Unveiled during this year’s CES Show, the highly innovative HTC Thunderbolt delivers style and incredible speed on Verizon Wireless’ 4G LTE network. The new 4G Android 2.2-powered smartphone employs HTC Sense to render impressive personalization options, distinctive camera effects with filters, and consolidated email Inbox. Designed sturdily with stylish aesthetics, the device enables consumers to seamlessly stay connected and experience 4G speeds for a faster and better encounter. The smartphone also touts to be the world’s first 4G-driven LTE Android handsets with integrated Skype mobile and DLNA Wireless Media Connectivity. In terms of design, the bold Thunderbolt looks a distant relative of the maker’s widely known HTC EVO and a brother of the feature-packed HTC Inspire 4G
What is it?
Thunderbolt by HTC is basically the foremost handset to benefit from Verizon’s 4G LTE network. Powered by the latest 1GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, the smartphone comes equipped with high resolution 4.3-inch WVGA display that delivers crisp visuals and Dolby surround sound for an immersive user experience. With infinite entertainment, users can conveniently download movies, music, exciting game titles, e-books and much more in just about seconds. Users can even release a mobile hotspot and transform their mobile device into a wireless router to proffer Wi-Fi connection and 4G power for up to five devices.
Key features:
Featuring a sensuous appeal, the LTE-capable Thunderbolt brings more power and 4G speed to deliver on the promise of wireless technology. By taking advantage of its wireless DLNA capability, users can effortlessly stream and share their content with home theater components that embed compatibility with Thunderbolt. For photography admirers, there’s an amazing 8 megapixel camera with high definition 720p video recording. Enhancing the experience is LED flash and 1.3 megapixel front-facing camera with video chatting capabilities. Users can even play on Google Mobile Services, including YouTube, Gmail and access to Android Market. At the same time, gamers have been treated to optimized games like Rock Band from EA, Let’s Golf! 2 from Gameloft, Bitbop and TuneWiki. In 4G Mobile Broadband coverage area, users can even experience peerless download speeds of 5Mbps to 12Mbps and upload speeds of 2Mbps to 5Mbps. There’s a pre-installed 32 gigabyte microSD card as well.
What’s innovative?
The 4.3-inch device comprises the best of both worlds – EVO 4G’s integrated kickstand and Inspire’s crisper display. Devised innovatively with blazing-fast processor and 4G speeds, the smartphone lends support to simultaneous voice and data over 3G network and ascertains unprecedented 4G data speeds. Incorporated with HTC Sense 2.0 including new features like Fast Boot, the stylish Thunderbolt allows users to personalize their device and experience an entirely consolidated e-mail Inbox. By using its innovative Mobile Hotspot capability, one can even facilely share 4G connection with up to 8 Wi-Fi enabled devices.
Price and availability:
The powerful HTC Thunderbolt based on Verizon 4G LTE is available now for $249.99 with a new two-year contract.
Accessories:
HTC Thunderbolt users can enhance their mobile experience by snapping up Bluetooth Connectivity from Belkin, HTC batteries and doors, Bluetooth headsets and headphones, Case-Mate Cases, and SanDisk microSD card. Users can even purchase Scosche boomCAN Portable Media Player and Universal Screen Protectors from Screenguardz and Fellowes.
The up side:
The bold Thunderbolt easily intrigues performance enthusiasts with its incredibly fast 4G data speeds. Besides its spacious 4.3-inch display that delivers outstandingly clear and sharp viewing, the smartphone boasts of its ample storage capacity for consumers to stockpile their vast content collection. The high quality pictures and video recording rendered through an excellent 8 megapixel camera is another positive aspect that comes piggybacked.
The down side:
Unfortunately, the usage of 4G results into significant battery drainage. Also, users won’t be able to toggle between 3G and 4G.
Our experience:
Since HTC Thunderbolt focuses on delivering blazing fast speeds with a sense of style intact; we enjoyed laying our hands over the smartphone. Right from viewing content on a massive screen to surfing the web smoothly to capturing our good times, the device makes everything a cinch. However, with a weight of 6.23 ounces, HTC’s is definitely not for people who adore dainty mobile phones. The tapered back and soft touch finish further caught our attention for added comfort.
The bottomline:
Although HTC Thunderbolt has been imbued with numerous advanced features and technologies, the smartphone may disappoint those seeking to use 4G without affecting their battery status. Nevertheless, the device can be considered as a great option for its fast data speeds and several other attributes aimed at revamping the entire user experience.
