User Review History
The BRD's review of the HTC ThunderBolt
original version, submitted Jul 25, 2011, 11:30 AM:
Expected More
Like everyone else, I waited a long time for this phone to be released. While waiting, I researched everything I could about this phone-the good, bad, and indifferent. I've had the phone for about 4 months now and wanted to get used to it (coming from LG Dare) before posting a review of it.
Pros:
-Huge screen
-Snappy response, no lag between screens, phone navigation
-Sturdy phone-seems well built.
-4G speeds are awesome
-HTC Support is very helpful (much better than VZW's)
-Great camera
Cons:
-Battery life could be better, but that's already been well-documented and was a known issue before getting the phone. It's manageable with the right settings (with light-moderate use, I still have 1/2 battery at end of day and charge it every morning).
-Data connection seems to be unstable using WiFi. It won't connect to a hidden network and after being connected, once the phone has been in 'standby' for a few minutes, once I come back to using the WiFi, it is very slow and unresponsive. I have to re-start the WiFi for it to work again.
-Screen Display is very difficult to see outdoors.
I don't think the phone deserves the low ratings it has received since the things they're complaining about were known issues and well documented. As a phone, I have no complaints (although I wish they would hyphenate the phone numbers throughout), but as a computer, there's still some work to be done. Most of the issues I have with it are software related and the fixes they issue fix some things but cause other problems. Eventually they'll get it right (GB?). If you want a stable smartphone and aren't concerned about 'limitless' customization, then go with the iPhone. My spouse has one and while it has it's own limitations, it's a better 'computer' than the Tbolt (4G notwithstanding). PS: before purchasing ANY phone, do your homework, including pricing. I got mine for $175 3 weeks after it was released (and was selling for $250) because the GO WIRELESS dealer price-matched Amazon.com.
edited May 20, 2013, 6:19 PM to the current version:
Expected More
Like everyone else, I waited a long time for this phone to be released. While waiting, I researched everything I could about this phone-the good, bad, and indifferent. I've had the phone for about 4 months now and wanted to get used to it (coming from LG Dare) before posting a review of it.
Pros:
-Huge screen
-Snappy response, no lag between screens, phone navigation
-Sturdy phone-seems well built.
-4G speeds are awesome
-HTC Support is very helpful (much better than VZW's)
-Great camera
Cons:
-Battery life could be better, but that's already been well-documented and was a known issue before getting the phone. It's manageable with the right settings (with light-moderate use, I still have 1/2 battery at end of day and charge it every morning).
-Data connection seems to be unstable using WiFi. It won't connect to a hidden network and after being connected, once the phone has been in 'standby' for a few minutes, once I come back to using the WiFi, it is very slow and unresponsive. I have to re-start the WiFi for it to work again.
-Screen Display is very difficult to see outdoors.
I don't think the phone deserves the low ratings it has received since the things they're complaining about were known issues and well documented. As a phone, I have no complaints (although I wish they would hyphenate the phone numbers throughout), but as a computer, there's still some work to be done. Most of the issues I have with it are software related and the fixes they issue fix some things but cause other problems. Eventually they'll get it right (GB?). PS: before purchasing ANY phone, do your homework, including pricing. I got mine for $175 3 weeks after it was released (and was selling for $250) because the GO WIRELESS dealer price-matched Amazon.com.
