HTC Arrive Windows Phone (Sprint) Review

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(More customer reviews)DISCLAIMER: This is an in-depth review, if you want a simple thumbs up or down review, this is a huge thumbs up. If you have time to spare, I'm long-winded so bear with me.
FULL DISCLOSURE: I own the HTC Arrive which I purchased through Amazon Wireless (full blog review + images + video coming soon) I also have extensive hands-on experience with Windows Phone 7 with T-Mobile and AT&T devices. I am also an application developer for the WP7 platform, and have been using the freely supplied development tools (Visual Studio 2010 Express Edition for Windows Phone 7) since they launched. I first experienced Windows Phone 7 hands on at the South by Southwest Interactive Conference in March 2010 (over one year ago).
First of all, the 1 star review from "WOLFBANE" is an obvious troll. He "tried the phone for 14 days" but took it back? Well Mr. Bane, that is impossible seeing that they don't even go on sale until 03/20/2010 (tomorrow). The only units that have shipped are review units to the media and semi-functional display units for the stores. The first review of an HTC arrive was given by WireFly on their YouTube channel on 03/03/2011, and the device wasn't activated. Trust me, if it was possible to get the HTC Arrive two weeks ago, I would have it. I've been bugging my contacts at Sprint for WP7 since it's launch six months ago. I also know that most Sprint stores aren't getting the devices until deliveries later today (03/19/2010).
On with the review...
The HTC Arrive is a great phone, here are strong points about it:
- The overall design is extremely high quality. Because of the full slide-out keyboard it can seem heavy in the hand, but it is far from burdensome. Holding an Arrive and an Evo 4G I couldn't really tell the difference. I personally like the weight of it, it doesn't seem fragile.
- The slide out keyboard is large and works well. While the WP7 isn't completely integrated for horizontal displays the keyboard works in all the most important apps. You'll find yourself using a combination of the virtual keyboard and the slide out keyboard, but even on other mobile OS's you run into that. The keys on the full keyboard are large, and easy to type on. The keyboard is also back-lit so works well in lowlight situations. It is a real blessing for people with fat fingers like myself. The "popup" hinge for the keyboard is a nice touch and makes for better video viewing for students, cubicle workers on their lunch breaks or passengers on a plane or bus. It is also sturdy, and I don't think they'll wear out with normal usage.
- The call quality of the Arrive is great. I know that many HTC devices make sub-par telephones, but this is not one of those devices. The speaker is loud and clear and call quality seems to be great on the other end as well. It is one of the better cell phones I've used in recent years, and much better than most HTC devices, especially the speaker phone.
- Overall it is a very solid device, and one I'm happy to own. In my opinion it is easily the best WP7 device to date.
Here are a few shortcomings of the HTC Arrive:
- The 5MP camera is actually of decent quality. I didn't have high hopes for it initially as my HTC Hero also has a 5MP camera, but it is horrendous on all fronts. However, the auto focus on the Arrive works as needed and the LED flash is quite bright. The HD video is decent quality, but like most smart phones doesn't work all that well in low-light situations. HTC could have gone with an 8MP camera to add a little more gusto.
- I'd like to see more support for being able to use the full keyboard whenever you wanted, but this is more on Microsoft than HTC or Sprint. Until they update every screen for the WP7 platform to work in landscape mode I'm afraid we're going to be stuck in a hybrid usage of the virtual and physical keyboard. With that said, the virtual keyboard is a huge improvement over their competitors.
- The LCD screen isn't amazing. I'd love to have received an AMOLED screen like that of the Samsung Focus, but the LCD screen on the Arrive is about on par as you'll see on other devices from HTC, like the Evo 4G. For a mobile device it is perfectly fine. The response time is snappy and videos play smooth and clear. I'm just really nitpicking here, but an AMOLED would have been nice.
Windows Phone 7 is an innovative idea, it isn't another cookie cutter smartphone OS with simple icons arranged on a screen in no particular order. Let's be honest Android fans, but Android's UI design is a blatant ripoff of what Apple brilliantly released in 2007 with the iPhone 1. Since that time other manufactures have tried to emulate the "idiot proof" icon-filled UI. Android has done extremely well since it's release and it is arguably the mobile OS to beat, but it also wasn't exactly innovative. Put an average consumer side by side with an iPhone 4 and an Evo 4G and they'd have no idea what the differences are, and that's a fact.
Microsoft has been behind in the mobile game for nearly a decade. I've owned some pretty horrible Windows Mobile Phones in my day, and it was hard for me to fathom that they could come up with something as innovative as WP7, but they did. Here's where I think Windows Phone 7 Stands apart form the competition:
- WP7 is a unique experience, unlike any other smartphone. The design is simple, yet elegant. It is an inspired design and delivery from a company that makes us forget sometimes that they know what they are doing.
- The integration and convergence of your data, social media and contacts is completely seamless (almost). The only hiccup is that Microsoft just recently came to an agreement with Twitter about building WP7 into the device itself (like Facebook already is), so that will be added later in 2011. Until then you'll have to use the Twitter app (which Microsoft designed) or another 3rd party app like Seesmic (my choice). Otherwise your news updates, check-ins and photos from all of your friends can be located in once single place.
- The hardware standards are key to the success of WP7. The minimum standards guarantee that every WP7 phone released will be able to completely perform up to the standards set forth by Microsoft. All of the devices released thus far are snappy and perform well. As an example of how it could have gone wrong, there is a huge discrepancy between Android devices. While the higher end phones run brilliantly, the entry level Android devices crawl along. I'm glad Microsoft set high standards for the devices.
- The Zune interface on the phone far exceeds the competitors offerings. The music app in iOS is boring and stale and almost unchanged for four years, while the included Android music player is slow and clunky. You can download apps for Android like WinAmp, but even then they don't stand a chance against the Zune interface. I've been a huge fan of the Zune since their launch, even though they have been the butt of many jokes and the Zune software of WP7, is nearly identical to that of the Zune HD, a device even most critics applauded for it's great design and usability.
- The applications and games are extremely promising so far. Office Mobile is fantastic and a great free added bonus, and the mobile gaming and Xbox Live integration is great. I can't wait to see further XNA development that allows a user to be playing a game on their handheld on the bus ride home, then pausing it and then picking back up where they left off on their Xbox. Very cool possibilities. I am also happy to have Netflix, an app that you won't see on Android anytime soon because of it's openness. I think Apple has proven that a closed platform is good for business. The hacker community will crack WP7 eventually, but for now their closed platform may help attract more developers.
- Microsoft doesn't allow bloat-ware from phone manufacturers. Android devices are known to be filled with with useless and resource hogging UI "improvements." I should know, I've been struggling with my HTC Hero for a year and a half. The fact that Microsoft only allows manufacturers and mobile providers the ability to install applications, not edit the UI is a stroke of genius and far overdue in my book.
- The simplicity of the three physical buttons and a dedicated camera button are elegantly brilliant, and not something most people have come to expect from Microsoft. Microsoft's past devices have been clunky and generally had horrible touch screens, so even interacting with the phones was a chore. Thankfully, that is no longer the case. The "instant on" camera is a fantastic addition, and one I can't believe hasn't shown up on a smart phone before. The software integration for the camera is also a step above the rest, with integrated instant uploads.
- The integration with Live services is a huge plus. Some of the complaints with WP7 is that it is a locked platform (like iOS), and thus can't be mounted as a drive when plugged into a PC. Well, cry me a river on that one. Microsoft gives you a free 25GB of online storage with Skydrive. Or you could simply just install DropBox like most normal people who gave up flash drives a couple of years ago. Knowing that I can upload Word documents, photos and videos to and from my PC and phone to Skydrive with doing much of anything is a huge perk.
- WP7 has amazing developer tools. Microsoft has given would-be WP7 developers everything they need to succeed. Along with the SDK the tools to develop are also free (Visual Studio 2010 Express), and there are countless resources to learn more about Silverlight, C#, XNA and everything else you'd ever need to know. There is a thriving community at create.msdn.com and literally tens of thousands of documents and...Read more›

Click Here to see more reviews about: HTC Arrive Windows Phone (Sprint)


The first device from Sprint based on Windows Phone 7, the HTC Arrive offers an innovative design with a sliding full QWERTY keyboard and tilt-up display. With the unique glance-and-go experience of the Windows Phone 7 operating system, the Arrive allows you to get to what's important to you, easier and faster in less steps. And it gives you the productivity of Office Mobile and Bing, plus the fun of Xbox LIVE and Zune.

You'll enjoy fast 3G speeds from Sprint's high-speed, dependable EV-DO network, and you'll be able to access optional Sprint services such as Telenav GPS Navigator, Sprint TV and Movies (for video-on-demand with full-motion video and vivid sound), Sprint Music Plus, and more via the Sprint Zone. And you'll be able to access the Windows Phone Marketplace to view and download apps, music, and premium Xbox LIVE games.

In addition to its 3.6-inch touchscreen display, the HTC Arrive includes integrated SRS WOW HD surround sound enhancement for an audio boost when watching videos on the go. It's powered by a blazing-fast Qualcomm 1 GHz Snapdragon processor for a fast mobile data experience. In addition to the 16 GB of internal memory, the HTC Arrive can also access Windows Live SkyDrive for cloud-based storage (up to 25 GB).

Other features include a 5-megapixel camera/camcorder (with HD 720p video capture), Wireless-N Wi-Fi networking, Bluetooth for hands-free devices and stereo music streaming, access to corporate and personal e-mail, full HTML browser, and up to 6 hours of talk time.

The Power of Windows Phone 7
The Windows Phone 7 operating system has been designed to help you do more in less steps, and keep you updated on the things that are most important to you.

You can customize the Live Tiles on your Start Screen with what you care about--from people to web sites--and they'll continuously scan the web to keep you updated about your world at a glance.

Windows Phone 7 also brings together the things you use most on your phone in six Hubs: People, Pictures, Office, Games, Music + Video, and Marketplace. Grouping them in Hubs like this lets you get to what you need, quicker, because you don't have to jump from apps to the web to contact lists.

People Hub: Less Out-of-Touch, More In-the-Know. From calls to texting to social networks, receive updates instantly with the latest photos posted, comments made, and messages received with just one glance. Post and share comments instantly after receiving live updates from social networks.

Games Hub: Just Be Yourself... Or, Someone Else. Download new games, test them before you buy and play friends while on the go with built-in Xbox LIVE features. Use your avatar and gamer profile to track scores and wins, challenge friends to play on the go, and become a better gamer with Windows Phone 7's "Spotlight" tips, tricks, and advice.

Music and Video Hub: Your Music, Video, and Radio... All in One Place. Easily find, access, and stream your favorite music, radio, TV, and videos while on the go. Purchase music by the song or get unlimited music downloads for one monthly price with Zune Pass. Wirelessly sync your favorite music and videos to a PC.

Pictures Hub: Snap It, Share It, Say It. Share, add captions, and post pictures to Facebook or Windows Live without needing an extra application. Receive instant updates about friends' and family's latest photos from social networks.

Office Hub: View and Update Office Documents from Your Phone Windows Phone 7 has mobile versions of Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and Microsoft PowerPoint on hand for reviewing or editing on the go. Notes in OneNote Mobile--grocery lists, meeting memos, spontaneous musings--can sync wirelessly to the web and include voice clips and pictures. SharePoint Workspace Mobile makes it easier to collaborate with your coworkers when you're out and about.

Marketplace: Find Something New Everyday Personalizing your phone just got quicker and more convenient with the Marketplace Hub, where you can discover and download apps, games, music, videos, and more. You'll find popular titles in all the categories you care about, with hundreds of new apps available every week. There are apps with Live Tiles that automatically update on the Start Screen, such as current weather with Weatherbug and breaking news from the Associated Press app.

Connectivity
Fast 3G connectivity thanks to Sprint's EV-DO, Rev A network with average download speeds ranging from 400 to 700 Kbps and peak rates up to 2 Mbps.
Onboard GPS for navigation and location services
Turn-by-turn navigation via TeleNav GPS Navigator
Ultra-fast Wireless-N Wi-Fi networking (802.11b/g/n) for accessing home and corporate networks as well as hotspots while on the go.
Bluetooth connectivity (version 2.1) includes communication headset, hands-free car kits, and A2DP Bluetooth profile--enabling you to wirelessly stream your music to a pair of compatible Bluetooth stereo headphones or speaker dock.

Design and Hardware
1 GHz Snapdragon processor speeds up everything--from playing games to watching shows to opening files from work.
3.6-inch touchscreen display (480 x 800 pixels) includes light and proximity sensors.
Slide-out, tilting physical QWERTY keyboard

Multimedia
Music player compatible with MP3, WMA, and AAC.
Video player compatible with MPEG4, WMV.
Built-in stereo speakers
Dolby Mobile + SRS WOW HD surround sound enhancement.

Communications & Internet
Full messaging capabilities including SMS text, MMS picture/video and IM instant messaging (via popular services).
Access to personal and corporate e-mail (including support for Exchange ActiveSync and personal POP/IMAP accounts).
Full HTML Web browser with Bing Search.

Memory
16 GB internal memory (not expandable via microSD cards)
Access to Windows Live SkyDrive for additional cloud-based storage (up to 25 GB)

Camera
5-megapixel autofocus camera with LED flash gives you a brighter light source for taking photos in less-than-ideal lighting situations.
HD video capture capabilities (720p)

More Features
3.5mm headphone jack
USB 2.0 port with charging capabilities.
Speakerphone for hands-free communication.
Hearing Aid Compatibility: M3 and T3

Vital Statistics
The HTC Arrive weighs 6.5 ounces and measures 4.63 x 2.32 x 0.61 inches. Its 1500 mAh lithium-ion battery is rated at up to 6 hours of talk time. It runs on the 800/1900 CDMA/EV-DO Rev. A frequencies.

What's in the Box HTC Arrive handset, rechargeable battery, charger, USB cable, quick start guide

Click here for more information about HTC Arrive Windows Phone (Sprint)