HTC Hero vs HD2

Steve1982

Hi I have narrowed down my search for a new phone to the HTC Hero or HD2 and am wondering if anyone has any experience of both handsets as I am trying to work out whether it is worth the additional £10per month line rental that it is likely to be for the HD2. As probably dont have time to wait for the Dragon.

Spec wise obviously the HD2 is stronger but I would be just interested if anyone else had any views on how they perform in comparison.

randomtask_2

the HD2 packs far more under the bonnet (that 1GHz processor should make it run very quick compared to other Win Mo devices) and has the largest screen on a mobile currently, but this might not be of great value to you - or at least not £10 a month more (which is £180 over a typical 18 month contract effectively).

If you're just after good all-round smartphone with apps, integrated social networking that comes in a smaller and lighter form factor, the Hero might be sufficient. I personally think Android is the better OS long term to be 'investing in' of the two...

Steve1982

Thanks for the response and advice, Its quite interesting. Whilst I am to have a high powered phone I think my main uses would be besides making calls sending SMS's, internet use , checking emails, and possibly listening to music. So the one with the best functionality would be my best preference.

randomtask_2

Both are dressed in the HTC Sense UI skin so they will feel very similar to use. As I said before, the HD2 has more 'grunt' in that processor so it should handle vigorous day to day use better...but unless you have loads of apps and programs open simultaneously, you might not notice it to be honest.

Music wise, the HD2 has a radio while the Hero doesn't, should that help swing it. The screen on the HD2 is also much larger and should render web pages better using the Opera 9.7 browser (out performs IE mobile in all speed tests I've read up on).

skaterboy

Hi,

As one of the devices is a Windows devices, does that mean that it can handle DRM and sideload programmes from the BBC Iplayer?

Do both devices also support Flash, so you can play live BBC TV streams?

I'm also interested in buying one, but have come up against these issues with an IPhone.

Cheers

randomtask_2

don't think the HD2 supports iPlayer natively from the browser and I don't think it has the Plays For Sure mark for compatibility of downloaded iPlayer files as yet

iashem

you can download the beebplayer app for the hero to use for iplayer http://uk.androlib.com/android.application.uk-co-johnsto-android-beebplayer-jwAn.aspx all though its not the official iplayer app it works fine

mrp21

Hi Guys,
Just to carry on the debate regarding the HTC Hero v HTC HD2 I'm really not sure which one to go for......

My obvious ideal phone is an IPhone. But bottom line is I can't justify a high tariff contract just to get a free phone so I'd like to get one of these HTC's. My dilemma is though that I've been with Orange for ages so decision is do I

a. stick with Orange and go for the Hero which has been round for a while now?

or

b. take the plundge and change over to T Mobile and get the HD2?

I would like a new phone by xmas so i have something new to play with. All thoughts and suggestions welcome. Thanks in advance

sam.noble18

mrp21 wrote: »

I would like a new phone by xmas so i have something new to play with. All thoughts and suggestions welcome. Thanks in advance

My honest opinion would be to go with the HD2, it is the newest phone in the HTC family and everyone I know that has one is really happy with theirs. I got mine on T-Mobile, was previously with O2. T-Mobile are offering the handset for free with 700 minutes and unlimited text and web. I would recommend getting a deal that has unlimited web as you will be using it a lot on this phone.

Not sure if you are allowed to post links in these threads but I will try - I got mine from Mobile Phones Direct - http://www.mobilephonesdirect.co.uk/Brands/HTC/b509/p27241.aspx

Keen to see what you think of it if you do decide to take the plunge!

redoscar

Steve1982 wrote: »

Thanks for the response and advice, Its quite interesting. Whilst I am to have a high powered phone I think my main uses would be besides making calls sending SMS's, internet use , checking emails, and possibly listening to music. So the one with the best functionality would be my best preference.

HTC hero - Good side is its on android and a lot of apps available cons is not as advanced as the HD2

HD2 - good side is its a very powerful fone. more than almost any other on the market but the cons are its on windows which is not that bad but applications are not so widely available

humpy_2

Hi,
I've been debating the two as well. The HD2 is technically better though Windows Mobile 6.5 (which is what the HD2 uses) is said to be a pile of something brown and smelly. HTC aren't going to bring an HD2 Android version out apparently, just to help Windows Mobile 6.5 as they've been partnered for 13 years or something like that, I read... Shame as an Android version would be a real "iphone killer" (an annoying phrase to say the least...!).

Andoid (the Google operating system) gets good reviews - that is what the Hero uses., though the Hero is smaller, lower speced and apparently some of the keys are not suited to right hand use.

Check out the reviews on mobile phones uk org uk - a very good site for all phone reviews, not just HTC etc.
(i can't post links as I am new, apparently!!! ). Google the site.

I'm out of contract on Orange though have chosen to go on a SIM-only contract using my trusty nokia n82 for 3 months (minimum period) to wait until the phones sort themselves out. Apparently Sony Ericcson are gonna bring a new beast out in the new year and i'm interested to see how the nokia n900 turns out. Also, prices should drop after xmas as well. Anyway, I digress - check out the web-site above, very good, lots of honest reviews.

The free apps on the Android / Hero is also something to look out for as apparently they're better than the apps available for the Windows platform.

Good luck - i'd be interested to hear what you go for!