HTC Freestyle Review

Introduction:

For those of you who may like the look of a smartphone, and want something cool like a touchscreen, but don’t really need a smartphone, there’s a new option…the HTC Freestyle from AT&T. The Freestyle is the carrier’s first device to use Qualcomm’s new BREW MP platform, but layered nicely over it is the iconic HTC Sense UI (or some version of it), which makes the device fairly easy to use. But with a current price of $99 with contract for the Freestyle, it is more than other smartphones, such as the iPhone 3GS for $49, and the same price as the HTC Inspire 4G Android smartphone.

Included in the retail box is the HTC Freestyle phone, 1300mAh battery, wall charger with detachable microUSB cable, and user guides.

Design:

The look of the HTC Freestyle says “smartphone” due to the 3.2” capacitive touchscreen display taking up most of the front. The display resolution is 320x480, which makes small text in web pages look a bit pixelated, but the phone’s menus and applications are readable without any problem. Unfortunately, it can be challenging to view in direct sunlight, as the display looks completely dark, even with the brightness turned up – so you’ll have to use your hand to shade the display at times. Below the display are four buttons: send, end, back, and a multipurpose menu key; while above the display is the earpiece and an LED light that flashes whenever you receive a new message.



You can compare the HTC Freestyle with many other phones using our Size Visualization Tool.


The metal construction of the HTC Freestyle means it has a good weight (128g) and balance to it, and also feels pretty solid in the hands. Around the sides are the volume rocker, power/lock key, 3.5mm headset jack, camera key, and microUSB port, while the 3.2MP camera and external speaker are on the back. The only thing we dislike is the poorly designed battery door, that has to be popped-off the bottom of the phone, then there’s a piece of plastic you have to flip-down that is holding the battery in-place. This is also the process to get to the SIM card and microSD memory card slot. We would have rather seen a standard battery cover on the back that simply comes off in one step.