Terrier Tech: EVO 3D

An Android phone with a three-dimensional perspective

October 25, 2011
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This time around, “Terrier Tech” takes a careful look at the HTC EVO 4G 3D on the Sprint network, an Android-fueled phone whose main attraction is the last two digits of its name: 3D.

Fast, thin, and running on Android 2.3.3 OS (also known as Gingerbread), the phone has everything you’d expect from an Android, plus two five-megapixel cameras. With a quick flip of a switch you’ll be looking at an eye-blowing, stereoscopic image without the aid of 3-D glasses.

While it’s a cool conversation starter, the 3-D function feels more like a novelty than a utility. The phone has to be held sideways for the images to pop, and the limited viewing angle and quirky autofocus make things harder than they should be.

When the 3-D pictures and videos come out, it’s mind-blowing. When they don’t, you feel like you’re going cross-eyed. There are games and movies that take advantage of the 3-D screen, but at this point at least, few are available. On the plus side, the phone performs well in all other areas, especially in the battery department. We were able to get over two days’ worth of standby time—other Android phones on the 4G networks struggle to get 12 hours. That, along with the Sprint unlimited data plan, makes this an attractive phone to own, even if the 3-D camera is a little gimmicky.

“My eyeballs feel like they’re on fire” says “Terrier Tech” host Warren Towers. “But I love this phone!”

The HTC EVO 3D 4G is $199.99, with a two-year contract or eligible upgrade.

Want “Terrier Tech” to review a gadget? Post it in the comments section below or DM us @BUToday.

Alan Wong can be reached at alanwong@bu.edu. Joseph Chan can be reached at joechan@bu.edu.

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  • Alan Wong

    Executive Producer

    Alan Wong oversees a team of video producers who create video content for BU's online editorial publications and social media channels. He has produced more than 300 videos for Boston University, shuffling through a number of countries in the process: Australia, Argentina, Peru, Ireland, China, and Cambodia. He has also bored audiences in Atlanta and Boston giving talks on video for higher ed. Profile

  • Joe Chan

    Joe Chan Profile

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There are 7 comments on Terrier Tech: EVO 3D

  1. 3 weeks ago, a sales tech at BestBuy in Watertown says they have had more returns of this phone and replace with another phone than any phone he can remember – basically because the camera does poorly and the 3D hurts the eyes.

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    1. ’tis a pity about the camera, and honestly it’s more like you’re like you’re looking at a holographic image (Like this one: ( http://tinyurl.com/42rqmvv ). That’s a long way of saying the screen looks ridged and doesn’t do super deep depth all that well.

      That’s crazy to hear that people are returning the phone based on the camera alone; we were finding that we could go TWO DAYS on standby battery. Two days! We’ve yet to use another android (even the bionic) that comes close to that out of the box. Not to mention it’s a great first date conversation starter… *cough* I mean, hypothetically speaking.

      -WT

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      1. @ Warren

        2 Days would be great!

        My HTC EVO 4G is a great phone with the same Sprint data plan – unfortunately, even with an aftermarket double-sized battery, the 4G network shortens the battery life to about 14 hours (3G gets me through a full day). I leave GPS off as that seems to be an even LARGER power sucker than 4G.

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  2. Hey Terrier Tech! Awesome review of the Evo 3D, it’s been my smart phone of choice for awhile and it’s nice to see something like this. HTC makes some great products, in fact I think you should do a review for the HTC Jetstream tablet!

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  4. The evo 3d has some of the best specs out there and is one of the only phones that didn’t give me buyers remorse, even with the iPhone 4s hitting sprint. The camera IS one of the best features, as started when done right its mind blowing. I’ve taken some shots on vacations that really take me back when I view them! Seriously not just being a fanboy, just trying to give a real review if the best all-around phone available. Do buy if you have the chance

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  5. I think like any new phone has just come out, packed with features, you will get teething troubles.
    They will get ironed out in time. Just look at the issues with the iPhone for aerial!

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