The HTC HD7is by far is the third most interesting first-gen WindowsPhone 7s, after the DellVenuePro and the SamsungFocus. The design of the phone is not throughtly thought and the phone is a bit awkward to hold, especially during a call since the sharp top edge hurts the ears while talking on the phone. The plastic on the back is also very thin and flexes a bit too much. The build quality is rather mediocre and it shows, especially when the matte coating of the metals in the "HD7"branding and the kickstand. The 4.3" display looks washed out and is not very visible under direct sunlight; even under the maximum brightness settings.
The camera, like the display also produces washed out, grainy images with lots of noise, which is not expected in a high-end device like the HD7. 720p video recording with the HD7 feels like torture. The video skips a lot and movements are blurry, even under the slowest conditions. Call quality and reception is superb. In areas where the BlackberryBold9700 does not even get 3G, the HD7 is able to get HSPAconnection.
The performance on the HD7is generally snappy, just like any other WP7devices. Day-to-day tasks are quick and snappy without any lag. However, game load times are a bit slow and lots of apps still don't take advantage of Mango's multitasking features. Mango, the 7.5 update to WP7 brings even more features and bug fixes to the already great (if not complete) WP7. HTCalso didn't skimp out on the updates and includes nice additions like InternetSharing and AttentivePhone. Battery life on the HD7is not good and it will get you through the day, just not the evening. On a normal basis of twitter, live tiles, calls, music, and a few shots, the HD7manages to last just until 3PM when used from 7AM (battery saver enabled when low) so be sure to bring your charger everywhere you go.
The Windows Phone ecosystem have the fastest growing application store but keep in mind that some of these apps are NOT being updated after being published on the marketplace. Examples includes FruitNinja, AngryBirds, Tetris, and lots of other A-list games. Also keep in mind that the apps you'll find in the WindowsPhone marketplace are generally more expensive than their iOS/Android counterparts by over 200%. Apps that sell for $0.99 on the AppStore will be $2.99 on the Marketplace and it doesn't get updated overtime so that's a point you might want to reconsider.
FYI, I am a Microsoft enthusiast and is not biased. The pros and cons are from my own personal experience. I love using the Windows Phones and I always recommend them to everyone who asked for recommendations. The Windows Phone 7 OS is by far the most intuitive OS I've ever used and I love the app linking feature, smart dj, live tiles, one touch bing, and people hub.
The Breakdown
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Design
6
-
Display
5
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Camera(s)
5
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Reception / call quality
8
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Performance
7
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Software
9
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Battery life
7
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Ecosystem
8
Show the rest of this review and the breakdown
