MobileTechReview has published some nice and surprisingly comprehensive video reviews of the newly released HTC HD7S (AT&T) and HTC Trophy (Verizon) handsets.
HTC HD7S
From what I’ve heard, here and elsewhere, the big differences between this new version of the phone and its T-Mobile-based HD7 predecessor are the screen (not AMOLED but improved in the S) and some slight improvements to the camera. And of course it’s on AT&T now, the network with the most Windows Phone models (now 4).
HTC Trophy
The Trophy is Verizon Wireless’ first Windows Phone handset. This one doesn’t appear to be remarkable in any way, but it’s nice to see Verizon onboard finally.*
* Actually. It is a world phone, so it has a SIM card for overseas use. That’s a bit unexpected.
I got my HTC Trophy yesterday. I tried a Focus last year, but I live in an AT&T deadzone, so it wasn’t going to happen for me.
Between the two, the Focus has the better screen (suprise), but having three to four bars in the house makes all the differnece. I also like the rubbery body. The Focus was almost too slick.
My only real nitpick is that I’d like to have a 32GB version. Other than that, it’s a very nice WP7 handset. Now back to Fable Coin Golf.
Rubbery body? How curious. I’ve got the uk version of the trophy, and it’s all black painted aluminium, not a hint of rubber.
I wouldn’t have expected that kind of difference between countries.
So.. Are you sticking with the Focus or are you planning on getting the HD7S Paul? Just curious.
My contract is up for renewal in July. Since 2nd gen Windows Phone should be in the market just a few months after that, it would make the most sense for me to hold off. I’m not sure what it is about the HD7S, but I am sort of drawn to it. I never really like the WinMobile 6.5x stuff, but that similar HD2 was about as good as that stuff got.
I’ll try to wait. :)
Think I’d have to hold off for the 2gen phones if I were in your shoes. Then again, I already have the HD7. ;-)
If the HD7S was available at launch, I would have probably gone with that over the Focus. As much as I like the lightweight feel of the Focus, I would probably prefer the more durable feel of an HTC phone (the surround was pretty sweet, but too gimmicky for me). Not to mention I love the bigger screen and kickstand. The Super Amoled still beats any SLCD screen I see, so that’s where the decision gets tough. The blacks are just too gorgeous.
I’ve got some time left on my current contract, so there is no telling what my next upgrade will be. I’m anxious to see the Nokia phones, but for now, I’m happy with my Focus, and I’m going to be doubly happy when we get Mango.
I’m finally up for renewal this month, and I was just about to order the Focus, until I heard about the HD7S. I’m waiting for it. The bigger Super-LCD screen, dual flash, and kickstand trumps AMOLED for me . . . for now. I am getting impatient though, June better hurry up and get here.
I got a Focus on launch day too. I have always been an HTC fan but Sammy had the nicer phone hands down. If they had the HD7 at launch…maybe I would have stuck with HTC.
Paul, any word on an OEM making a Windows Phone device minus the phone ala iPod Touch or Samsung Galaxy Player? The one problem I have with my Focus is I can’t keep my kids off it. They both have Nintendo DSs’, but they PREFER to play games on my phone – go figure. And to watch Youtube, Netflix, Zune, all the apps, etc….I can see why they like it better than a DS. The ZuneHD is cool, but it can’t use all the WinPhone apps! Fail!
I would drop cash today on WinPhone Touch equivalent. Maybe I’ll have to get a Galaxy Player when it hits the States.
No, nothing that I’ve heard. Seems like an obvious idea, one that Microsoft could make and sell as a Zune or Xbox device.