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HTC Thunderbolt

The HTC Thunderbolt sports a large 4.3-inch touchscreen, an 8MP camera with HD video capture on the back plus a front-facing camera, Android 2.2 with HTC's Sense software, and a 1GHz processor. It also includes a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot feature, DLNA wireless media streaming, a kickstand for media viewing, FM radio, and 8GB of internal memory alongside the included 32GB microSD card -- that's 40GB out of the box.

Based on 22 reviews

Excellent:

6
Good:

10
Average:

5
Bad:

1

Pros

Fast data speeds, Big screen, Hotspot function.
If you live in a 4G LTE serviced area, this phone is capable; phone battery will last all day with regular use in non-4G LTE areas; able to browse the internet and accept calls simultaneously; the ThunderBolt is built like a tank; it feels good in hands.
Fast phone overall, Nice looking screen, Good call quality.
Speedy processor.
An ample 8 GB of onboard memory (woot), plus a whopping 32 GB microSD included (WOOT!). At 0.56 inches, profile is trimmer than a supermodel. Front facing 1.3 megapixel camera makes you look good when chatting. Standard sized 3.5mm headphone jack.
Elegant design.

Cons

Single core processor.
No easy way to toggle the 4G LTE service off to 3G only; phone will be too large and bulky for some, so you should definitely handle in person before buying; 4G LTE is a severe battery drain.
Can’t access USB port when using the stand.
Large size.
Battery tended to heat up faster than a car with a faulty radiator cap. A tad on the heavy side at 6.23 ounces. Loudspeaker is rather tinny - and hidden behind the kickstand. Flash content cannot be viewed while WiFi hotspot is in use. No HDMI port.
Single core CPU is less future proof.
Lots of bloatware.

By Phone Arena on September 14, 2011

After using these smartphones for several days, we believe that the overall best device out of the group is the Motorola DROID BONIC. Not only does it have the slimmest design and has great build quality, it is also the fastest with the best...

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By I4U on July 27, 2011

The HTC Thunderbolt is a solid mid-range offering with sub-par battery life if you use it as a hotspot. The standard phone and web surfing features work just fine. What Others Say about This Giveaway: ViewSonic ViewBook 730 Android TabletBesides...

80
By GadgetNutz on July 21, 2011

When I sent this HTC Thunderbolt Android™ phone back I was very very sad. It was hard to say goodbye. I’m becoming a HUGE android fan. Yes, I am! The more experience I have with the Android OS the more I fall in love with it. It feels very...

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By Phone Arena on July 21, 2011

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 –...

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By eTech Reviews on July 10, 2011

Now that rumors have turned into reality regarding Apple’s iPhone 5, analysts and tech buffs are working their way to get any possible details on the phone, and are looking for any possible details on what the anticipated phone might be...

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By Phone Arena on June 14, 2011

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...

65
By Hardware Secrets on June 06, 2011

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...

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By BrightHub on May 27, 2011

Overall, though the HTC Thunderbolt packs quite a punch, it may very quickly get lost in the shuffle. One of the greatest weaknesses of creating so many new phones running on virtually the same operating systems is that there isn't a lot of...

60
By Mac|Life on May 20, 2011

The Thunderbolt is a great option for people who want an Android device. At times it feels shamefully like the first-generation device it is, but it’s only a matter of time until lightning strikes again. Hopefully next time, it’ll be a...

70
By Pocket-lint on May 17, 2011

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...

80