The HTC ThunderBolt strikes Verizon's web site

posted by FAUguy / Mar 17, 2011, 3:04 AM

The HTC ThunderBolt strikes Verizon's web site

It was only a matter of time, as the HTC ThunderBolt has officially been released and is avaliable for purchase on the Verizon Wireless web site.

As many of you know, the HTC ThunderBolt is Verizon's first 4G LTE smartphone, with ones from Motorola, LG and Samsung due out over the next few months. The Android 2.2 Froyo smartphone comes with a 4.3" 480x800 WVGA resolution touch-screen display, 1GHz Snapdragon processor (Qualcomm MSM8655 and MDM9600), 8MP autofocus rear camera with dual LED flash, 1.3MP front camera, 720p HD video recording, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 8GB of internal memory, and comes with a 32GB SanDisk Class 4 microSDHC memory card pre-installed.

When the ThunderBolt was first posts to the Verizon site earlier tonight, it showed a 2-year contract price of $249.99, but the full-retail price was shown to be $444.99. Since then, the non-contract price has been "fixed" and is now $599.99 ($150 more). Let us know if you happened to snag one at the $444 price.

You can also view our hands-on videos of the HTC Thunderbolt (unboxing, 4G data speed test, benchmark results, and web browsing). We will also have a full in-depth review of the HTC ThunderBolt.

source: Verizon Wireless

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14 Comments

1. nissan_driver24

Posts: 2; Member since: Mar 15, 2011

wow when i first went on the site it stated that the price for full price was only $444.99 now it's almost $599.99 damn should have ordered it then lol

posted on Mar 17, 2011, 3:08 AM 0

2. Marc unregistered

I was actually in the process of trying to upgrade my line but having problems ordering the phone on VZW's site. Rather than upgrading, I saw the $445 price and realized (after looking in forums, on Twitter, online, and thinking to myself) that it must be a fluke. I was worried that if I waited, the price would be gone. I saw THIS article on PhoneArena about it already being replaced with the "fixed" price and decided to keep trying over and over again on VZW's site till I could get it off-contract even if I had to start a new line myself (I'm on a family share plan now). It took 3x of attempting to buy the phone outright before it finally went thru. Wanted to lock in the price. I succeeded; I got the deal! Now, the only question is, will I have trouble adding this phone to my existing line? I'd think that, worst case scenario, VZW forces me to activate the phone on a different number (for $35) before I can re-activate it on my existing number. Even in this worst case scenario, I still have my upgrade and can sell the existing phone i just bought for $20 more than I paid for it. And/Or, I could wait 6 months and just sell it then and use my upgrade in 6 months and have the most current HTC phone all throughout! So, overall, I am optimistic that this will work out. Marc

posted on Mar 17, 2011, 4:01 AM 0

13. raul unregistered

that actually wont work since you get the network through the sim card so if you activate the thunderbolt on the add a line and then try to transfer the thunderbolt onto your line it will void the sim card. And basically you would have to purchase another sim card. and dont *228 itr. you will fry the phone

posted on Mar 19, 2011, 6:51 PM 0

3. Eris to Thunderbolt unregistered

Yea its time for me to upgrade...note my display name lol

posted on Mar 17, 2011, 5:57 AM 0

4. shellnick2003

Posts: 17; Member since: Jun 23, 2010

I upgraded my husband's line and only paid $199.99. It wasn't his last new every two since he would have qualified for that until next month.

posted on Mar 17, 2011, 7:02 AM 0

6. curious unregistered

Where can we upgrade and pay $199?

posted on Mar 17, 2011, 1:19 PM 0

5. MrWilli5

Posts: 77; Member since: Feb 13, 2011

haha finallyyy!

posted on Mar 17, 2011, 9:51 AM 0

7. shellnick2003

@Curious: I upgraded from the VZ website. It says $249.99, but when I went to check out, it went to $199.99. It doesn't show any obvious discount. I don't know, maybe they gave him the new every two discount anyway.

posted on Mar 17, 2011, 3:21 PM 0

8. chuckchizzle

Posts: 8; Member since: Mar 17, 2011

just sold the last one for $175.on a new line this phone is hot now

posted on Mar 17, 2011, 5:48 PM 0

9. claire unregistered

Somehow I just got the thunderbolt for $135 on the verizon website. I was eligible for an upgrade, but my new every two wasn't until next month. I have no idea how. I was hoping to get it for $199 after reading the other reviews :)

posted on Mar 17, 2011, 9:41 PM 0

10. Roger that unregistered

So far I'm happy with the phone...its pretty zippy in regards to browsing speeds and the little to no lag. The new sense UI skins are great too. No more droid eris for me :D

posted on Mar 18, 2011, 8:39 AM 0

11. Nunez20v

Posts: 14; Member since: Feb 17, 2011

I've been using the TBolt... the battery is not doing good at all. The phone is actually running hot (temperature). I think I am going to have to send it back. The Google Maps app is totally off and not accurate with location. Not sure if its just the device I got or anyone else is having this issue.

posted on Mar 18, 2011, 2:19 PM 0

12. Hot Hot Phone! unregistered

I have sold about 18 of these phones since the launch day. This phone is HOT! I got a chance to play with it and OMG I want one! It's actually VZW's first phone where you're able to be on a call and surf the web at the same time! VZW is coming up! Gotta love the LTE network as well. Good bye 3G speeds HELLO 4G speeds!!

posted on Mar 19, 2011, 12:46 PM 0

14. AV unregistered

Had thunderbolt for a week and returning it to Verizon. Apps like yahoo messenger, games like bubbles keeps foreboding. The reinstall mobile IM never connects to yaboo or AIM,Verizon'sown my Verizon service don't even work or the my Verizon web...wait until Verizonwitks out the bugs.don't waste $35 stocking fee