HTC HERO REVIEW: "KRYPTONITE":

Introduction:

- In a market flooded with smart-phone monotony a Hero arises in attempt to save users from the status quo. The Hero is manufactured by HTC and comes equipped with a myriad of features including a large 3.2 inch capacitive touch display, a capacious 1350 mAh battery, 3.5 mm stereo jack, a 5 megapixel auto focus camera, and a ground breaking SENSE UI layered over the celebrated Android OS. Unfortunately this Hero has its Kryptonite.

Box Contents:

- HTC HERO
- Battery
- USB Cable
- Universal Charging Plug
- Stereo Headset
- 2Gb micro SD
- Warranty
- Guide


Gallery/ Device Tour:








Design:

- Forgoing the traditional route of flamboyant superhero attire which requires the layering of underwear over tights, HTC outfitted the Hero with its own eye catching costume. The inimitable design manifests itself through a combination of old and new as the Hero’s overall architecture resembles that of a retro style cordless phone furnished with a modern capacitive touch screen and a contemporary slim line casing (112 x 56.2 x 14.4 mm). Finished in mostly matte white plastic, the phone repels fingerprints with a Teflon coating. The display is secured with a brushed aluminum rim which extends around the main hardware buttons situated on the ventral side of the device. In total the device feels good in hand with no loose parts to mar the mono-block construction. The weight of the device (135 grams) is on the lighter side as I prefer a heftier mobile. The inclusion of a metal back panel would have added to the overall quality and robustness of the device. In scrutinizing the battery cover my suspicions were raised as to its longevity due to the use of a sub par latch mechanism that would probably deteriorate over time. However if you do not constantly remove your battery cover to acess the Micro SD card, then this is a non issue. The angled chin of the phone houses a plastic trackball which is totally useless in the operation of this device. In fact, the removal of this trackball in conjunction with the chin would have made for a more compact phone – albeit the consequential loss of distinct design. On a positive note the chin itself, due to its angled nature, functions in protecting the display when propping the phone face down on a counter top. It also aids in a stealthy removal from a leather pouch.

Display:

- The Hero touts a generous 3.2 inch (320 x 480 pixels) capacitive touch screen display. With maximum screen brightness the Hero fairs well in most lighting conditions except direct sunlight. In effect users will want to find some shade when tinkering with their devices at high noon. The capacitive screen works flawlessly and its responsiveness is on par with my ipod touch. Needless to say, double taps are non existent.


UI:

- HTC has done it again. Following their ingenious conception of TF3D which was a svelte UI layered over the ghastly looking Windows Mobile interface, HTC has now created a ground breaking SENSE UI. This interface layers over the highly coveted Android operating system to make for an unparalleled user experience. For descriptive purposes we can separate the two components of this interface in to the X and Y dimensions found on a graph. The X axis consists of the core Android UI that props up an iconic menu screen in a vertical directionality.......

Like what you have read so far?
Check out my entire review, which includes video, here:

http://foxteka.blogspot.com/

Thanks for the nice post and photos. I am crazy behind HTC phones. This model has good features and excellent design.

Thanks a lot!!
Don't forget to read the entire review on my site as this phone has a fatal flaw and you might want to hold off on buying the hero until it is resolved.