In a nutshell: The HTC Hero is a very polished touchscreen
smartphone, running Google's Android operating system. HTC have
raised their game for the Hero, with a new user interface making
it a comfortable yet powerful platform for mobile communication.
It's a very powerful phone and the only reason it doesn't get 5
stars is because it's missing video calling and an FM radio. Best buy: *Free* with half-price line rental from Mobiles.co.uk
(Black) or Mobiles.co.uk
(Pink) or Dialaphone
(Black).
Review:
August 2009.
The HTC Hero is the third "Google phone"
running the Android operating system, and these Android phones just
keep getting better! The Hero uses very similar hardware to the
HTC Magic, but there are a number of
distinct improvements. The device has been restyled, giving it a
much more polished look and feel. It feels nice in the hand, with
the trackball and buttons angled forward and easy for the thumb
to use. The Hero is the same size as the Magic, but is slightly
heavier and incorporates a higher capacity battery, giving longer
standby and talk times. It also has an improved 5 megapixel camera.
T-Mobile have released the Hero as the T-Mobile
Touch G2, but it is basically the same phone.
The user interface has also been improved for the
Hero, and this is the first phone to feature HTC Sense, a concept
based around personalisation, communication and a third ingredient
that HTC mysteriously refer to as "discover the unexpected."
The personalisation manifests itself through customisable widgets
that can be placed on the home screen. These give you easy access
to the features that you use regularly, and you can change the size
and design of the widgets to suit your taste. You can also create
multiple profiles, so that your work, weekend and holiday profiles
match the functionality that you need in each situation. Another
new feature called Footprints lets you create virtual "postcards"
related to a specific place, so that you can identify it by its
GPS co-ordinates and then associate pictures, video and notes with
that Footprint. There's no rocket science here, but it does lead
to a very pleasant user environment that is highly tailored to your
personal needs and interests.
The second part of HTC Sense is all about communication,
and this is of course what a modern mobile phone should have at
its heart. As well as the basics of making calls and sending texts,
the Hero is a good platform for emailing, and is also intended for
the Facebook age, with easy access to social networking and photo
sharing sites. The third aspect of HTC Sense is called "discover
the unexpected" and, we think, is supposed to be about connections
between data. Not quite sure about this one, to be honest - if anyone
understands the concept, please post below!
The touch based user interface certainly works
well, and confirms Android as a solid platform for modern mobile
communications. Whether you are phoning, messaging, browsing the
web or taking photos you'll find the Hero a nice handset to use,
and a pleasant overall experience. There's been some talk about
lag in the Hero UI. We'd like to dispel this, as we didn't experience
any lag that could be considered annoying, although to be fair it's
not as responsive as the iPhone
or the Samsung Jet. The screen is
a good size, at 3.2 inches, and has a high resolution of 480x320
pixels (the same as the iPhone),
but it's not as good as some other phones for outdoor use. Android
also seems to be a robust operating system in our experience, outperforming
Symbian in this respect, and on a par with Apple's OS X system when
it comes to choice of apps. The Android Market is shaping up very
nicely in fact, and you'll find a wealth of third party tools available
for download.
The 5 megapixel camera is an improvement over the
3 megapixel one on the HTC Magic, and it can take high quality photos
in good lighting conditions, with autofocus to ensure sharpness.
But indoors it's another matter, with no flash on the camera, and
to be honest it's below average when compared with similarly priced
smartphones (but still as good as the iPhone!) And it's a mystery
why there's no video calling option in any of the Android phones
so far.
The Hero is outstanding when it comes to connectivity,
as it has the lot - Bluetooth 2.0 with Enhanced Data Rate, mini-USB
2.0, Wi-Fi and a 3.5mm audio jack (so you can plug in any standard
fit headset, hooray!) It also supports fast 3G data transfer with
HSDPA giving download speeds of up to 7.2 Mbps. Quadband GSM lets
you use the phone worldwide too.
Battery life, for a smartphone, is above average,
maybe even good!
Overall, this is our favourite Android phone so
far, although it's not such a big step up from the HTC
Magic. The benefits of the Hero, compared with other smartphones,
are the user interface, Android Market apps, and the overall polished
nature of the operating system. There are nice touches such as the
GPS with Google maps and digital compass, and the 3.5mm headphone
jack. Aspects of the phone that are not so hot are the lacklustre
camera and the lack of video calling and FM radio - features that
have been standard on smartphones for years. It's disappointing
that a brand new phone with an advanced new operating system should
miss out basic and obvious features. But hey, that's what the iPhone
did and it didn't stop it becoming a runaway success, so what do
we know about it anyway?
We so wanted to give this phone 5 stars, but we
just can't justify it. But still, a very polished phone, and so
close to being perfect!
Features
of the HTC Hero include:
5 megapixel camera with autofocus
Video recording
Display: TFT, 320 x 480 pixels (3.2 inches)
with auto-rotate
GPS receiver with Google Maps and digital compass
Music player (MP3, AAC, AAC+, WMA formats)
Messaging: SMS, MMS, Email
Ringtones: MP3 ringtones
Internet: GPRS, EDGE, HSDPA (7.2 Mbps)
Connectivity: Bluetooth 2.0 with Enhanced Data
Rate, mini-USB 2.0, Wi-Fi, 3.5mm audio jack
Memory: 288 MB RAM plus microSD memory card
Vibration alert
Quadband GSM (850/900/1800/1900 MHz) plus HSDPA/WCDMA
(900/2100 MHz)
Size: 112 x 56 x 14 mm
Weight: 135g
Talktime: 420 - 470 minutes
Battery standby: 440 - 750 hours
HTC Hero Consumer
Reviews
Love
your mobile? Hate it? Please share your experiences to help other
people choose the phone that's best for them. Please do not review
this phone if you have not used it. This is a review site, not a
forum, so please don't just ask questions. Please do not use swear
words or offensive language, and please, no advertising!
Average
rating from 79 reviews:
Reviewed by mango from ireland on
7th Feb 2010
Brilliant! have had so many phones and this one is by far the best,
The Sense UI is really polished and very smooth. The latest firmware
has nearly eliminated all lag, and the 2.1 should eliminate further!
apps are great too. Also, you DO NOT need specific software for
this phone as you do with iphone/itunes, there are NO restrictions
and it can be used as a mass storage device, so NO syncing and that
rubbish with iphone. OUTSTANDING phone. Friend has the N1 but this
is more polished (yes slower) and more user friendly. LOVE IT Rating:
Reviewed by doug from england on
3rd Feb 2010
great phone battery on my phone last for about 2 days when i play
with it alot and about five day on standbye great. no freezing.
so much better than the samsung tocco ultra i had before. i give
it top marks. Rating:
Reviewed by Sam from england on
31st Jan 2010
very good phone that has everything you could ever want but the
battery life really does let it down. i cant go a full day without
it going flat so for that reason i really wouldn't recommend it.
i bought this basically because i didn't want to pay for an iphone
but it really is the only way to go. Rating:
Reviewed by Norman Cook from England
on 25th Jan 2010
I have to agree with the consensus; this is an awesome phone! The
only serious omission is the inability to send files via bluetooth
to other phones. Hopefully this will be addresses in 2.0 / 2.1 when
it is released. Rating:
Reviewed by McTavish from Scotland on
21st Jan 2010
I recently upgraded to this phone, having previously had a Nokia
E71. I am finding the Android platform to be a revelation. Where
my Nokia really laboured to keep up, this Hero seems effortless
by comparison. The transition between screens and programmes is
as fast as I need. Clearly, where several programmes are running
simultaneously, there will be a degree of 'lag', though this is
not a significant issue. I am particularly impressed with the App's
available via the Android Market. Quite apart from the novelty factor
of innumerable games and the like, there are some excellent, free
and valuable applications: 'Beebplayer',' Taskiller' and 'SMS Popup'
to name but three. I have spent much time working through this phone’s
capabilities and I am very impressed. For me, the stand-out uses
of this phone (apart of course, from being a phone), are wireless/internet
capability and email. The technical capabilities make browsing a
real pleasure. This is the kind of phone that unlimited mobile data
geeks (like me!) are going to love. The touchscreen is clear and
bright with the facility to customise the screens to suit your preference.
I can’t say I need FM Radio. This phone offers every possible
‘want’ by way of Internet radio anyway. The camera does
the basics well. If I want videocalling, hey, I use my laptop and
webcam. This is a phone, which does many things but not others (it
has no hoover attachment). The 2gb Micro SD Card supplied is sufficient
to begin with, though I've substituted this for 8gb, as I like to
have movies to hand. Quite apart from merely being a sharp communicator,
it'll keep you amused in a myriad of ways. Simply pop into Android
Market and clean up on the vast array of freebies of almost infinite
variety. The phone has a sure-footed and robust feeling about it,
striking a pleasing balance between style and functionality. I particularly
appreciate HTC Hero being so different in styling to the smartphone
competition. This is the best mobile phone I've had, by far. If
you want a stylish yet practical smartphone that’ll perform
most tasks extremely efficiently, then HTC's Hero will make an excellent
choice. Rating:
Reviewed by daz from wales on
15th Jan 2010
great phone had 2 weeks no freezes .no problems,only problem getting
used to it ,always had sony ericssons Rating:
Reviewed by John W from UK on
14th Jan 2010
So easily worth 5 stars. Your site lists the Nokia 5800 as 5 stars
and this phone is available on similarly priced plans and wipes
the floor with the Nokia. With the exception of FM radio and video
calling (but who ever uses that?) it has everything you could want
at this price. Best phone I have ever owned by a long way. Rating:
Reviewed by rob from england on
14th Jan 2010
ght this phone for christmas and its been great no problems and
i think harry from england has got a dud one if it keeps breaking.
i've had no trouble of signal thts ur netwrk usually not ur phone
and its not slow no problems brillant phone worth buying any day
unless u want 2 be a sheep and have a iphone :) lol Rating:
Reviewed by Harry from England on
8th Jan 2010
Good phone to start, then just gets annoying, the touch screen is
useless trying to text is a nightmare the calibration is terrible,
it is so slow constantly freezing, i have done rom updates, its
still bad and i never get any signal, hardly an iphone competer,
do notbuy! Rating:
Reviewed by Jonesurf from UK on
8th Jan 2010
Don't understand why this website only gives this phone 4 stars,
when most of the consumer reviews give it 5 stars, along with most
of the very positive reviews on other more notable sites!!! Strange.
Don't listen to the reviewers of this website, listen to the consumers
and other more technical reviews. [Editor's comment: Different people
have different opinions. Ignoring minority opinions is called "intolerance."]
This phone has set a new standard in phone tech, and it's awesome
that they've managed to pack so much into what is comparatively
basic spec. Android is well utilized here. I would imagine there
will be quite a few phones based on this phones skeleton. GREAT
phone! Rating:
Reviewed by Danny from England on
7th Jan 2010
What can I say. Ive had soooooo many phones over the years and this
one tops them all including kicking the iphone!!!! I should ive
had two. I highly recomend this phone. If your stuck in the world
between the Iphone or the HTC, trust me and get the HTC Hero you
will not be dissapointed. Rating:
Reviewed by Rick from UK on 7th
Jan 2010
Had Hero for several months now. I was very unsure about choosing
this phone. I've been a long term user or Windows Mobile on many
touch screen PDAs. I can genuinely say Android is like a breath
of fresh air after WM5. If you are in the same predicament, don't
hesitate a moment longer. There is not a single thing I miss about
WM, and I felt sure I would! In spite of a couple of mealy-mouthed
people below, I agree that this is most certainly a 5* phone and
no mistake, and I'm no easily impressed 12 year old either (add
40 years!) LOL No phone of this calibre is entirely glitch free
and this is no exception, but there is nothing I'm not entirely
happy living with, and the coming firmware upgrade to 2.0 will really
move this devise forward! iPhone? Strictly for chavs now! Rating:
Reviewed by Graham from Scotland on
31st Dec 2009
Had this phone since September and I still love it. It has so many
features and I never run out of uses for my phone. I came from a
K800i and own an iPod touch (familiar with the iPhone OS), and HTCs
SenseUI simply owns all other interfaces out there. Get this phone,
it's awesome. Rating:
Reviewed by Dave from UK on 29th
Dec 2009
Excellent phone, does nearly everything well, and has great battery
life. Rating:
Reviewed by Niki from UK on 29th
Dec 2009
I bought this phone about 3 weeks ago. And i am still amazed by
everything it does! Its so good, it keeps doing these little things
that impress me further! I was a bit worried about buying it, becuase
i originally wanted the iphone, and wasnt sure how the Hero would
compare. But I personally think its better! It does everything the
iphone does, in most cases better than the iphone, and it does more!
And it was about £300 cheaper! If your having any doubts by this
amazing phone, dont worry! Its amazing! :) Rating:
Reviewed by steve from england on
16th Dec 2009
WOW , what a phone,had a lot of phones in my time but this easily
beats them all. Fantastic apps,looks and feels great,would have
this phone over the iphone anytime. Only downside to this phone
is the lack of a flash on the camera,but with all the other features
it more than makes it up. Rating:
Reviewed by sid from uk on 15th
Dec 2009
WOW,defo great fone Rating:
Reviewed by Lauren from Englnd on
14th Dec 2009
Hate THIS PHONE. SamsuS5600 is bettaaa goodd i hate it Rating:
Reviewed by WANTS THIS PHONE from HTC
HERO on 14th Dec 2009
everyone loves this phone there is only like 1 person on the whole
list that says its rubbish, and that guy probs was just unlucky
cos it was a manufacturing mistake, IT HAPPENS TO ALL OF THE MANUFACTURERS. Rating:
Reviewed by Kris from UK on 12th
Dec 2009
Moved from a Samsung Omnia 1, which, I have to say is possibly the
worst phone I have ever experienced using, and completely put me
off touchscreens. Having been stuck with it for 15 very long months,
but reading the good reviews ab out this phone, I thought i'd risk
going for another touchscreen. Receiving and using this phone in
comparison to the Omnia felt like what people must have felt watching
TV for the first time. ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT. The look is great,
Android OS is amazing, wish more than anything it had a flash, but
for work, communication, browsing and loads of fun, this phone IS
outstanding. -and not a ****** I-phone which is even better!! Rating:
Reviewed by Amy.S from Scotland on
11th Dec 2009
AMAZING PHONE. Sooooo worth the money, its really responsive and
i like the little ball that you can move at the bottom of the phone,
lol. Good camera, not so good at night tho. The battery lasts ages
so im happy. Great internet and supports flash, the apps are awesome.
Rating:
Reviewed by layla from UK on
7th Dec 2009
i love this phone the only thing i despise is the price i wish it
was cheaper on pay as you go but still fab phone! Rating:
Reviewed by Lee H from UK on
27th Nov 2009
What can I say about this phone. My first touch screen phone and
it is excellent. Upgraded with Orange from Nokia 6500 slide. What
an upgrade!! As everyone says shame about camera, yes could do with
flash but then my old nokia had flash but pics also came out great
when turned off flash and they do on the Touch, though would recommend
downloading camara zoom fx app as vast improvment on standard camera
widget. There are so many great apps to download from the market
and so easy to search, install and use. My app recommendations are:
Shopsavvy - scan cd,books etc barcode and it will list cheapest
places to purchase the items. PKT Actions Ebay - Ebay app Gmote
- connect to your pc and use phone as remote to control your music/films
but will also allow you to stream to your phone! There are loads
that could put, but half the joy is finding them for yourself, also
search for HTC Froum for great help and tips. Overall does everything
I need and more, was considering Iphone from Orange but for £34
month contract for 600 mins and 500 texts(compared to £20 contract
currently on with 200 mins and unlimited text, dont need many mins
with magic numbers and my text usuage is a lot!!!!)and also pay
either £80 something for 24 month contract or £187 for 18 month
contract not worth it. Get this phone you will not be disappointed. Rating:
Reviewed by Mr Plow from UK on
24th Nov 2009
I love this phone as much as anyone but come on people we all know
it's not worthy of 5 stars! Three simple reasons - no flash, no
fm radio, poor battery... can everyone stop pretending these things
don't matter. Loren, people are only giving it 5 stars because it's
the first real alternative to an iphone. Now let's all calm down
before we hurt ourselves :) Rating:
Reviewed by Loren from UK on
23rd Nov 2009
OK - had the phone for just over 4 months now. And have upgraded
my score from 4 to 5 stars. The phone just gets better. How many
phones can you say that about. My girlfriend who hated the phone
(partly cos I love it so much), now loves it & admits it's a great
phone. She loves the apps, that are easily downloaded and deleted
again. And with the new firmware - I have no problems with it being
slow in any way! You know every now and then a gadget comes around
that makes you wonder how you ever got on with out it. This is that
kind of gadget! If you wondering whether to buy, just look at all
the 5 star responses. The iphone didn't even get this much positivity.
Well done HTC Rating:
Reviewed by Chris from North Wales on
12th Nov 2009
I've had this phone for about a week now, I upgraded on Orange from
a Nokia N82. I have to say that it simply is the best phone I have
ever had, It excels in every respect... The touchscreen is very
responsive and everything works fast with no lag like previously
mentioned. The several home screens is a fantastic feature you can
just about customise everything you could think of!! I love the
fact that everything is so accessable. The only real downside to
the phone is the lack of flash on the camera... but personally I
didn't use the camera much on my old phone and for takin photo's
outside the Hero is perfect at 5MP. To sum it up this is a must
have phone... iphone's are all to common and having compared them
side by side the Hero won. Rating:
Reviewed by nobby from uk on
12th Nov 2009
Who says you can't teach an old dog new tricks.Kids said i wouldn't
be able to use it,proved them wrong.What a great phone. Take a couple
of days getting to know it and then you'll love it.Don't be like
the rest and want the i-phone, get a hero. Rating:
Reviewed by Ben B from UK on
12th Nov 2009
I have now had this phone from t-mobile for 4 days, and can seriously
say that the only problem with it is the Battery life, I can live
without the FM radio, and video calling, which you can get anyway
if you really want them.... It could however do with a flash on
the camera, but if u want a near perfect camera, buy a camera not
a phone... The 7 home screens are brilliant, I have widgets everywhere,
perfectly integrated with my twitter and facebook... My favourite
app at the moment is imusic, download songs straight to you phone,
and I can use them as my tones, perfect... Android will soon take
over the iphone and itunes, its only a matter of time before all
the little things that are missing all come into place... I have
had alot of phones and this is the best one so far... Rating:
Reviewed by Dave B from UK on
12th Nov 2009
Had this phone about a month and LOVE it. It keeps getting better
too as HTC upgrade the operating system to the latest Android version
and more apps come out. I really think there will be more android
apps in the next year or so than there are iPod ones. The only thing
it's missing is a flash on the camera. That would really make it
brilliant. As it stands it doesn't take great photos inside. Rating:
Reviewed by Neil from UK on 11th
Nov 2009
Update. The WI-FI does log you back in to a paired network! Widgets
are cracking, just got a free eBook reader with a huge catalogue.
Going to London with work so have downloaded loads of apps for restaurants
and POI. Cant recomend this phone enough. Rating:
Reviewed by David from UK on
8th Nov 2009
My first touch screen phone, first HTC and first review! Had the
phone just under a week and already feel compelled to write some
thoughts down, i upgraded to the Hero on Orange, after having the
S.E C902 for 15 months, i went through 3 of those handsets so whilst
i cant yet comment on the reliability of the HTC i am certainly
hoping its better than the S.E...The Hero reminds me of an Apple
product, packaging, design etc, its all a nice experience from the
start, upon first powering up it can be a touch daunting, but the
phone is quite intuitive to navigate around and quickly i found
out where things were, i havent touched 75% of what this thing can
do! Ergonomically i find the Hero is great, the back is a soft touch
plastic which feels warm and tactile in your hand, the chin feels
natural too, screen is simply fantastic with definition to die for,
and the whole design of the hardware and screen works beautifully
together. The touchscreen is fine to get on with, quick to resp
ond with just the odd time it takes longer than normal, i noticed
this to be the case more so when the battery was low. Visually the
operating system is very cool and customisable which is nice, with
multiple screens to flick to, to set up the things you want to use
on a regular basis. The phone comes with a very good pair of in
ear headphones which sounded surprisingly good through my ipod classic,
and very close to a pair of Sennheisers i recently purchased, which
was a refreshing change to see these bundled with a phone, i found
it easy to transfer music and pictures across, sound quality from
the music player is more than good enough, and im so impressed i
will use this in the car and while on the move, saving my ipod for
the house hifi a bit more. Im not using a lot of the social networking
features but i do have unlimited internet for free with Orange so
can leave it switched on meaning the phone updates the weather and
things, its all very slick, hopefully it will last and not breakdown!
All in all 5 stars from me, i can forgive any potential failings
other people see, because its a phone, it was a free upgrade and
it does everything really really well, top marks to HTC!! Rating:
Reviewed by jai from uk on 8th
Nov 2009
amazing phone,bought it after reading the reviews here. still early
days, however very happy and totally worth it. Rating:
Reviewed by aran from uk on 7th
Nov 2009
Simon from China writes "this phone is not for average user. There
is a learning curve to understand the android system eg upgrade
the rom, root, widget etc." I'm a programmer and technically proficient
in messing with phones. I havent "Rooted" or "updated the ROM".
As for widgets, piece of cake! I've had it for 4 months, its an
Awesome phone, best phone I've ever had, not had a single problem
with it, yet! Camera is not to shabby and takes decent shots if
the light is good, no flash though :( Battery life is a little poor,
but makes it through the day no problem, it gets alot of use too.
Get a desk charger, car charger and a spare charger for the bedroom
(I bought all three on ebay for less than a tenner, with a car cradle
and screen protectors), problem solved. android market place is
cool and easy to get apps and games. Good solid phone. Rating:
Reviewed by Neil from UK on 4th
Nov 2009
My first HTC and my first touch screen. Out the box its very user-friendly
asking a few questions it will soon have your email and social networking
sites all nicely synched. However its doesn't synch with iMac, not
a biggy as I can get my calendar off my Gmail account. Next problem
i had was searching for contacts to send SMS/Email I had, a long
time ago, lost all my contacts after my phone had been water damaged,
since then I have stored all contacts on the SIM card. To get the
most from the OS you have to save all contacts to the handset, this
was when you search for people it will very quickly find them. I
dont consider this to be a negative, just a bit different from what
I'm used to. Contacts or People as the widget says can easily be
sent messages in any form quickly and easily. Andriod has lots of
widgets already built in. FaceBook, Twitter, Flickr, you tube, gmail,
a weather app and a number of games, google maps. More can be downloaded
from the Market. The size of the handset is nice and is a good weight.
The screen is nice and bright and the definition is outstanding.
I found the touch screen very responsive, only requiring the lightest
of touches. I would like the WI-FI to automatically log into a network
once it has been turn on and found an already paired connection,
or again i might be doing something wrong. Texting is simple even
my mans fingers can mange to hit the right keys when its in landscape
mode. A great handset that I would recommend.Oh the ringer is nice
and loud and the sound quality of the earpiece is also very good! Rating:
Reviewed by David from UK on
2nd Nov 2009
my first touchscreen and it's going to take me a while to get used
to it. i love it, but i find text entry a bit fiddly at times and
im having some wifi issues at the moment. it's a really solid handset
though which makes a nice change for me, and it feels really nice
in the hand. I really like the physical design - the chin/chamfered
edges is a refreshing change. the main reason why it only gets 4
stars from me is because it doesn't have an fm radio. yes i know
you can download last.fm but i havn't got an unlimted data plan
for that. [Editor's comment: Wow, someone agrees with us!] Rating:
Reviewed by Wotan from UK on
30th Oct 2009
Why do u need FM radio when u can down load an app that gives u
internet radio with around 500 stations? [Editor's reply: Because
you need a reliable 3G connection and unlimited internet access.]
Looks the best android yet untill we get the motorola droid. Rating:
Reviewed by Zayid from New Zealand on
29th Oct 2009
Imported this and LOVE IT. I am usually very cautious with enw technology
but this phone is AMAZING Rating:
Reviewed by dave from uk on 25th
Oct 2009
Had hero for 3 days and its brilliant. Always had nokia but not
anymore. 5/5 10/10 Just get it. Rating:
Reviewed by Simon from China on
24th Oct 2009
I have hero for almost a week and my comment is that this phone
is not for average user. There is a learning curve to understand
the android system eg upgrade the rom, root, widget etc. I have
to find a widget to patch the phone because the earphone cannot
works....that's embarrassing. overall the phone is quite well built
as expected from HTC but will not shine if shown next to iphone.
It is a 'Google' phone which need to connect to web most of the
time, be careful if you are travel overseas due to the high rates.
As mentioned by others it is not a lousy phone and the new android
system has potential but let see.... 3.5 star for me. Rating:
Reviewed by kevin from uk on
23rd Oct 2009
i had same problem as you jake from uk, trackball & backlight, and
headphones stopped working. I contacted t-mobile & they sent me
a brand new phone 2 days later ( i was out of the 7 day return policy)
had it about 1 month! the courier just picked up the faulty phone
(swapped it for new one) so im guessing it`s a common problem as
ive read before the firmware upgrade alot of ppl with the same problem...my
replacement has been great!! so far so good!! i too love this phone...best
out there & 10 times better now that t-mobile has upgraded the firmware
to fix lag.If you havent updated it yet get over to t-mobile forum
& get it done..you wont be dissapointed people!!.The new replacement
you get jake will probs have the updated firmware...goodluck. ps:
just say on the phone that u know other users who have had same
problem & got a replacement handset sent out ;) Rating:
Reviewed by Jake from uk on 21st
Oct 2009
I still love the hero/g2, but mine is slowly dying... First of all
the headphone jack, backlit buttons, trackball, and charge lights
died after about 3 weeks. And recently its become slightly sluggish
and the main speaker is faulty (some kind of skin-thin membrane
covering the speaker has perforated) so ringtones sound terrible.
This is unfortunate, as it is still amazing and the best phone i've
ever had. Ok so the media player is a bit disappointing, as is the
camera and video recorder but those features were only missed momentarily.
Apart from the inability to transfer files via bluetooth... extremely
annoyed! The screen is awesome both in quality and its touch responsivness.
Level of personalisation makes it seem built just for you, can't
really fault any of its other features (messaging etc). And regarding
battery life, weirdly enough that has improved over time to my relief.
If it weren't for the technical faults i'd highly recommend this
phone to everyone without feeling guilty... I just hope t-mobile
replace mine :( Rating:
Reviewed by A Jane from UK on
19th Oct 2009
i got to play with this phone for a while and it is absolutely gorgeous.
first off, when you get it in your hand it feels luxurious. it actually
fits so perfectly, it is as if it is part of your hand. the screen
is crystal clear and the touchsreen is highly responsive. it feels
homely and only requires one hand to operate. the customisable home
screens are beautiful and the network operates pretty seamlessly.
it comes with an SD card to expand the phone memory too. i do feel
however, that while it may take influence from the iPhone, it does
not try to compete with the iPhone in any way. instead it just tries
to look like itself, and sticks to being itself. i fell in love
with the phone, and would prefer this phone over the iPhone any
day. this phone gently, but stylishly, ushers you into the age of
touchscreen, widgets and smartphones, whereas the iPhone is best
suited to someone who wants a phone for absolutely anything and
everything [and i mean ABSOLUTELY ANYTHING - i tried the iPhone,
and it is MAJOR!] life has to offer. Remember, everybody is different.
So some may prefer the HTC Hero, whereas others may be suited to
the iPhone. But for me, i feel much more at home with the Hero.
I guess you could say it's my hero! [i know that was an AWFUL play
on words, but i just HAD to do it!] :-) Rating:
Reviewed by htcuser from uk on
18th Oct 2009
some cases this phone is good but this is the second one i have
had in 2 months due to problems with google applications. The battery
life is v poor has to be charged every night without fail. No bluetooth
and no flash for the camera which i would of expected on this phone.
phone keeps cutting out during calls and does not log missed call.
Applications are good would like to see more variety. Would still
consider getting iphone over this one. Rating:
Reviewed by dr jay from england on
16th Oct 2009
I love the g2 the only thing is that u can watch tv on the g2 like
the iPhone witch let's the phone down also a lot of The app don't
work property. Even so it is a great phone. Rating:
Reviewed by Ian from UK on 15th
Oct 2009
The Hero is 95% as good as the iPhone 3GS at 50% of the cost. Simple
as. I've used both extensivley and if I had unlimted money would
probably have the iPhone but as I live in the real world the Hero
wins hands down. Feels great to use and has everything a real-world
person needs. Oh and before the iPhone police come round I love
the iPhone but it's just too expensive. Rating:
Reviewed by Gen from UK on 14th
Oct 2009
I dont know why this dint get 5 stars! Who uses video calling?!
And if you want a radio get the spotify or last.fm apps, if you
want to check the traffic or news headlines there are plenty or
widgets and apps to do that at a touch of the screen. The customisability
(is that a word?) is what really swings it for me, it's fantastic.
If anything could be better its the battery life but it can't be
perfect, nothing is. :D Rating:
Reviewed by Ash from UK on 13th
Oct 2009
Had the Hero for roughly 2 mths. Got to admit that I was on the
verge of returning the handset during the first week, would definitely
have returned if Orange had supplied iPhone. However I'm now pleased
that I didn't. Agree with most previous reviews, got to sort the
camera & inability to download flash player is a joke. However most
of the reviews that I've read have failed to mention that file xfer
via Bluetooth isn't compatible, which disappointed me the most &
for these reasons I can't possibly give it any more than 3 stars.
Hopefully the next version will be more complete. Rating:
Reviewed by Terry from UK on
10th Oct 2009
who uses video-calling anyway? Really? Rating:
Reviewed by Craig from UK on
8th Oct 2009
This phone is a whisker away from perfection, simple as. Starting
with the basics, the phone is stunningly designed and very well
built - you can feel the quality. Some reviews question whether
people will loathe the jutted lip at the bottom of the handset;
believe me, it makes the phone so much more comfortable to hold.
The touchscreen is an absolute joy to use, the best I've tried.
This makes messaging and general typing so easy, you immediately
forget the drawbacks of using all-touchscreen - amazing spell checker
and autocorrect makes it easy to learn to type with 98+% accuracy.
Unlimited personalisation and seven screens to fill with widgets
and apps - all easy to download from the app market. Battery life
is excellent for such a powerful phone with a bit of tweaking. There's
seriously nothing to dislike and considering free apps can provide
the functionality some reviews slate the phone for not having, there's
no reason for the lower ratings. If you're considering an iPhone,
try this first. In my opinion, it's better and doesn't cost an arm
and a leg on contract. Can't recommend enough! Rating:
Reviewed by toriaoxford from UK on
2nd Oct 2009
Further to my previous review from 26th September, I was obviously
having a blonde Essex girl moment or three! Because the handset
is NOT Mac compatible, you HAVE to sync it with Windoze XP or Vista.
You have to download and install the sync software and ROM update
directly from the HTC website and Bob's your uncle! It's all set
up now, working as it should. You will find the software on the
SD card if you hook up your phone to a PC in 'hard drive mode'.
You can then, whilst you're there, add all the photos and music
you want as I don't think you can use bluetooth on this phone for
transferring files either way! All in all a great little handset
but I still think it's probably too much for me and I don't think
I'd utilise all the options on it - but I guess it's better to have
too much rather than too little. I'd say go for it - you've got
nothing to lose but make sure you get a decent case for it and a
screen protector, especially if you buy it SIM free as I did!!!! Rating:
Reviewed by Toria from UK on
26th Sep 2009
Hmm, not sure about this one! It's a great little handset but I
cannot for the life of me get it set up. I haven't been able to
find the software on the included SD card so unsure if I've done
everything necessary for the handset to be set up correctly. I've
managed to set up Google email account and work account but can't
see how to upgrade the firmware, despite finding the firmware option
- perhaps it's up to date already! It is infinitely configerable
but perhaps too much so for me. In two minds as to whether to keep
it. Will give it a go for a little while (it's SIM free). Any advice
gratefully received as there is no complete setup guide - perhaps
I'm being a thicky blonde! Rating:
Reviewed by Nozzy from UK on
22nd Sep 2009
This phone is awesome...you know when Google gets behind something,
that its gonna be awesome, and this is true for the phone. The good:
capacitive touch screen fast and responsive, bright, good size not
too big or small, 7 home screens, easy to download loadsa useful
apps, games, all for free - still haven't needed to buy any apps!!
fast wi-fi, google integration with search functions, maps, sky
map, compass, widget functions work very well, no need to even go
into menu if you set it up good enough. Ultimate customisation possibilities
- suit individual needs. Mp3 player, GPS, wi-fi, facebook integration,
track ball, motion sensor, youtube viewing is great. The bad: it
does have am adverse effect on the battery, probs 2-3 days max with
moderate-high usage, camera not great, no flash, loudspeaker not
very loud and oddly positioned at back, instead of sides like is
the norm now, problems syncing with windows, required some googling
to find guides and a widget to fix it in the end, awkward volume
button location, small internal memory, could do with extra ram
and faster processor. Overall still a 5 in my book, and with google
and android market it will always beat apple. 5 Stars Rating:
Reviewed by Loren from UK on
16th Sep 2009
OK - so I loved "Ed" from the UK's comment about the phone. Basically
it's rubbish because the iphone is better... I think he's only made
himself look dumb, and he adequately represents most of the iphone
user community. It's better than anything, but they don't know why
or how... probably because it's better colour!!?! Ok - so firstly,
the "chin" looks stupid and your friends will initially make fun
of you, but once they actually hold the phone in their hand - ALL
of my friends agree it's more comfortable to hold and therefore,
use. Ergonomics is so important. Too small - too fiddly, too big
- to embarrassing. This phone is just right! And buttons on the
phone all in the right places creating an almost ...organic(?) experience,
and only takes a short while to get used to it. Android is awesome,
and again the software matches the hardware in its usability. The
pairing of emails and Facebook is simple to use and actually quite
cool, allowing maximum exposure to your social life. IT ALL SIMPLY
MAKES SENSE! After having a Sony phone and seeing the improvements
on the latest Samsung phones though, the camera was a bit of a let
down. HTC needs to sort this out. To make such an incredible phone,
then give it an OK camera without even a flash, is just strange,
let alone leaving it without a video- calling function!?! My other
issue is with the processor and memory. Considering the phone is
so highly tunable, it doesn't make sense to run it off a mediocre
processor, and seemingly minimised memory. As a consequence, iphone
users will find using the Hero like suffering from jet lag. It can
be slow at times which is frustrating to say the least. The Hero
IS awesome in so many ways! HTC just need to add: a video calling
function, much better camera WITH a flash, a faster processor and
larger internal memory; THEN this phone will definitely be an iphone
killer. As it is, it's only an alternative. Rating:
Reviewed by kevin from uk on
14th Sep 2009
This phone is EXCELLENT!!! sooo many different options to customise
the entire phone. Why is there no tv ad for this though? alot more
sales would go on if there was, i miss not having a dedicated camera
key and a few other tiny features, but there is just so much to
this smartphone that the little things don`t seem to bother me.
If you are considering buying this.....GO FOR IT!!! 5 STARS :-) Rating:
Reviewed by Howard from UK on
14th Sep 2009
This is my first 'smart' touch screen phone, getting the hang of
it now and the more I learn my way around it the better the phone
gets! Mind you, I still cant get email reminders from my smtp based
email address. "Server not responding" is all the phone says. Nor
have I worked out how to download music onto my phone from Microsoft
media player. I am assuming this is due to my ignorance and nothing
to do with the phone. I can download photos and apps' This must
be one of the best phones on the market right now I recon! Rating:
Reviewed by Ed from Uk on 8th
Sep 2009
Had this phone for 1 week and it's rubbish. Took it back and got
an iPhone 3gs that is much better, faster and love the apps ! Please
don't buy this phone very poor Rating:
Reviewed by Alvinboy from UK on
7th Sep 2009
Dats a wonderful phone.. People who find it bad because of its caera
need to buy a camera for their pictures.. Its just an outstanding
phone which kills the iphone 3gs.. Rating:
Reviewed by Buddha's Fat Brother from
Scotland on 4th Sep 2009
I have to agree with the majority of reviewers on here and ask WHY
NO FIFTH STAR?? This is my fourth HTC phone and they just get better
and better. I did consider going to the darkside but everyone I
know who has an Iphone has had to return it at least once for repair
of some sort. Not something I have heard of any HTC. This latest
HTC phone offering has everything a grown up user would want. If
I want the radio I have one in my car ETC if I want to use Flash
on my camera I use my camer this is a phone and communication device
and for that I think this is still untouchable. Rating:
Reviewed by the prof from scotland on
3rd Sep 2009
the t-mobile G2 touch ( or the htc Hero ) is the phone you have
been waiting for, but not with out some faults which once you use
the phone these can be easily over looked . the look the feel of
the phone is just right , fits the hand and not to big in the pocket
looks very chic with only 6 buttons and a roller ball on the front(
nice in black i think). the screen is nice and bright and very crisp,
very on par with the iphone . setting up was very easy and to be
honest only took a couple of hours mucking about to find my way
about the phone itself . setting up wi fi was easy and once connected
the widgets were flying down and everyone of them was free . the
camera is maybe a bit of a let down but this is not a camera phone.
if you want a phone to take good picures in all lighting conditions
light/dark ect ..dont buy this buy something else this is not to
say it can not take pictures , it has a 5 mp camera at the back
,and in normal light conditions can give good results but anything
dull or low light the pictures are dark; to be honest a flash would
of been the bees knees. getting around the phone is easy once u
have gotten used to the UI which is excellent adding removing widgets
is very easy, every screen you can have you're own way whatever
you want; the widgets pre installed are very nice from the start
before downloading any which were on the same par . there is a few
things i am having to get used too, like messaging and useing the
screen to type but the more i am using the G2 the easier it is getting.
the screen its self is very responsive even with my big fingers
. this phone is all about communication and that is what a phone
is for ,not taking pictures or sounding like a mini stereo but communicating
and in this day and age it is the internet which we use and this
phone is brilliant very fast excellent sizing of pages and text
running off the wifi in my house it was on the same par as my lap
top 'it is that good '. if you go into a shop for a demo of the
phone try google maps look for a place get onto street view and
when you physically turn round 360 degrees the view on the phone
does as well ...amazing . you have direct access to facebook myspace
ect youtube works a dream though some flash on some sites wont work
but hey i get the same thing on my laptop.phone calls are just about
the norm for anyone has has used mobile phones before so nothing
scary there . the phone sounds fine as well not fantastic but not
the worst ,same as battery life which will probably need a full
charge every second day or every day if heavy with use (which trust
me you will) but you have to expect this from a phone of this kind
, i would have no problems buying a second battery and haveing it
spare in my jacket in case the battery went dead on me .blue tooth
is a bit of an issue as it is only intended for connection of headset
not to other phones ??? found this strange but there is a widget
that lets you connect if you really need it . so too sum up excellent
phone many many uses and expanding all the time with widgets . no
flash no radio so what the iphone aint got them and i have never
used the radio on a phone communication+internet this has to be
the best there is if it did have full bluetooth and a flash for
the camera it would of been perfect mobile phone to date without
doubt still it gets 5/5 with no hesitation from me. defo better
than iphone p.s. full instructions are on memory card in adobe reader
format and take a little while to learn the phone and how it works
every make model is not the same again do not know why this site
only gave it 4 stars it has got to be 5 if the iphone gets 5 and
THIS IS BETTER ??????????? Rating:
Reviewed by Jas from UK on 3rd
Sep 2009
Had the G2 (what it is known as on T-Mobile) for a week now and
it is a great phone. The only difference on T-Mobile is the branding
of the phone and on start-up screen. The touch screen is very responsive
and I have not noticed the slowness mentioned by others, only the
video playback is a bit sluggish. One problem is apps can only be
installed on the phone memory (ways round this are available but
I will not risk messing up the phone) so it is a bit limited to
how many you can have, but is plenty of space for apps you will
actually use. The apps store is not as large as apples but is growing
and has plenty of apps to keep you busy. Very happy with this phone
and agreed if the iPhone is 5 stars so should this. Rating:
Reviewed by Anthony from Cov, UK on
25th Aug 2009
Just got my Hero today and am completely chuffed with it! It's was
a hard choice between buying the hero or iphone (I think I spent
less time choosing my first son's name!)both phones have there pros
and cons, overall the hardware on the iphone is better and more
powerfull, but with the hero you get a much better user interface.
And so the Hero won it or me in the end, and all pretty much due
to the price, the iphone is more expensive and has a longer contract,
compared to the better deals you can get for the hero. The touchscreen
is a joy to use as you flick your way through the phone, and it's
all so easy to set up and use (very intuitive). From the web browser
to the all the free social networking apps, being online and intouch
has never been easier.I have however noticed a bit of slowness on
occasions as the Hero's hardware struggles to keep up with the software,
but it was in no way something that would greatly disturb me (THERE
IS AN APP FOR THAT - all you need to do is download the task killer
app, which lets you turn of unused apps/software running in the
background using up system resources). Anyhow, serously consider
this phone as your next ! Rating:
Reviewed by Rob from England on
23rd Aug 2009
If this doesn't get 5 stars only because it lacks an FM radio then
why does the iPhone 3gs get 5 stars. This phone is much better alla
round and the battery lasts much longer, deffinately look at this
phone if your in 2 minds about buying an iphone. Rating:
Reviewed by D from UK on 22nd
Aug 2009
THE HERO IS A SWEET PHONE I HAD IT 4 DAYS I HAD NO PROBLEMS WITH
IT ONLY THING I THINK NEED CHANGIN IS U CANT CONECT BLUE TOOTH TO
OTHER PHONES NOT GOOD WHEN I WANT PICS AN SONGS OFF OLD PHONE BEATS
ANY PHONE I HAD Rating:
Reviewed by Nedz from uk on 21st
Aug 2009
G2 Touch..... good phone but unable to down load any apps or connect
to WIFI, T mobile not that help full. However quality bit of kit Rating:
Reviewed by Jamil from UK on
21st Aug 2009
Fantastic. I returned my N97 (although was in two minds at the time)
after having used many N series devices including N82 and N78..but
once I got the Hero very impressed...my first HTC and couldnt be
happier....I'm sorry Nokia but sort it out...all the frustrations
waiting for updates is gone...yes minor bugs MAY exist in the Hero
(havent found any) but definitely not as the state of the N97. How
Nokia expect to allow customers to wait for updates with obvious
bugs that should be sorted before release is beyond me. Anyway with
this phone only problem im having is inputting text (at high speed)..dont
think I could use this to work on documents...email/sms is okay
Form factor, size, even the 'chin' absolutely fantastic...weight
feels good, brushed aluminium borders fantastic... Trackball, touch
screen brilliant... Some people whinging on abt Apps compared to
Apple...visit youtube....the Market place (android) probably has
more FREE apps than iTunes apps or whatever...and seriously theres
so many anyway...and it can only improve...(tho google need to clean
it up abit and allow more search filters) Im sold with HTC..heres
to a new long relationship! Say No to Nokia. Rating:
Reviewed by Jamie from UK on
19th Aug 2009
Reading these reviews is so frustrating. My G2 touch is a very good
phone but I am unable to download any apps, sync my tiscali e mail
or play BBCiplayer vids - it doesn't let me download flashplayer.
Have been on phone to t-mobile support for hours and they're able
to offer next to no advice, apart from saying it does not support
flash player so I can't watch BBCiplayer, and that I should contact
google. Currently 3 stars for the phone and none for t-mobile. I
just want someone to help me get it to work. Am still in the seven
day approval period, so may well hand it back and go over to 02
for an i phone. Rating:
Reviewed by jim from uk on 18th
Aug 2009
I agree with adam and mevster. 5 stars please. Rating:
Reviewed by adam from UK on 17th
Aug 2009
The main reason for the site not offering the HTC hero stars is
due to the lack of FM radio and video calling. The lack of Fm radio
concerned me but the lack of video calling is not a problem. Anyway
to get to the point I found three different apps for FM radio on
the phone and do believe that the phone NEEDS to be bumped up to
5 stars Rating:
Reviewed by mevster from UK on
16th Aug 2009
So you take away one star from this because it does not do video
calling or radio. Does the Iphone 3gs have video calling or radio?
You can download Last.fm from Android Market for free, you can listen
to all BBC Radio Broadcasts live over the air thanks to BEEB Player,
again free from the Android Market. You can do voice memos, vido
recording, infact everything the iphone is doing on its 3rd attempt,
you can do on this phone and the G1. So please why is one star missing?
Whats the real reason. Rating:
Reviewed by Rampart from UK on
11th Aug 2009
The HTC Hero, hero by name and nature. This phone, although far
from perfect, is the Buzz Lightyear to Apples Woody. The iPhone
has become something of an industry standard and yes, some would
argue deservedly so but you know when you get something that is
just a bit 'too good' for its own ...good? To me the Hero is the
grown ups' iPhone. I got mine barely a week ago and have rarely
put it down since, I've downloaded apps, watched movies, listened
to music, set my Footprint and set up about a dozen favourite web
pages. My contacts are set up with their pictures, such is the customisable
home screen, even my sausage like fingers are becoming acclimatised
to the tiny (even on side on view) keyboard. No camera flash? Dubious
video camera? Annoying volume that you press every time you are
watching something lengthways on? Stuttering video playback (whereas
the iPhone has flash memory, the Hero has to read from the Micro
SD Card)? All of these annoying 'isms' pale into insignificance
when the phone in its entireity just works. I love the angled 'jaw',
the iPhone-esque sensitive touch screen, the windscreen wiper that
clears your screen when a rain cloud from the weather widget pours
droplets of water that obscures your view of the homescreen, there
are just so many lovely, well thought out touches to the Hero. That
said, you really should be able to send files by bluetooth, that
you can't without going into the root is a serious slap on the wrist
for HTC. I've reserved my main gripe for last though: the battery
life, but truth be told that is my own fault, when you have a phone
this good continual use and playing with it is always going to wear
the darn thing down. Bottom line, I love it and with the prospect
of more and more Android apps of higher and higher quality being
developed as we speak the iPhone has a proverbial terrier snapping
at its all singing heels. No question, five stars. Rating:
Reviewed by Kris from UK on 11th
Aug 2009
Recieved my phone this morning. Was in two minds whether to go for
this or the iPhone, think i made the right choice. Superb touch
screen, brilliant software, camera is good, ability to customize
everything is fantastic. will have to see how things like battery
life work out but for me its beating the iphone in every department,
including looks. Rating:
Reviewed by Antony from UK on
10th Aug 2009
brilliant phone, fast internet, easy to use, great applications,
loud speaker, good camera. Only downside is the battery life is
rubbish if your using the internet but thats to be expected! would
reccomend to anyone Rating:
Reviewed by Browny from easytown on
6th Aug 2009
Quality phone, it beats the iphone hands down, better camera, faster
internet, cooler design! 5star rating from me Rating:
Reviewed by Jim from UK on 5th
Aug 2009
Had this phone a week now and love it. Great shape and excellent
UI not to mention the ability to customize everything make this
phone a real head-turner. My mates are seriously jealous! There
are so many apps available to download including games, utilities,
entertainment and networking not to mention them all. The only downside
for me is sometimes is a little slow to respond to touch and the
processor has been noted to be a little too slow for a device of
this calibre. Still wouldn't swap it for iphone though! Android
Rocks! Rating:
Reviewed by A.B from UK on 4th
Aug 2009
amazing phone! Much better I phone. Rating:
Reviewed by Jazzy from UK on
3rd Aug 2009
Just sold my iPhone as this thing is so much more enjoyable to use.
Great UI does all you could want a can only get better with updates.
Easy to set up, super quick gps lock, great keyboard, adequate camera.
Slick social app integration, reasonable battery life considering
i cant put the thing down. Excellent web browser and clarity from
the screen as well as good clarity when making calls. Get a class
6 micro sd card, this helps with access to the card for music and
pictures! Great music player, very well put together piece of kit.
Looks like android has made its mark! This phone is ACE! Rating:
Reviewed by Anam from UK on 31st
Jul 2009
finally HTC made a phone which has blown the i phone straight out
of the water lol. Rating:
Reviewed by ak from PAKISTAN on
29th Jul 2009
the brilliant version of the G1 android phone Rating:
Reviewed by jack from uk on 26th
Jul 2009
cool phone .wow factor Rating:
