[G2 and Desire Z General] kaijura:
Review EOL'ed Vison, nonetheless for the late bloomers and newbies

Preamble-------------------------------

Having been a QWERTY user since the G1's debut in 2008, I find myself having came from a long line of devices. My upgrade path has been:

---- HTC Vision

---MyTouch 3G Slide

-- Motorola Flipside

- T-mobile G1

I've also experimented with other QWERTY's such as the Motorola Droid 2, and the OG Motorola Droid 1.

Story-------------------------------------

You have four options with the HTC Vision (HTC codename for the following four variants):

A. The T-mobile G2

This is a re-branded Desire Z under T-mobile with the UTMS radio changed to 1700/2100, released for T-mobile bands in USA.

The key difference is that the G2 is released on T-mobile's modified Android Open Source Project (AOSP for short) UI, compared to the Sense offered in the DZ.

B-i. The NAM HTC Desire Z aka HTC model A7275

The DZ operates on the 850/1900 3G bands. This version is originally released for Australian/Canadian carriers. One benefit to this model for USA users is that it is compatible with AT&T's 3G bands and the unlimited media-net plan, allowing you to use the phone without being updated to a smartphone plan (thus saving greatly on monthly costs).

Other than the minor radio difference between the G2, the Desire Z is released on HTC's Sense 2.1 UI.

B-ii. The European/Asian HTC Desire Z aka HTC model A7272

This DZ operates on European and Asian 900/2100 bands. Other than that tidbit, it is similar to the A7275. The main difference from the A7275 is other than the change in UTMS bands, the asian variant has an asian keyboard. The european variant (assumedly) looks identical to the A7275.

C. The US Verizon HTC Merge aka HTC model ADR6325

This is a Desire Z with a facelift released for the US CDMA carrier Verizon, which can also operate on the UTMS 2100 band. This is also a stock Sense-based UI.

The hardware specifications of all four phones are identical:

CPU: Qualcomm Scorpion 800Mhz / MSM7230 (45nm, ARMv7, 32-bit)

GPU : Qualcomm Adreno 205 (supports supports OpenGL ES 2.0, OpenGL ES 1.1, OpenVG 1.1, EGL 1.3, Direct3D Mobile, SVGT 1.2, Direct Draw and GDI)

Memory : 512MB Low Power DDR2 (LPDDR2)

Storage : 1.0GB for user apps/storage*, the rest is reserved for the system. Different models may be listing their storage space incorrectly, in the end it is all the same, ~1GB of free space to use.

Viewing Screen : 3.7" inches (93.98mm) diagonal

Camera : 5 Megapixel camera with flash, 720p recording capable.

External Storage : Yes, can mount up to 32GB MicroSD ExtSD.

Review------------------------------------

Having owned the A7275 now for some time, flashed multiple different roms, I can finally have a say in my opinion of the HTC Vision's build.

The keyboard gives a mild, sturdy yet not too soft feel that does not cause 'clackiness' while in use (compared to the MT3GS, Motorola QWERTY's, etc). Typing quickly will emit decently noticeable audible clicks, but slowing down creates minor ticks. HTC did a nice upgrade in improving the width of the keyboard from the G1 to the G2/Vision, where nothing on the body interferes with your ability to type. I have discovered that using Sense-based UI's compared to AOSP builds such as CyanogenMod, CM has a shorter keyboard response time when using the QWERTY keyboard. The difference is very minor, but noticeable if you have been using either UI's for a long time.

The Z-hinge revisited: On many stock Visions you will notice that the hinge does not grant a satisfactory "Click" into a locking position compared to the predecessor G1. HTC seems to have constructed it so that our hands will follow a lead. When using in normal conditions, there are no changes necessary for your holding posture. While using the device lying down or backwards, you will need hold the top half (screen) up to be able to type efficiently without the top fallign down. This involves propping both index fingers against the upper half, or any method you are accustomed to without the top coming down when typing.

The speakerphone is ample although I have found out that laying the phone down on a hard surface muffles the speakers - You will need to prop it up when using the external speakers. Otherwise, the earpiece sound quality is the norm as expected of most devices.

The camera quality is the same tier for all HTC standard devices. Nothing mind blowing, but not quite substandard yet decent enough to accomplish a photo of what you need. I have also found that using an AOSP UI camera takes pictures slightly quicker in comparison to sense cameras.

Capacitive buttons are there for our pleasure, allowing us to also experiment with a touch-based input mode. When the Vision's keyboard is not open, you can use the phone as if it were a bulkier version of a HTC Desire. Be warned that the screen space might feel inadequate when attempting this, you'll definitely want a phone with a bigger width if you find yourself tacking over pressing to the wrong buttons.

The UI interface is a hit or miss for anyone. Some people like Sense 2, some people like AOSP, some people like Ice Cream Sandwich, some like Sense 3. It is endless. There is no consensus on which is better, the best bet is that you should end up figuring out what you like and go on with that.

Without much QWERTY's out there to compare with, the Vision remains a top candidate for anyone looking for a simple QWERTY experience. Although this review is now in 2012 and the tech is nearly a year old, there hasn't been any other contending QWERTY's out there since the Vision's debut in 2010 - not unless you count the Chinese G2 ripoffs.

Rating: 9.5★/10★