HTC Hero

Editor's Review of the Hero

Beautifully clad in a stylish solid casing, the HTC Hero weighs 135 grams and measures 112 x 56.2 x 14.35 millimetres. It is a 3G Smartphone that forms part of HTC's family of popular handsets such as the HTC Snap and the HTC Magic. Working on Qualcomm processor, this handset is powered by Android operating system. It also functions on HTC Sense user interface.

This 3G HSDPA handset comes with 81.28-millimetre display screen that offers users a crystal clear viewing experience in 65,000 colours in 320 x 480 pixels. The TFT LCD screen works on multi-touch input method, which makes navigating its menus, a convenient task. Users can personalise this handset by setting alerts for messages or calls using the polyphonic, WAV and MP3 ringtones.

The HTC Hero is an ideal companion for frequent travellers. It is a quadband handset that functions on GSM 850, GSM 900, GSM 1800 and GSM 1900 network bands, as well as HSDPA 900 and 2100. Users will enjoy the worldwide roaming support that this handset offers, but may vary from one mobile phone to another. Full network coverage highly depends on its user's selected network provider.

To navigate the World Wide Web and land on their favourite Web sites, users may simply use the HTML Internet browser that is pre-installed in this mobile phone. On-the-go users will appreciate the Wi-Fi support of this handset which allows them to go online in nearby hotspots. Users may also transfer or share files with compatible devices, such as printers, personal computers, mobile phones or laptops using the USB feature of this handset. To do away with the hassle brought about by cables that get tangled up, users may opt for the Bluetooth technology during file transfers. As this mobile phone is powered by EDGE and GPRS technologies, it ensures users of high-speed data transfers.

This handset supports SMS or text messaging as well as MMS or multimedia messaging services. It also allows its users to access their e-mail using the Internet connectivity of this mobile phone. It also supports Instant Messaging service, through which users can chat with their contacts without the need sit in front of a computer.

The HTC Hero is also known for its highly capable imaging features. It has an integrated 5-Megapixel camera for users who enjoy taking instant photos. This powerful camera comes with auto focus to allow a more precise capture of subjects. It also allows users to adjust the camera settings to tweak the photos as desired. Photo outputs may then be stored in this handset's photo album. Multi-functioning as a video recorder, this integrated camera also captures footages. This camera also works as a video player that allows users to view their footages on MPEG4, H264, H263, and Windows Media 9 video formats.

Music-loving users will also enjoy this mobile phone's music playing capabilities. It supports MP3, AAC, MIDI, WAV, AMR, and Windows Media 9 audio formats, giving users a variety of listening options when it comes to their favourite tracks. Completing the entertainment aspect of this handset is its support for games in various formats that may be downloaded from the Internet.

More than just a device for making or taking calls and messages, the HTC Hero makes a reliable assistant in planning or scheduling for busy users. It comes with a phone book, a calendar, a clock and an alarm clock, as well as a document viewer that supports widely accepted file formats. This handset also supports a GPS navigation system that serves as a direction guide for users to locate areas as they travel in applicable locations.

This mobile phone comes with 288 Megabytes of RAM and 512 Megabytes of ROM, which may be expanded using a MicroSD memory card. Users may communicate with their contacts using this handset for a maximum of 8 hours. This handset also offers 440 hours of GSM standby time on a fully charged battery.

Being a fingerprint magnet, the HTC Hero is gaining criticism from some observers. Others have also criticised this mobile phone's average performing music player. Happy users of this handset, however, are pleased with its multi-touch and Sense UI features, which provide utmost ease of use.