HTC ThunderBolt First-Look Review Discussion

[Jen Edwards]

UPDATE: This "first impressions" review was written after a brief time with this smartphone. A more complete version based on extensive testing is available here:

• HTC ThunderBolt Review

 

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The HTC ThunderBolt is the first 4G phone offered by Verizon Wireless. It features a large touchscreen, an 8 megapixel camera with dual LED flash and HD video capture plus a 1.3 megapixel front-facing camera, a web browser with Adobe Flash Player 10.1, and a mobile hotspot app so you can share your mobile data connection with other devices.

I've had this device for only a couple of days -- not time enough to be able to write an in-deprth review, but I'm ready to share my first impessions.

Read the full content of this Article: HTC ThunderBolt First-Look Review

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[gticlay]

Since this is basically the EVO with a faster processor, I'm wondering what sort of change in battery life there is. Are you getting days with it like someone got with the new AT&T Android, or ?? Inquiring minds would like to know.

[Ed Hardy]

The EVO 4G has a 1500 mAh battery, while the ThunderBolt's is slightly smaller at 1400 mAh. On the other hand, the newer HTC model has a processor that uses less power.

At the very least, there are already a number of high-capacity batteries on the market for the ThunderBolt -- something users of this device might have to consider.
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[robrecht]

I have a 2nd 1400 as well as 2750 mAh back-up batteries. I always do this for all my phones, but never has this been more necessary than with the ThunderBolt in 4G areas. Speed is fantastic but you really need back-up battery power.

[gticlay]

OK, so the hope that the new processors will be faster and use less 'juice' won't help out. I guess that means almost no reason to upgrade until there's something really special.

Everyone was trying to say that AT&T you guys (actually it was a girl) were testing 3-5 weeks ago lasted 3 days on a charge because the processor was so efficient and fast. So what's up with that?

This article: HTC Inspire 4G Review Discussion

[Ed Hardy]

Everyone was trying to say that AT&T you guys (actually it was a girl) were testing 3-5 weeks ago lasted 3 days on a charge because the processor was so efficient and fast. So what's up with that?

The ThunderBolt is Verizon's first LTE phone, and this version of 4G takes a lot of power. A whole lot. There were concerns from the first day this model was announced that LTE would give it a short battery life.

According to unconfirmed reports, one of the reasons the ThunderBolt didn't come out in February was HTC and Verizon were trying to find ways to make its 4G capabilities more power efficient. Surprisingly, they missed an obvious possibility: Sprint's 4G smartphones let you turn off WiMAX, but there's no easy way to turn LTE off on the ThunderBolt.

The HTC Insight 4G, the other model you referred to, doesn't use LTE, but rather HSPA+. This is a slower form of cellular-wireless networking that doesn't require as much power.
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[Varjak]

I really have to wonder if they have execs USE these phones 'in the wild.' First, going with a SMALLER battery than the Evo was stupid. I don't care if the new CPU is more efficient. Most people want MORE battery power, not less. Too much concentration on 'thin,' not enough on use.

Second, why did they make it so hard to turn off LTE? That also seems idiotic.

Too bad, another nice phone, badly compromised.

[gticlay]

The ThunderBolt is Verizon's first LTE phone, and this version of 4G takes a lot of power. A whole lot. There were concerns from the first day this model was announced that LTE would give it a short battery life.

According to unconfirmed reports, one of the reasons the ThunderBolt didn't come out in February was HTC and Verizon were trying to find ways to make its 4G capabilities more power efficient. Surprisingly, they missed an obvious possibility: Sprint's 4G smartphones let you turn off WiMAX, but there's no easy way to turn LTE off on the ThunderBolt.

The HTC Insight 4G, the other model you referred to, doesn't use LTE, but rather HSPA+. This is a slower form of cellular-wireless networking that doesn't require as much power.
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Ok, well at least there is a reason for it. I have a friend who is using the Thunderbolt and he said if he browses very long, it can eat the battery up in a couple of hours. I was wondering if something was wrong with his.

On both the evo and the Thunderbolt a very small hard switch for 4G would be nice. Maybe on the bottom by the USB slot or a single button between the volume keys that toggles it. How annoying when you have to back out of a program to turn 4G on/off or on the thunderbolt where you can't do it at all.

[Drillbit]

I heard there is now a widget switch to turn off the LTE if needed. Its on the Android Market.

[robrecht]

Not yet a true widget but a few apps that pull up a couple of deep menus that are otherwise only available by dialing *#*#4636#*#*

Personally, I find it much easier to use an app called Green Power that can be set to turn off radios when the screen is off except for periodic updates. Does a very good job of preserving power when you're not using your phone, but nothing helps if you're constantly using your phone heavily except 1 or 2 spare batteries, especially one of the 2750 mAh extended life batteries.

Shutting off 4G sometimes requires a reboot, at least for some people so it is a bit of a pain. If you live in a well served 4G area, you can set the phone to use 4G only, and that seems to help battery life. Personally, I cannot tolerate sbutting off 4G because I'm addicted to the speed.