Many companies have been trying to copy and beat the iPhone but this is the first true competitor in my mind. Although the looks are not the best, the internal statistics blow away the iPhone any day. Due for release on November 4, 2007, Sprint is readying for a huge release that will determine whether it catches up to AT&T or stays behind them. So how does the HTC Touch stack up against the Apple iPhone?
Speed & Network
Unlike Apple's iPhone, the HTC Touch will be working on Sprints fastest network and it supports corporate email. A huge plus to this touch phone is the processor. So not only will it operate on a faster network which was a huge deal when the iPhone first came out, but it will also be fast when not using the network.
Features
You won't even feel it when it's in pocket as it only weighs 112g but the screen size will be smaller, measuring at 2.8inch LCD screen with a resolution of 240 X 320 with 65,536 colours. The heart of the phone uses Windows Mobile 6 Professional, one of the best mobile OS out there. This phone is mostly business which is why the camera lacks in quality at 2 megapixel which is decent by all means, but no replacement for a real camera. The Touch has a much improved virtual keyboard and can prove time efficient for eager texters and business employees. It also has 5 way navigation which makes for a more interactive experience for the users.
Look
The Touch has nothing on the Apple iPhone when it comes to the look and feel so if you're trying to impress some girls, then don't consider this phone. A plastic feel and look encompasses the whole phone and makes it somewhat unattractive. It does have a clean, cut look which makes up a tad but places it a distant second.
Conclusion
Although the HTC Touch was never poised to outsell the iPhone by any means, it has already done an amazing job in Europe, selling 800 000 units compared to the iPhones 1 million units. Analysts have said that it won't deter dedicated Apple consumers but I believe that all of those dedicated buyers will have bought there iPhone by the time the phone is released in November. The projected target of the iPhone is 10 million units by the end of 2008 but with the relentless stricking of Sprint and other networks poised to release touch phones, it will deeply undercut that target and the HTC Touch has a jump on that. Coming out in early November, it will cost considerably less than the iPhone at a starting price of $289 and will be offered by Sprint.