Anandtech reviews the Surround

[transcend73]

I'm intrigued by this phone's speaker system for audio playback. Unfortunately, its performance is underwhelming in a number of areas compared to the iPhone 4 and several Android devices. Browsing response time, battery life and display all seem lackluster. Perhaps WM7 is not yet ready to compete with these platforms?

HTC Surround Review: A Pocket Boombox - AnandTech :: Your Source for Hardware Analysis and News

Thoughts?

[transcend73]

If anyone owns one already and would like to comment I'd appreciate it. I'd like to hear your real-world experiences with this phone.

[mindfrost82]

I've been back and forth on this device. I haven't seen a live one yet, only the fake demo one in the store. I couldn't compare screens, but to me, the Focus felt cheap and the Surround felt solid.

If I decide to pick one up, I'll definitely comment on it.

EDIT: This phone isn't as thick as a TP or TP2 either, but it is thicker than the Focus.

[piscesjoey]

Originally Posted by mindfrost82

I've been back and forth on this device. I haven't seen a live one yet, only the fake demo one in the store. I couldn't compare screens, but to me, the Focus felt cheap and the Surround felt solid.

If I decide to pick one up, I'll definitely comment on it.

EDIT: This phone isn't as thick as a TP or TP2 either, but it is thicker than the Focus.

I still haven't seen a live one yet either, and +1 with the Focus feeling cheap, just the same as other Galaxy S devices.

EVO on Tapatalk

[Oridus]

I'll have mine some time this week. I'll let you know how it is.

Sent from my HTC Liberty using Tapatalk

[Musicman247]

I've played with the Surround, Focus, and Quantum now (in store), so I thought I'd comment.

Now, these phones were tethered to the display, meaning I still don't know what these phones are like in real world situations, so don't take my word as gospel or anything.

HTC 7 Surround - as stated above, this phone is thinner than the TP2, but thicker than the Focus by a few millimeters. The sliding mechanism for the speaker felt solid, but as many others have said, I can't see myself using it very often, maybe to show friends a quick YoutTube video or something.

Actually getting the speaker up is a little bit unnatural to me. I own a Touch Pro 2 so I am used to pushing up on the screen with my thumbs to reveal the keyboard. The Surround has the speaker sliding up the opposite way, meaning you have to either push down on the screen or push up on the back. The motion was a little strange to me and I almost dropped the phone the first time I tried it! I'm sure with time and practice this would be a non-issue, though.

The kickstand works as promised, but seems a little flimsy, which may make this a repair issue after months of use.

One thing I would not recommend (especially if you have your heart set on this device) is looking at it sitting next to the Focus. The Focus may be a little more plasticy, but looking at an LCD screen (like the Surround) sitting next to Samsung's AMOLED screen will immediately make the LCD screen look poor by comparison. Everything will seem washed out, and you will notice the colors fading as you tilt the device.

The OS is buttery smooth, but again, this is not real world conditions, and only stock programs were on the device, but those programs outshine anything currently on the market (in my opinion).

TL,DR: Surround is built like a thinner TP2 with no keyboard. Speaker is only useful in social situations (seriously, if you're by yourself you're going to use headphones, right?) and awkward to engage, and LCD pales in comparison to AMOLED. OS is WP7, so if you liked it in the demo videos, you'll like it in person.

[Oridus]

My fiance just got the Focus, and i'll be getting my HTC Surround some time soon. I love both devices, and both devices have their benefits. I personally don't think the HTC's screen is bad, so if your phone experience ISN'T all about picture quality, then you may want to weigh in some of the other features before just jumping to the focus.

As far as i'm concerned, I can see myself using the speaker quite a bit, since I don't like to carry around headphones with me, and playing games or watching youtube with decent sound that's directed at me instead of away makes for a pretty good feature in a "lets waste some time" situation.

[jax2k3]

I have HTC Surround from Telus.... love the device, just missing features that is based on the WP7, not the device. The device is amazing, a little heavy but it makes the phone not feel cheap. As for the battery, it is bad but not as bad as Touch Pro 2 using Stock Rom. In addition, the battery charge is excellent.. a Full charge is 2 to 2.5 hours... If you have further questions, just PM.

[CovKid66]

Thickness aside on the Surround folks....what's the weight like? I left a TP2 and moved to an Omnia II a little while back. I have not looked back! I love the thinness, but I also love the light weight...compared to the TP2. I just couldn't go back to something anywhere near that weight again.

I'm looking at the LG Optimus 7 (Telus) or LG Optimus Quantum (Bell) but I'd honestly prefer not to go "LG". Any comments? The only alternative right now in Canada is the Samsung Focus...but I'd have to buy that outright @ CDN$549!!!

EDIT: I guess this kinda answers my LG question ...

[Oridus]

The Surround has some heaft to it. The Focus is going to be the lightest option. Even the LG devices have some heaft to them.