HTC Vivid Review
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Let's not forget to give credit where credit is due, but after a long year of seeing plenty of top-notch smartphones, we've probably forgotten about the HTC Inspire 4G for AT&T. Well, we really can't forget about it, because it brought HSPA+ connectivity to the masses for AT&T – priced competitively at $99.99 on-contract. Seeing that AT&T is on the verge of kicking things up with their 4G LTE network, it's naturally fitting for them to bring a device that showcases their network's potential. Seriously making it affordable on any budget, the $199.99 on-contract HTC Vivid seems remarkably priced to offer plenty of value for the dollar – while introducing us to the capability of AT&T's next-generation data network.
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- HTC Vivid
- microUSB cable
- Wall Charger
- Quick Start Guide
Design:
Right off the bat, we're quickly reminded of the HTC EVO 4G because the Vivid sports some of the characteristic design traits found with the beloved smartphone. Specifically, it features a plastic exterior, beveled border that tapers towards the back, and a very similar overall size. Despite the plastic exterior, it still packs a noticeable amount of weight when it's held in hand – though, it's evenly distributed. Fortunately though, its body is reinforced with some strength thanks to the stainless steel back cover. Overall, it doesn't come off as something remarkably fresh in appearance, but instead, it takes the safe approach of improving an already established design.
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Despite the plastic exterior, the HTC Vivid still packs a noticeable amount of weight when it's held in hand | ||
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You can compare the HTC Vivid with many other phones using our Size Visualization Tool.
For something packing a 4.5 inch qHD S-LCD display, it's nice to see that it maintains a manageable size – that's because the bezels surrounding the display are kept to a minimum. Thanks to its qHD (540 x 960) resolution, resulting in 245 ppi, the detail is quite good, although not HD. Meanwhile, the S-LCD panel manages to produce some very deep and punchy color tones, which something we typically find with this type of display technology. However, we find its viewing angles to be less than desirable seeing that it washes out the display – plus, it doesn't help that its brightness output is rather weak. In fact, it's very prevalent when we're trying to see the display outdoors in the presence of the sun.
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The HTC Vivid packs a 4.5 inch qHD S-LCD display | ||
With some spacing between the bottom edge and the Android capacitive buttons, there are rarely moments when we find ourselves accidentally pressing them. On the opposite side, there's a narrow slit for the handset's earpiece – with the front facing 1.3-megapixel camera nearby.
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Front | Android buttons below the screens | Front facing camera |
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microUSB port (left) | Power button and 3.5mm jack | Volume rocker (right) |
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Back | Camera | SIM and microSD card slots |
Drag the picture or use the keyboard arrows to rotate the phone. Double click or press keyboard Space to zoom in/out
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39 Comments
2. bigdawg23 posted on 10 Nov 2011, 10:20 6 0
I just swapped the SGS2 for the Vivid on Monday. I will disagree on call quality. My calls on the Vivid are much clearer and crisp than SGS2. Also I have more bars in more places. One spot I have always dropped calls no longer happens.
As for the Camera, so far it looks as good as the SGS2. I also like the better resolution.
3. Tre-Nitty posted on 10 Nov 2011, 10:40 2 2
Goldeneye the phone is huge. The skyrocket is thin. Btw, att has the vivid for $99 online and the skyrocket for $149.
9. bigdawg23 posted on 10 Nov 2011, 11:18 1 0
Not everywhere. Its that price in markets like NY and LA. However, other places its $199 and $249 for Skyrocket.
28. supplytheginger posted on 14 Nov 2011, 16:54 0 0
where can you get it for $99 dollars online(pls include link)
5. drahmad posted on 10 Nov 2011, 10:51 6 1
i mean HTC and samsung are making too many android devices...having very little differences bw them
14. Galaxys2...R posted on 10 Nov 2011, 11:57 2 0
yes i mean in the last two months we have the rhyme, sensation XE, XL, rezound, edge now ville for android and apart from the rhyme these phones all have practically the same specs with only minor differences.
21. idgaf posted on 10 Nov 2011, 18:51 0 0
woah woah woah the edge had a hd display and a quad core processor. How is it not different!?!?
27. christianqwerty posted on 11 Nov 2011, 17:53 0 0
lol thats a concept.
6. jackhammeR posted on 10 Nov 2011, 11:01 1 1
Haha...oh gash. 1080p in 3gp format?? Why HTC, why????
7. Tre-Nitty posted on 10 Nov 2011, 11:04 2 0
I've been saying it for the longest. They don't allow their phones to mature and grow because its always a new coming out next week. I don't care either way. I have the iphone 4 and skyrocket so im set.
39. gragonHDfones posted on 27 Dec 2011, 20:36 0 0
att did not get any of those new android phones from htc in a while since the the inspire. People with att actually needed that.
8. deadinside posted on 10 Nov 2011, 11:11 4 4
Im sorry but a 7.5..thats a BS score..u guys gave the atrix a 9.0 and that phone is horrible..the 1st and the 2nd one
16. Carlitos posted on 10 Nov 2011, 14:34 0 0
The Atrix is not a horrible phone, well i guess it was close to that when it had froyo, but ever since GB, its an entire new phone. But i do have to say the Atrix 2 wasnt much of an improvement from the original.
18. Gemmol posted on 10 Nov 2011, 15:47 0 0
I have the Atrix it is far from horrible, maybe the ones you play with it are defective, but mine is smooth and responsive, the best part I did not remove anything the carrier put and like the other guy say Gingerbread made everything better
19. deadinside posted on 10 Nov 2011, 17:16 2 2
im on my 4th atix since it came out, and im sorry but this is the worst phone i have ever had...and its definitely not a 9 like PA rated it
10. snowgator posted on 10 Nov 2011, 11:39 0 0
Sooooo... the camera is really good, the screen is really nice, it is fairly heavy, we have no idea how it will work on LTE, and everything else is fair-to-middlin?
That about some it up on the Vivid? Okay, bring on the Skyrocket review.....
