EVO 4g vs. Incredible

[Nitrousoxide]

So my contract with AT&T is running out on July 11th and I'm looking to move to an Android phone. I'm not really sure which one to go with. First of all a little background where I'm coming from.

I got the iPhone 3g on launch day and have been fairly happy with it. I'm just fed up with Apple's crap. I have no qualms about jailbreaking or unlocking my phone, and it's been that way almost the entire time I've had it. Customization is therefore important to me and the ability to do anything with my phone, even if the carrier doesn't want you to, is vital.

I've never really had any problems with AT&T's network. I can count the number of times in the 2 years I had the iPhone that I've had a dropped call on one hand. It really seems like dropped calls is a western US AT&T thing, as I've never had a problem here on the East coast and in the Midwest.

I'm a poor law student, so the price of the plan is relevant to me. I currently pay 84 bucks a month tax included, and this is acceptable to me and I can work it into a reasonable budget. The price of the phone is a pretty marginal cost of the overall price, so I'm not too concerned about that.

I'd be able to upgrade to a better phone on a 4g network in a year when I graduate from lawschool and (hopefully) pass the bar so I can work and get paid. Sprint's 4g isn't currently available in Jacksonville FL, where I live and doesn't look like it's coming before the year is out, however most other areas in Florida will have it by the time I should be working. Verizon should have their network live in time for me to be considering an upgrade, so all things considered, both networks are pretty similar in terms of 4g availability from my perspective.

The Verizon reps in my area are lying scumbags. They out and out told a friend of mine that Apple is not making the iPhone anymore in an effort to get him to spend his money then and there, and they lied to me about the number portability scheme in place there (same story at two different places, but the corporate help line said both of them were bullshitting me). I don't have much hope for good Verizon customer service in my area.

Edit: oh and Exchange support is important for me. I was wondering if I would need the corporate data plan on Verizon to be able to sync using exchange.

So with that in mind, which phone should I go with?

 

[IOWA]

Evo 4G.

main differences are:

Bigger, better screen.

HDMI out

4G wireless handset, the first of its kind.

front facing cam.

Better pricing.

 

[NexuSix]

I bought the Nexus One (ATT 3G Version) and am completely happy, love the Nexus One and am completely happy with ATT. ATT is actually less expensive then Verizon, I heard Sprint is cheaper and the HTC EVO looks like a sweet phone it is your call, buy the Nexus One unlocked and stick with ATT or wait for the HTC EVO with Sprint.

 

[IOWA]

I bought the Nexus One (ATT 3G Version) and am completely happy, love the Nexus One and am completely happy with ATT. ATT is actually less expensive then Verizon, I heard Sprint is cheaper and the HTC EVO looks like a sweet phone it is your call, buy the Nexus One unlocked and stick with ATT or wait for the HTC EVO with Sprint.

Sprint actually has a 3G network.

Actually, now that I think about it, soon Sprints 4G network will be bigger than ATT's 3G network hmmm...

 

[JZAJZZ]

The incredible is a great phone.. but one thing you might consider.. despite being a 3.7 inch screen .. it's narrow as hell... typing is great for a phone that size.. but it coudl be a lot better if it was wider.. and EVO will make up for that ..

 

[grainysand]

One thing to consider: I believe the Evo will sport the same screen as the HD2--which is to say, it'll have an LCD display. That means washed-out colors and all the rest, not the lovely, vibrant brightness of N1/Desire/Incredible. Better visibility in direct sunlight, though.

@JZAJZZ: install Swype. The end. With that keyboard, typing in portrait mode is actually much better than in landscape.

 

[Nitrousoxide]

One thing to consider: I believe the Evo will sport the same screen as the HD2--which is to say, it'll have an LCD display. That means washed-out colors and all the rest, not the lovely, vibrant brightness of N1/Desire/Incredible. Better visibility in direct sunlight, though.

@JZAJZZ: install Swype. The end. With that keyboard, typing in portrait mode is actually much better than in landscape.

I tried shapewritier for the iPhone and found the experience maddening. Your finger blocks where you want to go half the time. I actually typed faster and more accurately with one thumb pecking at the keys than using the swype like interface.

 

[grainysand]

You don't really need to see the keyboard, though.

 

[Bnice]

The incredible is a great phone.. but one thing you might consider.. despite being a 3.7 inch screen .. it's narrow as hell... typing is great for a phone that size.. but it coudl be a lot better if it was wider.. and EVO will make up for that ..

Stop at the verizon to check out the Incredible must say it was very responsive and load up web sites fast as well but my only complain like you stated it was so narrow remind me of my old Instinct..

 

[Trons4u]

If it is still available in July, Sprint has their "Guarantee" 30 day return if you don't like it you get your $$$ back.

 

[Nitrousoxide]

If it is still available in July, Sprint has their "Guarantee" 30 day return if you don't like it you get your $$$ back.

I'm thinking of doing this.

 

[Trons4u]

Oh, and Sprint has their $69 everything plan. I'll be getting a new Android phone in July also and have been comparing all the carriers. Also being a student you should be able to get discounts. You can check here to see if your eligible, normally it requires a student (.edu) e-mail address, also if your a large business customer you'll get it also.
http://www.moneybluebook.com/employee-and-student-discounts-for-your-cell-phone-service/

 

[JZAJZZ]

@Trons4U ..

just remember it's everything data text and Mobile to Mobile..

You have 450 minutes to call landline phones... I assume that should be enough for the vast majority... if it's not go with the 99.99 plan.. which is truly unlimited

 

[beenz]

If you aren't able to upgrade for another year, there will be better Android phones by then.

Also, 4g will probably cost more than 3g. I don't know how Sprint will be doing it, but I wouldn't be surprised if you have to get the 4g data plan.

 

[Incredulous]

One thing to consider: I believe the Evo will sport the same screen as the HD2--which is to say, it'll have an LCD display. That means washed-out colors and all the rest, not the lovely, vibrant brightness of N1/Desire/Incredible. Better visibility in direct sunlight, though.

@JZAJZZ: install Swype. The end. With that keyboard, typing in portrait mode is actually much better than in landscape.

Another thing to consider is exactly how big you want your phone to be. If the Evo will have a screen comparable to the HD2, that will make the phone quite large. For me, a phone's portability is an issue, in terms of how much space it takes up in my pocket or on my belt, and the Incredible is about as big a phone as I'm willing to carry. Plus, I'll second the glowing revierw of the Incredible's screen quality. I've had mine for two weeks, and it's truly fantastic to look at.

 

[Nitrousoxide]

Oh, and Sprint has their $69 everything plan. I'll be getting a new Android phone in July also and have been comparing all the carriers. Also being a student you should be able to get discounts. You can check here to see if your eligible, normally it requires a student (.edu) e-mail address, also if your a large business customer you'll get it also.
http://www.moneybluebook.com/employee-and-student-discounts-for-your-cell-phone-service/

 

[Nitrousoxide]

Another thing to consider is exactly how big you want your phone to be. If the Evo will have a screen comparable to the HD2, that will make the phone quite large. For me, a phone's portability is an issue, in terms of how much space it takes up in my pocket or on my belt, and the Incredible is about as big a phone as I'm willing to carry. Plus, I'll second the glowing revierw of the Incredible's screen quality. I've had mine for two weeks, and it's truly fantastic to look at.

It is a very big phone and size is certainly a worry. I figure though that I'll have a month to really feel if it's too big for me and return it. Sunlight visibility for the screen is also important for me down in sunny Florida.

Plus Verizon is VERY expensive, like 25 dollars a month more and 4g is coming out in my area before summer is out. I think the Incredible will be my backup phone if the EVO turns out to be too big for me.

 

[ewingr]

...--which is to say, it'll have an LCD display. That means washed-out colors and all the rest, not the lovely, vibrant brightness of N1/Desire/Incredible. Better visibility in direct sunlight, though....

I take what you say to mean that the LCD will be better in sunlight than the AMOLED. Correct?

I haven't seen any color screen that is viewable in sunlight. If one is actually halfway decent, that would be a plus for me.

 

[mrqs]

I take what you say to mean that the LCD will be better in sunlight than the AMOLED. Correct?

by what i've read, yes, tho' samsung's super amoled supposedly fixes this issue with regular amoled

personally, i'd go for the evo just for the hdmi out

 

[NexuSix]

@JZAJZZ: install Swype. The end. With that keyboard, typing in portrait mode is actually much better than in landscape.

Unfortunately Swype sucks; install it only to find yourself uninstalling it...waste of time.

 

[moparharn]

Checked the Sprint coverage service on line for my area, it indicates good coverage in my neighborhood. WRONG! Sprint coverage is not anywhere near what Verizons is. Sprint does not use Verizon towers in my area so this Sprints works anywhere Verizon works calim is apparently not true. Coverage and dropped calls are a huge deal for me, and they sure as heck would be for an attorney. I like the EVO and with the size of my hands it would be no problem, but my Incredible is flawless so far and I cannot believe that 4G would make any difference to me over the current lightening fast speed of my Incredible. I want that big screen, but I will not put up with spotty service, absolute deal killer.

 

[Lefort1]

I was in a similar position as you and decided on the Incredible, why?

Droid Incredible:

+ smaller than the evo = pocketable

+ lighter than the evo, felt an HD2 before? It feels like a paperweight IMO

+ one handed typing, forget about it on the EVO

+ better battery life, reports from early reporters show the Evo has horrible battery life

+ Verizon coverage >>> Sprint

+ Monthly plans are cheaper for the Incredible

+ Wifi hotspot? Just wait until root, or if root scares you....Froyo will have it. Also Wifi hotspot costs $30/month on Evo/Sprint

+ 8GB internal memory on the Incredible IN addition to whatever SD card you have, Evo? Minimal.

Other than a few things I would never use, they're pretty much similar spec wise. HDMI output on a PHONE seems pretty useless to me other than for "Look at me!" moments. 720p video quality doesn't look amazing (samples on "other forums"), overrated. Front facing camera is useless if you a) Don't use skype and b) don't have an available 4G connection from Sprint's spotty service and expensive plans.

I think it boils down to one thing, if you want a phone that provides amazing capabilities WHILE also being a great phone with service, go with the Incredible. If you want a pseudo-tablet in your pocket, can accept mediocre coverage, and don't mind paying extra for 4G regardless of if it's available to you or not (available in 27 states) then go with the Evo.

My $0.02

 

[Eazail70x7]

I was in a similar position as you and decided on the Incredible, why?

Droid Incredible:

+ smaller than the evo = pocketable

+ lighter than the evo, felt an HD2 before? It feels like a paperweight IMO

+ one handed typing, forget about it on the EVO

+ better battery life, reports from early reporters show the Evo has horrible battery life

+ Verizon coverage >>> Sprint

+ Monthly plans are cheaper for the Incredible

+ Wifi hotspot? Just wait until root, or if root scares you....Froyo will have it. Also Wifi hotspot costs $30/month on Evo/Sprint

+ 8GB internal memory on the Incredible IN addition to whatever SD card you have, Evo? Minimal.

Other than a few things I would never use, they're pretty much similar spec wise. HDMI output on a PHONE seems pretty useless to me other than for "Look at me!" moments. 720p video quality doesn't look amazing (samples on "other forums"), overrated. Front facing camera is useless if you a) Don't use skype and b) don't have an available 4G connection from Sprint's spotty service and expensive plans.

I think it boils down to one thing, if you want a phone that provides amazing capabilities WHILE also being a great phone with service, go with the Incredible. If you want a pseudo-tablet in your pocket, can accept mediocre coverage, and don't mind paying extra for 4G regardless of if it's available to you or not (available in 27 states) then go with the Evo.

My $0.02

Call me crazy but I think you may be slightly bias lol

You say that Verizon has cheaper plans? But isn't that with like the bare minimum of features? (limited text, data, etc?) With Sprint's plan, you get unlimited text and data at a cheaper price than you would if you added those to your plan on Verizon's plan. Am I correct? I'm only trying to state facts so if I am incorrect, please correct me.

Also, if the guy lives in a 4G area, he gets faster internet and downloading too right? (I live in B'more and can't' wait for November so I can get a 4G device)

Better Battery life? The phone is not even out yet, I don't think we can compare battery life just yet but from what I'm hearing, the Incredible's 1300m battery is not doing so well. (Many complaints)

You said, "Other than a few things I would never use..."

Just because you wouldn't use those features doesn't mean that others won't use them

Front facing cameras, 720p(or higher) recording, hdmi output, etc seem to be the future of Smartphones. So I wouldn't mind having them on my next phone.

Am I saying that the Evo is better than the Incredible? No. I'm just trying to be fair.

P.S. - I don't plan on getting an Evo btw, I just wanted to keep it fair in here.

But I'm glad you are enjoying your Incredible, I have a co-worker that has one and I was showing her stuff on it. My personal preference is a screen size of at least 4 inches because of too many reasons to name. 1 that comes to mind is not having to strain my eyes as much and having more space for zooming in on forums.

 

[mrmojoz]

+ Monthly plans are cheaper for the Incredible

+ Wifi hotspot? Just wait until root, or if root scares you....Froyo will have it. Also Wifi hotspot costs $30/month on Evo/Sprint

You could get your opinion across without lieing or making things up. Also if the Incredible gets a hotspot via root then why wouldn't the EVO? What exactly is your agenda here?

 

[Bnice]

Well it all comes down to the individual preference, wants and need,you can put the nexus,desire,incredible and evo 4g all against each other but the one thing they all have in common is ANDROID so why fight among each other.