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HTC Flyer review

6.7/10 AVG.
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HTC Flyer
HTC Flyer
HTC Flyer
HTC Flyer
HTC Flyer
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6.7/10
Informr score
The HTC Flyer currently has an Informr score of 6.7 out of 10. This score is based on our evaluation of 27 sources including reviews from users and the web's most trusted critics.

The Flyer represents mobile phone maker HTC's initial foray into the ever-expanding tablet market. Released in May of 2011, the tablet departs from many of its competitors in some very important ways that some consumers may find worthwhile, but others may turn their nose at.

Considered a compact tablet, the Flyer features a 7-inch TFT LCD multi-touch screen that boasts a resolution of 1024 x 600 pixels, which is fairly standard for its size. The display is bright and responsive, providing smooth video playback and true-to-life color reproduction. The body of the device is constructed of lightweight aluminum, which provides a protective shell and looks really snazzy at the same time.

While the screen seems to be a standard multi-touch display, the Flyer also integrates pressure-sensitive input via a pen-like stylus, allowing users to take notes, draw, and mark up documents. The tablet features HTC's proprietary Scribe technology that is fine-tuned enough to easily recognize handwriting or allow users to touch up photos.

Behind the snazzy exterior, the Flyer turns away from conventional tablet design again by running a 1.5 GHz single-core processor coupled with its 1 GB of RAM, rather than the 1 GHz dual-core processors at the heart of many of its competitors. The tradeoff may not have paid off, as the tablet feels somewhat underpowered at times. Tasks as seemingly simple as scrolling through menus in the user interface (UI) can be slow and choppy.

Another departure from the growing norm is its operating system. Rather than opting for Android 3.0 (Honeycomb) as many competitors have done, the Flyer instead runs a modified Android 2.3.3 (Gingerbread) operating system. The upside is that the system software is completely familiar to users of with HTC's latest generation of smartphones, and it can use all of the most popular Android applications. The downside is that the Flyer does not feature any of the Honeycomb-specific software that is optimized for the tablet platform.

Despite these key differences, the Flyer does feature many conventions that are pretty much standard in the tablet market. It includes built-in WiFi b/g/n, Bluetooth 3.0, 32 GB of internal storage expandable through an external microSD slot, a 5 megapixel rear-facing camera, and a 1.3 megapixel front-facing camera. The internal battery provides up to 4 hours of video playback, and a combination jack provides USB access and HDMI output to televisions.

Need to Know: HTC Flyer

1. The integration of pressure-sensitive digital pen input is a key feature that has been sorely missing from the tablet market. (The Good)

2. The tablet seems underpowered, making simple tasks such as navigating the UI feel like a chore at times. (The Bad)

3. The Gingerbread OS makes the tablet a bit friendlier to users already familiar with Android phones and ensures complete compatibility with the most popular applications available in the market. (The Good)

4. If an upgrade to Honeycomb becomes available in the future (as planned), users may find that many of their current apps do not function properly (or at all) under the new OS. (The Bad)


Android
Operating system
Operating system
Android
1.5 GHz
Processor
Processor
1.5 GHz
7"
Screen Size
Screen Size
7"
5+ MP
Camera
Camera
5+ MP
4000 mAh
Battery


What the Critics Are Saying...


GSMArena
GSMArena

That’s that then. One of the most unique Android tablets out there - the HTC Flyer. It does well - even without the all-important dual-core processor and cream-of-the-crop Honeycomb OS. The thing that sets it apart from most tablets, is the HTC Sense topping and the HTC Scribe technology. This is as...

- GSMArena Team, GSMArena
TechTree
TechTree

The Flyer offers a great Android experience with its snappy performance. It handles multimedia with ease, and its display is also impressive. On the flipside, the camera is lacklustre and the design could have been better (especially that damn top cover). Having said that, at Rs 24,000, the Flyer is...

- Shruti Shah, TechTree
InsideHW
InsideHW

HTC was aiming high with this model, but offers a lot in return. Classy looks, high-quality finish, an excellent display and high mobility are things that one has to pay for. An exceptionally strong hardware base, a lot of storage memory and constant internet connection are even stronger arguments....

- Zeljko Djuric, InsideHW
Mobile Syrup
Mobile Syrup

A beautifully-constructed tablet that performs well on most of Android’s most laborious tasks. Easily held in one hand, the Flyer is the obvious choice for someone looking to combine basic web surfing, note-taking, eReading and the occasional movie into a very portable device. The screen is bright,...

- Daniel Bader , Mobile Syrup
NDTV
NDTV

It does not have the latest tablet optimized version of Android, it does not have a dual-core processor and it has a stylus that brings to mind the dark ages before a technology call Multi-Touch. But don't be fooled by all this, the HTC Flyer is currently the best 7-inch tablet in the market. It boa...

- Sahil Mohan Gupta, NDTV


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Quick view

Screen Size
7"

The HTC Flyer's screen size is 7 inches with x pixels resolution.

Processor
1.5 GHz

There is a Snapdragon 1.5 GHz processor (CPU).

OS

The tablet runs on proprietary operating system firmware.

Camera
5+ MP
You can take photos or capture video with the tablet's onboard 5+ MP camera. There is also a secondary front facing camera with 1+ megapixels resolution.
Storage
16/20/32 GB

Internal memory is 16/20/32 GB. An external, MicroSD (up to 32 GB) expansion slot is available for increased storage capacity.

Battery
4000mAh

The tablet is powered by a Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion), 4000 mAh battery. HTC's performance ratings are 8 days standby time, 6 hours Wi-Fi surfing.

HTC Flyer Specs

Overview
Release Date May 13, 2011
Regions Available USA, Canada
Operating System No

Compare Android Smartphones

Processor Snapdragon 1.5 GHz
Internal Storage 16/20/32 GB
RAM 1 GB
Hearing Aid Compatible No
TTY/TDD No
SAR Unknown
Manufacturer Warranty 1 Year
Accessories Included AC Charger, Carrying case, Data Cable, Manual, Standard Battery, Stylus
Cellular
Networks
GPRS, HSDPA
Mobile / Cellular Data
Wi-Fi Calling No
Voice over LTE (VoLTE) No
SIM card size
No
variations
Dual SIM No
Connectivity
USB No
USB OTG Support No
GPS Type A-GPS
Infrared No
Bluetooth 3.0
Bluetooth Profiles A2DP
Bluetooth Audio Codecs SBC
Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n
Memory Expansion Slot Yes
Expansion Slot Info MicroSD (up to 32 GB)
NFC No
Camera
Main Camera
Resolution / Aperture
5+ Megapixels
Zoom
Yes
Flash
No
Additional Main Camera Info
Auto focus, Face detection, Geotagging, ISO, Self-timer, White balance, Widescreen, Mirror, Auto Enhance
Video Recording Formats
3GP / 3GPP, 3G2 / 3GPP2, MPEG-4, WMV, XviD
Video Recording Parameters
HD (1280 x 720 pixels)
Front Camera
Resolution / Aperture
1+ Megapixels
Additional Front Camera Info
Geotagging, ISO, Self-timer, White balance, Widescreen, Mirror, Auto Enhance
Video Recording Parameters
Display / Screen
Type Color
Technology LCD (TFT)
Colors Unknown
Resolution x pixels
Pixel density Unknown
Size 7 inches
Sensors Ambient Light, Motion / Accelerometer
Backlit Illumination Yes
Zoom / Magnification Yes
Screen Orientation Lock Yes
Multi-Touch Yes
Fingerprint-Resistant Coating No
Additional Display Features Capacitive Touchscreen
Power & Battery
Type Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion)
Battery Capacity 4000 mAh
Removable Battery No
Wireless Charging
Fast Charging No
Battery Charge Time Unknown
Video Playback Time Up to 4 hours
Internet Use (Wi-Fi) Up to 6 hours
Internet Use (Cellular) Unknown
Standby Time Up to 8 days
Mixed Usage
Physical Characteristics
Material Aluminium
Colors White-Silver
Dimensions [H x W x D] 19.6 x 12.2 x 1.3 cm (7.7 x 4.8 x 0.5 in)
Weight 420 grams
Water Resistant / Waterproof Unknown
Rugged design No
IP Rating No
Headset Jack 3.5mm
External Speakers Stereo
Input / Navigation
Touchscreen Yes
Sleep / Wake Key Yes
Home Key Yes
Physical keyboard No
Text-to-Speech No
Screen Reader No
Keypad/Screen Lock Yes
External Volume Control Yes
Fingerprint Sensor No
More
Additional Information Graphics: Yes
Backlit Illumination: Yes
Zoom / Magnification: Yes
Screen Orientation Lock: Yes
Predictive Text Entry: Yes
Keypad/Screen Lock: Yes
Multiple Numbers Per Contact: Email address, Other fields
Contact Groups: Yes
Web Browser: Yes
Email Client: Yes
Email Protocols: POP3, IMAP, Microsoft Exchange
PC Synchronization: Yes
Audio Formats: AAC, AMR, WMA, WAV, M4A, OGG
Video Playback Formats: 3GP / 3GPP, 3G2 / 3GPP2, MPEG-4, WMV, XviD
Streaming Video: Yes
Custom Ringtones: Yes
Vibration Alert: Yes
Viewable document types: BMP, DOC, DOCX, GIF, JPG, PPT, XLS
Games: Downloadable
Apps: Downloadable, Pre-installed
Included Software / Apps: -
Calendar, World Clock, Alarm, Stop Watch, Timer, Calculator, Weather, Stocks, Maps, NotePad, Voice Memos / Recorder

Other Names (AKA):

4G version supports WiMax
Related Links Quick Start Guide (PDF)
Manual (PDF)
HTC Flyer Reviews
Where to buy HTC Flyer
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