HTC HD7 vs Apple iPhone 4

Introduction:

Another year, another new iPhone, and also another new gargantuan HTC phone sporting a Microsoft mobile platform. With that in mind, it's only natural to pit latest the iterations of each smartphone against one another – but unlike last year, the playing field has changed dramatically. Rather than finding Microsoft's last-generation mobile platform, the HTC HD7 is a standout candidate thanks to its fresh appeal with Windows Phone 7 – which has shown off already how polished it is for a new platform. Similarly, Apple's iPhone 4 takes a remarkable transformation  both in the hardware category as well as platform experience. All in all, it goes to show that it's only round two for these two high-end smartphones.

Design:

Taking a quick gander, the two smartphones are undoubtedly recognizable because at their core, they exude some design elements akin to their predecessors. However, the iPhone 4's quality construction and taste for sturdy materials make it the more premium device between the two – you just get a sense that a lot of thought went into it. Oppositely, the HTC HD7 sticks to relying on utilizing the wonderful industrial design that the manufacturer is known to craft, but sadly, it sheds its metallic elements in favor of a plastic construction. Nonetheless, it manages to exhibit some enticing design cues that still enable it to feel like a quality product – despite its inferior choice of materials versus what was used on the HD2. Without question, the iPhone 4 is the more compact of the two as the HD7 can sometime feel too demanding for those with smaller hands.


You really can't miss it, but the HTC HD7 sports a 4.3” LCD display that easily makes the iPhone 4's 3.5” IPS display look quaint in stature. Even though the HD7 has a respectable resolution of 480 x 800 pixels, it doesn't offer the level of sharpness and clarity seen with the iPhone 4's stunning resolution of 640 x 960 pixels. Dishing up better pixel density than the HD7, even the tiniest of text is distinguishable to the naked eye without causing you to inspect it closer. Moreover, it seems that the Retina Display of the iPhone 4 has more luminance and better viewing angles than HTC's pride and joy. When sunlight is being cast directly on each handset, we also find the iPhone 4 to still be more usable as colors maintain their vibrancy with the brightest set to its maximum.



Although there's a dedicated physical home button with the iPhone 4, the capacitive buttons of the HD7 rarely pose any problems for us. Though, we have to admit we prefer the separated volume rocker of the iPhone 4 since it's more distinguishable and offers a substantially more clicky feel. Luckily, the HTC HD7 packs a two-level shutter key that'll instantly boot up the camera application – which is something the Apple iPhone 4 lacks. Both dedicated power buttons are found in the same exact convenient locations, but it's the pronounced and superior feel with the iPhone 4 that's preferred. Additionally, some people will find its front-facing camera to come in handy for some occasions, but then again, the same can be said about the kickstand on the HD7.



Employing 5-megapixel auto-focus cameras in the rear, the HD7 packs a dual-LED flash while the iPhone 4 sports a single one. Following in tradition, the battery of the iPhone 4 cannot be replaced by your regular Joe, but that's not going to pose a problem with the removable one with the HD7.

Interface and Functionality:

Since we've gone over the differences between the two platforms in our Apple iPhone 4 and HTC Surround comparison, there isn't anything different this time around except for, you know, the larger real estate of the HD7. Straightforward and responsive, the platform experience on both devices are truly appreciated seeing that they radiate simplicity at their core. The 1GHz processors running within their bodies, Snapdragon for the HD7 and an A4 for the iPhone 4, chug along at a healthy rate and rarely ever shows off any hint of slowdown – thus making the overall experience feel seamless. However, there is no denying that iOS 4 is more mature with its long listing of features over the relatively still new offering with Windows Phone 7.


Personalization is a key category for some people who don't want to have the cookie cutter look and feel of an operating system. Depending on your taste, you can get a handle for each device – like the Metro UI of the HD7 or the iPhone 4's ability to display wallpapers. Though, we have to admit that the overall look of iOS hasn't changed since it came bursting out onto the scene back in 2007 with its grid-like menu. And that's the reason why the Metro UI on the HD7 stands out so much as it looks much more refreshing and appealing than anything else out there.

Social networking hounds will be grateful to find the HD7's tight support for Facebook as the People Hub aggregates a myriad of useful information like status updates and photos – all in one place. Even until now, it's hard to fathom how the iPhone still lacks this much wanted feature, but nevertheless, you can always receive the same experience by downloading the dedicated Facebook app. Unfortunately there is no love for Twitter with either devices, but that can quickly be solved by downloading the official app as well.


As far back as we can remember, the iPhone reigned supreme when it came down to on-screen keyboards. Time after time, we've seen other devices attempt to topple it, but the HD7 manages to excel in that regard due solely to its massive display. Typing up a quick message without much errors isn't going to be a problem for both, but it's the larger nature of the HD7's on-screen keyboard that makes it gratifying.

Internet and Connectivity:

Pocket Internet Explorer for Windows Mobile was never regarded to be a mobile friendly web browser, but that quickly changes with Windows Phone 7. And just like that, the HTC HD7 stands equally on the same level of performance demonstrated by mobile Safari on the Apple iPhone 4. The commonalities are all there as they provide a super responsive feel, buttery smooth kinetic scrolling, multi-touch gesture support for zooming, and loading complex web pages in a timely manner. On one hand, some will like the amount of real estate presented with the HD7, while on the other hand, the higher resolution of the iPhone 4's Retina Display will be equally enticing. No matter what, you can expect an experience that won't disappoint in any aspect.



Seeing that both are GSM devices, you're not going to run into many walls when it comes down to placing phone calls in any part of the world. However, they both offer 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi in the event you don't have a sufficient cellular data connection – or even worse, you get placed on EDGE speeds. In addition, Bluetooth 2.1 is on board with both smartphones to enable a cornucopia of wireless devices, like headsets, to connect to them.

Camera and Multimedia:

Posting some respectable above average looking images with its 5-megapixel auto-focus camera, the HTC HD7 will surely appease the needs of any photo enthusiasts out there. However, it still doesn't overcome the stunning looking shots captured by the iPhone 4. Beating it in almost every category, it manages to produce sharp looking photos that have the correct amount of exposure to uncover plenty of fine details. Colors are also almost perfectly replicated versus the slightly off color tones evident with images taken by the HTC HD7. In low lighting situations, the iPhone 4 continues to show its prowess as it maintains a level of clarity – plus, its LED flash works light years ahead better than the overexposed look of the HD7. All in all, it's not to say that the HD7 doesn't do a great job, but the iPhone 4 sets the bar really high – so it's going to take a lot to topple it.





Even though the HTC HD7 offers continuous auto-focus while filming in 720p, it still doesn't provide the level of clarity and detail seen with the iPhone 4's high-definition videos. In addition to that, the ones captured by the iPhone 4 record at the speedy rate of 29 frames per second versus the 24 fps presented with the HD7. So from a quick look, there is some noticeable evidence of choppiness with the HD7's recordings, but it still should be satisfactory for most people.

HTC HD7 Sample Video:




Apple iPhone 4 Sample Video:



In the battle of deciding which handset provides for the better music player interface, it actually comes down to a deadlock tie seeing they both have their intriguing features. With the iPhone 4, there's no denying that coverflow will continue to make it one of the spiffier looking players out there – especially when you're able to browse your library so effortlessly. Still, the HD7 brings all of the captivating visuals of the full blown Zune experience to make its level of presentation seemingly well-rounded. Although they're not the best sounding speakers, the iPhone 4 manages to emit slightly more tolerable tones over its competition.



Honestly, both devices are the perfect solution for watching videos seeing that you've got the large screen of the HD7 and the brilliant luster of iPhone 4. High definition videos play completely effortlessly without any evidence of lag or slowdown to ruin the exceptionally smooth experience. Most people would argue that the bigger display of the HD7, combined with its kickstand, would be a more ideal movie watching solution. However, the iPhone 4 can still be seen as equipped with its higher clarity and deep looking colors – plus, it's not too big to hold in the hand for watching videos.

When it comes down to storage options, the two smartphones pack an adequate amount of 16GB in storage, but the iPhone 4 is also available with double the memory at 32GB – but for more money of course.

Software:

Being new to the mobile market, Windows Phone 7 is clearly in the early stages of development – and it shows in the amount of applications it has to offer in the Marketplace for Mobile. Conversely, the iPhone 4 is littered with so many apps, which are mostly polished versus the competition, that you can find just about anything you can imagine. However, as time goes on and developers begin to uncover the true potential of Windows Phone 7, it's almost inevitable to see both on the same level. But for right now, the iPhone 4 takes the cake with its sheer amount of available offerings in the App Store.

Performance:

Calling quality goes to the HTC HD7 bar none because its performance is clear from any distortion, static, or interference – which makes conversing much easier on the ears. As for the iPhone 4, there is a distinct amount of static in the background which makes comprehending words a bit of a chore.

Battery life is awarded to the iPhone 4 seeing that it puts out more juice from its battery over the experience we see with the HD7. Naturally, both will easily accommodate normal usage within a solid 8 hour work shift, but at the end of the night, the iPhone 4 still has more juice in its pack. Obtaining roughly 1 ½ days of normal usage with the iPhone 4 after being fully charged, it seems to fare better than the mark of less than a day with the HD7.

Conclusion:

When they're priced evenly, it's ultimately going to come down to which platform experience you'll want to side with. Needless to say that iOS shows its maturity and depth thanks to features like multi-tasking and copy & paste on board, but the HD7 provides for a fresh experience that's remarkably polished from the onset. Sure there are some standout features with both devices, like taking photos with the iPhone 4 or the superior calling quality of the HD7, but these two high-end smartphones will easily satisfy the needs of just about anyone out there. In any event, you really can't go wrong choosing either handsets as they establish themselves as being in the upper echelon of the smartphone market.

HTC HD7 vs Apple iPhone 4 Video Comparison: