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HTC Snap review

6.1/10 AVG.
RATING
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HTC Snap
HTC Snap
HTC Snap
HTC Snap
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6.1/10
Informr score
The HTC Snap currently has an Informr score of 6.1 out of 10. This score is based on our evaluation of 10 sources including reviews from users and the web's most trusted critics.

With HTC’s focus on higher-end touch screen devices such as its Touch line, it’s good to see they haven’t forgotten the tried and true, perennially popular candy bar QWERTY, a design which continues to hold its own as Blackjacks, BlackBerries and others.

I’m referring to the new HTC Snap, which upon first glance looks a little like a morph between a BlackBerry and a Blackjack.

Unfortunately, while HTC is brilliant with its signature line of Touch devices, the HTC Snap falls short because too many other phones do what the Snap does, but better. The four row keypad, for example, consists of keys which, while useable and not unfriendly, lack the dynamic contouring of the more recent BlackBerries. Similarly, the 2.4 inch screen delivers a lackluster experience. It may have qualified two years ago, but today people simply expect more.

That said, it isn’t a bad phone. Call quality is good, navigating is relatively easy and the phone is appealingly slim, which never hurts.

What is most odd is when you compare the size of the HTC Snap against the BlackBerry Curve, the Snap’s dimensions are larger in all but thickness, yet there is no benefit to the extra beef. This is to say that were the Snap providing a better or larger screen, one could argue in favor of increased size. Or if it possessed a feature set that out-performed its competitors, here again I’d tip my hat to the added size.

But alas the HTC Snap does not distinguish itself in a manner that would make it catch fire in the market.

On the upside, HTC did a wonderful job assigning secondary short-cut functions to many keys, making it a breeze to access the camera or your messages. This is a clever and appreciated inclusion.

Rounding out the feature set is GPS, WiFi, Bluetooth and an HTML browser. This phone will get you where you need to go, but in this writer’s opinion, there a more comfortable ways (options) to enjoy the ride.

Final Thought:

HTC rocks when it’s working on its pet projects, but the Snap project appears to have received the interns. It works, its decent, but it is in a tier that offers far better choices.

Review by: Scott Cerullo


Windows Mobile
Operating system
Operating system
Windows Mobile
528 MHz
Processor
Processor
528 MHz
2.4"
Screen Size
Screen Size
2.4"
2+ MP
Camera
Camera
2+ MP
1500 mAh
Battery


What the Critics Are Saying...


Mobile Syrup
Mobile Syrup

The HTC Snap is what you can call an affordable smartphone. TELUS has this on a promo now for $0.00 on a 3-year. The Snap runs on Windows Mobile 6.1 and weighs only 120 grams.At first glance the Snap looks like a regular smartphone with a full QWERTY keyboard, and that’s exactly what it is. Th...

- Ian Hardy , Mobile Syrup
CNET
CNET

We love the HTC Snap's brilliant keyboard and innovative Inner Circle feature, but it's let down considerably by its short battery life and dated Windows Mobile user interface. Consequently, we can't see many people rushing to swap their BlackBerry for a Snap.

- Frank Lewis, CNET
Phone Scoop
Phone Scoop

Here is the video review of HTC Snap.

- Eric M. Zeman, Phone Scoop
CNET
CNET

The Sprint HTC Snap definitely delivers on the messaging front, and the Inner Circle feature for prioritizing e-mail is quite useful.

- Bonnie Cha, CNET
MobileBurn
MobileBurn

In the end, we really like the HTC Snap for Sprint - with one major exception. The phone has a nice keyboard and a good looking, modern design. It has top-notch messaging features, including HTC's neat Inner Circle system. It even has passable photo and music abilities. What more could you ask for f...

- Michael Oryl, MobileBurn


Prices (Where to Buy)




Common Questions


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


HTC backs up the Snap with a 1 Year parts & labour warranty.


If your Snap 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
2.4"

The HTC Snap's screen size is 2.4 inches with x pixels resolution.

Processor
528 MHz

There is a Qualcomm MSM7625 528 MHz processor (CPU).

OS

The phone runs on proprietary operating system firmware.

Camera
2+ MP

You can take photos or capture video with the phone's onboard 2+ MP camera.

There's no secondary front camera.

Storage
95 MB

Internal memory is 95 MB. An external, MicroSD expansion slot is available for increased storage capacity.

Battery
1500mAh

The phone is powered by a Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion), 1500 mAh battery. HTC's performance ratings are 13.5 days standby time.

HTC Snap Specs

Overview
Release Date June 26, 2009
Regions Available USA, Canada
Operating System No

Compare Windows Mobile Smartphones

Processor Qualcomm MSM7625 528 MHz
Internal Storage 95 MB
RAM 192 MB
Hearing Aid Compatible Yes
TTY/TDD Yes
Noise Cancellation No
SAR Head: 1.32 W/kg
Body: 0.39 W/kg
Manufacturer Warranty 1 Year
Accessories Included AC Charger, Data Cable, Headset, Manual, Standard Battery
Cellular
Networks
1xRTT, 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
Dual SIM No
Connectivity
USB Yes
USB OTG Support No
GPS Type A-GPS
Infrared No
Bluetooth Yes
Bluetooth Profiles A2DP, AVRCP, BPP, DUN, OPP/FTP, HID, HFP, HSP, PAN
Bluetooth Audio Codecs SBC
Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g
Mobile Hotspot No
Memory Expansion Slot Yes
Expansion Slot Info MicroSD
NFC No
Data Tethering Compatibility No
Camera
Main Camera
Resolution / Aperture
2+ Megapixels
Zoom
Yes
Flash
No
Additional Rear Camera Info
Brightness control, Self-timer, White balance
Video Recording Formats
3GP / 3GPP, H.264 / AVC, MPEG-4, WMV
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 2.4 inches
Secondary Display No
Multi-Touch No
Fingerprint-Resistant Coating No
Additional Display Features -
Power & Battery
Battery Type Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion)
Battery Capacity 1500 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 13.5 days
Mixed Usage
Physical Characteristics
Design Type Bar
Colors Black
Dimensions [H x W x D] 11.4 x 6.3 x 1.4 cm (4.5 x 2.5 x 0.6 in)
Weight 119 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 QWERTY
Navigation Type D-pad
External Volume Control Yes
Fingerprint Sensor No
More
Additional Information Messaging: SMS, EMS, MMS, IM
ROM: 256MB
Multi-Use Smart Phone / PDA: Yes
Graphics: Yes
Themes: Yes
Backlit Illumination: Yes
Predictive Text Entry: XT9
Voicemail Key: Yes
Any Key Answer: Yes
Voice Commands: Yes
Keypad/Screen Lock: 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, Microsoft Exchange
PC Synchronization: Yes
Java Application: Yes
Audio Formats: MIDI, MP3, WMA, WAV
Video Playback Formats: 3GP / 3GPP, H.264 / AVC, MPEG-4, WMV
Custom Ringtones: No
Vibration Alert: Yes
Downloadable Ringtones: Yes
Ringer ID: Yes
Speakerphone: Yes
Games: Downloadable
Apps: No
Included Software / Apps: Microsoft Office Mobile (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
To-Do / Task List, Calendar, World Clock, Alarm, Calculator, Weather, Stocks, Maps, NotePad, Voice Memos / Recorder

Other Names (AKA): HTC S511, Willow, Cedar
Related Links Manual (PDF)
HTC Snap Reviews
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