[Q] Worth buying as a purely Android phone? - HD2 Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting and Genera

Hi, apologies if this has been covered before, but in your opinion is it worth buying an HD2 intending to use it purely as an Android phone? You can buy it for about half the price of a similarly specced Android phone, but will you get the same sort of performance out of the HD2 as a similarly specced native Android phone like the Evo?
Are there any significant drawbacks to using Android on the HD2 compared to a native phone?
Thanks in advance

mancomb said:
Hi, apologies if this has been covered before, but in your opinion is it worth buying an HD2 intending to use it purely as an Android phone? You can buy it for about half the price of a similarly specced Android phone, but will you get the same sort of performance out of the HD2 as a similarly specced native Android phone like the Evo?
Are there any significant drawbacks to using Android on the HD2 compared to a native phone?
Thanks in advance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey dude.. I use my HD2 purely on Android and I love it.. Works great for me.. Just gotta do a little searching to find the Android build that you like best.. I use one of the Cyanogenmod ones and my wife used one of the Sense builds, but different strokes for different folks.
The beauty of it is that yoiu can change to a completely differnt version as many times as you like and never have to lose any other version you've tried.. Its great.

mancomb said:
Hi, apologies if this has been covered before, but in your opinion is it worth buying an HD2 intending to use it purely as an Android phone? You can buy it for about half the price of a similarly specced Android phone, but will you get the same sort of performance out of the HD2 as a similarly specced native Android phone like the Evo?
Are there any significant drawbacks to using Android on the HD2 compared to a native phone?
Thanks in advance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it has its quirks but for the cheaper price, i think it's worth it. and i'm sure a couple of months from now it'd be near 100% stable.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=844914

I bought it purely for Android, because I could find it for a lot less, with better specifications. It's as good as finished, some quirks here and there but we'll get there eventually, and it sure is very useable. Mind that you'll have to spend some time in the beginning to figure out which combo of WinMo rom/radio/android build works best for you, but once you're set, it's a good experience. And if you feel like exploring the geek world, HD2 is probably thé best phone currently out there, but that's just something optional of course.

One thing that I'm just starting to realize as a problem is that the hard keys on the hd2 don't seem to very stable. Using android forces you to use those keys a lot more than you would need to on winmo... I assume that's why all the newer android phones are using capacitive buttons instead of hard buttons. My back and middle button are starting to get really screwy after a few months of using android. I barely used them with winmo. I'm definitely gonna keep that in mind when I get a new phone.
Sent from my HTC HD2 using XDA App

Thanks for the replies, I went ahead and bought one, they're ridiculously cheap on ebay compared to android phones and I like hacking and fiddling with gadgets so i'm hoping it will be great! Hope I don't have the same problem with the buttons...

I haven't got any trouble with the buttons don't know what the hell some guys do with there phones. but if you take much care of it, the HD2 is a great phone, speed in android is faster then the most common android devices. maybe not as fast as the desire HD but still an amazing device

HectiQ said:
I haven't got any trouble with the buttons don't know what the hell some guys do with there phones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same here. I've had my phone over a year now and there is 0% wrong with the hardware buttons. Been using Android for about 3 months too.

zarathustrax said:
One thing that I'm just starting to realize as a problem is that the hard keys on the hd2 don't seem to very stable. Using android forces you to use those keys a lot more than you would need to on winmo... I assume that's why all the newer android phones are using capacitive buttons instead of hard buttons. My back and middle button are starting to get really screwy after a few months of using android. I barely used them with winmo. I'm definitely gonna keep that in mind when I get a new phone.
Sent from my HTC HD2 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm pretty sure that it's just a design reason, it's really not that hard or expensive to implement good physical buttons. My ol' HTC Magic for example had great ones, I'm sure they'll last way longer than anyone will ever use the phone.

Related

Any Ex Nexus users?

I have a Nexus and love it! Debating on the HD2, even maybe keeping it as a secondary phone is it worth it? Or do you find yourself missing your Nexus?
Homotechual said:
I have a Nexus and love it! Debating on the HD2, even maybe keeping it as a secondary phone is it worth it? Or do you find yourself missing your Nexus?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
missing it since day 1 with the HD2 keep the For at least a week and don't use you N1 and you will endup going back to it I'LL BET YOU ANYTHING!!! YOU WILL
haha LOL
had both nexus & hd2. was a tough decision. they both had their pros and cons. in the end i sold the nexus. what sold me on the hd2 was the hw. its simply a beautiful/fun phone. dont get me wrong, the nexus is awesome. i actually prefer android over wm but in the end it wasnt enough.
the one thing i still miss is all the apps from the android market. while imo alot of apps were "novelty" apps and not really useful to me, there was always an app that did what i needed it to do.
i believe the stock hd2 rom is "clunky" for lack of a better term. some of the cooked roms really make the ui fluid. right now preferring kumars
I think a lot of people went back to their N1 because of the simplicity of android and the apps and updates that are released to fix the bugs unlike for the HD2 and please no one mention cooked roms. As most people dont know how too install the ROMS....
I don't own either but played with both while trying to decide which I want. I have a G1 now and REALLY wanted a Nexus but I am on a family plan and Google has made getting the Nexus too difficult. I talked to the CSRs at TMo and even work arounds will be a giant pain because the plan we're on is a 'grandfathered' plan that isn't available anymore so as long as we don't change it we keep it.
I like the Android OS, I like knowing it will continue to be updated with new and improved releases. While most of the apps in the Market are crap there are a few I do use frequently and best of all 95% of those I use are free.
Sadly if I shelled out $500 for this phone my wife would castrate me.... as much as I want the Nexus I don't want to pay an arm, a leg and.... uhhhh... well, don't like the phone that much.
HD2 is a beautiful phone and I looked at the ROMs and would definitely flash one over the stock ROM. I had 2 WM phones and I do have fun tweaking it, setting it up only to do it all again when I flash something else but there were sooooo many things I hated about WM and I can't remember all the apps I used to use. There was one app that changed a setting and actually killed the app when I closed it rather than move it to the background where I had to go into task manager to kill it. Also have an issue knowing this is on an old and notoriously quirky kernel while only the UI has been updated. Essentially a dead OS that will receive very little in updates.... basically what we have now is pretty much it and up to the creative DEVs here to keep us going. How many more apps will be updated or created with WP7 coming out later this year and all the iphone 1.0/2.0 like features along with it?
Ultimately I think I may end up getting the HD2 and dealing with WM for a while until TMo gets a high end Android phone (Rumor about a Samsung Galaxy also going to TMo). After all the HD2 is amazing piece of hardware and I'll just have to deal with the shame of WM.
Well think it it this way how much would you save in the long run? Because any smartphone you get with a contract you have to add the 29.99 for 2 years times by 24= 700+ So i buy a phone outright and keep my Tzones save so much money in the long run. Also T-mobile Android phones boughtout right or not they do not work with Tzones you will have to switch. Nexus is the only android phone i know of that works with Tzones since its not T-mobile branded.
KidTech said:
I think a lot of people went back to their N1 because of the simplicity of android and the apps and updates that are released to fix the bugs unlike for the HD2 and please no one mention cooked roms. As most people dont know how too install the ROMS....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
While it's probably true that (statistically speaking) most people do not know how to install cooked ROMs, it does make the HD2 a far better phone to use, and I consider it a critical part of the decision to purchase.
Most people who own a car do not know how to change the oil, but it still needs to be done. Most people who own a guitar do not know how to tune it, etc, etc.
it's an unfair limitation to suggest that the availability of cooked ROMs should not be factored into the decision making process, IMO.
How many people know outside of XDA what a ROM is? Seriously T-mobile should of dont more testing with this device before they sent it out with this buggy rom. I like this device a lot amazing hardware but hate the little bugs like when it jumps from E-3G and now my device freezes a lot. If i didnt buy this new from ebay i would of returned it and prob gone for the N1. And even the N1 has issues but atleast they sent out update to fix them. I wonder whats taking T-mobile so long? and since WP7 is around the corner i doubt an updates will be given if any at all..
KidTech said:
How many people know outside of XDA what a ROM is? Seriously T-mobile should of dont more testing with this device before they sent it out with this buggy rom. I like this device a lot amazing hardware but hate the little bugs like when it jumps from E-3G and now my device freezes a lot. If i didnt buy this new from ebay i would of returned it and prob gone for the N1. And even the N1 has issues but atleast they sent out update to fix them. I wonder whats taking T-mobile so long? and since WP7 is around the corner i doubt an updates will be given if any at all..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess I am different from most people, in that when I decide to make ANY purchase over a certain amount of dollars, I'll research literally everything I can about the product for a considerable amount of time (depending on the cost) before buying it. The fact that everyone doesn't do this is partly to blame for the problems encountered by most users.
Many people go crazy and install everything they see from any source on their phone, and it acts funny... understandably so.
I'd definitely agree that HTC could and should have done a better job with some aspects of the stock ROM, but this is true of any phone manufacturer, and HTC is better than many others in this regard.
I ended up keeping the HD2 bcuz im hoping for an android rom. the hardware made me keep it. its really beautiful but android is much much better than windows mobile i miss android. I had to install a rom just to enjoy the HD2 if you don't know how to install roms i would suggest you learn if you plan on owning this phone. If not go for a nexus one.
it depends on what you want out of your phone.
you'd have to root the nexus one to save apps to sd card. while on the hd2, it already has apps 2 sd capability.
customization is actually higher on the hd2, but it takes A LOT more work. i find it much easier mod the stock android os BEFORE rooting. pick your poison.
in terms of hardware, the nexus one actually has a brighter screen due to AMOLED display while of course, the hd2 screen is a monster in terms of size vs. the n1.
if you really really are in love the android OS and want the screen size of the hd2, why not move over to sprint and get the htc EVO? almost the same hardware specs except the evo is actually better equipped with a front facing camera, hdmi input, etc..
aero_pg said:
I ended up keeping the HD2 bcuz im hoping for an android rom. the hardware made me keep it. its really beautiful but android is much much better than windows mobile i miss android. I had to install a rom just to enjoy the HD2 if you don't know how to install roms i would suggest you learn if you plan on owning this phone. If not go for a nexus one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same here i'm waiting for an Android ROM, i hope its out during the summer or maybe when the EVO comes out it can speed up the process. But the hardware is amazing just wished there weren't so many issues with it..
Anyone if T-mobile or HTC release an software update or are making one?
I kept the Nexus anyway and just use it on the spare line.
I work for T-Mobile so I'm limited to T-Mobile phones, I would NEVER switch to Sprint no matter what phone they got. I use to have them and work for them and not a fan at all. I think i'm going to keep the Nexus One and wait for the Galaxy S. Thanks for the input, and yes my Nexus is rooted so flashing a HD2 shouldn't be to hard. IS there much of a difference rooting Android compared to Windows?
2 things that really turned me off about the HD2 is I heard Battery life only lasts half a day, and the Facebook app which I use A LOT doesn't give you ANY notifications. Also something I love about the Nexus is finding phone numbers I just search a company from the google search bar and it gives me numbers for that company in my location. On the HD2 you have to go to the browser and then do that unless maybe I'm mistaken?
I work for T-Mobile so I'm limited to T-Mobile phones, I would NEVER switch to Sprint no matter what phone they got. I use to have them and work for them and not a fan at all. I think i'm going to keep the Nexus One and wait for the Galaxy S. Thanks for the input, and yes my Nexus is rooted so flashing a HD2 shouldn't be to hard. IS there much of a difference rooting Android compared to Windows?
2 things that really turned me off about the HD2 is I heard Battery life only lasts half a day, and the Facebook app which I use A LOT doesn't give you ANY notifications. Also something I love about the Nexus is finding phone numbers I just search a company from the google search bar and it gives me numbers for that company in my location. On the HD2 you have to go to the browser and then do that unless maybe I'm mistaken?

T-Mobile HD2 vs HTC HD2

Which one is better?
I'm so confused...
What is the difference?
Can i run Android 2.2 on both of them?
Cerv3r said:
Which one is better?
I'm so confused...
What is the difference?
Can i run Android 2.2 on both of them?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They are a slightly different shape, and the TMOUS HD2 has a 1 gig internal ROM, where as the International T8585 only has 512 Mbs. It also has 576Mbs of RAM without having to HSPL and flash a new ROM to enable it.
There is also an Aussie HD2, I can't remember the number of it without Googling, that's got a different frequency range for their 3G & HSDPA, but retains the same International T8585 shape. (*edit* It's a Telstra HD2 T9193)
And yes, they all run Android.
So which one do you suggest? They both operate the same way, meaning adding android?
Cerv3r said:
So which one do you suggest? They both operate the same way, meaning adding android?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well if you live in Australia get the Telstra one, if you live in North America get the T-Mobile one and if you live anywhere else in the world get an International T858. They are all essentially the same phone, they will all run Android exactly the same as one another.
thank you very much
where do you think i can get a T-Mobile one really cheap?
My co worker is selling his to me for $300, the back cover is messed up though..
Cerv3r said:
thank you very much
where do you think i can get a T-Mobile one really cheap?
My co worker is selling his to me for $300, the back cover is messed up though..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Being English I wouldn't have a clue. You can pick up new backcovers for ~$30 though I believe.
If you are buying the HD2 solely to run Andoid I would look at getting a HTC phone designed to run that OS. As far as I am aware Android on the HD2 still, eats battery life like it's going out of fashion. I don't run Android on my phone, I think it's a gimmick, so I don't keep much of an eye on the progression of it, it may well be better now. But I still doubt you could make a full day on one charge.
What do you suggest then? I love android.. I've used windows mobile and i didnt like it very much...
So the battery sucks with android on it?
I need a phone with the same specs..
Cerv3r said:
What do you suggest then? I love android.. I've used windows mobile and i didnt like it very much...
So the battery sucks with android on it?
I need a phone with the same specs..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your decision comes down to where you live...
In the US you can pickup the EVO on sprint or Incredible/DroidX on verizon (only phones w/ specs @ or near HD2's)
If you still want an HD2 you can run Android so-so at this point. I live in the US and have the Telstra T9193 from AUS, because it works here on at&t 3G, TMOUS not really an option for me. I am running Froyo (2.2) at the moment off and on between WinMo. Android on HD2 is a work in progress, everyday it gets better, but no 100% guarantee that it will ever be perfect, because HTC built the HD2 to run WinMo, not Android.
thats correct that they built it to run windows mobile...
the evo is the same exact phone but different os..
i have t mobile...
do you think windows is better than android? if so, explain please, i might as well switch to windows mobile
Cerv3r said:
do you think windows is better than android? if so, explain please, i might as well switch to windows mobile
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Most people here will say yes, but it's a dead OS. There are no new apps coming out for it as Windows 7 is being shipped in the coming months. So you can't expect the iPhone/Android app market for WM it's very limited.
If I was you I'd not get the HD2, I'd go for an EVO or a Nexus One or something of the sort, as it's clearly what you are after.
I'm getting pretty much the same battery life with Android (Matt 1. 5 w/latest zimage & kernel, full RAM etc.) as I do with WinMo. It's pretty much fully functional now, and it keeps getting better.
That said, I still love WinMo. It's a very different experience with Android. Some things work better, some things less so, and ultimately I prefer having the choice to being stuck with one or the other. It'd be untrue if I said I'd bought my HD2 without hoping that an Android port would be on the horizon, and the same for WP7. It's a real testament to the skill and dedication of the many devs involved that its gotten this far.
I don't know if I'd recommend the HD2 to people who just want to run Android. The Desire HD is on the way, and it's basically the Desire with the HD2's screen. The HD2 is more of a best of both worlds device, but if you've never used WinMo extensively.. I recommend it, yet I don't know if it's necessarily the same audience Android has.
Still, I'd not settle for anything less at this stage - it can only keep getting better, and if you (like me) enjoy modding each and every aspect of your smartphone, there is nothing better out there right now (Maybe the N900, HD2 has better hardware though).
As for the model, doesn't matter - just check up on the 3G bands and buy the cheapest and most useful one for you.
Posted from my HD2 via XDA app.
Would WM7 be ported to HD2?
Im selling my Motorola Cliq for 250$ and i just got someone who wants it
Cerv3r said:
thats correct that they built it to run windows mobile...
the evo is the same exact phone but different os..
i have t mobile...
do you think windows is better than android? if so, explain please, i might as well switch to windows mobile
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
EVO and HD2 have similar specs, but unfortunately there's a lot more different than similar, or we would have had android running better and faster than we do now.
Personally I love WinMo 6.5.x, you can do so much w/ it with the great Chefs around here. The reason I am playing w/ android so much is because when my HD2 dies or I just decided to move on I may make the jump to android, because as much as I love WinMo (6.5.x) the new WindowPhone7 that's coming to replace the WinMo OS blows in my opinion.
M$ had decided to turn the WinMo into a locked, neutered, iphone copy-cat to cash in on peoples desire to not have to think and still use a "smartphone". I like the idea of standardizing hardware requirement so all manufactures produce quality phones so every manufacturer spits out the same good experience, but the OS is lacking.......... I wish M$ had decided to continue to develop WinMo 6.5.x parallel to WP7 (business/tech-savvy & then media-player driven WP7 for the others)
/rant over
The call is yours, but FYI WinMo 6.5 support and app development is pretty much over since everyone (app/product designers) focusing on WP7. Like I said earlier android, to me, seems to be the future of smartphones, could be wrong, but I am not impressed with the new WP7 that's coming out.
Personally I would research WP7 to see if you like it, hate it or can live with it, because that's M$ new direction. Android has so many options it's not even funny. Motorola is a big time player in the android OS market now along w/ HTC. If I had the choice I would get an EVO from sprint, but sprint is only so-so (data) coverage around where I live.
Also since you are TMO you can still find a Nexus One, I know its a slightly smaller screen, but bad ass phone and similar specs. A lot HD2 builds are based on the NO.
Sorry I can't just tell you what phone to get, since it is such a personal choice, I only hope I was able to get you some info to think on as you make your decision. Good luck.
Wow everyone here is very helpful! I wish there was a "Thank You" button
If i do sell my Cliq in less than 2 weeks, I will get the HD2 to experiment with it.
I rooted my Cliq to add Android 2.1, as you can see, I love changing roms to experience different tastes...
It seems like the HD2 has a lot of roms, I think it would be perfect for me.
I can't buy a Nexus One because I don't have $500 to buy a phone like that
Cerv3r said:
If i do sell my Cliq in less than 2 weeks, I will get the HD2 to experiment with it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Aye it's worth a go, if worse comes to worse and you don't like it, you can always sell it on again.
I love WM 6.5.x, I love the programs and the UI. I hope you'll get on with it and dual booting with Android as well.
TMOUS vs International HD2
http://pocketnow.com/thought/t-mobile-hd2-vs-htc-hd2-comparison
This is the difference between the TMOUS HD2 and the international one
I live in egypt and i went for the TMOUS, as it's better and alot cheaper
the only issues are : being branded and the boot up animation for T mobile
i got it worth $ 450 brand new and unlocked with code
i love this phone really, but really wish to try out android, but i don't like fooling around with the original software, i prefer the stock rom, in my opinion the best stability
Cerv3r said:
Would WM7 be ported to HD2?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think it's safe to say no.
If you want to run android full-time, I'd get a native android phone. If your using t-mobile, I would go with the samsung galaxy s... (i think it's called something else at t-mobile)... It has as fast of processor as HD2, but it also has a dedicated gpu, so it will be much quicker with apps and games... and it run android natively. It will probably cost about the same as getting the HD2 from t-mobile... probably 150-200 with contract... maybe cheaper.

Another HD2 vs Others thread

Ok so here's the thing. I've always been a phone modder, started with Motorola and have always used Motorola's, but frankly they just messed up with their Android phones which is why i have decided to abandon them. Now im considering buying an HD2, mainly because of the flexibility it offers modding wise, however i plan to use Android as my main OS.
The thing is, i know the HD2 wasn't built for Android, but my understanding of it is that it runs almost perfectly if you have the right radio/rom/android build combination, plus magldr will allow for native NAND boot and WP7 has been ported by Cotulla (I am unaware of the functionality of it). I was thinking about an HTC G2 but with it being locked from permaroot that kind of rules it out, and i've heard the hinge quality is terrible. Also, the HD2 has decent hardware for a year old phone, but newer phones are offering BT 3.0, A8 processor, dedicated GPU, S/AMOLED screens, etc.
So overall im looking for a phone that will give me the best bang for my buck, and is flexible modding wise (this is critical). I don't want a phone thats just push a button and it works, theres no fun in that. So what would you guys do? Go for the HD2 which is already a year old phone or get something newer (SGS, G2, Desire, etc)? Build quality is also something important, I dont want the phone with the best specs if its built completely out of cheap plastic. The HD2 is also the cheapest option of most current phones, so yeah.
All opinions are welcome.
If you plan to use it entirely for android then I think you want the Desire HD instead......
Price is an issue, the Desire HD is too expensive for me lol, besides its also permalocked
what do you mean by permalocked?......
maybe an evo if your in an area where you could make most of it......
if not then yeah you might as well go for the HD2.........
conantroutman said:
what do you mean by permalocked?......
maybe an evo if your in an area where you could make most of it......
if not then yeah you might as well go for the HD2.........
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It means that the Desire HD and the G2 have built in protection that makes permanent root impossible as all changes to the eMMC are cached and erased upon reboot, so you can root the phone but it will be reset once you reboot. I can't use CDMA, has to be GSM
ocm7 said:
It means that the Desire HD and the G2 have built in protection that makes permanent root impossible as all changes to the eMMC are cached and erased upon reboot, so you can root the phone but it will be reset once you reboot. I can't use CDMA, has to be GSM
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Didnt realise that....... im pretty clueless when it comes to android....
that however, has put me off ever replacing my HD2 with a native android device....
Did you consider the iPhone?
Just kidding.............
Lmao never! And it's just those HTC Android devices that are locked, i believe. Motorolas are also locked but i believe Samsungs are good
Just go and get it,Android works flowless on it, WM isnt as bad as they say it is.And the build quality is second to none,I just dropped it yesterday while taking a picture,not a single scratch.
WM is so much fun for tweaking, and Co0kie's Home Tab is a dream come true...
Android works amazingly - except for me battery-life remains an issue, so research this if you think it's your preferred OS.
But as a phone to tweak with, with a choice of 2 OS's and another 2 hopefully on the way, the HD2 is a fantastic choice, a great form-factor, and probably relatively cheap as it's a year old.
ocm7 said:
Lmao never! And it's just those HTC Android devices that are locked, i believe. Motorolas are also locked but i believe Samsungs are good
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I could never trust a samsung, my fiance had 2 and they both broke.......
as much as I hate her iPhone I must say that it sure is a sturdy device to cope with what she puts it through on a daily basis..........
as for my next phone............ when I get an upgrade I think Im just gonna sell it and buy a couple of spare HD2's
So yeah I think you should opt for the HD2......
The galaxy s phones are really good. I myself am using a vibrant running a custom rom. Its an awesome phone especially once u start modding it. You should browse the vibrant forum and see what all is going on.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
Shameless self promotion inc... Have a look here.
Thanks for the replies, i just got a Tmous HD2 on ebay for US$206

Android useable on the HTC HD2 ?

Hello guys,
I used to be a proud owner of an HTC HD, which I recently sold, and now I am wondering what to buy next. The next phone I would like to own is a phone running Android and I know that HTC HD2 is capable of that. What my question is, if there is a significant difference in the performance between same hardware Android phones and the Android on HTC HD2. In other words, is it worth buying the HTC HD2 for use as an Android phone, or should I pay a little more money and buy a Desire for example. I would also like to know if 3D games are playable on Android on the HTC HD2 (as they werent on the HD, lagged like hell). Thanks in advance
Don't buy an HD2, buy an android phone instead.
PaKo0o said:
Hello guys,
I used to be a proud owner of an HTC HD, which I recently sold, and now I am wondering what to buy next. The next phone I would like to own is a phone running Android and I know that HTC HD2 is capable of that. What my question is, if there is a significant difference in the performance between same hardware Android phones and the Android on HTC HD2. In other words, is it worth buying the HTC HD2 for use as an Android phone, or should I pay a little more money and buy a Desire for example. I would also like to know if 3D games are playable on Android on the HTC HD2 (as they werent on the HD, lagged like hell). Thanks in advance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well you will probably end up rooting any phone you get anyway apparently. Games have been flawless on my HD2, including a pretty heavy game like heavy gunner 3d. not 1 single bit of lag. But unless you can find an hd2 dirt cheap I'd get the new nexus s
I have also one more question. What is the progress of the Android on the HTC HD2. I know that it is not a ROM yet, is it like the one on the HTC HD (running Haret and its on the SD card) or is it something better? I read of some "Android Builds" but I don't really know the difference. Also will there ever be a Android ROM for the HD2 ?
my advice is if you have money to invest, buy either Desire HD or Nexus S. As much as smooth android runs on HD2, it is still can't be compared to a native android phone, the biggest problem being the battery drain. in standby it is alright, but when you use it it drains a lot.
I use Android on the HD2 because it's the one Tmo USA 3G capable phones hardware that I like that runs Android. I have/had Samsung Vibrant and prefer the HD2 hardware. I'm not a fan of the bulky G2. I like the 4.3" screen, and will not go back to using anything less than 4". I have not tried a MyTouch 4G because it doesn't offer anything compelling to draw me away from the HD2. But I have android running perfectly on my HD2, and it did take a bit of tinkering to get it running the way I want (Some SD cards work better than others, getting the build running, etc). Day to day it's every bit as good (and faster) than my Vibrant. There are a few minor quirks. Like having to unmount the card to install come applications from the marketplace. But, other than boot time there really isn't much advantage going to a phone that comes with Android.
PaKo0o said:
I have also one more question. What is the progress of the Android on the HTC HD2. I know that it is not a ROM yet, is it like the one on the HTC HD (running Haret and its on the SD card) or is it something better? I read of some "Android Builds" but I don't really know the difference. Also will there ever be a Android ROM for the HD2 ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's nowhere near completion and I dont think it'll ever will. Even the blackstone like u said (which has been out for what 2yrs now?) still can't run android natively so you can kiss goodbye the possibility of android running on NAND anywhere in the distant future. It's a nice novelty idea to play around with if you already have an HD2 or familiar with the constant struggle that current developers are facing, but for everyday use, I'd say you're better off getting a pure android phone...much more efficient than what the HD2 can deliver on crutches.
Yeah, if you want to run android, you'll be better off getting a native android phone. Why buy a phone to run a port of android when you can get a phone that was made to run it.
Now if you also want to run winmo and don't mind putting in a lot of time testing out different android builds and working out bugs and quirks of a ported android, then the hd2 is a good phone... but don't expect it to run as well as a native android phone.
Sent from my HTC HD2 using XDA App
lude219 said:
It's nowhere near completion and I dont think it'll ever will. Even the blackstone like u said (which has been out for what 2yrs now?) still can't run android natively so you can kiss goodbye the possibility of android running on NAND anywhere in the distant future. It's a nice novelty idea to play around with if you already have an HD2 or familiar with the constant struggle that current developers are facing, but for everyday use, I'd say you're better off getting a pure android phone...much more efficient than what the HD2 can deliver on crutches.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes it's taking time because there has been lot's of updates in android going on... and the developers has to keep up with those updates , hence it seems endless... but still HD2 is hell lot of device. and it can't be compared to native android devices....
Ups double post...
rajivshahi said:
Yes it's taking time because there has been lot's of updates in android going on... and the developers has to keep up with those updates , hence it seems endless... but still HD2 is hell lot of device. and it can't be compared to native android devices....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think you missed the whole point of what was said...
Well actually, the only thing I'd like to use Android for is the Games. I'm okay with using WinMo the other time (for browsing the net, watching movies. etc.). So I guess thats possible. Also why not buy an Android phone you ask? Well, cause the 4.3 inch Android phones are a hell of a lot more expensive. And one more thing, the HTC HD Blackstone didn't get a full Android ROM because all of the developers migrated to the HTC HD2 Leo.
PaKo0o said:
Well actually, the only thing I'd like to use Android for is the Games. I'm okay with using WinMo the other time (for browsing the net, watching movies. etc.). So I guess thats possible. Also why not buy an Android phone you ask? Well, cause the 4.3 inch Android phones are a hell of a lot more expensive. And one more thing, the HTC HD Blackstone didn't get a full Android ROM because all of the developers migrated to the HTC HD2 Leo.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So basically the only thing going for you are the 4.3in screen and the fact that it's cheaper than android phones in that price range? I don't know about a 4.3in but most samsung galaxy S line are about $150 with a 2yr contract and you can probably find an X10 for pennies. Unless you REALLLYYY want to dual boot winmo and android, I don't see why anyone would waste their time, money and energy and would get the HD2 just for running android to play games...don't you think that's a little ass-backward? Why would anyone want a winmo phone, running haret on SD card, booting android...just to play android games? hahaha
Oh well, it's your money, do whatever you want with it
If you want android for gaming, I would get something from the Samsung galaxy line... it has a much better gpu, which isn't currently being taken advantage of by apps and games, but since Google's new development phone, the nexus s, is basicly a galaxy phone and has same chipset, future development and games will surely take advantage of it. Basicly, android developers and Google are going to use the nexus s as the standard to develop for like they currently use the nexus one... so many more games will be designed based around the chipset the nexus s and all the galaxy s line of phones use.
Sent from my HTC HD2 using XDA App
lude219 said:
So basically the only thing going for you are the 4.3in screen and the fact that it's cheaper than android phones in that price range? I don't know about a 4.3in but most samsung galaxy S line are about $150 with a 2yr contract and you can probably find an X10 for pennies. Unless you REALLLYYY want to dual boot winmo and android, I don't see why anyone would waste their time, money and energy and would get the HD2 just for running android to play games...don't you think that's a little ass-backward? Why would anyone want a winmo phone, running haret on SD card, booting android...just to play android games? hahaha
Oh well, it's your money, do whatever you want with it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can find one reason. HD2 i very good phone, but if i would like to get just phone i would use Nokia E51 or something similar... I like to play with my device, its kind of toy and HD2 has excellent dev community. Going back to original question. If you want just working device with Android buy something with Android installed natively, but if you don't mind or, like me, like playing with your phone HD2 is very good choice.
Well, I never use WinMo any more.
Android has everything I need.
And it is fast and I seldom experience bugs.
The only real downside is that you really have to be a power user. I spent a lot of hours updating and tweaking. But, then again, I love that
I agree that the HD2 is a nice device. The build quality is extraordinary.
I have had a look at both Desire HD and HD7 -- none of them have as good build quality. Samsung and SE always felt plastic-ish.
If you get a HD2 cheap today - sure, try it out.
But if I were to buy a new phone today - I would probably buy a native Android.
Alright so I thought id give my two cents. I've owned a nexus one and a galaxy s as far as Android phones go. I went back to the hd2 for a couple of reasons. First off, its a lot cheaper than any other phone with comparable hardware. Look on Craigslist Nd you can find a new hd2 for like $200. I like the screen better than the samoled
Sent from my HD2 T8585 using XDA App
Didn't finish, lol. Anyways, the amoled screens aren't as clear as the lcd on the hd2. The colors and contrast of the amoled screens were amazing but I didn't like how you could see pixels. Second, the hd2 has so many roms, even more than the nexus one. And finally, from my experience, the hd2 has been a lot faster than either of those phones. I'm running a desire hd Rom and the quadrant score is higher than either of the phones I mentioned, even after I modded them. Last thing ill say is battery life is definitely not a big problem. Id get about 1 hour more with the nexus one or galaxy than my hd2 with Android. I can easily go 10+ hours on pretty heavy use. Turn internet off and you can go way way longer. So battery life with Android running off an SD card is fine. Oh last thing, changing builds is so easy, just copy a new build on your phone and that's it. So get an hd2. Won't regret it.
Sent from my HD2 T8585 using XDA App

Would you rather have android HD2 over Vibrant?

I heard windows OS HD2 kind of sucked, and it was lightyears better with android. i am assuming this is true.
With that said, would you rather keep it over the vibrant? I am currently trying to make a decision soon--never owning a smartphone before, i know very little so i hope your input can help me out--among bold9780, hd2, or vibrant. dont plan on getting a data plan soon and want to keep the phone for a few yrs (so dont want a phone thats on the decline, getting replaced soon by newer project phones).
I noticed the HD2 pales in specs in comparison with the vibrant, so I came here for an opinion. I figure the Vibrant is more expensive so i can sell to get an HD2 if i want to in the future. Of course, the BBerry is somehow priced higher than all of them.
Feedback from real users is welcome! Thanks for your time.
Though Android on HD2 can do everything Vibrant can do (except for AMOLED display)...but for you its still recommended that you get native Android phone, since you don't have prior smartphone experience...If you take HD2, you would have to do lot of reading before arriving to the perfect android build for you. It can be intimidating for someone just starting out since its takes time to getting used to using a smartphone too...
However if you like to tinker a lot with you're gadgets and have interest in geeky side of things...then HD2 is a dream machine
Mafioso said:
Though Android on HD2 can do everything Vibrant can do (except for AMOLED display)...but for you its still recommended that you get native Android phone, since you don't have prior smartphone experience...If you take HD2, you would have to do lot of reading before arriving to the perfect android build for you. It can be intimidating for someone just starting out since its takes time to getting used to using a smartphone too...
However if you like to tinker a lot with you're gadgets and have interest in geeky side of things...then HD2 is a dream machine
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks for the reply! appreciate it. i am fine with jailbreaking consoles such as wii or ps3, so does that experience carry over enough or is the use of smartphone completely different.
also, what would you prefer for longterm if you could not buy another phone for 3-4 years?
drcrappants said:
thanks for the reply! appreciate it. i am fine with jailbreaking consoles such as wii or ps3, so does that experience carry over enough or is the use of smartphone completely different.
also, what would you prefer for longterm if you could not buy another phone for 3-4 years?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well if you have exp then its good...hacking hd2 is pretty much straightforward..if you're prepared to read...follow instructions..
Long Term use depends on you're priorities..I will list out pro's of both, you can decide on it..
HD2
+ Greater Community Support, more software, different types of builds available
+ Sense UI is much better than TouchWiz on Samsung. Work is started on porting Sense to Galaxy S though...but you never know how good the port is going to be..
+ WP7
+ Better look/build quality
Vibrant
+ Super AMOLED Display
+ Better GPU. GPU on HD2 is not that good..some games(based on unreal engine) are struggling on it already...
+ Better Battery Life
+ 720p video out of the box. Work is also going on HD2 for 720p video, and at some point it may get it too but I doubt if its going to better than vibrant
+ Lighter in weight if it matters..
If I were you, I would wait for Vibrant 4G on TMO if you're not going to upgrade for next 3 years and getting it on contract..Its got bigger battery compared to current one (1650 mAh vs 1500 mAh), 4G and supposedly there were some GPS probs on vibrant which seem to have sorted out on 4G one...
If you're buying off eBay or without contract..still also Vibrant gets the nod from my side, ..basically it boils down to better hardware on vibrant vs better software on HD2...I believe software you can get used too..but there is no substitute for Hardware..you're opinion may vary..
Thanks! I am getting it from a family contract, so I am not sure if they would offer me a Vibrant 4G (I'm guessing it is higher price?).
I probably won't get the data plan, at least for a year or two also, so would that nullify the benefits of waiting/getting the Vibrant 4g? When I do decide to get the data plan (if prices go down, etc, then the Vibrant would probably be outdated by then.
drcrappants said:
I noticed the HD2 pales in specs in comparison with the vibrant,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are joking right?
I've had both, HD2 and Galaxy S (EU Vibrant).
Personally I was disappointed with the Galaxy S - yes the screen is a joy to behold, but I soon grew tired of the lagginess of the Samsung mangled implementation of Android. Yes there are custom builds out there that help to address the lag, but after that I quickly grew tired of the lack of Samsung love from the dev community.
I sold my Galaxy S on ebay and quickly bought an HD2 - the phone I originally wanted, but got the Galaxy S just months before the first Android builds appeared for the HD2.
I've not looked back, it's a truly awesome phone. We now have WP7, and official CyanogenMod support.
The vibrant has a better chipset and gpu, and it's the same as the nexus s, which is the newest google developers phone, so future games and apps will probably work much better on the vibrant. If you're new to smartphones, I would recommend the vibrant. The HD2 is great and can run multiple OS's, but you have to do a lot of learning and reading to get it running well. Also, if you've never used any smartphone os, 1 will probably be enough for you. You can always sell the vibrant in the future and buy a hd2 or other phone if you find yourself too bored with the vibrant. You'll get much better battery life off the vibrant, also.
I'd have to agree with everyone else. Because it's your first smartphone I would suggest you pick up a Vibrant 4G..comes out in a month or two and has some minor tweaks over the current Vibrant.
As much as I love my HD2 it is hard to find a ROM that really works the way I want it to. There is always something not working on one ROM and working on another, so you have to try many ROMs and decide which you prefer.
If you go with an HD2 I would recommend Cope SD Gingerbread 2.3.2 ROM in the Development section of this site. Just about everything works flawlessy except the LED notifications.
Having had all of the following phones since January of last year (Yes, I'm a Craigslist serial phone trader - i get bored easily!), I figured I'd chime in...
1) Motorola Cliq (Not the best phone, great call quality, got me hooked on Android!)
2) Nexus One (Got it when they first were released)
3) HD2 (when they first came out)
4) Nexus One (traded HD2 for it - hated WinMo 6.5)
5) Vibrant (Annoyed me with the GPS issues)
6) MyTouch4G (Simply hated the MySenseUI on it)
7) G2 (Great phone but the hinge made it feel like it was going to last maybe only 2-3 months)
8) Vibrant (Came back to it after I saw a friend's with a great TeamWhiskey ROM and no GPS problems)
9) HD2 (current phone - came back to HD2 after the "NAND Revolution!" - LOVE the big screen!)
With some of the custom ROMs out there right now (I can strongly recommend TeamWhiskey's ROMs!), I'd say go with the Vibrant if the screen size difference doesn't make any difference to you.
The way I use my phone and with the ROMs I am running on the HD2 I can say that battery life is just about even.
Other than the screen size, what's the plus of the HD2? I'd say the versatility. There are so many ROMs out there for it that persons have ported from other phones to it that it's hard to get too bored. I've flashed almost every day on the HD2 simply because I get bored, but this is the longest I've kept a phone to date - with NO intentions of changing anytime soon. If you love to fiddle with stuff, the HD2 is a great phone. If you want to get a phone and just run with it as is, not sure where to point you. If you want to root and not constantly change things out, go the Vibrant route (or Vibrant 4G).
I have both phones and even with Team Whiskey's ROMS for the Vibrant, its always running with half of the memory the HD2 is running. This might be an unfair comparison since I'm running Gingerbread on the HD2 and Froyo on the Vibrant.
One thing I do miss and I haven't figured out if there's a work around with the HD2 is the missing dedicated search button.
pphi said:
One thing I do miss and I haven't figured out if there's a work around with the HD2 is the missing dedicated search button.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try long-pressing on the phone key Works for me! (Far left key)
Yes i would rather a vibrant over my hd2 right now. Reasons being:
Currently i'm bored of my hd2, as I have found nothing else to do with it in my power, having flashed mutiple android/winmo roms and tried out WP7.
The multitouch problems urk me and my gaming.
The vibrant has 16 gb of storage which i would love to store my music in along with my 16 gb card.
That super amoled screen tempts me.
However, even with all those reasons, there is one big reason as to why I would keep my HD2, and that is, I love my HD2, it's the first real smartphone i've ever had, and thankfully, it's given me one hell of a ride and still has potential for more.
If, & only if, you like to tinker & tweak your gadgets, get the HD2. It's the first smartphone I've ever owned or toyed with & I love it! Before this I was using the old, barely could text pay as you go phone. Now I love this phone & have learned so much. So if you enjoy these things, you'll love the HD2.
If not go with the alternative.
No doubt about it with me, I love my HD2. My view is the HD2 makes the world's best Android phone. You can always use it as a different Android phone whenever you get tired of the one you're currently using, no need to buy new hardware. It's also my belief the XDA Android devs make ROMs that work better than actual Android phones.
Now the only thing I can think of better than an HD2 with Android is an HD7 with Android.
I recently traded (along with receiving a few bucks) my vibrant for the HD2, and really have not looked back. The versatility of the HD2 is unparalleled. Dual booting Android and WP7 (depending on my mood) is fantastic. Team Whiskey are a bunch of fantastic people and develop some really great roms (my wife has a Vibrant so I still get to play with it), but I've found greater support here and the HD2 solves all the issues I've had with Vibrant. Battery life imo is superior to the Vibrant, the GPS signal issues that I had with the Vibrant are non existent on the HD2, it seems to be faster and more stable, not to mention the build quality... the HD2 seems to be a lot sturdier, plus if you like the Sense UI, the HD2 is the way to go. They're both great phones and the difference is marginal, but again imo, the scales tip slightly towards the HD2
Sent from my HTC HD2 using XDA App
If you're a tinkerer and okay with not having a smooth perfect phone all the time, go for the HD2. I can tell you since my cousin has a Vibrant, that it is garbage. All plastic build, dirt-poor Samsung support (No Froyo yet and Honeycomb is around the corner!?), GPS problems, un-amazing battery life, and little community support make it a terrible choice for anyone who knows that XDA exists...
That phone isn't worth the silicon inside it.
i recently sold my vibrant and brought an hd2 . I like the way i can use alot of different os on it. I loveed my vibrant but i dont miss it cause i dont see a real drop off from it other the internal memory and screen which is not that big to me. I currently running wp7 cause i actaully like it and running around on sd. So unless microsoft does sumthing to ruin wp7 for the hd2 which i doubt then im pretty pleased with my sell of the vibrant for the hd2. Although i did kinda like that touchwiz. Is there a way to get that running on an hd2. I had the launcher but is possible to do anything other than just the launcher?
reds28heem said:
i recently sold my vibrant and brought an hd2 . I like the way i can use alot of different os on it. I loveed my vibrant but i dont miss it cause i dont see a real drop off from it other the internal memory and screen which is not that big to me. I currently running wp7 cause i actaully like it and running around on sd. So unless microsoft does sumthing to ruin wp7 for the hd2 which i doubt then im pretty pleased with my sell of the vibrant for the hd2. Although i did kinda like that touchwiz. Is there a way to get that running on an hd2. I had the launcher but is possible to do anything other than just the launcher?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you liked TouchWiz you'll LOVE Miui... check out the HD2 Android forums. Not near a computer or I'd post a link, sorry.
Sent from my HTC HD2 using XDA App

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