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HTC MyTouch 3G review

8.6/10 AVG.
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HTC MyTouch 3G
HTC MyTouch 3G
HTC MyTouch 3G
HTC MyTouch 3G
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8.6/10
Informr score
The HTC MyTouch 3G currently has an Informr score of 8.6 out of 10. This score is based on our evaluation of 3 sources including reviews from users and the web's most trusted critics.

If you liked the first Android phone, aptly named the G1, you’ll enjoy myTouch even better. It improves on its predecessor as all phones should, focusing on ease of use, customization, slicker and more attractive design, and meaningful functionality.

This is a direct descendant device, as opposed to just another phone that bears the backing of both Google and HTC. The point here is that a lot of smart people are working real hard to produce a newer, better device using the Android OS that has emerged and thrived solely on its ability to deliver and satisfy, rather than a so-so OS driven by slick hype.

Currently exclusive to T-Mobile, the HTC myTouch 3G, rebranded the HTC Magic, is a good choice for folks who have embraced the full-touch trend. And I do mean full-touch.

Aside from a few old school dedicated buttons nestled comfortably at the bottom of the display, and a trackball, this phone relies entirely on tactile interaction. No full QWERTY slide-out keyboard, no secondary means of data entry. And by the way, the trackball on the HTC Magic is not the entry point to unicorns and rainbows, as in the BlackBerry line; it is a navigation solution only, so set your expectations accordingly.

The HTC Magic boasts an attractive 3.2 inch 480 x 320 pixel resolution screen. It’s bright and crisp and very well built. Everything looks good on this screen. Colors are vibrant, icons have defined edges, and there is little to no bleeding on the edges.

The home screen consists of three primary panels which you navigate by swiping your finger across the display. The HTC Magic does allow for customization, letting you play with and arrange the default icons, delete them or place them in customized folders. Because the touch interface is capacitive, you do need to use your finger; a stylus or even a fingernail will not work. Also, the HTC Magic doesn’t let you zoom by pinching your fingers as the iPhone does.

One really nice feature is a tab at the bottom of the display which allows you to pull up the icon list. It’s clean and very manageable, so you will have no trouble getting to whichever app your want. And while certainly cleaner than other touch OS’s, it must be mentioned that, overall, the HTC Magic does not possess the simplicity and intuitiveness of the iPhone. (Touch screens are a big deal to customers, and using the iPhone as a baseline for quality and expectation is natural).

So what do you get? Well, the HTC Magic comes with a 3.2MP camera with video, expandable microSD memory storage, full HTML Browser, a starter set of applications with access to many more and a talk time rated at 7.5 hours and a standby time rated at 420 hours. (Please note that battery times vary based on personal use).

If you dig the Android OS, the HTC Magic is a competent phone that can be customized to fit into your world…mostly.

Review by: Scot Cerullo


Android
Operating system
Operating system
Android
528 MHz
Processor
Processor
528 MHz
3.2"
Screen Size
Screen Size
3.2"
3+ MP
Camera
Camera
3+ MP
1340 mAh
Battery


What the Critics Are Saying...


PhoneDog
PhoneDog

If you are looking to get into Android but are a a little weary of the complicated options it presents, the myTouch 3G may be just the phone you're looking for. T-Mobile has bundled some apps together to make the transition easier and more fun. You can also get lots of cool accessories that can be c...

- John Walton, PhoneDog
Phone Scoop
Phone Scoop

The mobile landscape in August 2009 is vastly different from that of October 2008, when T-Mobile, HTC and Google first launched the G1. Competition in the smartphone realm is fierce, with solid entries from RIM, Apple and Palm already on store shelves. The latest Android handset from HTC and T-Mobil...

- Eric M. Zeman, Phone Scoop
TechCrunch
TechCrunch

It’s not as bad as you’d expect.

- Peter Ha, TechCrunch


Prices (Where to Buy)




Common Questions


We've got you covered! Download a free PDF copy of the HTC MyTouch 3G user manual here.


HTC backs up the MyTouch 3G with a 1 Year parts & labour warranty.


If your MyTouch 3G has problems and is still within its warranty period, you could contact HTC support or the retailer you purchased the phone from. You'll find HTC's contact information here. If your phone is off warranty and needs repair for a physical problem such as a broken screen or bad battery, you should visit an authorized service centre or a local phone repair shop. You can also connect with others in The Informr Community Forum to find and share answers to questions.



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Screen Size
3.2"

The HTC MyTouch 3G's screen size is 3.2 inches with x pixels resolution.

Processor
528 MHz

There is a Qualcomm 7201A 528 MHz processor (CPU).

OS

The phone runs on proprietary operating system firmware.

Camera
3+ MP

You can take photos or capture video with the phone's onboard 3+ MP camera.

There's no secondary front camera.

Storage
192 MB

Internal memory is 192 MB. An external, MicroSD, MicroSDHC expansion slot is available for increased storage capacity.

Battery
1340mAh

The phone is powered by a Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion), 1340 mAh battery. HTC's performance ratings are 17.5 days standby time.

MyTouch 3G Specs

Overview
Release Date June 22, 2009
Regions Available USA
Operating System No

Compare Android Smartphones

Processor Qualcomm 7201A 528 MHz
Internal Storage 192 MB
RAM 512 MB
Hearing Aid Compatible No
TTY/TDD No
Noise Cancellation No
SAR Head: 1.55 W/kg
Body: 1.43 W/kg
Manufacturer Warranty 1 Year
Accessories Included AC Charger, Data Cable, Headphones, Manual, Standard Battery
Cellular
Networks
GPRS, EDGE, HSDPA
Mobile / Cellular Data
Push-to-talk (PTT) No
Wi-Fi Calling No
Voice over LTE (VoLTE) No
SIM card size
Yes
Dual SIM No
Connectivity
USB Yes
USB OTG Support No
GPS Type A-GPS
Infrared No
Bluetooth Yes
Bluetooth Profiles A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, HSP
Bluetooth Audio Codecs SBC
Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g
Mobile Hotspot No
Memory Expansion Slot Yes
Expansion Slot Info MicroSD, MicroSDHC
NFC No
Data Tethering Compatibility No
Camera
Main Camera
Resolution / Aperture
3+ Megapixels
Zoom
Yes
Flash
No
Additional Rear Camera Info
Auto focus
Video Recording Formats
3GP / 3GPP, MPEG-4
Video Recording Parameters
CIF (352 x 288 pixels)
Front Camera
Resolution / Aperture
Additional Front Camera Info
No
Video Recording Parameters
Display / Screen
Type Color
Technology LCD (TFT)
Colors 65k
Resolution x pixels
Pixel Density Unknown
Size 3.2 inches
Secondary Display No
Sensors Motion / Accelerometer
Multi-Touch No
Fingerprint-Resistant Coating No
Additional Display Features -
Power & Battery
Battery Type Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion)
Battery Capacity 1340 mAh
Removable Battery Yes
Wireless Charging
Fast Charging No
Video Playback Time Unknown
Internet Use (Wi-Fi) Unknown
Internet Use (Cellular) Unknown
Talk Time Unknown
Standby Time Up to 17.5 days
Mixed Usage
Physical Characteristics
Design Type Bar
Colors Black, Red, White
Dimensions [H x W x D] 11.3 x 5.5 x 1.4 cm (4.5 x 2.2 x 0.6 in)
Weight 118 grams
Water Resistant / Waterproof Unknown
Rugged design No
IP Rating No
Headset Jack Other / proprietary
External Speakers No
Input / Navigation
Sleep / Wake Key No
Home Key No
Input / Keyboard Type Touchscreen
Navigation Type Touchscreen
External Volume Control Yes
Fingerprint Sensor No
More
Additional Information Messaging: SMS, EMS, MMS, AIM, MSN, Yahoo
Multi-Use Smart Phone / PDA: Yes
Graphics: Yes
Backlit Illumination: Yes
Predictive Text Entry: No
Voice Commands: Yes
Multiple Numbers Per Contact:
Auto Answer: Yes
Voice Activated Dialing: Yes
Photo Caller ID: Yes
Web Browser: Yes
Email Client: Yes
Email Protocols: POP3, IMAP, SMTP
PC Synchronization: Yes
Java Application: Yes
Audio Formats: MIDI, MP3, AAC+, AAC, AMR, WMA, WAV, OGG
Video Playback Formats: 3GP / 3GPP, MPEG-4
Custom Ringtones: No
Vibration Alert: Yes
Downloadable Ringtones: Yes
Ringer ID: Yes
Speakerphone: Yes
Games: Downloadable
Apps: -
Included Software / Apps: -
To-Do / Task List, Calendar, World Clock, Alarm, Calculator, Maps, NotePad, Voice Memos / Recorder

Other Names (AKA): T-Mobile myTouch 3G, HTC Magic

Update to Android 2.2 Froyo is available
Related Links Manual (PDF)
HTC MyTouch 3G Reviews
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