T-Mobile G2 with Google Android Phone (T-Mobile) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This is my first smartphone. I'm not typically a laggard, but I've been waiting for the PERFECT phone. Is this it? No. I give it 4 stars out of 5, but the reasons for the demerit are minor and are not unique to this phone. It's the most perfect phone (for me) out there. I've played with iPhones (3g, 3gS, 4), and other Google phones (G1, Nexus One, Galaxy S, Droid X), and this phone is what I've been waiting for.
I've had it for almost a week now and no regrets.
Pros:
- Android is just #$%&@! incredible. It's so intuitive. I had facebook and gmail up and running within seconds of turning the phone on for the first time.
- The build quality is great. The phone has a really solid feel (especially compared to Galaxy S and VZ Droid X).
- Fast, fast, fast. Web, messaging, apps, downloads, uploads... Just fast. I was worried about the 800 mhz processor, especially with 1 Ghz and dual core's coming out over the next few months, but I can't imagine seeing a noticeable benefit. Also, the HSPA+ (up to 15 mbps) is huge.
- Keyboard is top notch.
- Swype is even better. How did we ever live without this app?
- Navigation makes my Navigon 2090 unnecessary.
- Camera photo quality is better than my Olympus 850SW, not as good as my Nikon D40.
- The touch screen is highly responsive and very sharp and crisp. I like it better than the iPhone 4.
- T-mobile just released an update to allow wi-fi calling, tethering and mobile hotspots from the G2.
- Unlimited data at no extra cost (also unlike iPhone, unless your grandfathered in)
Neutral:
- Battery life. I can't tell if it's because I can't stop using the phone, or if the battery life isn't as good as I would expect. I charge it over night, and I'm down to 10-15% by bed time.
- Screen hinge. If you hold the phone screen-side down, it will slide open. I was pretty worried about this before buying the phone, but who walks around holding their phone upside-down anyway? This is not an issue that impedes usage, but more of a PR problem. Still, it shouldn't happen.
Cons:
- The speaker phone isn't loud enough.
- The ringer isn't loud enough either.
- Why does wi-fi calling still use up my minutes? I know the answer is $$$, but come on T-mobile!
- Only 2 GB internal storage. It comes with an 8 GB micro SD, but I'll still eventually get the biggest possible. 10 isn't enough.
Conclusion:
If you can live with the neutrals and cons, then get this phone. Stick it to Apple and AT&T. Android, tethering and HSPA+ should be reasons enough.
*****
Update (11/20/10):
It's been about 1.5 months since I got it, and I have to up my rating from 4 stars to 5. I love this phone. Google voice actions are just...wow. See for yourself:
[...]
I've learned to stretch my battery by managing apps. I stop running apps after I'm done using them instead of letting them stay running in the background. It's the price we pay for multi-tasking capability, but it's very easy to do and becomes a good habit. Now by bed time, I usually have about 30-40% remaining.
The ring-tone and alerts are louder than I first thought. It must be the default ring-tone that sounds a bit muffled, so just experiment with them.
What's the coolest thing about the G2? Probably the interesting shade of red that comes over the faces of my friends and co-workers who have iPhone 4's when I show them what this baby can do.


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An ultra-powerful smartphone designed by HTC and the highly anticipated successor to the T-Mobile G1, the Android-powered T-Mobile G2 with Google provides a blazing fast Web browsing experience and tight integration with Google services. Enabled for T-Mobile's high-speed 3G network, the G2 is also the first smartphone specifically designed for T-Mobile's new HSPA+ network, which delivering downloads at 4G speeds. T-Mobile's upgraded HSPA+ network currently covers 100 million Americans in more than 55 major metropolitan areas across the country and is expected to reach up to 200 million people by the end of the year (read more about HSPA+ below).

The G2 pairs a large 3.7-inch screen with a unique hinge design that opens to reveal a full QWERTY keyboard, great for quick updates to your status on multiple social networks and replies to e-mails and messaging. It also includes a virtual onscreen keyboard with Swype technology, which allows you to input text faster and in a more intuitive way with one continuous finger motion across the screen keyboard.

Built on Android 2.2, the G2 offers seven customizable home screen panels, including a dedicated panel with one-click access to your favorite Google applications such as Android Market, which currently offers more than 80,000 applications.

With integrated Google technology, the G2 brings one-touch access to the popular Google mobile services millions use every day, including Google Search by voice, Google Maps with Street View, Gtalk, YouTube, Picasa, and contacts/calendar synchronization. The G2 also provides easy access to both personal and corporate e-mail, calendars, and contacts supported by Exchange Server and Gmail.

The G2 has a 5-megapixel camera with LED flash, and it can capture HD video (720p) for saving to PCs or uploaded to sharing sites--including Photobucket. Offering quick response and good multitasking, the G2 is powered by the Snapdragon MSM7230 mobile processor with an 800 MHz CPU and optimized power-saving capabilities.

Other features include Wireless-N Wi-Fi networking (802.11b/g/n), Bluetooth for hands-free devices and stereo music streaming, 4 GB internal memory, memory expansion via optional microSD cards (up to 32 GB in size; an 8 GB card is included), integrated GPS with navigation capabilities, Visual Voicemail functionality, and up to 6.5 hours of talk time.

Google Services
The T-Mobile G2 delivers a powerful mobile data experience that is tightly integrated with Google Voice, as well as packed with Google applications such as Voice Actions from Google, Google Goggles, and more. It is one of the first smartphones in the industry to offer the new Voice Actions feature of Google Search, which allows you to control your phone with your voice for calling contacts and businesses, sending messages, browsing the Web, listening to music, and completing common tasks.

It's also the first smartphone to offer integrated access to Google Voice, allowing you to create a new account using your current mobile number right from the home screen. Google Voice then automatically transcribes voicemails to text so you can read them like an e-mail or text message from your phone or online. Additional pre-loaded Google services include Google Search, Gmail, Google Maps with Places and Navigation, YouTube, Google Talk, and Google Earth among others.



Key Features
Blazing fast 4G speeds on T-Mobile's HSPA+ network for up to 3 times faster than standard 3G networks, while allowing simultaneous voice and data capabilities for the ultimate wireless voice and data experience (1700/2100 MHz bands; see more about T-Mobile's 3G service below).
Fast 3G connectivity accelerated data speeds and simultaneous voice and data capabilities in areas not yet served by T-Mobile's HSPA+ network.
Quad-band GSM connectivity for good global voice roaming.
Powered by the Android 2.2 operating system with deep integration of Google services and access to thousands of apps to customize your phone via the Android Market.
Visual Voicemail allows you to listen to your voice-mail messages in any order, respond in one click and easily manage your inbox without ever dialing in to the network.
Built-in GPS for real-time location on maps, driving directions, and more (additional charges may apply)
Google Maps Navigation (Beta) provides free, pre-loaded turn-by-turn voice guidance. Powered by Google and requiring an Internet connection, it enables you to simply say "Navigate to [your destination]" to get on your way. See live traffic, use Street View or satellite imagery to view your route, and get access to the most recent maps and business information from Google Maps without ever needing to update your device. And with Places, you can easily find nearby points of interest, from gas stations to coffee shops and more.
High-resolution 3.7-inch capacitive touch display (480 x 800 pixels) with multi-touch capabilities, auto-rotation, light sensor, and proximity sensor.
Pinch and zoom functionality for Web browsing and photo gallery
Full QWERTY keyboard connected to phone's body via unique hinge design.
Highly responsive navigation trackpad
5-megapixel camera with LED flash gives you a brighter light source for taking photos in less-than-ideal lighting situations.
HD video capture capabilities (720p)
Media player compatible with MP3, WMA, AAC/AAC+/eAAC+ music formats and MPEG4 video
FM radio
Bluetooth connectivity (version 2.1) includes profiles for communication headset, hands-free car kits, and the A2DP Bluetooth profile--enabling you to wirelessly stream your music to a pair of compatible Bluetooth stereo headphones or speaker dock.
Tethering capabilities
8 GB microSD card with support for optional cards up to 32 GB.
Text (SMS) and picture/video (MMS) messaging
Access to popular instant messaging services
Access to personal and work e-mail (supports Microsoft Exchange corporate e-mail)
HTML Web browser
Adobe FlashPlayer enabled Web browsing experience
Organizer tools including calendar, voice memo, calculator, and alarm
Airplane mode allows you to listen to music while the cellular connectivity is turned off
MicroUSB connector with mass storage and charging capabilities
3.5mm headset/headphone jack
Hearing Aid Compatibility = M3

Vital Statistics
The T-Mobile G2 with Google weighs 6.5 ounces and measures 4.7 x 2.4 x 0.6 inches. Its 1300 mAh lithium-ion battery is rated at up to 6.5 hours of talk time, and up to 420 hours (17.5 days) of standby time. It runs on the 850/900/1800/1900 MHz GSM/GPRS/EDGE frequencies, as well as T-Mobile's 3G network (1700/2100 MHz; UMTS/HSDPA/HSPA+).

What's in the Box
T-Mobile G2 handset, rechargeable battery, charger, 8 GB microSD memory card, stereo headset, USB cable, quick start guide, user manual



T-Mobile Network Features High-Speed Data Connectivity via T-Mobile's 3G/4G Network
This phone is compatible with T-Mobile's UMTS/HSDPA/HSPA+ 3G/4G network, which operates on the 1700/2100 MHz AWS spectrum, and it can achieve theoretical download speeds of up to 21 Mbps. It's designed to automatically connect to the best available network (4G, 3G, or GSM/GPRS/EDGE) to provide faster data speeds when accessing the Web.

In areas where the 3G/4G network is not available, you'll continue to receive service on the via T-Mobile's EDGE network (which stands for "Enhanced Data Rates for Global Evolution"). This high-speed, mobile data and Internet access technology is fast enough to support a wide range of advanced data services (with average data speeds between 75-135Kbps), including full picture and video messaging, high-speed color Internet access, and e-mail on the go.
T-Mobile's Expanding, Super-Fast 4G Mobile Broadband Network
As of February, 2011, T-Mobile has upgraded its traditional 3G network to HSPA+ 4G in 200 major metropolitan areas across the U.S.--cover 200 million people across the country--with plans to continue rolling out this network upgrade throughout 2011. With typical download speeds that are on par with or faster than competing 4G technologies, T-Mobile's HSPA+ network provides fast data speeds--up to 3 times faster than AT&T and Verizon's standard 3G networks--while allowing simultaneous voice and data capabilities for the ultimate wireless voice and data experience. You'll enjoy faster Web browsing, uninterrupted video streaming, and quicker app downloads.

T-Mobile's 4G mobile broadband network (powered by HSPA+) provides a theoretical capability of up to 21 Mbps peak download speeds, with average download speeds typically in the 5 to 8 Mbps range.



T-Mobile Services High-speed data connectivity via T-Mobile's 3G/4G network:
In addition to its quad-band GSM connectivity, this phone is also compatible with T-Mobile's UMTS/HSDPA/HSPA+ 3G/4G network, which operates on the 1700/2100 MHz AWS spectrum. This phone is designed to automatically connect to the best available network (4G, 3G, or GSM/GPRS/EDGE) to provide faster data speeds when accessing the Web.

In areas where the 3G network is not available, you'll continue to receive service on the via T-Mobile's EDGE network (which stands for "Enhanced Data Rates for Global Evolution"). This high-speed, mobile data and Internet access technology is fast enough to support a wide range of advanced data services (with average data speeds between 75-135Kbps), including full picture and video messaging, high-speed color Internet access, and e-mail on the go.

While this phone is optimized for use with T-Mobile's high-speed 3G network, many of its functions will also work well on the moderate-speed EDGE network. If you plan to access the Internet extensively on your phone, 3G network coverage may serve you best.

Swype Keyboard
An alternative to the Android virtual keyboard, the Swype virtual keyboard (seen at the right) allows you to input text by swiping the finger with one continuous finger or stylus motion across the screen keyboard. Based on testing, speed and accuracy are equal to or better than the traditional keyboard-tapping method. You can activate the Swype keyboard by pressing and holding in a text field, wait for popup to appear, click Input Method, and then select Swype.

In the image to the left, the word "quick" was generated from tracing the path shown above in a fraction of a second, by roughly aiming to pass through the letters of the word. A key advantage to Swype is that there is no need to be very accurate, enabling very rapid text entry.

Also Available for This Android Device

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