Review: HTC 7 Trophy

The HTC 7 Trophy was the first Windows Phone 7 handset to be released in New Zealand. Available via Vodafone's dealer network, it is gaining popularity amongst both gadget lovers and business users.

Features include:

• 3.8" Display
• 5mp Still Camera
• 720p HD Video Camera
• LED Flash and Torch/Flashlight App
• 8gb Storage, 512mb ROM, 576mb RAM
• 1ghz CPU
• Bluetooth 2.1
• Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g/n)
• 3.5mm stereo audio jack
• MicroUSB connector
• Weight: 140 grams
• Size: 61.5mm x 11.96mm x 118.5mm (2.42" x 0.47" x 4.67")
• Standard Windows Phone 7 hardware features: GPS, G-Sensor, Digital compass, Proximity sensor, Ambient light sensor
• Standard Windows Phone 7 software features: Synchronisation of email/contacts/calendar (Exchange, Hotmail, Gmail, Yahoo, etc), Zune Music/Video/Podcast Hub, Xbox Live, Internet Explorer, Maps app, Facebook Integration, Pictures Hub, People Hub, fully upgradable OS.
• Bundled HTC Exclusive Apps: HTC Hub, YouTube, Photo Enhancer, Sound Enhancer, Stocks, Notes, Converter, Flashlight, Love, Lists, Calculator, Attentive Phone, Connection Setup
• Chasis Type: 1

Overall this is an excellent handset, with solid battery life. Thanks to the new Windows Phone 7 operating system is very smooth and slick, and the home screen with 'Live Tiles' and hub access is outstanding. When compared with competitive offerings featuring Google Android or Apple iOS (iPhone) it represents extremely good value for money. It should be noted that being non-Apple hardware there is more oportunity for discounting (Apple provide less margin in their product pricing hence very few discounts).

The main area where the HTC Trophy falls short is for those who wish to store large quanitities of media - since the 8gb storage is not expandable (much like the iPhone). There are a number of software improvements that would be great to see - however we expect to see an update from Microsoft within the next few weeks that will likely address major requirements such as adding a copy and paste feature.

Official Network: Vodafone NZ

Compatible Networks: Vodafone NZ, 2degrees

NZ List Price: $899 ($782+gst)

Rating (as at 21 October 2010): 4/5

Comments

[mspy]

It's evident that the HTC 7 Trophy is a perfectly good choice if you want to take advantage of Microsoft's nifty Windows Phone

[DC]

Finally got the Internet sharing update for my HTC Trophy on Vodafone NZ.
Works like a treat over the phone WiFi.
Interesting that I only found this update available when I checked for updates via zune.
No indication on the phone itself that an update was available.
Update OS vsn is 7.10.8107.79