subject: HTC Evo Shift 4G: Making the "Evo" Brand More Accessible [print this page] HTC Evo Shift 4G: Making the "Evo" Brand More Accessible
One of the most highly anticipated mobile phones of 2010 was Sprint's revolutionary HTC Evo 4G. The device was one of the first 4G smartphones on the market and featured a blazing fast processor with the latest version of Google's Android mobile operating system. It was, however, a bit pricey and was largely considered a high-end phone for tech enthusiasts.
For 2011, Sprint and HTC have come together to eliminate these barriers to Evo ownership. Their effort has resulted in the HTC Evo Shift 4G, a similarly styled Android phone with a few key features that make it both easier to use and cheaper to own. This greater accessibility makes it a great entry-level device for users new to smartphones who may feel a bit uncomfortable with an all-touchscreen user interface.
The HTC Evo Shift 4G doesn't pack the same amount of processing power as the original Evo, clocking it a 800MHz instead of 1GHz. However, this slight difference in processing speed isn't noticeable at all, on account of Sprint's fast 4G network and the greatly optimized performance of Android 2.2 "Froyo." One of the biggest selling points of Android's 2.2 release was its greater optimization, allowing it to perform the same functions at far greater speeds. This means less processing power can do more, and is exactly what the HTC Evo Shift 4G takes advantage of.
Another notable difference (and perhaps the key difference) between the Evo and the Evo Shift 4G is the latter device's inclusion of a slide-out QWERTY keyboard. Many users find an all-touchscreen interface to be an intimidating prospect when switching from traditional button-based mobile phones, and the HTC Evo Shift 4G helps to bridge that divide. Android's traditional on-screen keyboard is accessible to users, however. To access this, users need to simply keep the slide-out keyboard hidden or use the phone in portrait mode.
HTC has shipped the Evo Shift 4G with a dramatically smaller screen than the original Evo came with -- about 0.7 inches smaller, diagonally. This is actually a great change for most users and adds a little diversity to the Evo brand. At 4.3 inches, the original Evo was a great phone for people with large hands, but could end up being clunk and clumsy for people who had smaller hands, smaller pockets, or those who simply were not used to using a phone that was so unwieldy. The Evo Shift 4G's screen allows it to be slid much easier into a pocket or used with just one hand, unlike its larger cousin which almost requires two hands for optimal use when texting or navigating applications.
Overall, the Evo Shift 4G is a welcome addition to the Evo line of devices, strengthening Sprint's line of Android mobile phones and helping an entirely new set of consumers enjoy the benefits that come from owning an Android smartphone. While it won't satisfy the power users who judge each phone but just how large and impressive its technical specs are, it almost certainly be among teenagers, young adults, and even older adults who are looking for something a bit different than the traditional flip phone.
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