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"This is BETTER than the iPhone!"
5.0 starson by cpmImpressionPros: -Multimedia Features
-Screen
-Design
-Camera
-HTC Sense
-4G (HSPA+)
-Android
-MarketCons: -Battery Life
-Can't Download Third-Party Apps (Have to use Sideload Wonder Machine)
-Data PlansSummary: This is my first android phone. Since I am on AT&T, I could basically choose from the Inspire, Captivate, iPhone, or Atrix if I wanted a smart phone (which I did). I ruled the Atrix out because of price, and I ruled the iPhone out because of design (breaks easily, ATT version has signal issues due to antenna). I later ruled the Captivate out because I liked the Inspire UI (HTC Sense) better, and so far, I am really happy with my decision.
DESIGN:
The design of the Inspire is just great. It features a 4.3 inch display, and even though its not AMOLED, its just beautiful. It is carved out of aluminum, (with some rubber and plastic elements), and feels great in the hands. I like the idea of separating the battery from the SIM and MicroSD cards, so I don't need to remove the battery to get to the cards. It doesnt use a proprietary charging port, so if I need to borrow, say, a blackberry owner's charger, I can use it. I'm not a person who likes physical keyboards (I've broken every phone keyboard I've had), but I LOVE virtual keyboards, especially big ones. It also features an 8 MP camera with dual flash.
PRICE:
Currently at ATT, the Inspire is $100 with contract. Some people might say that's too expensive, but I think for a smartphone with this many features, its a bargain. Also, if you think this is a lot, look at the Thunderbolt ($250), and all it has that's different from the Inspire is a Front Facing Camera and LTE 4G.
HTC SENSE:
Sense is the best part of this phone. It has BEAUTIFUL widgets, BEAUTIFUL transitions, BEAUTIFUL apps, and, well, you get the point. It basically works out the kinks in Android. The only thing I would add is the ability to resize widgets. But other than that, it is SO much better than MotoBlur, TouchWiz, and DEFINITELY Stock Android. And Sense working together with Android FroYo 2.2, this phone is everything a Droid wants!
APPS:
All of the apps on the Inspire are great on the screen. With contacts, messages, and other apps, everything is so great. Especially on the big screen. The Market Apps look great, too, especially Angry Birds. The only thing I would add is the ability to download third party apps on the phone itself, but you could still use Sideload Wonder Machine for Windows. And FYI, Netflix Streaming is coming soon.
BATTERY:
The only actual con on the phone is the battery life. Being only 1230 maH, it will last about a day, and about 3 days if you let it sit around without anything actually being used. But I'm waiting on my 1500 maH battery from eBay.
AT&T:
While AT&T's 4G network is not extremely fast yet, I did notice slightly faster speeds. My problem is that I surf the web alot, and I'd like to still have an unlimited data plan. But I'm stuck with my small 200MB plan.
SHOULD YOU GET IT (COMPARISON):
If you want a smart phone and dont want to pay a lot of money, yes. I used to have an iPhone 3GS, and if the iPhone 4 is anything like the 3GS, it won't beat the Inspire whatsoever. The iPhone's only advantage is their app store, which only has a SLIGHTLY larger selection of apps. Don't forget that the iPhone stores your location without your OK!
The Samsung Captivate is a great phone with an AMAZING screen, but I find TouchWiz to be "cluttery."
The Motorola Atrix is also a wonderful phone, but MotoBlur slows it down a lot. I don't think that phone is worth $200.
The Motorola Bravo is also great, but I think the design is a bit awkward in the hands, and Motoblur slows it down.
The other ATT android phones are entry level and have small screens.
The Sprint EVO Shift is great for people who want keyboards, but I don't.
The EVO is the only phone that has an HDMI port (that I know of) which I don't think my TV even has HDMI!
The Thunderbolt has a front facing camera, which I don't need. On the other hand, its great to keep in touch with family. (See Skype or Fring)
1 SENTENCE CONCLUSION:
I feel the Inspire is the best android phone around.

