Though lacking the dual core processor already powering some of its contemporaries (Atrix 4G, T-Mobile G2x), the HTC ThunderBolt has been one of the most highly anticipated phones of the first half of 2011. The reason is simple: it’s the first Android phone compatible with the Verizon Wireless LTE “4G” data network, and if you’re lucky enough to live where the service has been deployed – and are a fan of large screen smartphones – the ThunderBolt is a no-brainer.
Similar in feel and design to the HTC’s EVO and Inspire, the ThunderBolt sports a 4.3-inch display, an 8MP camera, nearly 800MB of RAM and an array of wireless technologies: 802.11n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 3.0, and aGPS. The phone is very solidly constructed, but it’s also large – about 4.8-inches tall, 2.6-inches wide and just over half an inch thick. The ThunderBolt is also compatible with 3G EV-DO, but the real story here is LTE.
LTE, what Verizon Wireless and AT&T call “4G”, is a wireless data technology that allows for much faster download and upload speeds. Though it’s only available in several cities in the United States, if it’s deployed in your area you can see download speeds of up to 12Mbps and upload speeds topping out at around 5Mbps; you can also share the high-speed connection with up to 8 devices via Wi-Fi if your plan allows it. Thunderbolt will also work with Verizon’s 3G network in the rest of the country, and while using this slower connection isn’t as sexy as LTE, it will give you much better battery life.
The handset runs Android 2.2, and you’ll find all the usual OS software features. Since the ThunderBolt is built by HTC, it also includes the Sense UI overlay, which is probably the best of the bunch when compared to Motorola’s and Samsung’s UI replacements, which often take away from the OS more than they add. Even with its single-core CPU 1GHz Snapdragon CPU, the ThunderBolt is very responsive and had no trouble chewing through any task I put in front of it.
The ThunderBolt does a descent job with music and video playback, but stills suffers the same annoyances as other Android devices, particular when pitted against the iPhone. The 8MP primary camera shoots fairly impressive still shots and decent video at 720p, but the front-facing 1.3MP camera leaves much to be desired – and there aren’t many Android video chat clients that work well at this point. The phone includes a 32GB microSDHC card, so you have plenty of room of media and apps.
Call quality is also descent, but not exactly at the top of the smartphone list.
If you’ll be using the ThunderBolt in a 4G area, battery life can get pretty ugly; consider an extended battery if you’re planning to be using a 4G data connection very often – you’ll need it. On LTE, the battery can last less than 4 hours.
Still, the ThunderBolt is an impressive device, though you’ll obviously have to consider the battery limitations. If you’re a mobile speed demon, they may just be worth it.
M. Nichols, Products Editor
HTC ThunderBolt Direct Verizon Price w/ Contract: $249
Best Online HTC ThunderBolt Price w/ Contract: $129