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Palm Pre 2 review

7.4/10 AVG.
RATING
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Palm Pre 2
Palm Pre 2
Palm Pre 2
Palm Pre 2
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7.4/10
Informr score
The Palm Pre 2 currently has an Informr score of 7.4 out of 10. This score is based on our evaluation of 14 sources including reviews from users and the web's most trusted critics.

The Palm Pre 2 is HP’s first webOS smartphone since acquiring Palm. It’s pretty much a splitting image of its namesake predecessor, but it does come with several improvements.

Compared to the Palm Pre, this QWERTY phone now features double the RAM (512MB), double the internal memory (16GB), a better 5-megapixel camera with video recording capabilities, a more powerful 1GHz processor, and a Gorilla Glass protected touchscreen display. It also runs on the new webOS 2.0 platform.

In a nutshell, the Palm Pre 2 is basically a modest upgrade to the Pre instead of a being a completely new webOS smartphone. Sure the new webOS helps improve over-all performance, but it doesn’t really provide anything new to get excited about, and still lacks support from 3rd party app developers.

The Palm Pre won't likely entice current Pre users to upgrade, however it does look like a good option for fans of Palm's webOS or for those seeking a physical QWERTY keyboard.


HP WebOS
Operating system
Operating system
HP WebOS
1 GHz
Processor
Processor
1 GHz
3.1"
Screen Size
Screen Size
3.1"
5+ MP
Camera
Camera
5+ MP
1150 mAh
Battery


What the Critics Are Saying...


Tracy and Matt
Tracy and Matt

It definitely is a good iteration on the original but I still don't think that it has enough to stay competitive in the 2011 smartphone market. Consumers generally think that good quality hardware = good product, and if Palm/HP continues to produce phones that are lacking in the hardware department,...

- Patrick, Tracy and Matt
PhoneArena
PhoneArena

Overall, there is a lot to like about the Palm Pre 2. We like its overall shape, though its design is a bit dated now, but it’s easy to hold and feels comfortable in the hand. The improved webOS 2.0 software and 1GHz processor makes the Pre 2 feel faster and more powerful than the Pre Plus. Bu...

- PhoneArena
PC Magazine
PC Magazine

The Palm Pre 2 feels like a throwback to 2010. It's fun, but far from cutting edge.

- Jamie Lendino, PC Magazine
Cnet
Cnet

First off, it's been a while since we've had a WebOS device in for review, so it was really great to have one back in our hands. It reminded us how much we love the mobile operating system for its multitasking abilities, data management, and search functionality, and the new enhancements only make i...

- Bonnie Cha , Cnet

Arthur Van Dulay
no voice commands. Worthless while driving and need hands free. Keyboard no made for an adults hands. Small # of apps. No turn by turn navigation unless you subscribe to Verizon for $10.00/month. Cannot compare to the feature filled android OP System.
InfoSync
InfoSync

The Palm Pre 2 is a hidden gem of a phone buried beneath thick igneous rock layers of Android interfaces. The Pre 2's WebOS 2.0 integration and 1GHz OMAP processor are its main entrees, and those features boosted an already great phone even higher to the smartphone gods. We loved Palm's interface&md...

- Mike Perlman, InfoSync


Prices (Where to Buy)




Common Questions


We've got you covered! Download a free PDF copy of the Palm Pre 2 user manual here.


Palm backs up the Pre 2 with a 1 Year parts & labour warranty.


If your Pre 2 has problems and is still within its warranty period, you could contact Palm support or the retailer you purchased the phone from. You'll find Palm'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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Quick view

Screen Size
3.1"

The Palm Pre 2's screen size is 3.1 inches with x pixels resolution.

Processor
1 GHz

There is a Texas Instruments 3630 1 GHz processor (CPU).

OS

The phone runs on proprietary operating system firmware.

Camera
5+ MP

You can take photos or capture video with the phone's onboard 5+ MP camera.

There's no secondary front camera.

Storage
15 GB

Internal memory is 15 GB. No external card slot is available for expansion.

Battery
1150mAh

The phone is powered by a Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion), 1150 mAh battery. Palm's performance ratings are 14.5 days standby time.

Pre 2 Specs

Overview
Release Date November 28, 2010
Regions Available USA, Canada
Operating System No

Compare HP WebOS Smartphones

Processor Texas Instruments 3630 1 GHz
Internal Storage 15 GB
RAM 512 MB
Hearing Aid Compatible Yes
TTY/TDD Yes
Noise Cancellation No
SAR Head: 1.01 W/kg
Body: 1.29 W/kg
Manufacturer Warranty 1 Year
Accessories Included AC Charger, Manual, Standard Battery
Cellular
Networks
EV-DO Rev. A
Mobile / Cellular Data
Push-to-talk (PTT) No
Wi-Fi Calling No
Voice over LTE (VoLTE) No
SIM card size
Yes
variations
Dual SIM No
Connectivity
USB Micro-USB 2.0
USB OTG Support No
GPS Type A-GPS
Infrared No
Bluetooth 2.1
Bluetooth Profiles A2DP, AVRCP, OPP/FTP, HID, HFP, HSP, PAN
Bluetooth Audio Codecs SBC
Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g
Mobile Hotspot No
Memory Expansion Slot No
Expansion Slot Info
NFC No
Data Tethering Compatibility Yes
Camera
Main Camera
Resolution / Aperture
5+ Megapixels
Zoom
Yes
Flash
Yes (LED)
Additional Rear Camera Info
Geotagging
Video Recording Parameters
VGA (640 x 480 pixels)
Front Camera
Resolution / Aperture
Additional Front Camera Info
No
Video Recording Parameters
Display / Screen
Type Color
Technology LCD (TFT)
Colors 16.7 million
Resolution x pixels
Pixel Density Unknown
Size 3.1 inches
Secondary Display No
Sensors Ambient Light, Proximity, Motion / Accelerometer
Multi-Touch No
Fingerprint-Resistant Coating No
Additional Display Features -
Power & Battery
Battery Type Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion)
Battery Capacity 1150 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 14.5 days
Mixed Usage
Physical Characteristics
Design Type Slider
Colors Black
Dimensions [H x W x D] 10.1 x 6.0 x 1.7 cm (4 x 2.4 x 0.7 in)
Weight 145 grams
Water Resistant / Waterproof Unknown
Rugged design No
IP Rating No
Headset Jack 3.5mm
External Speakers No
Input / Navigation
Sleep / Wake Key No
Home Key No
Input / Keyboard Type QWERTY, Touchscreen
Navigation Type Touchscreen
External Volume Control Yes
Fingerprint Sensor No
More
Additional Information Messaging: SMS, EMS, MMS, Google Talk
Multi-Use Smart Phone / PDA: Yes
Graphics: Yes
Themes: Yes
Backlit Illumination: Yes
Zoom / Magnification: Yes
Predictive Text Entry: Yes
Voicemail Key: Yes
Any Key Answer: Yes
Keypad/Screen Lock: Yes
Multiple Numbers Per Contact:
Voice Activated Dialing: Yes
Photo Caller ID: Yes
Web Browser: Yes
Email Client: Yes
Email Protocols: POP3, IMAP
PC Synchronization: Yes
Audio Formats: MP3, eAAC+, AAC+, AAC, AMR, WAV
Video Playback Formats: Unknown
Streaming Video: Yes
Custom Ringtones: No
Vibration Alert: Yes
Downloadable Ringtones: Yes
Ringer ID: Yes
Speakerphone: Yes
Data Tethering: Yes
Wi-fi Encryption: WPA/WPA2
Viewable document types: DOC, PDF, PPT, XLS
Games: Downloadable
Apps: Downloadable, Pre-installed
Included Software / Apps: -
To-Do / Task List, Calendar, World Clock, Alarm, Calculator, Maps, NotePad, Voice Memos / Recorder

Other Names (AKA):

WebOS 2.1 upgrade available
Related Links Manual (PDF)
Palm Pre 2 Reviews
Where to buy Palm Pre 2
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