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HTC EVO 4G LTE vs. iPhone 4S

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Sprint is the last carrier to offer truly unlimited data plans, and for the first time in years, Sprint has the phones to back up their data plans and competitive prices.

Customers looking for a new phone on Sprint undoubtedly find themselves asking if they should buy the iPhone 4S or the HTC EVO 4G LTE.

This question expands past Sprint to AT&T where the iPhone 4S and the HTC One X go head to head, but I’m here to help you pick the best phone on Sprint.

Rather than dive into specs, we’re going to take a look at features, user experience and the apps and ecosystem available for the HTC EVO 4G LTE and the iPhone 4S.

HTC EVO 4G LTE vs. iPhone 4S

HTC Evo 4G LTE vs. iPhone 4S

iPhone 4S Review | HTC Evo 4G LTE Review

Display

The easiest difference to spot when you see the HTC EVO 4G LTE and the iPhone 4S in a Sprint store is the size of the phones, specifically the size of the displays.

The iPhone 4S maintains the 3.5-inch Retina Display we’ve seen for nearly two years, and the Evo 4G LTE brings a large 4.7-inch 720P HD display.

The iPhone 4S display brings a high pixel density (328 PPI), which helps it beat out most Android smartphones in the screen department, but this time around HTC packs in nearly as many pixels per inch (312PPI) which pays off. GottaBeMobile’s Shawn Ingram says the HTC EVO 4G LTE’s display “looks even better than the Retina Display on iPhone 4S.”

Check out the video below comparing the display of the HTC One X to the iPhone 4S. The HTC One X uses the same display as the EVO 4G LTE, so it should give you a good idea of how these two displays look next to each other.

The screen size influences the overall size of the device, which means the HTC EVO 4G LTE is larger than the iPhone 4S. The size comparison below shows the size difference between the HTC EVO 4G LTE and the iPhone 4S.

HTC Evo 4G LTE vs. iPhone 4S Size and Display

While the Evo 4G LTE is larger than the iPhone 4S, it is not unwieldy. The EVO 4G LTE is close to the Droid Bionic and other devices with a 4.3-inch display thanks to a thin bezel.

Both phones offer better than average displays, so it comes down to the size of the display. In addition to being larger, the EVO 4G LTE’s display has an aspect ratio like HD content, which means no black bars on most movies and TV shows.

Network Speed

Sprint will undoubtedly boast about the speed of their 4G LTE network as a selling point for the HTC EVO 4G LTE,  but keep in mind that this network is not widespread. In fact, Sprint has not turned on the 4G LTE network yet. Once it does, the Sprint 4G LTE rollout will start in Baltimore and Kansas City, followed by expansions in Atlanta, Dallas, Houston and San Antonio. Shoppers who don’t live in these areas will not enjoy the 4G LTE speeds of Sprint’s network until 2013.

This means that the iPhone 4S and the HTC EVO 4G LTE will connect to Sprint’s slower 3G network, at the same speeds. Shoppers who plan to keep the EVO 4G LTE or 2-years may see 4G LTE coverage by the time the contract ends, but with little information about the Sprint 4G LTE rollout it is not worth making a major point in the decision process.

The HTC EVO 4G LTE is capable of using voice and data at the same time, something the iPhone 4S cannot do on Sprint.

Depending on network coverage and traffic users can expect to see speeds similar to that shown on the iPhone 4S in the video below.

Camera

The iPhone 4S camera beats most of the Android phones we test, but the HTC EVO 4G LTE packs in HTC ImageSense, a dedicated image processor that pairs with the wide angle lens to deliver a beautiful snapshots quickly.

The HTC EVO 4G LTE has the ability to take still photos while shooting HD video, something the iPhone 4S cannot do without a third party app. The HTC EVO 4G LTE comes with a dedicated shutter button, but it cannot activate the camera when the display is off or the phone is locked.

The iPhone 4S allows users to use the volume up button as a shutter button once the camera is launched, but the placement is less than optimal.

The following samples include photos taken by professional photographers.

HTC EVO 4G LTE Camera Sample

HTC Evo 4G LTE Camera Sample

HTC Evo 4G LTE Camera Sample on Overcast Day

iPhone 4S Camera Samples

iPhone 4S camera sample

iPhone 4S camera sample at ocean on a bright day.

iPhone 4S Camera vs. HTC EVO 4G LTE Camera

For a better comparison, check out how the HTC sensor and camera stack up against the iPhone 4S. These samples come from the One X‘, but are representative of shots taken with the HTC EVO 4G LTE.

Evo 4G LTE camera vs. iPhone 4S Camera

HTC vs. iPhone 4S.

As you can see the iPhone 4S delivers better colors in the photo above, but when the competition heads outdoors, the HDR mode on the HTC phone beats the iPhone 4S.

Evo 4g lte HDR vs iPhone 4s HDR

HTC vs. iPhone 4S outdoors with HDR on.

The time it takes to snap a photo is also important. In this case, the iPhone 4S blows the EVO 4G LTE away. Check out the video below, starting at 30 seconds in to see how long it takes to snap a picture on the iPhone 4S and the HTC One X, which uses the same camera technology as the EVO 4G LTE.

Storage and Features

The HTC Evo 4G LTE comes with a kickstand, which makes it perfect for watching movies without the need for a case like the ZeroChroma on the iPhone 4S. The dedicated shutter button for the camera is also a nice addition to the EVO 4G LTE.

HTC Evo 4G LTE kickstand

When it comes to storage, the iPhone offers more built in storage, with options up to 64GB, but the EVO 4G LTE counters with a Micro SD card slot capable of holding up to 32Gb of additional storage.

The HTC EVO 4G LTE also supports Google Wallet, allowing users to pay for purchases at McDonalds and other locations using NFC, something not found on the iPhone 4S.

The HTC EVO 4G LTE ships with HTC Sense 4.0, a new skin that some users will prefer over the basic Android look and feel. Check out Sense 4.0 in the video below.

The HTC EVO 4G LTE includes Beats Audio, so be sure to listen to the sound on a nice pair of headphones when you go hands on with the iPhone 4S and the EVO 4G LTE in a local Sprint Store.

Apps & Ecosystem

The Google Play Store offers many of the same apps as the iPhone app store, but the iPhone has a lead in the app department.

Many popular apps are exclusive to the iPhone, like Jetpack Joyride. Or take a long time to arrive on Android, like Instagram. Max Payne for Android is still missing from Google Play despite a launch on the iPhone weeks ago. The problem also affects games like Mass Effect Infiltrator, which just arrived on Android, long after it was available on the iPhone.

Many iPhone apps look better than their Android counterpart, which is something to keep in mind. Still, Google Play offers most of the apps that people need. Both platforms offer a large collection of free and paid apps, so don’t believe the salesperson who says Android is the only place to find free games and apps.

Users who love accessories and cases will be at home with the iPhone 4S. The iPhone 4s has an un-countable number of cases and accessories, while we can expect a few dozen for the HTC EVO 4G LTE.

Accessories like the Nike FuelBand and many others support the iPhone before Android devices. Users who want a smart watch will prefer the EVO 4G LTE, as Android offers more freedom for push notifications of text messages to a smart watch.

Switching

Users thinking of switching from iPhone to Android or from Android to iPhone should check out our posts to learn what to expect.

Switching from iPhone to Android

Switching from Android to iPhone

Choosing between Android and iPhone is a very personal decision influenced by the way each of us uses our smartphone. Android’s strengths are better for some users, while the iPhone’s strengths suite others better. Users with a preference should still check out the competition from time to time, as systems evolve and change with updates.

Price

The HTC Evo 4G LTE is available for $149.99 on Wirefly, and $199 from Sprint and Best Buy. The iPhone 4S is available for $149 at Radioshack and $199 at Sprint. Even if the price for the Evo 4G LTE drops in the coming weeks, it should not play a major role in a purchase decision. No matter which phone users buy, they will still pay the same fees over the course of a two-year contract.

Still have questions about the iPhone 4S and the HTC EVO 4G LTE? Let us know in the comments and we’ll help answer them.

24 Comments

24 Comments

  1. MANdroid

    05/24/2012 at 12:26 pm

    You forgot to mention one thing…….iPhone sux!

  2. donn

    05/24/2012 at 2:09 pm

    I smell a biased Iphone user….or not! First off, I want to point out that the One X and the Evo LTE have different technology in there display. The One X has what they call a LCD technology where as the HTC evo has the super lcd tech, which effects the brightness of the display. (Big difference) Also the pictures that were takein overcast vs. a sunny day at the beach. mmm. Not a good comparison. The side by sides seemed off in angle of the subject. Anyways please rerwrite the article or rename the article HTC One X vs. Iphone 4S. Thank you!

    • Commentator

      05/24/2012 at 2:26 pm

      Both the One X and the Evo 4G LTE use the same Super LCD 2 display.

      • donn

        05/24/2012 at 3:00 pm

        Your right, I had a unreliable source. Could the difference be the In-plane switching that makes the HTC LTE’s display more vibrant??? I retrieved that info.

        https://www.htc.com/us/compare/

        Comparing the One X and the LTE

  3. Ben

    05/24/2012 at 2:28 pm

    I don’t understand the camera going to the 4s, the quality on the one x is superior and the colors are realistic, not over-saturated. The outdoor shots prove this even more. Also, you realize if you hold down the One X/Evo shutter button you can take continuous images much faster than a 4s can take that amount of shots. I’ll take the fun and new features of the Evo Lte over the boring and bland iphoney now and forever.

  4. Stevo

    05/25/2012 at 12:18 pm

    Dude, I have this phone in my hand. I takes pics WAAAAAY faster than the iPhone4s my sister has. In fact it takes pics to fast. If you hold the shutter key down to much it’ll take several pics (up to 200 in a burst). You should do your own research first. The shutter speed is instant, its unbelievable. Yeah it might no SHOW the pic down in the corner ASAP because its wait to see if you are taking more and then it processes…but trust me the pic is taken instantly. Camera is ridiculously awesome, PLUS the iPhone camera isn’t giving you RAW (this is a pro camera format) and its post-processing the pics; thus your losing a lot of data that you would want to have if you are doing any picture alteration. Plus lets face it, the iPhone colors are far to warm to be natural. Thats like saying you like the Samsung S3 screen better than the iPhone 4S because of the over saturated colors. Personal preference at best. Facts are important

  5. Peoples

    05/27/2012 at 4:03 pm

    Overall, this presentation is horrible. You haven’t even began to touch on the HD VOICE that the Evo 4G LTE has (which is the first smartphone to ever have it). Talk about the battery life of the EVO 4G LTE, which smashes the iphone. If you work for this website, you should be fired purely off the fact that you did a so called “comparison” between two phones using a 3rd party phone. You half assed the presentation bro.

    • Jay

      05/27/2012 at 5:00 pm

      A 3rd party phone on a totally different network!

  6. HanSolo

    06/04/2012 at 5:14 am

    Just bought a Sprint HTC Evo 4G LTE and compared it side by side with the AT&T iPhone 4S that I’ve been using. I’m not techie by any means, but very picky on little details. It’s essentially Android vs iOS, each platform serves different purposes.

    The EVO screen looks amazing, bright and vibrant, and BIG!!! It looks fantastic. But I’m very picky and the iPhone 4S graphics looks clearer, crispier, less blown-out, just plain better. Just compare the games and videos! Play ESPN videos side by side. Play iBasket side by side and you’ll see how terrible the game looks on the EVO. You can’t even see the rim OR the net and it has a very saturated unnatural look too. I am just spoiled by the iPhone’s amazing clarity. Also, iPhone’s touch response is so far unbeatable.

    EVO’s email fetch/push takes soooo long. On the same exact WiFi network, my iPhone got a test email notification INSTANTLY after I sent it (example, Yahoo email). It took a little longer when I sent to a Gmail account. EVO takes over 10 minutes or more to notify me of the new mail. This is with SmartSync feature on. Huge deal for me as I always want to be on top of my email.

    Speaking of email, I loved typing on my iPhone. Fast response, great keyboard, nicer layout (EVO’s keyboard took more time to get used to, but this is more preference), easy editing, etc. Essentially, this email thing is more preference, and I personally like iPhone’s more.

    Overall, Android users will hate iPhone as it’s less customizable, not a Google phone, etc…while iPhone users will tend to have a tough time getting used to Android phones as it’s a little less user-friendly simply requires time to get used to. I personally didn’t like EVO because of the graphics and poor game play. The slow email capture/fetch is annoying too! Oh, and Android doesn’t have Notes so it doesn’t sync my notes to my Gmail account. (Yes, there are apps for that, but I really loved the Notes feature on the iPhone).

    I have tried multiple Android phones and I just can’t get myself to love an Android phone like how I love my iPhone 3S or now, iPhone 4S. iPhone should be jailbroken by the way! That’s how you will REALLY love your iPhone.

    Hope this helps, but I’m sure it will get me lots of hate.

    • HanSolo

      06/04/2012 at 5:23 am

      Forgot a huge thing, duh! So yes, iPhone 4S doesn’t get 4G on Sprint which sucks. But 3G isn’t so bad. Sprint hasn’t rolled out the LTE service in Boston yet so it’s not a huge deal. When there’s LTE which could be months and months away, and you’re super anal about internet speed then a 4G phone may be what you want. Me? I’m fine with getting 1.5mb-3mb speed on iPhone 4S.

    • ErickT195

      08/18/2012 at 5:02 pm

      OMG im just like u i have an android and its hard to use (especially the keyboard) but to bad u cant customize the iphone as much but iPhone 4s rocks!!!!!!!!

  7. Patelkk2

    06/04/2012 at 7:34 am

    @HanSolo

    Horrible review — very one sided.

    Are you sure you’re not using the original Evo4g?

  8. sloookw

    06/09/2012 at 7:31 pm

    Han solo,you do realize that a retina on a 3.5″ screen will bring more clarity then 720p at almost 5″. retina is useless if the screen is bigger then 3.5″ . also watching the same movie side by side I have to say the LTE takes the screen quality,although it really isn’t much comparison. It’s like comparing 720p to 640×800 on your desktop monitor. hd is what all devices should be using in this era .

  9. Johnson

    06/12/2012 at 9:29 am

    This site to me is not fully accurate inreference to the evo lte. One thing I do know is that the EVO LTE is actually slight faster then the ONE X. Therefore I cant relate to the speed test on that video since it is really based on the HTC One X

  10. Aydell

    07/14/2012 at 6:02 pm

    This is definitely a iPhone Site… I am a proud owner of a evo 4g lte.. U couldn’t. Pay. Me to own another iPhone… Traped inside their lil bubble.. Pay for everything.. Basically this sums it up.. My evo lte.. Does everything a iphone4s does… Plus way more.. My screen is way bigger. Camera waay better.. Faster… Its no contest.. Put ya lil iphone4s away.. This is a big boy world now…. ANDROID WORLD!!!!!!!

    • roy02

      08/03/2012 at 12:26 am

      my evo 4g lte smokes the iphone. idk why they all defend that itrash like they get paid by apple

  11. Tim Barry

    07/15/2012 at 6:21 am

    The one feature i find awsome that the Evo 4g lte has that all the reviews neglect to mention is the video slow motion option. It really is a great feature and the quality near professional.

  12. Aydell

    07/15/2012 at 10:42 am

    Yup.. N every website has that one x as one of tha top phones….or saying that evo copied off one x.. When really the original evo is wut the one x bit off of… No respect… Oh well.. I love my phone.. Wouldn’t change for anything

  13. Michael

    07/16/2012 at 9:43 am

    @HanSolo To each his own I guess.. My opinion was the exact opposite. I have a job that allows me to get any device I choose, anytime I want, for free (yeah, its that cool). I was really excited to dump my 4S for this Evo. In fact, I’m really hoping the Nexus 7 is as good as they’re saying, so I can eventually dump my iPad 2 also. There are only a few photo apps I’m waiting to be ported over, and I’ll never look back at iOS. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not a hater of any system, just really like Android as a whole. Its far more robust to me right out of the box (and yes, both my iOS devices are jailbroken, and I agree, it helps).

  14. Samuel

    07/31/2012 at 4:01 pm

    iPhone will always rain superior. Just wait until iPhone 5. (iPhone 5) equalls)goodbye android.

    • roy02

      08/03/2012 at 12:24 am

      how does it feel to be a delusional, misspelling idiot? have fun with the phone that people told you you should have, pretending it’s not a lump of shit.

  15. Christina

    09/04/2012 at 3:36 pm

    I have many friends around the world who have iPhones and we use the iMessage function. Does Android have something similar?

  16. Eddy

    10/10/2012 at 4:10 am

    I agree iPhone is had so much restrictions. Android is way easier to use and u don’t have to root or jailbreak to do anything. I basicly download anything I ever wants on android for free. Gba..Nintendo, snes saga…etc. android is my phone. I sold my iPhone 4s after a month of using it.

  17. eddie995863

    08/15/2013 at 9:06 pm

    Android for life!

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