Verizon plans to launch the Droid Incredible 4G LTE "in the coming weeks," but consumers should pass and wait.
The Incredible 4G features some decent specs: it's powered by Google's new Android 4.0 software, runs on Verizon's faster LTE network, and features a 4-inch high-resolution display, top-notch 8-megapixel camera with 28-millimeter f/2.2 lens, Beats Audio for better music and a speedy 1.2-gigahertz dual-core Snapdragon S4 chip.
So what's not to love?
1. Consider the HTC Rezound
The HTC Rezound, Verizon's fourth-quarter flagship phone, features a bigger 4.3-inch screen, with a higher 720-by-1280 pixel resolution -- that's a big difference.
The Rezound also comes with an 8-megapixel camera, a plenty-fast 1.5-gigahertz chip, and will soon run on Android 4.0 -- initially released with Android 2.3 -- and works on Verizon's 4G LTE network too.
While the Incredible is thinner, lighter, and offers NFC and Bluetooth 4.0, its only real advantage is HTC's Sense 4 -- over the Rezound's 3.5 -- a big improvement for a more streamlined interface, a 50 percent improvement in processing speed and lower power consumption.
For a new flagship phone, the Incredible offers slight upgrades in hardware. If you're considering the Incredible, give the Rezound some serious thought.
2. Consider the HTC One
The Incredible couldn't have come at a worse time. HTC is in the midst of a turnaround, after a serious decline last year. Why does that matter? The company overhauled its product line to focus entertainment, and the first batch of new phones is the... "One" series, which hit the market a few months ago.
That's right. The One is the future. The Incredible is the past.
AT&T and T-Mobile carry versions of it, but Verizon has yet to announce a launch -- but that's just a matter of time.
3. Sit Tight, HTC Is Revamping Its Products
Still, it's probably best to wait. HTC's second batch will be leaps and bounds ahead. So if you're looking at HTC, give the first generation of One phones a pass, and wait for them to work out the kinks before diving in.
4. Samsung Is on Top of Its Game
There's a reason Samsung sold over 20 million Galaxy S2 phones in under nine months. And the South Korean company just announced the successor, the S3, which also runs on Android 4.0, but features a massive 4.8-inch display, advanced "S Voice" technology that responds to spoken orders and gestures, and a 1.4-gigahertz "quad-core" -- not dual-core -- chip. It also comes with a 8-megapixel camera, but with "intelligent" camera options that tracks and adapts to what it sees you doing.
Verizon may water down the specs before releasing its version in the summer, but if you can wait a few months, it'll blow the Incredible out of the water.
5. The IPhone 5, Nuff Said
Rumors. They're all rumors, really. But still, we'll run through the list: made of liquidmetal, similar 4.6-inch screen, LTE-compatible, and other major changes. In short, it's the iPhone. Expect it sometime in June.
Bottom Line
If you're going cheap, the Rezound is a better choice. If you're sticking to HTC, wait for the next batch. And if you want the best, wait a few months.
When everyone's showing off their quad-core phones, Galaxy S3s and iPhone 5s, just don't say we didn't tell you so.
Verizon plans to launch the Droid Incredible 4G LTE "in the coming weeks," but consumers should pass and wait.
The Incredible features some decent specs: it's powered by Google's new Android 4.0 software, runs on Verizon's faster LTE network, and features a 4-inch high-resolution display, top-notch 8-megapixel camera with 28-millimeter f/2.2 lens, Beats Audio for better music and a speedy 1.2-gigahertz dual-core Snapdragon S4 chip.
So what's not to love?
1. Consider the HTC Rezound
The HTC Rezound, Verizon's fourth-quarter flagship phone, features a bigger 4.3-inch screen, with a higher 720-by-1280 pixel resolution -- that's a big difference.
The Rezound also comes with an 8-megapixel camera, a plenty-fast 1.5-gigahertz chip, and will soon run on Android 4.0 -- initially released with Android 2.3 -- and works on Verizon's LTE network too.
While the Incredible is thinner, lighter, and offers NFC and Bluetooth 4.0, its only real advantage is HTC's Sense 4 -- over the Rezound's 3.5 -- a big improvement for a more streamlined interface, a 50 percent improvement in processing speed and lower power consumption.
For a new flagship phone, the Incredible offers slight upgrades in hardware. If you're considering the Incredible, give the Rezound some serious thought.
2. Consider the HTC One
The Incredible couldn't have come at a worse time. HTC is in the midst of a turnaround, after a serious decline last year. Why does that matter? The company overhauled its product line to focus entertainment, and the first batch of new phones is the... "One" series, which hit the market a few months ago.
The One is the future. The Incredible is the past.
AT&T and T-Mobile carry versions of it, but Verizon has yet to announce a launch -- but that's just a matter of time.
3. Sit Tight, HTC Is Revamping Its Products
Still, it's probably best to wait. HTC's second batch will be leaps and bounds ahead. So if you're looking at HTC, give the first generation of One phones a pass, and wait for them to work out the kinks before diving in.
4. Samsung Is on Top of Its Game
There's a reason Samsung sold over 20 million Galaxy S2 phones in under nine months. And the South Korean company just announced the successor, the S3, which also runs on Android 4.0, but features a massive 4.8-inch display, advanced "S Voice" technology that responds to spoken orders and gestures, and a 1.4-gigahertz "quad-core" -- not dual-core -- chip. It also comes with a 8-megapixel camera, but with "intelligent" camera options that tracks and adapts to what it sees you doing.
Verizon may water down the specs before releasing its version in the summer, but if you can wait a few months, it'll blow the Incredible out of the water.
5. The IPhone 5, Nuff Said
Rumors. They're all rumors, really. But still, we'll run through the list: made of liquidmetal, similar 4.6-inch screen, LTE-compatible, and other major changes. In short, it's the iPhone. Expect it sometime in June.
Bottom Line
If you're going cheap, the Rezound is a better choice. If you're sticking to HTC, wait for the next batch. And if you want the best, wait a few months.
When everyone's showing off their quad-core phones, Galaxy S3s and iPhone 5s, just don't say we didn't tell you so.
Sprint's struggle to succeed under the weight of its iPhone deal has analysts worried about the carrier's ability to sell and support Apple's device.
Investment management firm Sanford C. Bernstein downgraded Sprint's stock to "underperform" from "market perform" based on a forecast that the company won't be able to sell enough iPhones to meet its $15.5 billion deal with Apple.
The situation may get worse when the next iPhone comes out this fall. Since the iPhone 5 is likely to run on 4G LTE, a network Sprint is not equipped to support, the company will have a hard time moving the newly released devices at the same pace of its rivals, Verizon and AT&T. Sprint either has to figure out how take hold of LTE-enabled spectrum, risk losing the sales it needs to meet its obligation to Apple, or else face potential bankruptcy-inducing financial trouble.
The Sprint downgrade comes in response to potential problems with its Apple contract. Analyst Craig Moffett from Bernstein says Sprint has to sell about 7.5 million iPhones a year to meet its $15.5 billion contract. So far, however, sales of the device have not stayed on pace to do so and shares of Sprint stock are already down 46 percent over last year. That disadvantage, he says, will only increase when Apple rolls out the iPhone 5 due to Sprint lagging on LTE development.
"The network will be barely started at a time when Verizon is now two years into building their LTE network and AT&T is about a year and a half into building their LTE network, so suddenly Sprint will find itself once again behind the eight-ball at a time when they have a huge take or pay commitment," said Moffett on Bloomberg Television's "Taking Stock."
But Sprint is trying to prepare for iPhone 5 by capping data of other users as it tries to build up its network potential and increase data speeds. Even if the release does bring in new customers, Sprint holds a narrow spectrum band that will need to support heavy data usage.
Sprint's deal with Apple caused concern with investors before as a high-risk strategy, putting pressure on the carrier to sell around 30 million iPhones in the next four years. Moffett says bankruptcy is far from a given, but is a legitimate risks because of Sprint's debt obligations and market performance. Meanwhile, Verizon is making headway expanding its LTE network, setting up for successful data use on iPhone 5.
Sprint bankruptcy is far from a certainty, but the debt-ridden, third-place carrier is in a precarious spot as it tries to keep up with more advanced and resourceful companies. The iPhone 5 release could help Sprint meet its obligation, but Sprint faces tremendous pressure to support it to keep shareholders positive about its future.
Sprint's struggle to succeed under the weight of its iPhone deal has analysts worried about the carrier's ability to sell and support Apple's device.
Investment management firm Sanford C. Bernstein downgraded Sprint's stock to "underperform" from "market perform" based on a forecast that the company won't be able to sell enough iPhones to meet its $15.5 billion deal with Apple.
The situation may get worse when the next iPhone comes out this fall. Since the iPhone 5 is likely to run on 4G LTE, a network Sprint is not equipped to support, the company will have a hard time moving the newly released devices at the same pace of its rivals, Verizon and AT&T. Sprint either has to figure out how take hold of LTE-enabled spectrum, risk losing the sales it needs to meet its obligation to Apple, or else face potential bankruptcy-inducing financial trouble.
The Sprint downgrade comes in response to potential problems with its Apple contract. Analyst Craig Moffett from Bernstein says Sprint has to sell about 7.5 million iPhones a year to meet its $15.5 billion contract. So far, however, sales of the device have not stayed on pace to do so and shares of Sprint stock are already down 46 percent over last year. That disadvantage, he says, will only increase when Apple rolls out the iPhone 5 due to Sprint lagging on LTE development.
"The network will be barely started at a time when Verizon is now two years into building their LTE network and AT&T is about a year and a half into building their LTE network, so suddenly Sprint will find itself once again behind the eight-ball at a time when they have a huge take or pay commitment," said Moffett on Bloomberg Television's "Taking Stock."
But Sprint is trying to prepare for iPhone 5 by capping data of other users as it tries to build up its network potential and increase data speeds. Even if the release does bring in new customers, Sprint holds a narrow spectrum band that will need to support heavy data usage.
Sprint's deal with Apple caused concern with investors before as a high-risk strategy, putting pressure on the carrier to sell around 30 million iPhones in the next four years. Moffett says bankruptcy is far from a given, but is a legitimate risks because of Sprint's debt obligations and market performance. Meanwhile, Verizon is making headway expanding its LTE network, setting up for successful data use on iPhone 5.
Sprint bankruptcy is far from a certainty, but the debt-ridden, third-place carrier is in a precarious spot as it tries to keep up with more advanced and resourceful companies. The iPhone 5 release could help Sprint meet its obligation, but Sprint faces tremendous pressure to support it to keep shareholders positive about its future.
NetZero is offering a data plan with the purchase of a no-contract, low-cost 4G mobile broadband router and modem, but both gadgets come with limitations underlining the changing market for Internet connection options.
NetZero is partnering with 4G internet access company Clear to offer a mobile hot spot router and a USB modem to provide Internet service for laptops, smartphones, iPads and other tablets. NetZero is promoting a 200 MB, free data package and highlights its competitive pricing, as the company significantly undercuts Verizon and AT&T's monthly data plans. However, it does not subsidize handset costs or sell phones, laptops and other mobile devices.
The router, called NetZero 4G HotSpot, supports up to eight devices at a time and costs $100, with possible additional monthly fees depending on data usage. The NetZero 4G Stick modem is $50 and works with laptops and netbooks. Both devices connect to Clearwire's WiMax network and are available in over 80 U.S. cities.
NetZero's plan boasts competitive price points, but the company's service may not attract customers looking for high-quality mobile Internet access, since the higher speed option can burn through the free 200 MB of data quickly.
Most smartphones and tablets come equipped with a 3G or 4G data option, and almost every mobile device is fully equipped to connect to Wi-Fi networks. Mobile broadband customers topped the one billion mark in 2011, demonstrating the growth of gadget usage, but most individual users tether their mobile data packages to device plans instead of purchasing a hot spot or modem to hook up to the Internet on the go.
NetZero's plan could offer a solution to consumers with a growing array of devices who don't want several different plans, but these consumers would have to buy the devices off-contract at full cost, which may dissuade iPhone users.
NetZero's mobile broadband devices aim to appeal to people without an existing data plan or those who want Internet access beyond what Wi-Fi offers. This knocks out smartphone users with contracts, as carriers subsidize the hefty device price in return for two-year data package commitments.
The ever-increasingly availability of Wi-Fi and the data packages offered by carriers may satisfy casual users, so the type of person liable to invest in a mobile hot spot may want a device that offers reliable, quick service at all times, in remote areas. NetZero's devices feature excellent prices but the data caps and mediocre network coverage are unlikely to woo serious techies. Engadget's Myriam Joire describes WiMax's coverage as "spotty".
Demand is growing for alternatives to traditional data plans and Wi-Fi offerings, however, as companies strive for next-generation connection options. Carriers are still vying for additional spectrum to improve their broadband connections, so Cisco's HotSpot2.0 could appeal better, as it amplifies Wi-Fi connections instead of eking out its own 4G network.
NetZero's devices could seem superfluous as Wi-Fi access spreads and users choose high-end phones subsidized by contracts, but the company highlights the security benefits of managing your own mobile network.
"Unlike public Wi-Fi networks, where credit card numbers and other personal information may be exposed to hackers and data thieves, the NetZero 4G Mobile Broadband service delivers a protected, private Internet connection anytime, anywhere within its coverage area," NetZero said in a press release. The company emphasized the advantage of using a NetZero device, although the "within its coverage area" caveat hints at Clear's shortcomings.
NetZero's devices come with appealing price tags, but the service offered is becoming less essential to the average mobile technology user, making the company's comeback risky. But as carriers draw fire for capping data, NetZero's policy allowing users to switch their data caps without fear of overage fees may sway frustrated users.
Verizon plans to have 4G LTE service in at least 400 U.S. markets by the end of this year, trying to attract customers through its upgraded network as carriers vie for spectrum.
Verizon chief technical officer David Small also said the company's coverage should grow from 250 million to 260 million by year's end, saying Alaska will be the only state without LTE service by 2013.
The expansions are part of the Basking Ridge, N.J.-based carrier's plans for a more inclusive 4G system with expanded coverage as it attempting to gain more subscribers to the updated network. Verizon will also exclusively release LTE-capable handsets this year, underlining the company's ambition to move business away from the overwhelmed 3G grid and onto 4G.
The carrier is pegging its future successes to the 4G LTE network, betting its head start on the competition will confer benefits once customers start making the 4G switch in larger numbers.
AT&T, Sprint and T-Mobile all intend to ramp up or earnestly start up their 4G LTE networks, but Verizon came out ahead of the curve creating the infrastructure. Now the company is working overtime to attract customers before the other carriers develop their own networks.
Verizon's newer network is up and running, but customers are reluctant to switch, especially iPhone users, as the current models do not run on LTE. Analysts expect the iPhone 5 will support LTE technology, however, and the debut of Apple's next handset could kick off a larger migration.
Still, Verizon's plan hinges on the continued availability of spectrum, as its plan to sell only LTE phones requires a great deal of data capacity, requiring Verizon to secure more bandwidth to bolster its 4G LTE network to accommodate subscribers' data demands.
To accomplish this, the carrier is pleading with the FCC to approve deals, but T-Mobile is attempting to stake its claim in the spectrum scramble by blocking Verizon's attempts to stay on top.
Verizon's comprehensive coverage may prove prescient as long as the carrier can get consumers to make the switch and buy enough spectrum to sustain additional subscribers. Verizon is following the "if you build it, they will come" philosophy of business, and now the carrier needs to make sure customers make an appearance.
Sprint CEO Dan Hesse's job may be in jeopardy, as investors fear his strategy with the iPhone and 4G LTE is failing to reverse flagging company fortunes.
Hesse's leadership worries Sprint's investors, according to a report by the Wall Street Journal. Hesse gained credibility for his efforts to stem losses following Sprint's ill-received merger with Nextel. However, sources suggest the CEO's job is up in the air following a series of missteps, and Sprint's board shows little faith in Hesse's command as they step in to manage the company.
Sprint paid a hefty fee to carry the iPhone, viewing the high costs as a necessary evil to compete with AT&T and Verizon, which both carry the device, but Apple's signature handset is failing to boost the company as expected. The iPhone attracted new subscribers, but the high cost of subsidizing the handset means payoffs are still further down the road.
Hesse pushed hard for the iPhone, but investors want to see returns now. Also, Sprint failed to secure the new iPad, and investors are questioning the value of Hesse's Apple gambit in light of missing out on the most popular tablet offering so far this year. Apple began selling the LTE-capable device through AT&T and Verizon, Sprint's biggest rivals, but Sprint could not support the device without a workable LTE network.
Sprint's inability to sell the LTE iPad points to another huge crisis in Hesse's leadership: the CEO's failure to secure spectrum. Sprint bet big on its deal with LightSquared, but the Federal Communications Commission axed the merger over concerns of GPS interference.
Without LightSquared, Sprint is scrambling to strengthen its network, and the spectrum squeeze is likely to affect the company's LTE network rollout as well as future devices it carries.
Hesse did navigate a successful deal with Clearwire, but it may not be enough to expand LTE capabilities in time to effectively compete against AT&T and Verizon, meaning possible delays for rolling out Sprint's three announced LTE devices.
As AT&T and Verizon pick off smaller spectrum deals, Sprint faces a dwindling group of potential allies, making Hesse's moves in spectrum acquisition all the more vital and time-sensitive.
The investor pressure does not bode well for Hesse. The Sprint CEO is pursuing a company turnaround through a myriad of endeavors, but investors are tiring of waiting for results from Hesse's efforts, and may seek more immediately gratifying leadership.
T-Mobile plans to sell the Samsung Galaxy S Blaze 4G on March 21 for $150 with a two-year contract, showcasing the carrier's focus on high-end services.
The Bellevue, Wash.-based company announced the Samsung Galaxy S Blaze 4G will arrive nationwide on March 28, but some stores will get an early shipment the week before.
Samsung promoted the handset's 4-inch AMOLED screen, advanced GPS system and high-quality entertainment apps at CES and the Mobile World Congress, and now the phone has an official price point, starting at $150, after rebate and a two-year contract.
Along with the Galaxy Blaze, T-Mobile is planning to carry the iPhone 5, signaling the company's dedication to high-end products. Carrying Apple's signature phone will boost T-Mobile's credentials, and offering the latest from rivals like Samsung lets the carrier attract Android loyalists as well.
The Galaxy Blaze is set to run on T-Mobile's HSPA+ network, but the carrier announced a heavy investment into LTE, meaning the Blaze may switch over to the cutting-edge network once it launches. T-Mobile's decision to invest in LTE reflects its desire to compete with leaders like AT&T and Verizon, as the rival carriers already boast developed LTE networks and the iPhone does not support HSPA+.
T-Mobile's bolstered product lineup will the carrier regain momentum lost in its failed merger with AT&T, but spectrum troubles may hinder further growth. T-Mobile walked away from the botched deal with a chunk of money to invest in spectrum, and it is choosing to concentrate on LTE.
T-Mobile still lags behind giants like AT&T and Verizon in the market. To strengthen its position, T-Mobile is starting legal battles to prevent the dominant carriers from snagging too much spectrum. As T-Mobile seeks to get its LTE network off the ground, the company faces constant competition from bigger carriers making similar spectrum grabs.
The Galaxy S Blaze 4G boosts T-Mobile's roster and reputation as a carrier which offers a selection of top-quality handsets, signaling an upswing in the company's fortunes. In addition to Blaze's promise, the company has its hands full juggling spectrum management and the continued acquisition of strong handsets to stay competitive.
AT&T is quickly selling the new iPad, confounding expectations its limited 4G network would hamper its growth.
The Cupertino, Calif.-based company made the new iPad available for pre-order yesterday, and the only models selling out of the online store's initial stock are the white 16-gigabyte and white 32-gigabyte models for AT&T. These particular models are now scheduled to ship beginning March 19, while Apple has all other versions of the device listed as "delivery on March 16."
The high-demand for the AT&T models come as a surprise, since the carrier's LTE network is far less developed than Verizon's. AT&T's LTE is available in less than 30 cities in the U.S, while Verizon currently reaches nearly 200 cities all across the country, leading many to anticipate Verizon iPads would be the models of choice.
However, Apple's shipment date may not be indicative of how many devices the company is selling of each particular model. The iPad maker likely anticipated stronger demand for the Verizon version of its tablet as well, and likely ordered more stock of those models as a result.
In addition, Apple likely underestimated customer desire for the AT&T models, leading to shipment dates quickly slipping by a few days.
For example, if Apple ordered one million Verizon iPads and sold 800,000 of them, it would still have plenty for launch day, leaving the shipment date unchanged. However, if the company ordered only 300,000 of the AT&T models, it would sell out faster, despite there being far less demand than there is for the Verizon versions.
Even if the AT&T iPads are off to a faster sales start, the numbers will not likely stay that way. As customers begin to purchase the devices and reviews come in, critics are likely give Verizon's LTE coverage far better marks than AT&T's, spurring future sales.
Although it may be beneficial to purchase an AT&T model in specific areas, the large majority of iPad buyers are likely to find they will find better coverage if their LTE service is coming from Verizon.
Apple left Sprint out of the party once again with the launch of its new LTE-capable iPad, putting the carrier at a major disadvantage to attract data-hungry subscribers.
The Cupertino, Calif.-based company will launch its new LTE iPad on March 16 for Verizon and AT&T's networks, the same carriers that the iPad 2 supported. The two providers have the largest networks in the U.S. and will give Apple's new device the fastest possible speeds.
Many analysts thought Apple would also launch a version of the new iPad that supported Sprint's network, due to the tech giant's decision to give the carrier the iPhone last year. However, issues with Sprint's LTE network are likely the main reason the tech giant decided against releasing an iPad that's compatible with the carrier's service.
Sprint's LTE network is practically non-existent and shows no signs of evolving into something more competitive in the near future. The carrier's next generation network is far less developed than AT&T or Verizon's, and its plans to expand with the startup company LightSquared fell through after the Federal Communications Commission cited concerns over GPS signal interference.
Apple is very careful to choose its business partners to ensure the best possible performance and consumer perception of its products, and a marriage of the iPad on Sprint's network does not hit the company's high standards at this time. The iPad maker could have released a different version of the tablet that would run on Sprint's 3G network, but one of the biggest selling points of the new model is its ability to produce LTE speeds.
Sprint's inability to offer the iPad puts the carrier at a disadvantage in the quickly emerging tablet market. The devices have become moneymakers for wireless providers due to their demand for data service, and Sprint is now out in the cold, excluded from offering the tablet that represents more than 70 percent of the current market.
The third ranked carrier is now left without the iPad, and more importantly, without a viable LTE network. If Sprint does not find a way to turn around the prospect of its next-generation service, it will likely miss out on more new devices in the future, creating a competitive disadvantage that will be nearly impossible to overcome.
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