The Evos have always been mis-specified. The android apps such as the photo gallery are actually limited to 16-bit color (64k, what marketing types call 65k). I understand the newer ones are shipping with Sony displays - if so, that's 20-bit color, or 256k colors.
As each phone is using what they factory adjust, all users can get to is brightness. There's no contrast or gamma so if you hold either up to a calibrated HDTV, you'll see that each is off-color in its own way.
The Evo has a superior cpu, the Epic has a superior gpu. That's the whole "faster processor" difference, seriously.
They're both top notch, make your choice on features and what's right for you.
Most of us enjoy the steady updates, support and immediate Froyo capabilities. Anyone saying it doesn't matter on a "faster" processor is not really getting the point of Froyo - and probably hasn't really tried it.
Anyway - both top notch phones, you won't go wrong with either one with Froyo.
Thanks for the replies. My main question is as to whether the consensus is that the Epic's AMOLED screen (being that the Epic is newer than the Evo) is, indeed, BETTER than TFT LCD, or if it's just looks that way to the naive customer (me) because it's so over-saturated. Much like the way LED TVs *pop* to the viewer, and then you realize that's a bad thing, since it makes everything look like a cartoon -- so you buy a plasma.
Really, the only reason I'd get the Epic is for the AMOLED. If it indeed is more life-like, natural, etc. than the Evo's screen.
Also, is there any validity to the idea that 16M colors is better than 65k (or 64k), as far as what the human eye can actually discern? 16M sounds a lot higher...on paper. But if 65k is brilliant enough for the human eye, then what do I care?
Again, I'm not making this up - it's at least 256k colors vs. 16M colors when playing video.
Can the eye see the difference in the real world? Oh, you betcha and more.
Can the eye see the difference when downsampling an HD source that really has that color range to an ED screen and can the eye discern that on such a small screen? That will vary by individual - and it will vary A lot - and it has nothing to do with eyesight quality as much as program content.
It's not that the SAMOLED screen is set so much to an HDTV's Vivid (or equivalent) setting - it's that it can go a bit brighter and when demo'd in that mode, it pops. Like a TV on a showroom floor, you won't watch your videos at that high setting. Adjusted for the same brightness, the difference is one of errors - the Evo will be wrong in one direction, the Samsung in the other.
Because they both lack gamma adjustments.
Where the SAMOLED really might make a difference in that pop-ability is for playing games (vivid cartoon colors anyway) and for using as a phone or web reader in a brighter light environment.
The other place the SAMOLED makes a difference - less power consumption when putting out the same amount of light than the Evo.
I'm lucky - I took an Evo and a Samsung and cued up the exact same video (720p) on each and same on my properly adjusted HDTV - holding each phone at a distance so the relative size to the eye was the same as the HDTV at a distance - and each at a subjectively adjusted matching brightness.
Under those conditions, they were both color-wrong compared to the correct HDTV source.
Side by side without the TV source, I thought the SAMOLD looked better. When comparing each to the HDTV, the SAMOLED was exhibiting black-crushing. So it looks more contrasty and less washed out as the Evo in a quick comparison - but there ain't no such thing as a free lunch.
It's a tradeoffs of errors where color accuracy is concerned.
If you brain, intuition or your eyes say the Sammy is the way to go, then go with the Sammy - it's _your_ phone.
But the marketing myth that the SAMOLED is more accurate is simply that - a marketing myth.
They're equally in error, so choose the one that pleases you if it's down to screen selection.
If you take the Samsung route, and have lingering doubt of what I say, then your other take away is that compared to the older AMOLED screen, the SAMOLED is much better.
The tests I did said the Evo was a bit red heavy while the Sammy was a bit blue-heavy - while a friend across country doing the same thing said the Evo was blue-heavy while the Sammy was red-heavy.
And that's the outcome of unit-to-unit manufacturing variations when we have no chroma adjustment for either one.
Not as exciting as what fans on either side will argue - but the boring truth, in simple manufacturing and engineering terms.
Both sides have ardent followers ready to defend their favorite because in truth, the Evo doesn't wash out and the Samsung doesn't over-saturate (like the earlier AMOLED did). Simply a case of complimentary errors - the actual color truth is in-between any two units you'll try in the real world.
Hope that helps, and I'll leave you with this advice - when viewing subjectively, trust your gut - you've got to live with your purchase, and it's your gut.
PS - I didn't have the selection when I choose the Evo. Now that I do, I'd still choose the Evo - having nothing to do with the screen, but the devices other feature differences.
Your mileage may vary - or may be the same.
And by the way - my eyesight is quite good when adjusted for astigmatism.
Last edited by EarlyMon; January 15th, 2011 at 11:56 PM.
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As the man did, I would rip a movie you like to 480x800 and put it on a microSD card. Take it into the store and play it on both. Visit a website or two you frequent often. Then decide which looks better to your eye. As he also said, this isn't your HDTV. Can't pop a calibration disc in and tweak it for accuracy. Both technologies have their good and bad and you have to decide for yourself which one you want to look at on a daily basis. That takes all the good, bad and ugly advice from schmucks like us out of the picture. And it's the same advice I gave my customers when they came in to the showroom looking for a new tv. Doesn't matter what I or anyone else thinks about which is better. They were the ones watching movies and shows on a regular basis. It's what looks good to your eyes.
Quote:
Originally Posted by EarlyMon
I'm lucky - I took an Evo and a Samsung and cued up the exact same video (720p) on each and same on my properly adjusted HDTV - holding each phone at a distance so the relative size to the eye was the same as the HDTV at a distance - and each at a subjectively adjusted matching brightness.
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It won't give the full range of pastels common to real movies, but it does give a quick look at the major color points in both dark and light scenes.
I found it ideal for my use.
The other would've been Good Night and Good Luck, for the definitive study in overall contrast and dynamic range - but a digital copy of that has remained out of my reach.
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OK, I'm an idiot... I need something at 800x480, right? The smallest size I can see on that site is like 854x480... Will that size work?
You're not an idiot - that's an honest question and I apologize for not anticipating it.
Yes the 854x480 will work, and the 720p copy will work well, too. Either you get it down-sampled at the source, or your phone will down-sample it.
The detailing difference in the various downsampling schemes won't matter in my opinion.
This is strictly an overall color test.
You might also download the 720p one to see if you feel there's any difference in downsampling to 800x480 in either phone - to your eyes. I predict no visible difference.
Edit - seeing dbpaddler's post - no argument.
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Thanks for all your help, guys. Sprint store wouldn't let me put an SD card into the phones, but going back helped me decide. Ordering the Evo tomorrow! Now to find a case.
BTW, the store did confirm that the Evo screens are now made by Sony, but I couldn't get confirmation that it's now 256k colors versus the previous 65k.
Also, does the Evo 4g now handle simultaneous voice/data? I saw reports that it didn't initially -- but that Sprint was working on it. I live in a 4g city, if that makes a difference...
Last edited by a-dogg; January 16th, 2011 at 07:29 PM.
BTW, the store did confirm that the Evo screens are now made by Sony, but I couldn't get confirmation that it's now 256k colors versus the previous 65k.
Trust me - it's a 20-bit display, 256k colors. If you look at the HTC specs, it also says the Evo is at Android 2.1 - they don't update these things, that's all.
Quote:
Also, does the Evo 4g now handle simultaneous voice/data? I saw reports that it didn't initially -- but that Sprint was working on it. I live in a 4g city, if that makes a difference...
Voice on CDMA (3G radio) and data on 4G or WiFi, that's simultaneous - no simulataneous voice and data on CDMA only. CDMA is perfectly capable of handling all data - just not as fast as 4G or wifi - and it only does one or the other at a time.
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thanks. reviews look good, though it talks about the case being a tad loose on the front. guessing all silicone cases are like that, since you stretch them to put them on?
do you have any experience with the case mate barely there case? I realize I'm prob posting in the wrong forum... will head over to accessories now.
Voice on CDMA (3G radio) and data on 4G or WiFi, that's simultaneous - no simulataneous voice and data on CDMA only. CDMA is perfectly capable of handling all data - just not as fast as 4G or wifi - and it only does one or the other at a time.
Which is to say that if I'm in a 4G or wifi area, then I'd get voice/data simultaneously, but not otherwise?
Also, thanks for the heads up about the screen. Yet another reason why I know I made the right choice!
thanks. reviews look good, though it talks about the case being a tad loose on the front. guessing all silicone cases are like that, since you stretch them to put them on?
do you have any experience with the case mate barely there case? I realize I'm prob posting in the wrong forum... will head over to accessories now.
Take a look at tpu cases. They're pretty inexpensive and offer pretty good protection without a lot of bulk. Not as thin as a case mate barely there but offers more protection. A search on ebay will offer quite a lot of choices. At about $5 shipped it can't be beat.
Trust me - it's a 20-bit display, 256k colors. If you look at the HTC specs, it also says the Evo is at Android 2.1 - they don't update these things, that's all.
Voice on CDMA (3G radio) and data on 4G or WiFi, that's simultaneous - no simulataneous voice and data on CDMA only. CDMA is perfectly capable of handling all data - just not as fast as 4G or wifi - and it only does one or the other at a time.
Although this may change February 7th!
Something tells me this "industry first" may have to do with SVDO!
Which is to say that if I'm in a 4G or wifi area, then I'd get voice/data simultaneously, but not otherwise?
Also, thanks for the heads up about the screen. Yet another reason why I know I made the right choice!
You're welcome, and yes to the first question - unless what IOWA's published above comes to pass.
And what's published above answers the question I've had about iPhone users converting to Verizon and their expectations - they already expect that capability.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by EarlyMon
Again, I'm not making this up - it's at least 256k colors vs. 16M colors when playing video.
Can the eye see the difference in the real world? Oh, you betcha and more.
Can the eye see the difference when downsampling an HD source that really has that color range to an ED screen and can the eye discern that on such a small screen? That will vary by individual - and it will vary A lot - and it has nothing to do with eyesight quality as much as program content.
It's not that the SAMOLED screen is set so much to an HDTV's Vivid (or equivalent) setting - it's that it can go a bit brighter and when demo'd in that mode, it pops. Like a TV on a showroom floor, you won't watch your videos at that high setting. Adjusted for the same brightness, the difference is one of errors - the Evo will be wrong in one direction, the Samsung in the other.
Because they both lack gamma adjustments.
Where the SAMOLED really might make a difference in that pop-ability is for playing games (vivid cartoon colors anyway) and for using as a phone or web reader in a brighter light environment.
The other place the SAMOLED makes a difference - less power consumption when putting out the same amount of light than the Evo.
I'm lucky - I took an Evo and a Samsung and cued up the exact same video (720p) on each and same on my properly adjusted HDTV - holding each phone at a distance so the relative size to the eye was the same as the HDTV at a distance - and each at a subjectively adjusted matching brightness.
Under those conditions, they were both color-wrong compared to the correct HDTV source.
Side by side without the TV source, I thought the SAMOLD looked better. When comparing each to the HDTV, the SAMOLED was exhibiting black-crushing. So it looks more contrasty and less washed out as the Evo in a quick comparison - but there ain't no such thing as a free lunch.
It's a tradeoffs of errors where color accuracy is concerned.
If you brain, intuition or your eyes say the Sammy is the way to go, then go with the Sammy - it's _your_ phone.
But the marketing myth that the SAMOLED is more accurate is simply that - a marketing myth.
They're equally in error, so choose the one that pleases you if it's down to screen selection.
If you take the Samsung route, and have lingering doubt of what I say, then your other take away is that compared to the older AMOLED screen, the SAMOLED is much better.
The tests I did said the Evo was a bit red heavy while the Sammy was a bit blue-heavy - while a friend across country doing the same thing said the Evo was blue-heavy while the Sammy was red-heavy.
And that's the outcome of unit-to-unit manufacturing variations when we have no chroma adjustment for either one.
Not as exciting as what fans on either side will argue - but the boring truth, in simple manufacturing and engineering terms.
Both sides have ardent followers ready to defend their favorite because in truth, the Evo doesn't wash out and the Samsung doesn't over-saturate (like the earlier AMOLED did). Simply a case of complimentary errors - the actual color truth is in-between any two units you'll try in the real world.
Hope that helps, and I'll leave you with this advice - when viewing subjectively, trust your gut - you've got to live with your purchase, and it's your gut.
PS - I didn't have the selection when I choose the Evo. Now that I do, I'd still choose the Evo - having nothing to do with the screen, but the devices other feature differences.
Your mileage may vary - or may be the same.
And by the way - my eyesight is quite good when adjusted for astigmatism.
Yeah...what he said...
(sorry Early, couldn't resist that)
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There's cheaper versions of the barely there cases on ebay. I posted reviews of it along with the tpu cases. I also have the innocase from Seidio. I liked the barely there snap on type, but the coverage was so minimal. The TPU cases that have the raised areas for buttons are nice. Good fit, good grip and about the same thickness as the innocase. I ultimately stuck with the innocase & holster combo until I passed the Evo along to another rep and went to the epic.
Quote:
Originally Posted by a-dogg
do you have any experience with the case mate barely there case? I realize I'm prob posting in the wrong forum... will head over to accessories now.
SVDO will require different hardware, so our current handsets will not support SVDO.
I, too, believe that SVDO is the big announcement by Sprint!
Anything to back your claim it would require new hardware?
I don't see why. It would just be a firmware update I would think.
I mean, We have a 1xrrt radio.. and an EVDO Radio.. so two different radios already present in the phone. (Wifi makes 3 radios, Wimax 4 Radios, Bluetooth is a whopping 5 radios, holy crapola!)
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Quote:
Originally Posted by IOWA
Anything to back your claim it would require new hardware?
I don't see why. It would just be a firmware update I would think.
I mean, We have a 1xrrt radio.. and an EVDO Radio.. so two different radios already present in the phone. (Wifi makes 3 radios, Wimax 4 Radios, Bluetooth is a whopping 5 radios, holy crapola!)
Shhhhhh...Actually, it's one radio and a little monkey inside that switches the source as needed.
I am a HTC Hero owner. I am going, tomorrow, to purchase either an Evo or an Epic. I was wondering what your take in on both phones. What would you advise buying? I don't need a keyboard, but it can't hurt either. I just want the best phone, that is going to last me the next 2 years.
Which brings me to this question (since it is an EVO forum), is purchasing the Evo at this point a smart idea? Do you think it will stay current with andriod updates and apps, or will it be outdated in less than a year like my hero was? Otherwords, would it be smart to wait for the next superphone from sprint? (which I can't find any indication that there is a new one coming soon).
I am a HTC Hero owner. I am going, tomorrow, to purchase either an Evo or an Epic. I was wondering what your take in on both phones. What would you advise buying? I don't need a keyboard, but it can't hurt either. I just want the best phone, that is going to last me the next 2 years.
Which brings me to this question (since it is an EVO forum), is purchasing the Evo at this point a smart idea? Do you think it will stay current with andriod updates and apps, or will it be outdated in less than a year like my hero was? Otherwords, would it be smart to wait for the next superphone from sprint? (which I can't find any indication that there is a new one coming soon).
Thanks!
Sprint is having an event february 7th i would wait until you hear what that is until you make a decision if you want the latest
it is 6 months old... yeah.. there will be better phone SOON.
but i think it is still a great phone.. that will hold you over for at least 1 more year. Look at verison's soon to be release superphone; the Thunderbolt. it is the EVO in disguise!
i am glad you found this thread.. to answer your question. plenty already said by many. start on page 1.
I am planning on buying the Evo today. I was debating between the Epic and the Evo, but the Evo seems the way to go. The hardware is comparable, and even though the Epic has the Super AMLOD, the EVO screen is still amazing (correct?) and slightly bigger. Mostly, it just come down to the fact that I believe the Evo will be supported properly (updates, etc) by HTC longer than the Epic will be by Samsung.
Anyway, I am just doing a little second guessing here I guess, so maybe you can reasure me. When the Hero first came out, I bought one. I get my upgrade every 22 months or so. I convinced sprint yesterday to allow me an early upgrade, and they only charged me the equivalent I will get in credit for my hero using their buyback program. I needed the early upgrade, becuase i need a powerful, up-to-date phone. I am currently doing some research, and there is a program I need that will run on the evo or epic (not the hero), and if I don't have the phone I have to pay a good chunck of money for a interface (to put it simpy). So I convinced sprint to allow my early upgrade, and I am planning on getting an Evo today.
All I am worried about is the same thing that happen to me with the Hero will happen with the Evo. Do you think the Evo is a smart buy this late in its life. Do you think it will provide me with the updates and power I need for the next 22 months (roughly), or will I be regreting this purchase before the year is out?
Thanks everyone. I love these forums. Been coming here for a while for information.
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Even though there will be a new phone out before long the Evo will still be a competitive unit for some time. The reason updates stopped for the Hero is it can't support the new releases due to its processor, the Evo will have no problems with Gingerbread and Honeycomb should work as well. Even if HTC & Sprint don't give it to us the Devs will.
hello i'm currently an Epic owner. I like my phone but there are times when my 3G signal goes out and the only way to bring it back up is to constantly update my profile and PRL or shut the phone off and turn it back on. Dont get me wrong its a nice phone but the main reason I bought it was because i thought i needed a keyboard (turns out i barely use it...) plus i had an HTC Touch Pro and that phone was beyond horrible. So i was scared to try out another HTC phone. has anyone changed from the epic to evo and never looked back or vise versa. any insight is greatly appreciated. i know there are no perfect phones, i just want one perfect for me. the 2.1/ 2.2 doesn't bother me. i think the epic is supposed to get an upgrade, however, i just know from what i read on the forums. is the HTC going to get the next upgrade to 2.2? if so that would be a good reason to trade in my phone to get the EVO as it will be current and up-to-date with software. thanks again
Everyone has their opinion and especially on this section of the forums it is going to be biased [Evo threads]. However, I haven't heard of anyone switching from an Epic to an Evo and later being upset that they made the swap. The Evo is a great phone and mine works the way it is intended to [and sometimes much better]. As for updates, Samsung is notorious for leaving phones on older software versions and manufacturing new phones with the new software [so that customers end up buying the new phone instead of getting the upgraded software they are "entitled" to.] The Evo actually already has 2.2 and has had it for quite some time. Honestly, if you still have multiple days... go to a Sprint store and play around with the Evo and/or The Evo Shift [which is also a pretty solid phone].
Everything seems to be working fine for me *shrugs*.
Although I'm not running that bloated Sense crapware. I'm running CM7 which is AOSP for those that don't know. (The way android should be.) Right now I'm hitting 40's in Linpack.
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If Myn's RLS5 wasn't working so well for me I'd try CM7... I hate to mess with perfection though. I don't use sense anyway so I wouldn't miss that part.
We'll see if I get bored in a few weeks.
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If Myn's RLS5 wasn't working so well for me I'd try CM7... I hate to mess with perfection though. I don't use sense anyway so I wouldn't miss that part.
We'll see if I get bored in a few weeks.
Perfection isn't something that hinders the update process and breaks app functionality. (Like wiimote pairing =P )
All and all The evo is a much more stable phone. Since froyo came to the epic the phone turned in to a total peace of junk always freezing camera always force closing. pictures were allowing to be deleted. The phone was heating up like crazy. battery died so fast. EVO will alway be the evolution of a really great phone always. Also we need to stop buying from a country that sould nuclear blue prints to russia and china
My friend just got the Epic on Friday and his girlfriend has had it for a few months? now.
He is debating on returning for an Evo or not but I think he'll stick with the Epic.
The Evo has:
-no keyboard
-HDMI output
-kickstand
-Android 2.2
-screen is slightly bigger
The Epic has:
-physical keyboard
-no HDMI output
-no kickstand
-Android 2.1 (2.2 coming soon says Sprint employee at store)
-screen is slightly smaller
...there are many more features and differences in the phones. I have had my Evo for months and LOVE it. Always wanted an iPhone previous to this, but the Evo is much better to me. 4G ain't nothing so don't buy either simply for 4G. My friend just got the Epic and I have barely played with it so don't go by my word alone. Best to go to a Sprint store and/or find friends/people with the phones and try them for yourselves and ask ask ask owners of each phones.
Personally, I wouldn't trade mine for the Epic at this moment.
I have them both. I started with the Epic when I compared them side by side at a Sprint store. The screen of the Epic is, well, epic! At the time I was coming off a 10-year BlackBerry addiction (not completely cured yet) and thought I absolutely HAD to have a physical keyboard. My wife's iPhone only served to reinforce my prejudice against on-screen keyboards. I really wasn't happy with the Epic's keyboard, nor it's shape and weight.
I bought an Evo to replace it and haven't looked back. IMHO the Evo is far superior. And the 4.3" screen makes using the on-screen keyboard a pleasure.
When Sprint announced their first ever 4G handset at CTIA in March 2010, they dropped a bombshell on the mobile world. The HTC Evo 4G is a device that introduces a lot of firsts when compared to other North American handsets. This is the first Andr... Read More
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