HTC Status: A mobile for Facebook junkies
Takeaway: Review about new "HTC STATUS", new Android Smartphone for Facbook junkies.
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| HTC Status |
When I pulled the new HTC Status out of the box, I was prepared to absolutely hate the device. With its Blackberry-like form factor and lack of virtual keyboard, I figured this device was going to be an exercise in 90’s throwback. However, I was — surprisingly enough — quite impressed with the total package. Yes, the hardware is a bit of a step backwards (a tiny screen and always-there keypad), but the phone packs a punch and will make any Facebook junkie a happy social butterfly. But are Facebook Friends the only people who will enjoy this quaint device? Let’s find out.
Specs
What jumps out at me from the above list is the processor and memory. Older phones, such as the HTC EVO, blow those specs away, so what could possible entice users to purchase a lesser-powered machine? It’s all about perceived value. With the unique features that accompany the Status vs. the lack of power, the user base begins to narrow by leaving the power user behind.
Unique features
So, I keep mentioning these unique features on the Status. Just what are they? Here’s the short list:Outside of these things, this is your standard Android-powered phone… somewhat. Why do I say that? The main drawback of this phone is the screen size. While I really appreciate the physical keyboard, having that keyboard take away precious screen real estate seems like a bit of backward thinking. This is a phone designed with social networking in mind, and cutting down on the screen size is counterproductive to that task. Viewing Facebook on the tiny screen isn’t easy. And browsing other web sites? Forget it!
The upside?
That small screen might be key to one really great aspect of the HTC Status – battery life. Of all the Android-based mobiles I’ve used (and I’ve used plenty), this handset has, by far, the best battery life. I did a simple comparison. I activated all services on two different phones (HTC Incredible 2 and HTC Status) and left them on standby. After two days, the Incredible 2 was dead. After five days, the Status still had over three quarters of its battery life. That’s a significant difference.However, standby battery is no way to judge the battery life of a phone. With the full barrage of services running (Wireless, GPS, Bluetooth), the Status stood up to the best of the Android-based mobiles I have used (such as the EVO, Captivate, Incredible 1 and 2). So, battery life is neither an issue nor a compelling enough reason to purchase this device.
Another upside of the Status is the HTC Sense UI. Outside of one or two user interfaces that can be downloaded from the Android Market, Sense is the best of the best. And even on the somewhat underpowered Status, Sense UI runs flawlessly. Of course, if you don’t like Sense UI, this is Android, so you can install another launcher.
The biggest upside the Status offers is physical. The keypad is quite nice, especially for those who have trouble dealing with the virtual keyboards. Not only does the physically feedback make typing a bit better, but the spacing of the keys is quite nice. Also, the very shape of the device (there’s a slight bend in the middle of the handset) makes it easy to use as a phone (remember, they are still phones) and hold in one hand.
