Most follow-ups tend to be better-featured than their previous namesakes. The HTC EVO Shift 4G, however, goes the other way, setting itself up as a more affordable alternative to the original EVO 4G.
Likely aimed at those overwhelmed by the original EVO 4G's price and, probably, size, the new handset is an attempt to provide the same high-speed WiMAX access in a more accessible package. That means cheaper, smaller and just a tad less powerful, but still good enough to gut it out with today's ever-growing roster of Android smartphones.
Details of the HTC EVO Shift 4G include a 3.6-inch capacitive touchscreen (800 x 480 resolution), a 5.0 megapixel camera module (with 720p video recording), aGPS, stereo Bluetooth, WiFi, stereo Bluetooth, an FM tuner, microSD card expansion (up to 32GB) and a 1,500mAh battery (rated at up to 6 hours of talk time). Of course, it's got access to both Sprint's EV-DO Rev. A and WiMAX networks, allowing users to stay connected majority of the time. Core hardware consists of an 800MHz Qualcomm processor and 512MB of RAM -- a slight step down from the original EVO 4G.
One big change here is the inclusion of a slide-out QWERTY keyboard, which could be a critical selling point for heavy messaging users who just can't wing it on virtual keys. It's a lot more pocketable, too, sporting dimensions of 4.6 x 2.3 x 0.6 inches and a weight of 5.9 oz.
The HTC EVO Shift 4G will be running Android 2.2 at the helm, with availability slated for January 9. Price is $149.99 with a two year agreement from Sprint.
[Sprint]
