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HTC Rezound review

8.1/10 AVG.
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HTC Rezound
HTC Rezound
HTC Rezound
HTC Rezound
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8.1/10
Informr score
The HTC Rezound currently has an Informr score of 8.1 out of 10. This score is based on our evaluation of 18 sources including reviews from users and the web's most trusted critics.

The HTC Rezound is a Verizon LTE device that carries much better specs than most high-end Android smartphones in its price range. It comes with Android 2.3 Gingerbread pre-installed but can be upgraded to Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. It boasts a speedy processor, more than enough RAM for multitasking, and extra features that make it truly distinguishable (true HD screen resolution and Beats audio, anyone?). Still, it hasn’t quite gotten the attention that it really deserves. Consider the following to see why the HTC Rezound is a great choice for anyone who needs LTE in an Android smartphone.

For starters, the HTC Rezound comes equipped with a 720p HD resolution 4.3-inch touchscreen display. It also has an 8-megapixel camera with dual-LED flash and full HD video recording capability. Connectivity-wise, it offers Bluetooth 3.0 withA2DP, 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi, HDMI-out, and microUSB 2.0 support. And while the internal storage space tops out at just 16GB, this can be expanded further with up to 32GB microSD cards. To make all of these hardware features run smoothly, the phone relies on a 1.5GHz dual-core Qualcomm Snapdragon S3 processor. An accompanying Adreno 220 GPU helps make sure that most games are playable. And all of this is kept humming quietly inside a casing that measures 14mm thick and weighs 170 grams, including the weight of the 1620 mAh battery.

The HTC Rezound is quite clearly one of the most powerful Android smartphones that have ever hit the market. On top of that, it also features LTE network support and is pre-packaged with Beats audio gear, which improves the overall music listening experience in one way or another. So how come other models are bigger sellers? Initially, it was priced rather high, but with store discounts, it can now be acquired for a bargain. In your search for a suitable LTE Android smartphone, don’t forget to leave a space for the HTC Rezound on your list.

Need To Know: HTC Rezound

1. The first LTE Android smartphone in the US to come with a true HD (1280x720) touchscreen display. (The Good)

2. The default operating system can be upgraded from Android 2.3 Gingerbread to Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. (The Good)

3. The overall thickness and weight does not translate into sexy at all, and may get in the way of portability in some situations. (The Bad)

4. Included Beats audio earphones and software is seen by some users as unnecessary and only serving to jack up the final retail price. (The Bad)


Android
Operating system
Operating system
Android
1.5 GHz
Processor
Processor
1.5 GHz
4.3"
Screen Size
Screen Size
4.3"
8+ MP
Camera
Camera
8+ MP
1620 mAh
Battery


What the Critics Are Saying...


Brighthand
Brighthand

The HTC Rezound is an impressive device and an all-around winner. It has landed the #1 spot on my "if I needed to buy a phone" list, and is probably at the top of any gift recipient's list that you might be shopping for this holiday season. It sounds great, it looks great, and it performs exceptiona...

- Jen Edwards, Brighthand
Cnet
Cnet

The HTC Rezound definitely holds its own against the other two Android superphones from Verizon. It has an amazing HD display, an impressive 1.5GHz dual-core processor, 4G LTE speeds, a great camera, and plenty of multimedia features, and it ships with a nice pair of earbuds even if they don't seem...

- Nicole Lee, Cnet
Digital Trends
Digital Trends

The HTC Rezound is a decent phone and certainly a solid buy if you’re on Verizon, but we can’t help but be disappointed with HTCs limited implementation of Beats Audio and the poor battery life of the Rezound. HTC is one of the best manufacturers on the market, but like the ThunderBolt,...

- Jeffrey Van Camp, Digital Trends
Business Insider
Business Insider

Overall, my biggest complaints about the Rezound are the price, battery life, and heavy design. Otherwise, it has all my favorite aspects of an HTC phone, including the excellent Sense skin. Plus a free Ice Cream Sandwich update coming early next year.Unless you're absolutely dying for a new LTE pho...

- Steve Kovach, Business Insider
Geek
Geek

The HTC Rezound is the most complete thought from an HTC phone running Sense UI that I have experienced yet. The overlay doesn’t cause the phone to become sluggish, even after extended periods of use. The camera is very nice and the phone just plain feels good in the hand thanks to the weight...

- Russell Holly, Geek


Prices (Where to Buy)




Common Questions


We've got you covered! Download a free PDF copy of the HTC Rezound user manual here.


HTC backs up the Rezound with a 1 Year parts & labour warranty.


If your Rezound has problems and is still within its warranty period, you could contact HTC support or the retailer you purchased the phone from. You'll find HTC's contact information here. If your phone is off warranty and needs repair for a physical problem such as a broken screen or bad battery, you should visit an authorized service centre or a local phone repair shop. You can also connect with others in The Informr Community Forum to find and share answers to questions.



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Screen Size
4.3"

The HTC Rezound's screen size is 4.3 inches with x pixels resolution.

Processor
1.5 GHz

There is a Qualcomm Snapdragon MSM8660 dual-core 1.5 GHz processor (CPU).

OS

The phone runs on proprietary operating system firmware.

Camera
8+ MP

You can take photos or capture video with the phone's onboard 8+ MP camera.

There is also a secondary front facing camera with 2+ megapixels resolution.

Storage
16 GB

Internal memory is 16 GB. An external, MicroSD, MicroSDHC (up to 32 GB) expansion slot is available for increased storage capacity.

Battery
1620mAh

The phone is powered by a Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion), 1620 mAh battery. HTC's performance ratings are 0.5 days standby time, 490 minutes, 316 minutes Wi-Fi surfing.

HTC Rezound Specs

Overview
Release Date November 14, 2011
Regions Available USA
Operating System No

Compare Android Smartphones

Processor Qualcomm Snapdragon MSM8660 dual-core 1.5 GHz
Internal Storage 16 GB
RAM 1 GB
Hearing Aid Compatible No
TTY/TDD No
Noise Cancellation No
SAR Head: 1.25 W/kg
Body: 1.12 W/kg
Manufacturer Warranty 1 Year
Accessories Included AC Charger, Data Cable, Headset, Manual, Standard Battery
Cellular
Networks
EV-DO Rev. A, LTE
Mobile / Cellular Data
4G/LTE
Push-to-talk (PTT) No
Wi-Fi Calling No
Voice over LTE (VoLTE) No
SIM card size
Yes
Dual SIM No
Connectivity
USB Micro-USB 2.0
USB OTG Support No
GPS Type A-GPS
Infrared No
Bluetooth 3.0
Bluetooth Profiles A2DP, AVRCP, OPP/FTP, HFP, HSP
Bluetooth Audio Codecs SBC
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n
Mobile Hotspot Yes
Memory Expansion Slot Yes
Expansion Slot Info MicroSD, MicroSDHC (up to 32 GB)
NFC No
Data Tethering Compatibility Yes
Camera
Main Camera
Resolution / Aperture
8+ Megapixels
Zoom
Yes
Flash
Yes (Dual LED)
Additional Rear Camera Info
Auto focus, Effects, Face detection, Geotagging, ISO, Multi-shot, Panorama, Self-timer
Video Recording Formats
3GP / 3GPP, H.264 / AVC, MPEG-4, WMV, XviD
Video Recording Parameters
Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels), 30 fps
Front Camera
Resolution / Aperture
2+ Megapixels
Additional Front Camera Info
No
Video Recording Parameters
Display / Screen
Type Color
Technology LCD
Colors 16.7 million
Resolution x pixels
Pixel Density Unknown
Size 4.3 inches
Secondary Display No
Sensors Ambient Light, Proximity, Motion / Accelerometer, Digital Compass
Multi-Touch Yes
Fingerprint-Resistant Coating No
Additional Display Features Capacitive touch screen
Power & Battery
Battery Type Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion)
Battery Capacity 1620 mAh
Removable Battery Yes
Wireless Charging
Fast Charging No
Video Playback Time Up to 303 minutes
Internet Use (Wi-Fi) Up to 316 minutes
Internet Use (Cellular) Unknown
Talk Time Up to 490 minutes
Standby Time Up to 0.5 days
Mixed Usage
Physical Characteristics
Design Type Bar
Material Plastic
Colors Black
Dimensions [H x W x D] 12.9 x 6.6 x 1.4 cm (5.1 x 2.6 x 0.6 in)
Weight 170 grams
Water Resistant / Waterproof Unknown
Rugged design No
IP Rating No
Headset Jack 3.5mm
External Speakers Yes
Input / Navigation
Sleep / Wake Key No
Home Key Yes
Input / Keyboard Type Touchscreen
Navigation Type Touchscreen
External Volume Control Yes
Fingerprint Sensor No
More
Additional Information Messaging: SMS, MMS, Google Talk
Multi-Use Smart Phone / PDA: Yes
Graphics: Wallpapers
Themes: Yes
Backlit Illumination: Yes
Zoom / Magnification: Yes
Predictive Text Entry: XT9
Voicemail Key: Yes
Voice Commands: Yes
Keypad/Screen Lock: Yes
Multiple Numbers Per Contact: Email address, Other fields
Contact Groups: Yes
Voice Activated Dialing: Yes
Photo Caller ID: Yes
Web Browser: Yes
Email Client: Yes
Email Protocols: POP3, IMAP
PC Synchronization: OTA
TV Out Info: HDMI
DLNA Support: Yes
Audio Formats: MIDI, MP3, eAAC+, AAC+, AAC, AMR-WB, WMA Pro, WMA, WAV, OGG, AMR-NB
Video Playback Formats: 3GP / 3GPP, H.264 / AVC, MPEG-4, WMV, XviD
Streaming Video: Yes
Custom Ringtones: No
Vibration Alert: Yes
Downloadable Ringtones: Yes
Ringer ID: Yes
Speakerphone: Yes
Data Tethering: Yes
Mobile Hotspot: Yes
Radio: Yes (FM/RDS)
Viewable document types: DOC, DOCX, PPT, PPTX, TXT, XLS
Games: Yes
Apps: Downloadable, Pre-installed
Included Software / Apps: -
To-Do / Task List, Calendar, World Clock, Alarm, Stop Watch, Timer, Calculator, Weather, Stocks, Maps, Voice Memos / Recorder

Other Names (AKA): HTC ADR6425, HTC ThunderBolt 2, HTC Droid Incredible HD, HTC Vigor

16GB microSD card included
Related Links Manual (PDF)
HTC Rezound Reviews
Where to buy HTC Rezound
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