HTC Evo 4G LTE (black, Sprint)

Pros: Super fast and does everything I need it too....and more
Thinner and lighter than its EVO 4G predecessor.
Camera is excellent and takes great video as well
Battery life

Cons: Inability to fully run Amazon's music app

Summary: Before addressing the hardware and functionality of this phone, some reminders about the major factors that will contribute to your smart phone user experience:

(1) the hardware...the phone itself
(2) operating system software
(3) installed applications
(4) the network (overall, and where you happen to be using the phone at a particular time)
(5) the service provider.

Serial dependencies come from these factors, as many phones are tied to specific operating systems or service providers.Just remember that even if you make a great phone choice, deficiencies in the other areas can still diminish your overall user experience.

Make your move to your next (or first) smart phone only after researching these choices. Which provider? Which mobile operating system? Who offers the best service, or the best combination of value and service? The rest of this review assumes you've already figured out why a phone with the Android operating system might be a better choice for you than an iPhone, a Blackberry or a Windows-based smart phone solution.

Every provider --including Sprint-- has a variety of pricing options. If you're a Sprint customer with two years on your current hardware and are ready to re-up: many phones are available at a deep discount (and Amazon's pricing for this model was better than Sprints by about ninety nine dollars...so comparison shop).

The HTC EVO LTE 4G phone is thinner and lighter (a full ounce lighter) than its EVO 4G predecessor. The user interface has changed slightly: three soft keys now populate the bottom of the display (down from four on the earlier model). The current Android "Ice Cream Sandwich" interface has slightly changed the method for placing/removing apps from the scrolling home pages. If you are new to smart phones, you'll have one learning curve, but even if you're upgrading from an earlier model/operating system version, you can still expect to learn some new phone-human interface tricks. Otherwise, most of the interface features will be familiar.

This phone accommodates a microSD storage device (up to 32GB capacity). The install slot for this us under the top rear cover, which --unlike the EVO 4G-- does not have an obvious "pry point" for removing the cover. Work around the USB/charging port with a thin, flat tool and the cover will snap right off. The separate HDMI port present on the EVO 4G has left the 4G LTE, leaving this phone with just two ports: the USB/charging port (on the side) and a standard aux output. In addition to an on/off button (top), volume controls (right side), there is now a physical camera button on the lower right side of the phone.

Video capture is in the .mp4 format, and was crisp and clear even in dim lighting. The 4G LTE has two cameras: one full 1080p HD, the other a front facing 1.3 MP camera. Still images..which can be captured even as the HD is recording are also crisp and clear.

In addition to the OS interface changes, the "kickstand" for this 'Droid has been repositioned more towards the center of the phone's back.

So far the only issue that has emerged with this phone is an inability to fully run Amazon's music app. Content on the phone plays fine, but my cloud-stored music never loads in the app's cloud tab.

Finally, even though Sprint has an activation web site for phones you purchase outside of a Sprint store, if you are you will have to call a toll free number to complete activation if you have more than one phone on a shared data plan. While the call center's hours are long, they are NOT 24/7, so re-think activating the new phone as a project for a sleepless night.

PS: I suggest for best deal at: www.amazon.com/dp/B007ZUN6GS/?tag=cnetamz-best-offers-20

I hope this review is helpful, enjoy the call!