HP Pre 3 CDMA Specs Pricing Pros & Cons Unveiled

Introduction to the HP Pre 3 CDMA

The HP Pre 3 CDMA was a smartphone that created a buzz when it was announced in February 2011. Despite its cancellation, this device has gathered interest due to its promising features and specifications at the time. It was set to be an advanced handset with a well-conceived user interface and powerful hardware that could have made it a major player in the smartphone industry.

Design and Build

The HP Pre 3 featured a sleek design typical of HP's contemporary aesthetics. With dimensions of 111 x 64 x 16 mm (4.37 x 2.52 x 0.63 in) and a weight of 156 g (5.50 oz), it was compact and easy to handle. The device sported a QWERTY keyboard, which was a distinguishing feature, allowing for faster and more accurate typing compared to touchscreen keyboards. Its black color and smooth curves delivered a professional and elegant look.

Display

The device was equipped with a 3.58-inch TFT display with a resolution of 480 x 800 pixels and a 5:3 aspect ratio. The screen-to-body ratio was approximately 51.4%, offering an adequate display size for browsing and editing documents. With a pixel density of around 261 ppi, the display provided clear and sharp images, although it might seem modest by today's standards.

Performance and Hardware

The HP Pre 3 was powered by HP webOS 2.2, an operating system known for its multitasking capabilities and intuitive swipe gestures. The device's performance was supported by a Qualcomm MSM8655 Snapdragon S2 chipset, a 1.4 GHz Scorpion CPU, and an Adreno 205 GPU, promising a smooth user experience with decent processing speeds for its time.

Memory and Storage

The smartphone offered two internal storage options—8GB or 16GB—but did not support expandable storage via microSD cards. This limitation was somewhat compensated by the presence of 512MB RAM, facilitating smoother functioning of applications and multitasking.

Camera Capabilities

The HP Pre 3 came with a single 5 MP autofocus main camera, accompanied by an LED flash. It supported 720p video recording, allowing users to capture important moments in high definition. While the rear camera was decent for the time, the VGA front-facing camera was quite basic, catering to video calling and modest self-portraits.

Connectivity and Network

Connectivity options included Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP and EDR support, GPS, and A-GPS for navigation. The device supported a broad range of network technologies, including GSM, CDMA, HSPA, and EVDO, providing users with flexible communication options. Moreover, the device featured a microUSB 2.0 port for charging and data transfer.

Audio and Media

Audio options included a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm headphone jack, allowing users to enjoy music and other media easily. Despite the absence of a built-in radio, these features ensured users had ample opportunities for entertainment and communication.

Battery Life

The device powered a removable Li-Ion 1230 mAh battery, offering up to 300 hours of standby time and up to 5 hours of talk time. While not exceptionally large, the battery provided enough longevity to get through a working day for average users at the time.

Sensors and Additional Features

The HP Pre 3 was equipped with an array of sensors including an accelerometer, proximity sensor, and compass, enhancing the usability and responsiveness of the device. These contributed to the overall interactive experience, aligning with the advanced touch capabilities introduced in webOS.

Conclusion

Overall, the HP Pre 3 CDMA was a notable device with a well-rounded set of features. Despite its cancellation, its specifications and features were competitive during its announcement in 2011. While it may not have seen the light of day commercially, it remains a testament to HP's design philosophy and technological ambitions during that period.