This is the deadliest argument you can have with a smartphone fan. Do I wait for the next generation, or do I buy the tried and tested version that’s 9 months old? As the early adopters will usually tell you, the latest and greatest is ALWAYS the way to go. As the frustrated inexperienced user will tell you, ALWAYS wait for the bugs to get worked out.
Unfortunately, waiting for the bugs to get worked out of the modern smartphone is impossible. When they fix one thing, a whole new crop of issues comes up. So, the long and the short of this argument is going to be, what are you going to use it for?
First off, spec battle…
The older 1Ghz Snapdragon in the original EVO has been out paced for quite some time. Sure, there are those that root and overclock, but at the expense of precious battery. The 1Ghz is more than snappy enough to power the device in your hand – although it will probably miss out on some amazing software in the pipeline – most notably Netflix.
The newer dual core 1.2Ghz Snapdragon in the 3D will run circles around the original, and powers the much nicer version of Sense that is included. Overall, it might be overkill unless you are a serious gamer – in which case, stop reading now. The greatest asset of the dual-core processor on the 3D is the advanced power management feature that allows both cores to power simultaneously and use different power levels between them. This means longer and more efficient battery life over a long day.
Second, the displays…
The original EVO features an 800x480 WVGA screen. The new 3D screen – besides being 3D – is 960x540 in the same 4.3” package. This keeps true with current HD TV resolutions (1920x1080) and delivers excellent playback of those Blu-Ray rips and 1080p videos from your phone’s camera.
While the qHD screen on the 3D is a great step up, it’s probably not one that is going to get noticed by the average user. The 3D functionality is something that can be shut off if you are one that gets motion sickness from the 3D experience, but overall, it’s simply amazing. Again, if you are purchasing a phone – both screens are completely adequate, but the edge goes to the higher resolution.
Third, overall functionality…
Now that we have addressed the horsepower and screen, it really comes down to what they do. Sure, the original EVO shot 720p video, but it was at 25fps, which drops some frames on playback. The new 3D is supposed to shoot at 30fps at the same resolution in 3D (one of the benefits of that dual-core processor) or 1080p in 2D. For capturing those family fun moments, you have to like the theoretical speed of that newer camera and processor. Of course, for mobile posting, you pretty well stick to 800x600 for the original which posts great to Facebook and YouTube.
The camera on the original EVO is amazing. I’ve taken some simply brilliant photos with it. With some basic tweaking and understanding how the cameras on the EVO work, you should be very happy with it. The 3D features, of course, the 3D imaging system – at 5MP – for some really cool stuff, but until we can print them or view them on our computer screens, the 3D feature seems a bit strange to have. Maybe in 12 to 24 months we all will have large 3D screens for viewing, but until then, I give the nod to the original on this one.
Media playback on both devices is stellar. The EVO 3D is rocking a slightly higher resolution for those movies, but honestly, on a mobile device it becomes more about compression than quality. The 800x480 display of the original delivers crystal clear DVD movies when compressed through programs like Handbrake. The newer 3D titles sure would be fun to watch, but would you really want to watch Avatar in 3D on your phone. I think that battery is going to kick the bucket way too fast on that one.
Battery life… We’ll just call that one a draw and move on quickly. It’s way to early to try to think that that 230mAh they added to the 3D is going to make any difference. Just figure if you are going to do more than text and talk that you’ll need that extended battery on both.
The rest of the stuff doesn’t change much. Sense for the most part is Sense, despite the cool new lock screen that allows quick access to apps from the screen by dragging them into the locking area. The devices themselves are very similar in construction and feel. The best way to sum this one up is to see if you want the ‘newest’ or if you want a deal on the older?
Right now you can get the EVO in white for $184.99 at our partner site http://bit.ly/dLUMrQ or you can check back for when the black version is back in stock at the same price. There’s also a fantastic deal on the Samsung Epic 4G for $129.99 but that won’t last long. Great deal on that, now Froyo powered AMOLED screened beauty.
Also, don’t forget the accessories! Your EVO is just a phone without all the goodies! Shop online now for the best stuff on earth – or at least some amazing prices on headsets, memory cards and more! GetSmartphones.info is the place to go for the best deals in town – or the web…
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