HTC Tilt2 Comprehensive Specs Pricing Pros & Cons Unveiled

Overview of the HTC Tilt2

The HTC Tilt2, also known as the HTC Touch Pro2 in some markets, was launched in 2009. It was designed as a high-end smartphone catering to business and power users. Running on Microsoft Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional and upgradable to Windows Mobile 6.5, it featured a unique combination of a touchscreen and a physical QWERTY keyboard. This device epitomized the best of both worlds: the ease of a touchscreen interface combined with the practicality of a full keyboard for text input.

Design and Build

The HTC Tilt2 was notable for its robust construction, weighing in at 178.5 grams, making it a solid and premium-feeling device. Its dimensions, 116 x 59.2 x 17.3 mm, were sizable yet manageable, providing a substantial grip. A standout feature was the slide-out QWERTY keyboard that enhanced usability for emails and document editing. The keyboard mechanism was engineered in a way that tilting the screen up would reveal the keyboard, thus earning its name "Tilt2."

Display

Equipped with a 3.6-inch TFT resistive touchscreen, the HTC Tilt2 offered a resolution of 480 x 800 pixels. Although resistive screens generally received less praise compared to capacitive touchscreens, the display on the Tilt2 was one of the better examples of the technology, providing decent clarity and responsiveness for the time. The screen's ability to tilt made for an enhanced viewing angle, which was advantageous for presentations or watching videos.

Performance

The device was powered by a Qualcomm MSM7200A chipset with a 528 MHz ARM 11 CPU and an Adreno 130 GPU. While these specs may seem modest by today's standards, they were quite competent for running Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional and handling multitasking for its time. The smartphone came with 288MB of RAM and 512MB of ROM, which was adequate for operating most applications available on the Windows Mobile platform.

Camera

The HTC Tilt2 was equipped with a 3.15 MP rear camera capable of capturing photos with autofocus and video recording at 480p. Although it lacked a front-facing camera, the rear camera was sufficient for basic photography needs and scanning documents.

Battery Life

A removable Li-Ion 1500 mAh battery powered the device, providing around 8 hours and 30 minutes of talk time on 2G and significantly less on 3G networks. Standby times were equally impressive, with up to 500 hours on 2G and 750 hours on 3G. The ability to swap out batteries was a beneficial feature for those on the go, negating the need to recharge throughout the day.

Connectivity and Network

Connectivity options included GSM / HSPA technology, with 2G bands on GSM 850/900/1800/1900 and support for HSPA 7.2/2 Mbps. The device also featured Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g for wireless Internet access and Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP for wireless peripheral and audio device connectivity. A built-in GPS module enhanced the device's capability for navigation and location-based services.

Software and Features

Running initially on Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional, users had the option to upgrade to Windows Mobile 6.5. The operating system was tailored more towards business users, with extensive support for productivity applications including Microsoft Office Mobile. Additionally, an accelerometer sensor and HTML browser added to the functionality, offering modern conveniences like screen orientation adjustment and web browsing.

Audio and Multimedia

The HTC Tilt2 was equipped with a loudspeaker for hands-free calls and media playback. Notably absent was a 3.5mm headphone jack, a decision that required users to rely on wireless options or adapters for audio out. The multimedia support included audio and video playback, although it was not primarily a media device.

Memory and Storage

The device was equipped with a microSD slot, allowing expansion beyond the built-in 512MB ROM. This feature was crucial for users needing extra space for applications, media files, and documents, allowing them to carry substantial data on the go.

Miscellaneous Features

The HTC Tilt2 was not just noted for its technical specifications but also for its design options, available in black and grey colors. With a SAR rating of 1.16 W/kg (head), it conformed to safety standards. At its release, the phone was priced around 90 EUR, offering considerable value for its extensive feature set.

Conclusion

The HTC Tilt2 stands as a testament to the innovative period of smartphone evolution in the late 2000s. Combining the functionalities of a business PDA with contemporary smartphone capabilities, it served as a multifunctional device for professionals. While the mobile industry has advanced tremendously since then, the Tilt2 remains a noteworthy piece of tech history, reflecting the aspirations of its time.