Hands-on with HTC ThunderBolt; the first LTE smartphone from Verizon
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HTC ThunderBolt retail box
HTC ThunderBolt retail box
ntThe HTC ThunderBolt is the first LTE smartphone on the Verizon Wireless network. The device is extremely fast, but traveling at that speed also hits the battery pretty hard. The box is an unassuming black simple package with embossed Thunderbolt branding.
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ntCheck out my ZDNet Smartphones & Cell Phones post for a video of the HTC ThunderBolt and more details.
Taking off the lid
Taking off the lid
ntAfter you lift the top from the black box you will find blazing red all over, that matches the Verizon colors. Notice the ThunderBolt embossing on the box too.
Here is the ThunderBolt
Here is the ThunderBolt
ntHere’s the HTC ThunderBolt embedded in Verizon red.
HTC ThunderBolt box contents
HTC ThunderBolt box contents
ntBox contents include a USB cable, charger, some pamphlets, and the SIM card. There is no headset included with the ThunderBolt.
ThunderBolt and HD7 side-by-side
ThunderBolt and HD7 side-by-side
ntThe HTC ThunderBolt is very similar in size to the HTC HD7 device and they both have 4.3 inch TFT displays.
Back of the ThunderBolt and HD7
Back of the ThunderBolt and HD7
ntHere you can see the back of these two 4.3 inch HTC devices. The ThunderBolt has a better camera and kickstand than the HD7.
HTC devices on their kickstands
HTC devices on their kickstands
ntHTC likes to use kickstands on their more powerful smartphones, as you can see here.
Kickstand and speaker grille
Kickstand and speaker grille
ntThe kickstand on the back of the Thunderbolt is substantial and also covers the speaker grill.
Another kickstand shot
Another kickstand shot
ntThe kickstand is wide and solid while the back is made of a soft touch type material.
4G LTE labeling
4G LTE labeling
ntHere you can see the kickstand closed and the 4G LTE labeling on the Thunderbolt.
Upper back of the Thunderbolt
Upper back of the Thunderbolt
ntThe 8 megapixel camera and dual LED flash are shown at the top of the back. There are also two small holes with a connector on the back that may be for an enhanced antenna.
Top of the HTC Thunderbolt
Top of the HTC Thunderbolt
ntThe top of the Thunderbolt includes the power button, notch to pry off back cover, and 3.5 mm headset jack. A second microphone is also found on the top to improve call quality.
Right side of the Thunderbolt
Right side of the Thunderbolt
ntThere is a large volume button on the right side of the Thunderbolt.
Bottom of the Thunderbolt
Bottom of the Thunderbolt
ntThere is only a mic opening on the bottom.
Bottom of the left side on the Thunderbolt
Bottom of the left side on the Thunderbolt
ntThe microUSB charging port is on the bottom of the left side.
Above the Thunderbolt display
Above the Thunderbolt display
ntThere is the headset speaker and front facing camera above the display on the Thunderbolt. Unfortunately, applications cannot yet use the camera for video calling.
Front bottom under the display
Front bottom under the display
ntThe traditional four button configuration of an Android device is present below the display.
HTC Thunderbolt in hand
HTC Thunderbolt in hand
ntThe Thunderbolt is a big device, but it closely matches the other large 4.3 inch display devices with a bit more thickness.
Speaker grille hidden under the kickstand
Speaker grille hidden under the kickstand
ntThe speaker is loud and clear on the Thunderbolt, but you have to pull out the kickstand to hear the full effects.
Poor microUSB placement causes awkward situation
Poor microUSB placement causes awkward situation
ntHTC didn’t think too much about the kickstand and microUSB placement so if you want to charge up your Thunderbolt, say while watching a movie, you will discover this doesn’t work well with the kickstand.
Under the back cover
Under the back cover
ntThere are some interesting bits under the battery cover including the four unknown gold dots just under the camera. The two leads in the upper left also connect with the gold part of the back cover inside.
Verizon SIM card included
Verizon SIM card included
ntA 4G LTE SIM card is found in the bottom of the back opening.
Included 32GB microSD card
Included 32GB microSD card
ntVerizon includes a generous 32GB microSD card in the Thunderbolt so you really should have what you need for lots of storage.
Back cover of the HTC Thunderbolt
Back cover of the HTC Thunderbolt
ntNotice the gold piece in the upper right of the cover? This connects to two leads on the back of the Thunderbolt.
HTC Thunderbolt image gallery thumbnail 1
HTC Thunderbolt image gallery thumbnail 1
ntHTC Thunderbolt image gallery thumbnail 1
HTC Thunderbolt image gallery thumbnail 2
HTC Thunderbolt image gallery thumbnail 2
ntHTC Thunderbolt image gallery thumbnail 2
