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HTC ThunderBolt Pro Reviews

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pocketnow‘s review Edit Like Unlike

The HTC Thunderbolt on Verizon is phone that many have been eagerly anticipating, and it doesn't disappoint. It's an example of a mature and time-tested hardware configuration (that's the 1GHz Snapdragon CPU with 768MB of RAM) coupled with software that is stable, pleasing to use, and very fast. Add to that access to Verizon's speedy 4G network, and you've got a really compelling device on your hands. We were a bit underwhelmed by the spec sheet of the Thunderbolt, especially after recent announcements of upcoming phones with 3D qHD displays, dual core processors, and even more RAM. But then again, those next-generation devices, like the EVO 3D and Galaxy S II, aren't due out until the middle of the year. And, those that desire great battery life or a device that is small and light might want to look elsewhere. If you fall under the category and are on Verizon, consider the Samsung Fascinate or Droid Incredible.

8.0 Rated at:

Published on:
Mar 24, 2011

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Phone Arena‘s review Edit Like Unlike

The HTC ThunderBolt has solid construction, though it can feel a bit heavy at times. We love the Sense UI interface on the ThunderBolt, which makes it the easiest and most customizable deice in the group. Data speeds and benchmark tests were also good, as were the outside pictures, but the display can be a bit dark when used outside, and the call quality isn’t the best we’ve heard.

n/a Not rated

Published on:
Sep 14, 2011

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Phone Arena‘s review Edit Like Unlike

So here’s the first and most important question you have to answer: do you live in a 4G LTE area? Well, if you happen to be graced with Verizon’s next-generation data network, then it’s almost hard not to side with the ThunderBolt on this one – especially when LTE speeds blow away most things out there. Not taking away from HTC’s product, we still find its Sense UI appreciable, while dishing up the better quality with its camera. Regardless, we can’t help but contemplate the huge arsenal that the DROID 3 is packing within its carriage to make it one of Verizon’s standout hits right now.

n/a Not rated

Published on:
Jul 21, 2011

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Phone Arena‘s review Edit Like Unlike

Between these two phones, we believe that the HTC ThunderBolt is the better choice here, as it provides a superior user interface with its Sense UI, takes better looking pictures, and has longer battery life. But at this point in the game, neither device is all that revolutionary in its design or features, except for the inclusion of 4G LTE. To be a high-end Android smartphone in today’s world, it should run on Gingerbread (not Froyo), and have 1GB of RAM, a dual-core processor, qHD display, and 4G data.

n/a Not rated

Published on:
Jun 14, 2011

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hardwaresecrets‘s review Edit Like Unlike

If you like a big phone with a large screen, the HTC Thunderbolt is the best device of this type in Verizon's current lineup. The clear and responsive screen, good storage capabilities, useful email interface, excellent music player, and FM radio make it hard to beat. The kickstand adds even more functionality. It is blazingly fast on Verizon’s new 4G LTE network and has the ability to perform voice and data tasks simultaneously. Although battery life could be better, most average users will find it adequate.

n/a Not rated

Published on:
Jun 06, 2011

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ubergizmo‘s review Edit Like Unlike

The HTC Thunderbolt is a very interesting smartphone, and it makes history by being the first 4G LTE phone to run on the Verizon network. (I’m not sure if there is another 4G LTE handset on the market, worldwide.) By using a 4G LTE network, select apps running on the Thunderbolt can reach a speed and a level of comfort never seen before on a smartphone. However, all this network performance and user comfort are overshadowed by the short battery life. As it stands, and with my moderate use, I don’t think that the phone can stay alive for more than 5 or 6 hours. This is insufficient. With that in mind, I can’t recommend using this phone as long as the included battery cannot sustain even a relatively mild usage pattern. If you really want to go for it, you will *have to* buy the extended battery that will make this phone twice has heavy as a Samsung Galaxy S 2. If network speed is of the essence, and if you can’t wait, take a good look at the pros and cons. In the end, it’s probably more reasonable to wait for other, upcoming 4G LTE phones.

n/a Not rated

Published on:
Mar 21, 2011

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HotHardware‘s review Edit Like Unlike

Our overall impression of the Thunderbolt was a positive one. We felt the phone was speedy and responsive. We also like the large screen and sturdy kickstand. In many ways, the Thunderbolt is very similar to the HTC EVO 4G from Sprint. We loved this phone when it first came out, and still feel it's a great product. Given the similarities between these two handsets, it's not surprising we also liked the Thunderbolt.

n/a Not rated

Published on:
Apr 18, 2011

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Pocket-lint‘s review Edit Like Unlike

Is the ThunderBolt’s insatiable appetite for energy a deal-breaker? Probably not. Power users will get used to carrying the chunky charger around or investing a second battery, and there’s even a certain kudos to be earned from any phone capable of frying an egg on its screen while sharing its LTE goodness. And the truth is that 4G is a game-changer. Once you’ve sampled the effortless ease of near-instant streaming, websites appearing in the blink of an eye and jet-propelled uploads, it’s difficult to return to patchy, jerky 3G. The ThunderBolt may not quite embody the ultimate 4G phone, lacking the dual-core chops to really go to town, but it’s a solid, sensible handset that delivers a genuine 4G experience on one of the world’s first 4G networks. Apparently, lightning does strike twice.

8.0 Rated at:

Published on:
May 17, 2011

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www.pcper.com‘s review Edit Like Unlike

Compromise is the Thunderbolt’s theme. It’s bulky, offers merely good processor performance for a new flagship smartphone, and the battery fails to amaze. But it also has an incredible network, brilliant display, great audio quality, and comes equipped with one of the better stock Android themes. The Thunderbolt has too many disadvantages to make it eligible for an Editor’s Choice, but for the right buyer it will prove to be the right phone, and it’s likely to remain the best phone available to Verizon customers until the flagship dual-core phones with 4G LTE roll out over the summer.

n/a Not rated

Published on:
May 05, 2011

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gadgetreview‘s review Edit Like Unlike

With lightning fast download and upload speeds, assuming a good and stable connection is available, the Thunderbolt is a very quick phone. Running the latest hardware and software available for Android devices and a ton of RAM, it’ll zip through anything you need it to do. The big dealbreaker is battery life, which suffers tremendously because the phone under heavy use cannot last a full day. If you enjoy the hefty, solid feel of a smartphone and can survive the onslaught of power-draining speed, HTC’s Thunderbolt is a solid handset that will serve its users well. Just make sure to put down extra for a car charger and spare battery.

7.0 Rated at:

Published on:
May 09, 2011

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Phone Arena‘s review Edit Like Unlike

At this point, it is really hard to decide which device is better, as both have some good points and flaws, so it really comes down to which flaws you are willing to live with. The Samsung Droid Charge has a Super AMOLED Plus screen that is visible outside in the sun, and the call quality and battery life is also good, but it likes to drop down to 3G most of the time and web sites with a lot of Flash content will lock-up the browser. The HTC ThunderBolt can stay locked to 4G more (using the force LTE mode) and the web browser works well, but the call quality and battery life aren't that great, and the TFT display can be difficult to view in the sun. So there are your choices.

n/a Not rated

Published on:
May 09, 2011

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phonedog‘s review Edit Like Unlike

Despite the ridiculously bad battery life I've experienced, the ThunderBolt is in the running for one of the top phones I've ever owned. The hardware is immaculate and reminds me of Nexus One quality. For the most part, the entire experience has been very pleasing. Sense UI really brings a lot to Android and allows users to fully customize their experience. Though the ThunderBolt has some very serious competition approaching, I feel it will do quite well among the dual-core phones. HTC has a long track record of great devices, some with very long life spans in a market where devices are usually outdated by the time they hit shelves. If the battery issues can be sorted out soon, this device could prove to be a tough device to top for some time to come.

n/a Not rated

Published on:
Mar 20, 2011

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AnandTech‘s review Edit Like Unlike

The Thunderbolt reminds me of the EVO, and otherwise shares design language with all of HTC’s 4.3” form factor smartphones. The comparisons are so completely obvious that it’s almost pointless stating all of them. It’s a phone packed with latest and greatest cellular connectivity that actually does a very good job at disguising the number of design challenges doing so poses. LTE is easily an order of magnitude faster than EVDO, and if you're as obsessed with cellular network throughput as I am, the added thickness and reduced battery life are absolutely worth it.

n/a Not rated

Published on:
Apr 27, 2011

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brighthand‘s review Edit Like Unlike

If you have to have the latest and greatest, the ThunderBolt is definitely it. You don't want your portable media powerhouse going dead in the middle of the latest YouTube video sensation, so be sure to watch that battery meter and charge appropriately; and buy that car charger, you're probably going to need it.

8.0 Rated at:

Published on:
Apr 20, 2011

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Phone Scoop‘s review Edit Like Unlike

If the Thunderbolt were a regular 3G smartphone, it would be a near home run. Aside perhaps from the large and weighty size, everything about the Thunderbolt is solid. It has a good design; solid signal performance; good voice call performance; and good battery life when in 3G-only areas. Would I recommend the HTC Thunderbolt, Verizon's first LTE handset? Sure. It's a great smartphone. The only significant drawback is the crippled battery life when using the Thunderbolt's best feature. The Thunderbolt is like a Ferrari. It may be fast as all get-out, but that speedy engine consumes a lot of fuel.

n/a Not rated

Published on:
Mar 18, 2011

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PC World‘s review Edit Like Unlike

The HTC ThunderBolt looks, feels, and handles like a solid piece of hardware. Although its specs aren’t anything we haven’t already seen in the Droid X or the Droid 2, the ThunderBolt’s ability to utilize the unprecedented speed of Verizon’s LTE network makes it a special phone indeed. Users who like to run high-bandwidth apps on the road--as in streaming high-def video or playing online games--will find no faster phone on the market right now.

9.0 Rated at:

Published on:
Mar 21, 2011

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Macworld‘s review Edit Like Unlike

The HTC ThunderBolt looks, feels, and handles like a solid piece of hardware. Although its specs aren’t anything we haven’t already seen in the Droid X or the Droid 2, the ThunderBolt’s ability to utilize the unprecedented speed of Verizon’s LTE network makes it a special phone indeed.

n/a Not rated

Published on:
Apr 12, 2011

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MobileBurn‘s review Edit Like Unlike

The HTC ThunderBolt is a groundbreaking device, despite having a pedestrian design and familiar interface. The speed offered by a true 4G network and the impact it has on mobile technology cannot be understated. The ability to have true broadband connectivity while out and about will change the way we use mobile devices.

8.0 Rated at:

Published on:
Mar 30, 2011

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Gizmodo‘s review Edit Like Unlike

A lot of wild things start running through your head once you start to fathom what it means that every phone is one day going to have internet this fast. You're buying a little taste of the future of mobile broadband when you buy this thing, more than anything else. 4G is the reason to buy this thing.

n/a Not rated

Published on:
Mar 22, 2011

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Phone Arena‘s review Edit Like Unlike

There’s a lot to like about the HTC Thunderbolt – fast web browsing and data speeds, Sense user interface, ample 4.3” display, 8MP camera, 32GB memory card, and overall snappy performance thanks to the 1GHz Snapdragon processor. If you’re in need of the newest and fastest smartphone now, the ThunderBolt is clearly the best choice out there for Verizon. But our two concerns are with the buzzing we heard in the earpiece speaker, and with the color difference we saw with the displays of the two units we received. Because of this, we’d recommend at this point you purchase it from a local store so you can see and try it out there.

9.0 Rated at:

Published on:
Mar 19, 2011

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LAPTOP Magazine‘s review Edit Like Unlike

The Thunderbolt lives up to its name by being the fastest 4G phone on any network--by far. Provided you're in an area with LTE coverage, you'll be able to load sites, download apps, and start streaming videos in the blink of any eye. This smart phone can also easily replace a USB modem or MiFi. Unfortunately, the Thunderbolt runs out of gas too fast. Overall, we prefer the slimmer and lighter iPhone 4, which has a better display, higher-quality apps, and longer battery life. As for Android fans, they may want to wait for the dual-core Motorola Droid Bionic to come to Verizon (complete with beefier 1930mAH battery). Still, if you have a need for serious speed right now, the Thunderbolt will satisfy.

7.0 Rated at:

Published on:
Mar 17, 2011

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CNET Reviews‘s review Edit Like Unlike

The HTC Thunderbolt lights up with blazingly fast data speeds, but those who want 4G now should be aware that it takes a big toll on the smartphone's battery life.

8.0 Rated at:

Published on:
Mar 18, 2011

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SlashGear‘s review Edit Like Unlike

The HTC ThunderBolt is undoubtedly the fastest smartphone we’ve tested when it comes to mobile data. Verizon’s LTE network is, in areas with coverage, the most impressive 4G system currently available in the US, in many cases exceeding what our regular broadband connections could manage. Things may well change as more users get online, of course; so far only USB modem owners have been enjoying the LTE speeds, but as ThunderBolt adoption picks up and Verizon pushes more 4G-capable handsets out onto the market, we’re expecting to see the network settle at lower rates.

n/a Not rated

Published on:
Mar 18, 2011

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PC Magazine‘s review Edit Like Unlike

The HTC Thunderbolt, the first 4G LTE smartphone for Verizon Wireless, has the fastest Web speeds we've ever seen, but be prepared to carry an extra battery.

8.0 Rated at:

Published on:
Mar 18, 2011

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The average pro reviews rating is 8.0 / 10, based on the 24 reviews.

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