HTC Amaze 4G
MSRP: $259.99 (w/two-year contract)
Carrier: T-Mobile
Key Specs: 4.3-inch qHD super LCD display, 1.5GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon S3 dual-core processor, Android 2.3.4 (Gingerbread), 4G-enabled, dual-cameras, 16GB internal memory, and NFC.
It’s pretty hard to compete with T-Mobile’s Android line-up, especially its HTC selection. From the incredible Sensation 4G to the myTouch Slide 4G, America’s fastest 4G network has definitely received the mobile manufacturer’s best offerings. HTC hopes to ride out its hot streak going into the end of year, introducing the first phone from its holiday catalog dubbed the Amaze 4G. Tackling a powerful dual-core processor, faster 4G speeds, and advanced camera features, all signs point to great things. But are looking at more of the same here? If so, that’s still a good sign.
Great Shooter and Camera Options
T-Mobile goes as far as to name the Amaze 4G “the most advanced camera of any smartphone”—the same claim made for yet another network phone—the myTouch 4G Slide. We can say it’s definitely the most advanced, but better…that’s a different and more debatable subject. Photogs have instant access to snap images and shoot HD 1080p videos thanks to the dedicated camera button on the side, capturing gorgeously detailed pics from the rear 8MP camera. The front-facing 2MP camera also provides good picture quality during Skype calls.
But what really makes HTC’s shooter a standout is the new shooting options and the dynamic camera software. For instance, the SweepShot feature lets users take panoramic pictures by snapping 5 photos at a time and compiling the “best parts to create one perfect shot.” Another standout attribute is BurstShot, which is capable of taking 5 consecutive shots in just one click. That’s pretty sick.
Strong CPU Performance
Qualcomm’s 1.5GHz Snapdragon S3 dual-core chip is a multitasking beast that can handle up to 10 apps running in the background with no stutter present. So feel free to run Netflix, the music player, social media apps, and your email client simultaneously, but take precaution when it comes to conserving battery life. The high-powered processor also generates beautifully rendered images and gaming graphics, as we witness during our Angry Birds session. Apps and web pages launched fast, plus menu navigation was smooth. Attribute the boost in power to the 12GB of memory and 1GB of RAM found inside.
Finally! Real 4G Speed!
Aside from the Galaxy S II, the Amaze 4G is the second phone to run on T-Mobile’s HSPA+ 42 network. Translation: far faster data speeds. Yes, it’s no secret the carrier has been under heavy scrutiny for its mediocre 4G service, but HTC’s new handset serves as a testament to T-Mobile’s high-speed connection upgrade. According to our Speedtest.net results, we pulled data speeds of up to 16Mbps throughout the Tri-State area and certain parts of Connecticut, while gaining decent upload speeds of 2Mbps. Multiple Android Market downloads completed in unison within 30 seconds and single downloads took no less than five seconds to finish. We’re not talking Verizon’s LTE speeds here, but still, consider it a huge leap for T-Mobile’s 4G network.
The Expensive, Energy Guzzler
Even though the Amaze 4G offers a well-rounded mobile experience, the truth is you can find a more cost efficient option that will provide similar, or the same results. The Galaxy S II offers a near identical spec sheet and is available for $30 less. Also, the myTouch 4G produces the same, if not better camera results, and is priced at $60 less. The options are there.
On top of being billed as T-Mobile’s most expensive Android handset, the phone suffers from weak battery life, too. Theoretically, the 1730 mAh battery under the hood should have the capability of generating a quality seven hours on heavy use and 10 plus hours on moderate. That wasn’t necessarily the case here. Our demo unit lasted no longer than five hours on little-to-no use, with wi-fi and 4G accountable for the most energy consumption. Powerskin’s Amaze 4G power case serves as the best recommendation to keep your charge flowing.
The Call
Overall, the Amaze 4G delivers impressive performance and speed benchmarks. The remarkable shooting features truly make it one of the premier camera phones on the market as well. Granted we prefer the myTouch 4G Slide as the better shutterbug option, the only other facet that separates the two HTC devices is the true 4G speeds found on the most recent handset. So if you’re M.O. is fast and powerful execution, the Amaze 4G is right up your alley. For a heavy price, that is.
Pick up the HTC Amaze 4G at T-Mobile
