At a press event in England, HTC unveiled a pair of Google Android phones for the Asian and European markets — the Desire HD and the Desire Z. Both phones run Google Android 2.2 (FroYo) with the latest version of HTC Sense. Both phones will also take advantage of the upcoming HTCSense.com for over-the-air backup, remote location, and remote wipes. Here’s a snippet from the press release:
HTC Desire HD
HTC Desire HD showcases outstanding multimedia content with its bright 4.3″ LCD display and Dolby Mobile and SRS virtual sound and is the first to be powered by the new 1GHz Qualcomm 8255 Snapdragon processor. The HTC Desire HD enables 720p HD video recording and includes an 8-megapixel camera with dual-flash. Building on the unibody heritage of the HTC Legend, the HTC Desire HD is sculpted from a block of solid aluminum and exudes the air of quality and strength that HTC has come to be known for. It also includes the new HTC Fast Boot that enables people to quickly make a call or check emails by shortening the time taken to complete the power-up sequence.HTC Desire Z
For people constantly on the go, HTC Desire Z makes it quick and easy to stay connected with friends on Facebook and Twitter or with colleagues and customers at work. HTC Desire Z features a unique ‘pop hinge’ that opens to reveal a QWERTY keyboard for fast, convenient typing. HTC Desire Z’s keyboard also includes a variety of keyboard shortcuts and two customizable keys for providing instant access to common functions without the need to open menus. HTC Desire Z also includes 720p HD video recording and a 5-megapixel camera with automatic flash. It is the first phone to utilize the new 800MHz Qualcomm 7230 processor for improved performance and battery life and also includes HTC Fast Boot.
The Desire Z is essentially a global version of the T-Mobile G2, but uses HTC Sense instead of vanilla Android. While Sense offers many niceties, some users prefer the openness and speed of stock Android.
The Desire HD is a GSM version of Sprint’s Evo 4G, but with a sexy aluminum body and an HSPA+ radio instead of WiMax. I am extremely jealous that our Asian and European friends will be getting this phone soon. If it’s compatible with T-Mobile’s HSPA+ frequencies (I’m not certain of this yet) then it’s pretty much perfect for me (until I want a new phone in February 2011). I loved using the Evo 4G, but I’m attracted to the Desire HD’s aluminum body. Being an international traveler, an unlocked GSM phone would be extremely useful.
Both phones will be available in October 2010.
Let me know what you think of HTC’s new phones when you get a chance. Any of you interested in importing one of them? I might accidentally buy one next time I’m in Asia.
@smartguy One curious thing about the Desire HD is that it has 768MB of RAM as opposed to the Evo 4G's 512.
@Ray
I noticed that. Perhaps the old 512 wasn't adequate for their new version of Sense? Maybe this helps it run better?
Since I got my iPad I'm not as beholden to my iPhone anymore. To be honest I wouldn't mind an Android or WP7 device to wifi tether my iPad.
@smartguy Also, the Desire HD uses a newer processor. The Evo 4G has the Snapdragon QSD8650. I believe this chip uses a lower die process for more efficiency and features an improved GPU. After seeing pictures of the body, I'm even more impressed with it.
@Ray
I keep hoping TMo has HSPA+ here before VZ launches LTE in November. I'd be tempted to import this new device. To be honest, I have also considered the G2. It would come down to which one is easiest to root.
@Ray
Supposedly this goes on sale in the US on 11/01. What is the screen res? I can't find anything about it. I'd hope it is bumped up from the EVO.
@smartguy I'm not sure it would be fully compatible in terms of signal since T-Mo uses AWS. The screen res is the same as the Evo's, I believe.
Hmmmm, I just saw on article on BGR that said that the Desire HD is headed to Verizon, but the article has disappeared. I wonder what that means….
Interesting.