HTC EVO 3D InDepth Look at Specs Pricing & Performance

Overview of HTC EVO 3D

The HTC EVO 3D was a revolutionary device when it was announced back in the first quarter of 2011. Designed primarily for tech enthusiasts and those seeking to explore the 3D space without glasses, the EVO 3D tried to blend robust smartphone capabilities with an innovative 3D display and camera system.

Network and Connectivity

The HTC EVO 3D supported multiple network bands, including GSM 850/900/1800/1900 in the 2G range and HSDPA 900/2100 in the 3G range, offering a decent global compatibility for that time. The network speeds peaked at HSPA 14.4/5.76 Mbps, which was comparatively standard for early 2010s smartphones.

Launch and Availability

Initially announced in Q1 of 2011, the HTC EVO 3D was officially released in July 2011. While it was discontinued a few years later, it sparked interest due to its unique features, particularly its 3D capabilities.

Design and Build

The design of the EVO 3D was fairly typical of HTC’s smartphones at the time—robust yet utilitarian. Weighing about 170 grams and having dimensions of 126 x 65 x 12.1 mm, it was slightly on the bulkier side but still ergonomic for day-to-day handling. The device featured a Mini-SIM slot, consistent with the technology trend of that era.

Display Specifications

The 4.3-inch 3D LCD screen was one of the primary selling points of the HTC EVO 3D. With a resolution of 540 x 960 pixels and a pixel density of approximately 256 ppi, the display was protected by Corning Gorilla Glass, ensuring durability. The unique aspect of the Evo 3D was its ability to display 3D content without the need for 3D glasses, a feature that intrigued many potential users despite its niche appeal.

Platform and Performance

This smartphone operated initially on Android 2.3 (Gingerbread), which was upgradable to Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich). The user interface included HTC’s Sense UI, known for its elegant and intuitive design. Powered by the Qualcomm MSM8660 Snapdragon S3 chipset, it featured a dual-core 1.2 GHz Scorpion processor and an Adreno 220 GPU, which were sufficient for handling typical tasks as well as 3D experiences. However, modern apps and games might pose a challenge given its hardware limitations by today's standards.

Memory and Storage

With 1GB of RAM and an internal storage of 1GB, the EVO 3D provided a microSDHC slot for memory expansion, a much-appreciated feature offering users flexibility to increase storage depending on their needs.

Camera Capabilities

The HTC EVO 3D came equipped with a relatively unique rear camera setup for its time: dual 5 MP cameras with autofocus, capable of capturing stereoscopic 3D photos and videos. The camera had dual-LED flash and could record 720p videos at 30fps in both 2D and 3D. While the concept was intriguing, the actual usability and quality of 3D content were points of contention among users. The front-facing camera was 1.3 MP, which served basic video calling and selfie purposes.

Audio and Communication Features

The device featured a loudspeaker and a standard 3.5mm audio jack. Communication options included Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n with DLNA and hotspot capabilities, Bluetooth 3.0 with A2DP, EDR, GPS with A-GPS support, and a stereo FM radio with RDS. The microUSB 2.0 port supported MHL TV-out, enabling users to connect their devices to TVs and other compatible screens for media viewing.

Additional Features

HTC included various sensors in the EVO 3D: an accelerometer, gyro, proximity sensor, and compass, contributing to an enhanced user experience by enabling features like auto-rotate and orientation-based functionalities. The HTML browser ensured that users could access web content effectively.

Battery Life

The HTC EVO 3D was powered by a removable Li-Ion 1730 mAh battery. Impressively, it provided a standby time of up to 358 hours on 2G and up to 420 hours on 3G networks, with a talk time of up to 9 hours and 20 minutes on 2G and up to 7 hours and 45 minutes on 3G, appealing to users seeking a device capable of lasting a full day with typical usage.

Pricing and Market Position

At launch, the HTC EVO 3D was priced at approximately 150 EUR. Its integration of 3D technology without glasses set it apart in the market, even though it targeted a niche audience interested in cutting-edge tech experiences that had not been explored extensively in smartphones at that time.

Conclusion

The HTC EVO 3D represented an ambitious leap into the future of smartphone technology with its intriguing 3D display and camera functionalities. Although it might not have achieved mainstream success due to various practical constraints, it remains an important part of smartphone history as an example of innovation and exploration of new capabilities in mobile devices.