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The HTC Smart has really impressed me... This is one of the first of such
handsets to bring smartphone style features to a more 'entry level' handset.”
At a glance
Size
55mm
(2.17")
12.8mm
(0.50")
104mm
(4.09")
Weight
-
3.81 ounces (108 grams) with battery
Display
-
Type: TFT-LCD
touch-sensitive screen with QVGA resolution
-
Resolution: 320
x 240
Screen size: 71.12mm
(2.8")
.
Introduction :
There are some phones which are not that easy to categorize, and the HTC
Smart is just one of them. Aiming
to attract attention with the new Brew mobile platform and solid build quality,
it is HTC's first foray into the feature phone universe. However, the HTC Smart
seems to be keeping the popular Sense UI, so the user experience should still be
HTC-like. We need another one of these mobile platforms like we need an oil
spill in the Gulf, but let's see what it can and can't do.
What's in the box:
-
HTC Smart handset
-
miniUSB cable
-
Charger
-
Manuals
-
Stereo headset with mic
-
1100mAh Li-Ion battery
Design:
We have to give it to HTC, they surely know how to make touchscreen phones. For
one of the pioneers in the industry it wouldn't be very hard to make a solid
handset and the HTC Smart exhibits the build quality we've come to expect from
the company, despite the fact that it is an entry level phone. The specs are
pretty ordinary, though - the screen is 2.8” resistive type with a plain QVGA
resolution, and not very responsive to the touch. It is probably the most basic
screen you can find on a touchscreen device these days. Colors are by no means
saturated, but at least the panel doesn't smudge quickly like some others do,
and is bright and fairly visible in direct sunlight.
You can compare the HTC Smart with many other phones using our Size
Visualization Tool.
The HTC Smart feels sturdy and heavy when gripped, with a quality soft-touch
coating on the back, usually reserved for higher-end phones. When you add the
stainless steel elements like the buttons, the rims surrounding the phone and
the display area, plus the brushed metal plate around the 3MP camera, it all
amounts up to quality.
A nice
chrome band runs around the
phone. Even the volume piece on the left, and the camera button at the lower
right side, are part of it, but a bit elevated, so you can feel where they are
without looking. The only elements that pierce the metal band's streamlined
look, are the miniUSB port at the bottom for charging and syncing, and the 3.5mm
audio jack on top, but they have chrome all around them too. The travel of the
camera key is quite shallow since you don't have the half-press-to-focus
function, as the 3MP camera is with a fixed focus.
The front of the HTC Smart is
also thoughtfully designed. The huge metal back key has a prominent position
between the send and end buttons in the bottom area, and there is a tiny key
right underneath the screen, which serves as a context menu button throughout
the interface (similar to Android). The plate around all front keys has a wooden
look, and the earpiece area above the screen is covered by a metal grill with
three LEDs lighting up when the device is charging.
Honestly, the design of the HTC Smart looks much more impressive than its spec
sheet. It definitely gives it that premier look we've come to expect from HTC's
handsets. So as far as design goes, we're content with what the Smart offers. On
the other hand, the combination of Brew MP and Sense UI seems like an intriguing
software mash-up. It would be interesting to see if it keeps the same level of
quality found with the appearance of the phone.
It's about people, not applications
With the HTC Smart all your communications are organised by people, not by
application. Which means all your texts, calls, emails and Facebook© updates are
all in one place – with the person they are meant to be with
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