HTC EVO 3D
|

Is the 3D revolution over before it began? Looking at the strangely muted public response to Nintendo's much-hyped 3DS console, it's tempting to assume this is the case.

At the start of the year it seemed that auto-stereoscopic 3D was the way forward, yet the tech seems to have lost some of its momentum as the months have rolled by.

The HTC EVO 3D is one of the first Android phones to use the same kind of screen as the 3DS, and it's launched alongside fellow Android phone the LG Optimus 3D.

To cut a long story short, auto-stereoscopic screens offer a 3D image without the need for special glasses.

This magic is achieved by displaying a slightly different image to each eye. It's genuinely impressive when you first experience it, but it relies heavily on keeping a consistent view on the screen. Turning the phone even slightly breaks the illusion – an issue that affects the 3DS, too.

3D or not 3D?

Initially, it's quite disappointing to note that HTC has reserved the EVO's 3D effect for certain activities - none of the phone's Sense user interface is shown in 3D. The tech is only triggered during image capture, during the playback of applicable movies, and when running 3D-enabled games.

It’s an odd choice when you consider that the phone is being sold primarily on its unique screen, but one that is entirely necessary. Just like the 3DS, the HTC EVO 3D eats through your battery with merciless rapacity when the 3D effect is enabled.

Despite the inclusion of a 1730 mAh rechargeable power cell, watching 3D movies and playing 3D games will completely drain the battery within the space of a few hours. Even when the technology is disabled, the phone is a curiously ravenous beast. With medium use, you’ll need to charge at least once at day, and perhaps even twice.

Images in stereo

The HTC EVO 3D is equipped with two 5-megapixel cameras to aid 3D image capture, but auto-stereoscopic photos are limited to two megapixels.

Recording 3D videos is also possible, but again the quality is inferior to standard 2D footage. You can toggle between 3D and 2D by using the metal switch next to the two-stage camera button on the side of the handset.

When you remove the 3D effect what you’re essentially left with is the HTC Sensation. The EVO 3D is running the same 1.2GHz dual-core processor, and has Android 2.3 on-board - as well as the latest iteration of HTC’s beloved Sense user interface.

Under the hood there’s 1GB of RAM, along with 1GB of internal storage. There’s also a MicroSD card slot for further memory expansion.

Piling on the pounds

In terms of design, the HTC EVO 3D is a hefty beast. This is largely down the 4.3-inch 3D screen, which not only bulks out the phone but also requires that previously-mentioned 1730 mAh battery, which is bigger than your typical power cell.

The front of the phone lacks physical buttons, and instead opts for capacitive ones. Unlike its rival Samsung, HTC has thankfully decided against leaving off that trusty ‘search’ button.

The textured back improves grip, but overall the phone has a strangely muted presence – it’s certainly not as attractive as the HTC Sensation or HTC Desire S.


3D Gaming

Given that the 3DS is already providing auto-stereoscopic gaming to the masses, it’s only fair to compare it to the experience the HTC EVO 3D provides.

As always, Gameloft has nailed its colours to the mast with a selection of 3D-enabled titles, and the added dimension certainly enriches the experience – although we’d have to say that it’s not quite as impressive as the 3DS.

It’s also disappointing to note that when the 3D tech is switched on, the phone’s 540x960-pixel resolution is drastically reduced to accommodate the auto-stereoscopic effect.

This means that games such as GT Racing Motor Academy and N.O.V.A. are actually running at a lower resolution on the EVO 3D than they are on older devices, such as the Google Nexus S.

Whether or not further titles will get the 3D treatment remains to be seen – the only other 3D Android phone is the aforementioned LG Optimus 3D, so until a few more devices appear, we don’t expect developers to throw too much weight behind the technology.


Conclusion

While we savour the prospect of tinkering with new gadgets, there’s no denying that 3D on mobiles hasn’t got off to the most auspicious start.

While the auto-stereoscopic effect enables the HTC EVO 3D to stand out in what is becoming an increasingly crowded marketplace, the demands placed on the phone’s battery make it largely impractical when you’re out and about.

Even a small amount of 3D usage is enough to dramatically drain your battery, and most people won’t want to risk that when they’re out of the house and away from their wall charger.

When all is said and done, the HTC Sensation provides a near-identical experience but without the gimmicky 3D element. It’s also a much nicer phone to look at, so if you’re after a HTC device with a powerful CPU and Android Gingerbread we’d recommend that over this potential white elephant.

HTC EVO 3D

HTC is attempting to sell this phone off the back of its auto-stereoscopic 3D tech, but it feels tacked-on and unnecessary on a device of this type. Battery life is also a massive weakness, and in the end you’re basically left with a less attractive and heavier version of the much-loved HTC Sensation
Score
Damien  McFerran
Damien McFerran
Damien's mum hoped he would grow out of playing silly video games and gain respectable employment. Perhaps become a teacher or a scientist, that kind of thing. Needless to say she now weeps openly whenever anyone asks how her son's getting on these days.