on ATT which some seem to be excited about which is odd because so many people hate that the Iphone is only available on ATT. Anyone actually know what carriers will support this phone?
No word on who will carry it or which version we’ll get in the US.
The phone is like an Iphone Clone. Atleast from the pics it looks very similar to an iPhone. We have to give it to Apple. People were concerned when the Iphone was first announced, a widescreen phone with no keyboard. And now see, everyone is copying the design. I dont see this as an Iphone killer, you will have to be more innovative than just copying the design and UI to be a killer.
Hey dumbass! Last time I checked the iPhone basically hurried an update just to allow MMS, Copy/Paste, and a Landscape Keyboard because Android was just released on the G1 and had those features that everyone wanted on their childish iPhone! Also, this phone has Flash! Last time I checked there are no other phones that have native flash. This is a market first and very innovative! Also, I’m sure everyone will agree, flash is a big deal!!!
Not an iPhone killer, but it might be the first major nail in the coffin for WinMo. This and SE’s Rachael are going to be the posterboys for Android. Let’s hope it entices lots of developers into the Market!
Exactly. This is a WinMo killer, not iPhone killer.
Serisouly, if I read another Hero hands-on commenting on the fckn clocks…
I am very impressed with this HTC model. I have been waiting to enter the Android world but now I am very tempted. Great device, great screen, all the features I want… I don’t know much about the Android app scene to join but at least it allows background apps.
By the way : this one hase Flash on it! So watch site with plugin >=9.0.x!!! So great for lot’s full or mixed flash sites [video/buttons etc etc]
Free HTC Hero with Orange …
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“…all that and a packet of crisps.”
You can cover it up with fancy British word, but that expression is so nineties!
Actually, there’s a greater problem than that. I don’t know if the expression came from the US or the UK, but we (in England) understand it as “all that and a bag of fries”. Kinda makes more sense anyway – they don’t ask “Do you want potato chips with that?” at the golden arches…
Alright, John. Either you’re 6′6″ or that phone is just tiny. Which is it? Also, you’re very lucky and I hate you. Can’t wait for your review.
Man I hate that chin.
This is no way an iPhone killer but rather a WInMo killer. Windows mobile has been dying for some time and with these new phones running android or other software, people will start to realize how much WinMo sucks http://ziggytek.com/
Actually spamming your website sucks.
Cool gadget!!!
http://www.aedesigns.net
So awesome, if it comes to the US, I would definitely trade-in my G1 for the Hero.
Looks nice smartphone :) But, I still wait for long time to see it in my country
this is so nice.
How’s the Teflon coating working out? Fingerprints? Scratchability? Slippery?
This HTC design look strong and powerful shape, I really like it ;)
Thanks for the sweet pictures of the Hero. Can’t wait to read the full review!
HTC Touch Pro2 Contest
Dude, this phone is beyond iphone, it makes the iphone look like boring rubbish, I’m not biased, my brother has an iphone even my g1 customized puts it to shame. This phone is on a new level full flash 10 mobile, enables you flash on websites, full screen full quality on youtube “which the g1 can do if you press settings/watch vid in high quality, but not on the website the g1 can’t do that. Also flash games on websites is amazing on the hero. HTC sense, if you study it and educate yourself on it, you will find this phone far superior, you can literally have 2 different settings of home with “EVERYTHING ELSE” custom for a weekend and go back to “weekly basis” scene. Man The list is so huge I would be here all day explaining how much better this phone is, it shouldnt even be compared with iphone 3gs, same old boring limited, capped, SLAVED by apple and AT&T you can now send pictures? HMMM AT&T DOESNT ALLOW THAT YET. If you know anything about phones, g1 having android and real keyboard already rapes iphone 3g, but not quite the 3gs due to the lack of what hero has. Well youtube, google and do your research, i would not take an iphone 3gs for free for personal use if I could pay 600 for a hero, real talk. Android has grown on me, and seeing how i truly use my phone for wayyy more than just a phone, the hero will be in my hands 1 way or an other, btw, im extremely satisfied with tmobile as well. To be a new phone, new operating system and new 3g on my area the g1 is an amazing hell of a phone. Can’t wait = ) bye. hit me up for any questions regarding this phone g2slick@gmail.com
Nice information, very slim, and powerful for surfing internet. I want to have it.