HTC Thunderbolt

Overview

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.

TechSpot Metascore

Based on 22 expert reviews

Excellent:

6
Good:

10
Average:

5
Bad:

1

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Last revision on March 23, 2012

Reviewers Liked

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

Reviewers Didn't Like

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

Expert reviews and ratings

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...

By I4U on July 27, 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...

By Phone Arena on June 14, 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...

By BrightHub on May 27, 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...

By Mac|Life on May 20, 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...

By Pocket-lint on May 17, 2011

One thing about HTC is that they build thick phones. This is a purely aesthetic deduction. Some people want a heavy handset while others always want smaller, thinner and lighter. Yet with the Thunderbolt, thickness doesn’t only come in its girth...

By GadgetReview on May 09, 2011

Overall I like the Thunderbolt but it feels just like any other Android phone out there today, if it weren’t for the 4G this phone really wouldn’t stand out much for the competitors. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not a bad phone,...

By Testfreaks on April 05, 2011

The HTC ThunderBolt is a landmark device for Verizon Wireless, and it is the first 4G LTE-capable phone available in the United States. In addition to the 4G radio inside, the ThunderBolt has a great 4.3-inch screen, a speedy 1GHz processor, a nice...

By MobileBurn on March 30, 2011

If I told you I test-drove a Lamborghini Aventador, what features would you most want to hear about? The feel of the perforated leather steering wheel? The purr of the 700-horsepower, 6.5-liter V-12 engine? Or would you rather hear a poetic...

By Wired on March 29, 2011

One of the big new cell phones to emerge this year has to be the HTC Thunderbolt. A massive, powerful Android item, it’s a potent little model that came into Verizon Wireless on a cloud of hype. But could it bring the steak to match the sizzle?The...

By MobileWhack on March 25, 2011

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