HTC Radar 4G Review

Introduction:

After a year of checking out Windows Phone devices, we're about to embark on a new journey as Mango flavored smartphones are finally coming to market. The HTC Radar 4G is coming to T-Mobile on November 2nd for the two-year contract price of $100. Knowing that other mango devices are expected to arrive shortly, will the HTC Radar 4G have what it takes to stay on radar?

The package contains:

• HTC Radar 4G
• microUSB cable
• Wall Charger
• Start Guide
• Terms & Conditions

Design:

Donning the same exact design as its European counterpart, the HTC Radar 4G employs the typical solid design characteristics that we tend to see out of HTC's camp. Specifically, it's one of the more compact Windows Phones that we’ve checked out – while maintaining a solid design thanks to its unibody aluminum construction. Additionally, it's white and silver paint job manages to offer a nice contrasting look.



You can compare the HTC Radar 4G with many other phones using our Size Visualization Tool.

Strangely, the displays used by HTC's Windows Phones were never really of great quality, but they managed to hit the mark dead on with HTC Radar 4G. Even though its 3.8” WVGA Super LCD display is nothing to write home about, especially when we know there is a 4.7” monster lying in wait, we're still mesmerized by the fact that colors are extremely deep with its tones and vibrant. Add to that its high brightness output and great viewing angles, it's remarkably well-equipped in being able to be seen in outdoor conditions.


Below the display, we find the usual set of Windows Phone capacitive buttons. Meanwhile, on the opposite side, it's wide looking earpiece grill sits above the display – with a front facing camera nearby. However, it's only used for taking self-portraits since there's no native video chatting application yet.

On its sides, we find a microUSB port, 3.5 mm headset jack, dedicated power button, volume rocker, microphone, and two-level shutter key. Unfortunately, the dedicated power button and volume rocker are extremely flat – making them very difficult to feel out.

Peeking at its backside, we find its 5-megapixel auto-focus camera with LED flash – with some notches nearby for it speakerphone. Because of its unibody design, there is no way to remove the battery, however, the bottom plastic piece can be slid off to gain access to the SIM card slot.