FIRST LOOK: HTC EVO 3D – plus Vodafone pricing.

The HTC EVO 3D is the second 3D phone on the market here in Australia, following on from the launch of the LG Optimus 3D earlier in the year. Vodafone will launch the EVO 3D on September 14, while Telstra’s launch date is still unknown.  Vodafone will be making the phone available at $0 on the $59 cap.

When the Optimus 3D launched I was certainly impressed with the concept, but questioned the market for the phone. With the HTC EVO 3D I’m even more impressed, but still have to ask the question about who and why.

The EVO 3D is a chunky phone, it feels big in your hand and carries a bit of weight, however I should disclose that I jumped from the Samsung Galaxy S II to the EVO 3D and the Galaxy is one heck of a light weight phone.

Full details about the EVO 3D as well as Vodafone pricing – click continue reading

When it comes to quality, you’ll get from the EVO 3D the same thing you get on all HTC devices, great materials and good build quality. The back cover features embossed angled lines with the htc logo among them, while the dual lenses are surrounded by a metallic red ring which adds a nice touch to the device.

Around the rim you have your microUSB charge point, volume controls, dedicated camera button and a toggle switch to flick between 2D and 3D camera modes.

Featuring a 4.3 inch display running qHD (540×960) the images are excellent quality, while the dual core processor means the EVO 3D performs very well.

The device I’ve been using is running Android 2.3.4 which should keep the OS narks happy (I’m not too fussed about the decimal points in reality – the average user has no idea the difference)

Overall, this is another great phone from HTC, with HTC sense and the dual core power, it’s got the grunt you need from a smartphone.

It is certainly on the heavy side of phones which is a small disadvantage, however if it’s 3D content you want – this is definitely the one.

So, how does the 3D work and how does it stack up.

Well, when viewing a movie or photo in 3D mode you need to sit right in the sweet spot, however the important thing to note about that is there is multiple sweet spots. Even sitting on a 30 or 45 degree angle the 3D effect is still available.. This is done by creating areas of 3D within the viewing range. Hard to explain without seeing it, but I can say two people could easily view 3D content, assuming they can both keep their heads in the exact spot and the phone doesn’t move!

People I showed the phone to were stunned. There are a few demo videos on the device I have which really helped show off the 3D effect. You get a true sense of 3D, I have to say it was better than my first touch of the LG Optimus 3D, and more advanced than the effect you get on the Nintendo 3DS.

All this is happening, without the use of 3D glasses. It’s a fantastic technology.

Of course, with dual 5MP camera lenses, you can also create your own 3D memories, which, when you consider the lack of TV 3D content available might make good use of your 3D TV perhaps!

The effect of 3D is best seen with things you photograph or video within 2-10 meters, any more than that it’s not really worth the 3D switch being on.

So, why buy a 3D Smartphone? To impress your mates I think. I wouldn’t buy one unless I had a 3D TV at home, so you can plug it in and share content between the devices – with DLNA on board the sharing with the EVO is easy.

On board you will also find two 3D Games – Spiderman 3D and NFS Shift – NFS isn’t a fantastic 3D experience, but is worthwhile, while spiderman is a more immersive 3D Game.

Sohail Hafesjee from Vodafone explains the excitement from Vodafone on it’s pending launch: “We see the HTC EVO 3D appealing to early adopters looking to future proof their devices. For example: If a consumer purchase 3D TV, they will be able to readily share content across both devices seamlessly.”

“The HTC EVO 3D is a huge 3D innovation play. It offers a superior viewing experience- better than any handset on the market, and we’re excited to be bringing this device to Vodafone. For customers who love video and gaming- this is the device for you.”

“We know our customers will love the fact they don’t have to wear those dorky 3D glasses to view 3D content via mobile.”

“The smartphone market is competitive, and this will be a distinctive device within our range.”

Remembering that the EVO 3D is as good as most smartphones if not better without even considering the 3D component, it’s a worthy contender for your interest.

Vodafone will announce soon that it will make the HTC Evo 3D available as a $15 per month handset fee on the $45 infinite plan over 24 months, or $0 upfront on the $59 Vodafone cap over 24 months.  RRP for the device outright will be $849.

Available this on the 14th of September from Vodafone while Telstra launch date and confirm the EVO 3D will be available by the end of September, pricing through Telstra is unknown at this stage.

It’s a great phone – check it out at your local store!