HTC Rezound: Fastest Android phone yet (review)
See also: Droid RAZR: Not quite thin enough to cut metal (review)
The HTC Rezound is not the thinnest phone around, but it is solid and fits very comfortably in the hand. The phone is all about speed, as it works with the snappy Verizon 4G LTE network. There is nothing about this phone that is not as fast as can be, and power users will love this phone.
See the HTC Rezound, the most powerful smartphone on the Verizon 4G LTE network
| Image Gallery: The HTC Rezound with Beats Audio is a powerful smartphone with HD display | ||||||
Specifications:
- Processor: Qualcomm MSM8660 dual-core 1.5 GHz
- Memory: 1GB DDR2 RAM, 16GB internal RAM, 16GB microsSD installed
- Display: 4.3-inch Super LCD (1280×720)
- Cameras: 2MP front, 8MP rear (LED flash), 1080p HD video capture
- Connectivity: WiFi, Bluetooth 3.0, 3G/4G LTE
- Battery: 1620 mAh
- OS: Android 2.3.4 (Gingerbread); HTC Sense 3.5
- Dimensions: 5.08 x 2.58 x 0.54 inches, 6 ounces
HTC has put a lot of Beats Audio branding on the Rezound, with delicate red touches throughout the phone. This includes the four Android soft buttons beneath the screen, which are a mild red color. This is nice as you can see the buttons even when the phone is not on, something other phones lack.
The design of the Rezound is recognizably HTC, with the 4.3 display taking up most of the front. The red touch-sensitive buttons mentioned are just below the screen, and the 2MP camera is on the upper right. The top of the phone has the 3.5mm audio jack, which accepts the included Beats Audio headphones/headset (more on this later), and the power button. The volume rocker buttons are on the right side, a microUSB port for charging on the left, and nothing on the bottom of the handset.
The back of the Rezound is a nice textured material that is grippy, and the top of the back finds the 8MP camera with dual flash next to the lens with a red ring. The back comes off the phone easily, exposing the red innards and providing access to the battery and the LTE SIM card.
Those familiar with the Beats Audio by Dr. Dre know it is designed to provider fuller, richer music playback. When you plug in the Beats Audio headphones included with the Rezound, it detects the technology and enables it as indicated in the status bar. In essence it provides louder playback, with accents on the bass spectrum of the audio. It gives a good listening experience across a spectrum of music genres for me.
HTC doesn't have a reputation for good smartphone cameras, but that changes with the 8MP camera on the Rezound. It has an f/2.2, 28mm wide-angle lens that does a good job for a smartphone. It takes full 1080p video, and has an integrated method to take panoramic scenes. I am no great photographer but have been able to take decent photos and video with the Rezound.
Software
HTC has put the 2.3.4 version of Gingerbread on the Rezound, not the latest but a solid build of Android. This has Sense 3.5 on top of it, and fans of Sense will love this implementation. Sense can bog down some phones, but not the Rezound with the fast processor. This phone is the fastest Android phone I have tried yet.
There is not a lot of pre-installed junkware, mostly just the standard Android stuff. There are a couple of game demos to show off the HD display (1280x720), which look great on the Super LCD display. Android enthusiasts will be familiar with the operation of the Rezound, with no surprises.
Operation
The Qualcomm dual-core processor (1.5GHz) is as fast as anything available, and it makes the HTC Rezound as snappy as any Android phone. The operation is fluid, and the brilliant 4.3-inch HD display makes colors pop. Every person I have handed the Rezound to has commented on how awesome this display is. They then remark on how fast it is.
I have been able to get a full day of moderate usage on a charge, but those who use LTE heavily will need a second battery or extended battery to get through the day. I find battery usage to be typical for Android phones, not bad but not outstanding.
Updated: Android Community has uncovered a big (2750 mAH) extended battery for those who like that solution for all day use. The thick battery requires a replacement back cover to fit (included).
The Rezound can be used as a hotspot for devices using the LTE connectivity, with the appropriate plan from Verizon. I tested the hotspot utility and it works as expected, but also sucks the battery dry quickly. I would only plan on using the hotspot over 4G when near a power plug.
Conclusion
The HTC Rezound on Verizon is the fastest Android phone around, and has a stylish design to fit anyone's style. The fast phone works on the fastest data network out there, turning it into a beast that fits in the pocket.
The Beats Audio is a nice bonus to the Rezound, and delivers pleasant music playback quality. The included headphones are very good quality for those that come with phones.
I am not currently in the market for a new phone, but if I was I would look no further than the HTC Rezound. I like everything about the phone, especially the performance, and the display is simply great.
The Rezound is available today from Verizon for $299 with a two-year contract. An appropriate data plan is required, and optional hotspot service for those wanting to use the phone as a mobile hotspot.
Of interest:
- TechRepublic: Android 4.0: Eight new features that actually matter
- CNET Asia’s review of Samsung Galaxy Nexus and top five features
- CNET’s first impressions
- This is My Next on the features
- Android developers blog
- Top 10 features in Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich)
- Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich is enchanting, easy, and makes you feel special
- Unwrapping Google Ice Cream Sandwich 4.0 (photos)