HTC HD7 vs Apple iPhone 4

Introduction:

Another year, another new iPhone, and also another new gargantuan HTC phone sporting a Microsoft mobile platform. With that in mind, it's only natural to pit latest the iterations of each smartphone against one another – but unlike last year, the playing field has changed dramatically. Rather than finding Microsoft's last-generation mobile platform, the HTC HD7 is a standout candidate thanks to its fresh appeal with Windows Phone 7 – which has shown off already how polished it is for a new platform. Similarly, Apple's iPhone 4 takes a remarkable transformation  both in the hardware category as well as platform experience. All in all, it goes to show that it's only round two for these two high-end smartphones.

Design:

Taking a quick gander, the two smartphones are undoubtedly recognizable because at their core, they exude some design elements akin to their predecessors. However, the iPhone 4's quality construction and taste for sturdy materials make it the more premium device between the two – you just get a sense that a lot of thought went into it. Oppositely, the HTC HD7 sticks to relying on utilizing the wonderful industrial design that the manufacturer is known to craft, but sadly, it sheds its metallic elements in favor of a plastic construction. Nonetheless, it manages to exhibit some enticing design cues that still enable it to feel like a quality product – despite its inferior choice of materials versus what was used on the HD2. Without question, the iPhone 4 is the more compact of the two as the HD7 can sometime feel too demanding for those with smaller hands.


You really can't miss it, but the HTC HD7 sports a 4.3” LCD display that easily makes the iPhone 4's 3.5” IPS display look quaint in stature. Even though the HD7 has a respectable resolution of 480 x 800 pixels, it doesn't offer the level of sharpness and clarity seen with the iPhone 4's stunning resolution of 640 x 960 pixels. Dishing up better pixel density than the HD7, even the tiniest of text is distinguishable to the naked eye without causing you to inspect it closer. Moreover, it seems that the Retina Display of the iPhone 4 has more luminance and better viewing angles than HTC's pride and joy. When sunlight is being cast directly on each handset, we also find the iPhone 4 to still be more usable as colors maintain their vibrancy with the brightest set to its maximum.



Although there's a dedicated physical home button with the iPhone 4, the capacitive buttons of the HD7 rarely pose any problems for us. Though, we have to admit we prefer the separated volume rocker of the iPhone 4 since it's more distinguishable and offers a substantially more clicky feel. Luckily, the HTC HD7 packs a two-level shutter key that'll instantly boot up the camera application – which is something the Apple iPhone 4 lacks. Both dedicated power buttons are found in the same exact convenient locations, but it's the pronounced and superior feel with the iPhone 4 that's preferred. Additionally, some people will find its front-facing camera to come in handy for some occasions, but then again, the same can be said about the kickstand on the HD7.



Employing 5-megapixel auto-focus cameras in the rear, the HD7 packs a dual-LED flash while the iPhone 4 sports a single one. Following in tradition, the battery of the iPhone 4 cannot be replaced by your regular Joe, but that's not going to pose a problem with the removable one with the HD7.