HTC TP2 for Verizon Review?

Varjak · 10-26-2009, 05:39 PM

Is there a review of the Verizon HTC TP2 coming? I'm somewhat interested in that; although as has been mentioned, the processor is a bit behind the times. It's so infuriating that every option seems to have one gaping hole in it: carrier, hardware, software/OS.

Ed Hardy · 11-07-2009, 08:49 AM

It's not impossible, but we're already reviewed both the CDMA and GSM versions of this device, so it's not a high priority. It has been a really busy season for smartphones, and we're having to work hard to get out reviews of all the devices, and that doesn't leave us much time to review the different variations of models we've already looked at.

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JRakes · 11-07-2009, 12:06 PM

Just a thought: Has anybody put together some sort of chart comparing features / capabilities that are added / deleted / disabled for each of the carrier variants, including hardware and software? I'd have a passing, casual interest in such a thing, including the unlocked version...

Might take as much time as an actual device review, though...

Varjak · 11-09-2009, 04:49 PM

That would be awesome. Just to add, I think this situation where there are many versions of similar phones on various carriers is going to proliferate. Such tables could be immensely useful. As an example, until JRakes mentioned it, I didn't realize that his int'l version of the TP2 had a secondary camera. While not a deal-breaker (certainly I'd choose 3G service over a 2nd camera), it's nice to know.

I also think that the Verizon version is substantial different enough to warrant at least an overview of the differences (it has a 3.5mm jack, CDMA AND GSM, to name a few).

jigwashere · 11-09-2009, 06:15 PM

Here's a table to compare the CDMA versions to the U.S. GSM versions.

JRakes · 11-09-2009, 06:26 PM

Interesting, Jig - Thanks!

Oh, and just FYI: The international version also has the FM radio (w/ RDS) software. Apparently, from reading on the xda site, all of the devices have the hardware, but for some reason the US carriers have stripped out the software. My guess is that they'd rather sell you more data for streaming music. But, nonetheless, it's another "stripped feature" for US carrier Customers.

(FWIW, the FM radio software is available if you look for it, and can easily be installed via CAB file...

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jigwashere · 11-09-2009, 06:33 PM

I haven't read any success stories for getting the FM radio to work on the Sprint version. Have you?

JRakes · 11-09-2009, 08:10 PM

Various folks have it installed on their devices at xda, but I don't know what "version" of the device they have. I really didn't pay attention once my device arrived and already had it...

On a humorous note: Seeing as how Touchie was from the SE Asia market, it came pre-programmed with radio presets in Japan. They're now reset for local stations...

RickAgresta · 11-10-2009, 01:09 PM

is that extra 7 grams of weight for the flux-capacitor? that's a huge difference in battery Life; pretty big in memory, too, but I'd suppose that was due, partly, to bloatware added by the carriers..

Battery Life

CDMA
Talk: 4 hr
Standby: 336 hr
(14 days)

GSM
Talk: 6.5 hr
Standby: 750 hr
(31.3 days)

Memory

CDMA
183 MB

GSM
288 MB

Weight

CDMA
6.35 oz
(180g)

GSM
6.61 oz
(187g)

Varjak · 11-10-2009, 05:13 PM

GSM phones have always had longer standby/talk times, although I've found them to be a bit inflated. On the flip side, I think CDMA phones typically have better sound quality, although that may have changed.

Also, maybe they're blowing smoke, but according to the Verizon website, their version has 288 MB of memory.

http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/store/controller