Hands-on with the HTC HD7
We've had a chance to have a play with some of the new crop of Windows Phone 7 handsets, including this, the big-screened HTC HD7. Its 4.3in screen ma
We’ve had a chance to have a play with some of the new crop of Windows Phone 7 handsets, including this, the big-screened HTC HD7.
Its 4.3in screen makes it a big slab of phone, but holds great promise for video-watching and web browsing.
The new Windows Phone 7 interface – and especially this homescreen – is very prod-friendly, so even on a smaller screen than the HD7’s there are no problems getting around.
Inside hides a 1GHz processor and 8 or 16GB of internal storage. During our time with it, there was no noticeable lag, even with WP7’s slick transitions.
At 122x68x11.2mm and 162g it’s bigger in all dimensions than the iPhone 4, and heavier, but HTC had to make room for that screen somehow. It’s obviously well put together with a shiny metallic band around its edge and nice touches like the recessed phone speaker and microphone grilles at the top and bottom of the screen.
At 480x800px resolution, it doesn’t quite match the iPhone 4’s 960x640px display, but it still looked pretty good.
On the back is a 5MP camera that will also shoot 720p HD video, with a dual LED flash alongside. Microsoft made a lot of the fact that even from locked, Windows Phone 7 phones will go straight to camera mode with a long press of the camera shutter button. Handy for opportunistic snapping.
To make the most of its big screen, HTC has thrown in a lovely kickstand to keep the HD7 propped up for movie-watching. Unobtrusive when folded, and sturdy when flipped out, it’s a nice touch.
Keep your eyes peeled for hands-on videos and more with the new crop of Windows Phone 7 handsets on stuff.tv
Dan Grabham
Editor-in-Chief 
