Android Phones
Sibling Rivalry – HTC EVO vs. HTC Incredible: First Impressions and Hardware Build
July 5, 2010 | by Chris Smith
Android Phones, HTC
This week we are going to take a look at HTC’s two latest superphones, the HTC EVO 4G and the HTC DROID Incredible. These two phones are very similar; both with Android 2.1 with Sense UI, 1Ghz Snapdragon processor, 8MP Camera, and vibrant touchscreens. But there are some differences that may sway potential buyers to one or the other. Today we will look at the build of the phones and gives some first impressions.
Overall Build
At first glance you will of course notice how much larger the EVO is compared to the Incredible. Although this means more screen space for the EVO, the EVO does not gain any jumps in resolution as both are 800×480 (we will give you a full screen comparison later this week). What you will notice is that the Incredible and the EVO are about the same height, but the EVO is substantially thicker. They both have the same type of buttons on the front but the EVO is lacking the optical button. This is something that I have found to be very useful when editing long emails or selecting text. I personally feel that HTC ditched the optical button to save on a little space, but I feel that this is something that is sadly missing from the EVO.
Some more of the apparent differences are the location of the Micro USB charging ports with the EVO’s on the bottom next to the HDMI port (which the Incredible lacks) and the Incredible’s on the left, lower side. The volume rockers are on opposite sides as well as the lock button on top of the phone. I can’t understand the reasoning behind this. I feel that HTC needs to sit down and start creating some standards for their devices.
On the backside both have large 8MP cameras with dual LED flash that for some reason rest on whatever surface you are laying them on. This always results in the thought that I am scratching the lens cover but HTC made a small design decision of making the outer bevel of the lens just a little longer than the lens cover. This makes the outside bevel rest on the surface, rather than the lens cover. You will also notice how much heavier and daunting the EVO is in your hands compared the Incredible. It’s not bad, the EVO isn’t exactly a brick, but if you have small, dainty hands I suggest playing with the EVO for a while before choosing it.
Of course I would be considered an EVO hater if I didn’t mention the quirky kickstand on the back of the phone. It’s made of metal and is spring loaded. I don’t watch too many movies or videos on my phone, but I do use it as a desk clock. Forget about buying an extra dock; just use the kickstand.
Build Quality
The outside edges of both devices are covered in shiny plastic that really does feel quite cheap. If you put either the HTC Incredible or the EVO up next to a Moto Droid you will notice quite the difference in build quality; the HTC’s just feel like toys, especially the Incredible as the EVO feels heavier and more stable. I don’t quite understand what HTC is doing here with chincy plastic side binding, especially when another fruity company is shipping phones that are made of solid glass and metal. In my opinion this is a rather large mistake and HTC needs to step up the quality for their upcoming phones.
The Incredible also has some sort of creakiness in the battery door on the sides that some of suggested fixing with electrical tape. My take on this is that HTC should have fixed it before they starting selling the Incredible. The battery door on the Incredible does seem weak and after a year or two swapping out batteries I have a feeling that it will break. The battery door on the EVO is much more sound as it doesn’t wrap around the phone edges as the Incredible’s does. I feel that this would have been the better solution for the Incredible.
Conclusion
In my honest opinion and limited time with both phones together I would have to say that the EVO 4G has a slightly better build. Now, if you are deathly afraid of larger phones, then the EVO is not for you. But if you need a quality build and you think “bigger is better” than the EVO stands out against the Incredible. Mind you I own an Incredible so it pains me to say it, but build wise the EVO is definitely the phone that wins.
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Great review, Chris. I love my EVO, and can’t wait for Froyo.
Great review indeed Chris, any chances to see you review the droid X very soon, I'm thinkering of buying a Droid X or a nexus one. Haven't heard good things about the evo 4 battery.
I have no problem with my battery on the EVO. I get a full day's charge. I disconnect at 7AM and don't plug in till midnight. So that is at least 17 hours and the phone isn't even dead yet. Yes, there were phones shipped with faulty batteries – this is true. But getting a DROID on verizon – as sharp a phone as they are – you'll be paying a lot more per month for their plan. Keep that in mind.
Over all I'd say a pretty decent review. I do love my incredible though. Oh and one other thing… "The Incredible also has some sort of creakiness in the battery door on the sides that some of suggested fixing with electrical tape." Uhm.. I've heard of this problem, but we have 3 incredibles on our family plan and none of the three have this problem. (shrug).
my brother has an EVO and i own an Incredible. we haven't seen each others phones yet but, what a size difference! i don't have the battery door noise you speak of at all and while the phone is constructed mainly of plastic i don't find it to feel cheap, yet i don't find it to feel rugged either. nice write-up.
The Incredible actually benefits from having some sort of case (love the official High Gloss Silicone one)… as I find it too slim to grip steadily and comfortably. It also gives it a little more weight, structure and a more "solid" feeling.
I also find the Incredible is the perfect size to pocket also, with the Evo being a bit too large.
God dammit, the Incredible STILL HAS NO FREAKING desktop dock, car dock, or any accessories one might desire. What is with VZW and HTC? Some reason they don't want to make money?
I don’t understand the hang up with phones being made of metal. We are ok with laptops being made of plastic, but must have smartphones made of glass and metal? I went from the Droid to the EVO and I can tell you that while the Droid felt more, well, metal, that the paint also chipped very easily off the metal edges. I keep a case on every phone I have ever owned, but the cases for sliders like the Droid add too much bulk.
I'd take the EVO if it were on Verizon…never switching to Sprint or AT&T. The Incredible is my favorite phone right now, but I know better phones will be out by the end of the year. I just wanted something that would be able to handle OS upgrades. Can't wait for Froyo. I'm always down with HTC, I had an XV6800 that I loved. My only complaint for the incredible was the short battery life. I fixed that by getting a 1750mah battery to replace it. Now I can go a whole day and keep a charge. I think that there are a lot of improvements that could be made. I think HTC should stick with both of these phones. I can't wait to see what they come out with next.
I took the Evo as well and i am so sad to say that i am heavily disappointed. The phone has been out on the market for three months and i am on my third one as of today. it has a screen that is much to big for everyday transport and doesn't take to even a six in. drop from my hand to my kitchen table without braking the glass touchscreen. I continue to shop for a case worthy of my clumsy self and doesn't ruin my signal. On the record. Damn Sprint!!!!!