HTC Titan Review
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We’ve gone through it extensively in our reviews of the HTC Radar and Samsung Focus Flash, but the HTC Titan offers the same exact Windows Phone 7.5 Mango experience found on those . On the surface, it’s still able to catch our eyes thanks to its dynamic live tiles, integration of social networks (Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn), and multi-tasking elements. Certainly, the latest build of the mobile platform has a ton of new features to keep even older users content. On top of that, the HTC Hub has been updated as well to give us that distinctive Sense UI feel.
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The HTC Titan offers the Windows Phone 7.5 Mango experience | ||
Although it might not matter as much, since all Windows Phones have to adhere to strict hardware requirements, the HTC Titan is blessed with Qualcomm’s third-generation Snapdragon processor – well, it’s specifically a single-core 1.5GHz Qualcomm MSM8255 processor. Coupled with 512MB of RAM, which might seem miniscule by some, it’s still able to provide one responsive performance throughout all aspects of the platform. From opening up apps to kinetic scrolling, the HTC Titan is seemingly blazing with its response.
Thanks to its massive display, the HTC Titan makes the already fantastic messaging experience found with Windows Phone even better! Well, that’s because of the spacious layout available to us, plus, when you combine its awesome responsiveness and spot-on auto-correct feature, it’s by far the best Mango device to type messages.
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Messaging | |
With Mango’s presence, the email experience has been refined to offer a universal inbox system and threaded conversations. And of course, the setup process is simple as pie seeing that it essentially requires only our email address and password to automatically set up.
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Not surprisingly, AT&T’s presence is felt yet again with apps like AT&T Code Scanner, AT&T FamilyMap, AT&T Navigator, AT&T U-verse Mobile, and myAT&T. Besides those carrier branded apps, the only third party one preloaded is YPmobile.
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Preloaded AT&T apps | |||
Internet and Connectivity:
Yeah, there’s no Flash support, but honestly, we’re hardly heartbroken about that because the web browsing experience on the HTC Titan is especially gratifying – thanks to its smooth movements and fast HSPA+ speeds.
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Internet surfing with the HTC Titan | |||
Planning to take a trip overseas? Well, you’ll be in good hands with the GSM enabled HTC Titan, which also boasts HSPA+ connectivity for faster data speeds over 3G. Meanwhile, it features your typical arsenal of connectivity items like aGPS, Bluetooth 2.1 with EDR, 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi, and even mobile hotspot functionality.
Camera:
Similarly to many other recent HTC smartphones, the HTC Titan is geared to be a photo-taking centric device thanks to its 8-megapixel auto-focus camera, which features a dual-LED flash, wide-angle F2.2 lens, and backside illumination. The photos don’t impress us, but they are not bad either. Exposure isn't handled in the best way possible, while color reproduction is a bit on the colder side, but not to the point of making photos look unnatural. Detail is better than average and is good even indoors in lower light.
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Camera interface | |||
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Samples made with the HTC Titan | ||||
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Strong | Medium | Low light |
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3ft | 5ft | 7ft |
Darkness with flash | ||
HTC Titan Sample Video:
Multimedia:
As always, we’re delighted by the Zune experience when it comes to playing music. Enabling SRS enhancement, its volume output is rather average in overall tone without any evidence of crackling or distortion at the loudest setting.
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Playing music | |
Needless to say, the HTC Titan is unequivocally the perfect device for watching movies, as it’s able to flawlessly play our test video encoded in DivX 1920 x 1080 resolution. Besides the obvious fidelity of having a wealthy display, it’s further supplemented by its smooth playback and rich visuals.
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Watching movies | |
Out of the box, the handset offers 12.89GB of internal storage, which means you’ll need to manage your multimedia content more carefully – and yeah, there’s no way to expand it.
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28 Comments
1. SpanishDeveloper posted on 29 Nov 2011, 08:11 6 0
HTC, make us a favor and create a 4-inch/4.3-inch Windows Phone with a great display and a good camera. This thing is too big for my pocket.
9. McLTE posted on 29 Nov 2011, 11:12 5 2
I saw 4.7" display and was like.. YAY!!!!
Then.. 800x480 and I threw up in my mouth a little.. no thanks!
15. Dr.Phil posted on 29 Nov 2011, 14:53 1 0
Just wait til next year when they have the update that will allow higher resolution displays. I am sure there will be a "Titan 2" in the works.
19. apocalypsebc posted on 29 Nov 2011, 18:35 2 0
I hope so, but Nokia or Samsung might beat them to the punch. They both use amoled displays and phone/tablet are the next thing. Kind of like having the best of both worlds. Look up the Samsung Galaxy Note! I want one of those with Windows Phone 8 ;-)
22. rayjones09 posted on 29 Nov 2011, 20:39 0 1
Well if you haven't used it, it sounds bad. But, go ahead and try it out. Its noticeable but in all truth its not that bad at all. Its no HD display but its still great. It shouldn't impede on regular functions.
14. TechiOz posted on 29 Nov 2011, 14:26 1 0
Hmmm, pocket size is relative to the man. Big guys have bigger pockets and bigger hands. Some need a bigger screen for bigger finger etc. Think outside your box mate.
20. apocalypsebc posted on 29 Nov 2011, 18:39 1 0
You might cry if you saw the Samsung Galaxy Note. Phone/tablet is the next best thing. The best of both worlds.
2. ghost__uwi posted on 29 Nov 2011, 08:39 1 0
Yuh know maybe they take the phone is like a brick thing to seriously.
3. MickDM posted on 29 Nov 2011, 09:07 5 0
the last paragraph sounds more like an ad for android phones than a review of this phone...ijs
11. lubba posted on 29 Nov 2011, 12:44 1 0
I thought you were kidding regarding the last paragraph. Looks like I'll have to agree with you. And can you believe it, the author even says "awesome ice-cream sandwich." Who can you trust nowadays?
29. yodanim posted on 23 Jan 2012, 14:33 0 0
if you look at the picture next to the front facing camera picture, it lists the three capacitive soft buttons s ANDROID BUTTONS!! biased much, we see what he'd rather review. 7.5 is a terrible score. user reviews are more like it.
4. ReturningToNokia posted on 29 Nov 2011, 09:59 1 1
Succinct review! I love WP, but I am not impressed with this 'flagship' WP device; nor am I impressed with the Focus S (and I'd wager that many tech sites aren't impressed with the Focus S given that only a handful of the more popular tech sites even bothered to review it).
Get here, Nokia!
5. senbobaggins posted on 29 Nov 2011, 10:08 0 2
Typical phonearena, turning a windows phone review into a plug for android phones. Seriously, look at all the reviews for second generation windows phones....all 7.5. I was a huge phonearena fan but im sick of hearing about Android.
6. ngo2dd posted on 29 Nov 2011, 10:16 1 2
Typical fanboy. The Fandroid bitch about PA being the iphone arena. The iphone fanboy bitch about PA being too much for android now it is the window people.
24. JesterB posted on 30 Nov 2011, 18:54 0 0
It IS odd that PA gave this a 7.5 when they have the Atrix 2 a 9.....
7. Muhannad posted on 29 Nov 2011, 11:08 2 0
8/10 is a fair score for a smartphone in this category.
8. snowgator posted on 29 Nov 2011, 11:10 2 1
Okay, I am huge fan of Phone Arena and it's staff. I think they have mostly been fair and informative on reporting news. But truth is truth: John V. Is NOT a fan of Microsoft. As such, I am not surprised with this review.
Windows Phones are NOT Android or iOS. It is not as mature of a platform. I do not expect reviews at this stage on a level of high end Androids or the 4S. But what you will get is a well supported, updated, secure and bug free platform. Not only will the Titan a fantastic experience for the user, but if you look at the You Tube repeats of Microsofts WP8 plans, you know the advances coming. And if you look at the Nodo and Mango updates, you know EVERYONE will get it.
I own the Titan and the Focus S. The Titan's camera is near elite in it's performance, it loads everything you want with no hesitation, connects with every social network you have head of and most you haven't, is a joy to use
10. snowgator posted on 29 Nov 2011, 11:22 0 0
"heard of". Here I am defending my phones, and I cannot even spell right. Stoopid me.
12. lubba posted on 29 Nov 2011, 12:50 2 0
I researched many reviews regarding the titan, from technos to user reviews and many love this phone. So i wouldn\'t be hurt to much by this author.
17. rsiders posted on 29 Nov 2011, 17:28 1 0
Well maybe I'm jumping the gun here but I love this phone! I went into the AT&T store to give it a test drive and it more than exceeded my expectations. The screen resolution is going to pale in comparison to other phones in ppi but when you stop focusing on "the numbers" or "high-end" specs and focus on the experience who cares about the ppi or dual core processors? The phone is a joy to behold! Now the call quality and camera review may be the most useful of these type of reviews because you can't really measure those aspects with a test run at the retail store. But, the experience is magical. I would rate at least 8.5 but like i said I can't speak on call quality. Just hope T-Mobile gets one. I don't see why not either. T-Mobile customers would win. HTC would win. Windows Phone would win. Excuse my venting.lol
21. Phaze0085 posted on 29 Nov 2011, 18:40 1 0
Great good job HTC. I love my new phone. Yea, id like an expandable card slot, but i really dont use my phone for music anyway. I would love to have a better screen, I mean come on, who wouldnt? But to be honest the screen on it is great as is, so I cant complain. Hey, if you guys choose to make an HTC Titan 2 with a 5" screen, count me in. 2 thumbs up and 4 out of 5 stars. Good jobs guys and gals.
23. apocalypsebc posted on 29 Nov 2011, 21:36 2 0
It should have at least been rated an 8. 7.5? people might think you are talking about mango lol. As far as big screen phone that isn't here in the U.S., You forgot to mention the Samsung Galaxy Note which is a 5.4 inch amoled phone/tablet. The next best thing with the best of both worlds. I just cant wait to see one made by Nokia or Samsung running Windows Phone 8 OS.
27. gragonHDfones (unregistered) posted on 20 Dec 2011, 16:23 0 0
the thing is they should put it under a carrier, because i wouldnt wanna get it for $700.
25. Phrozt posted on 04 Dec 2011, 14:00 0 0
Gotta love the author's conclusion, "well, the titan is good and wp7 is good, but I still want you to buy Android, so here are some good models to buy."
26. rabit1 posted on 12 Dec 2011, 18:31 0 0
Problem with reviewers is just that without having to use it extensively, working out all the tricks and intricacies of a product there's no way they'll know and appreciate a good thing.
They basically only look at skin deep.
Same thing with people who looks at the number and says "only single core?", "only 800x480?", etc..
Granted there is no perfect product. But Titan is very very good. Great screen, no problem whatsoever with screen resolution. In fact its large screen is a joy to use.
There is no going back to anything less than 4" screen after Titan. Now awaiting Titan 2.
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