What's the true value of an HTC EVO 4G?
They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but what about the HTC EVO 4G? How much is this EVO really worth?
The EVO 4G was originally launched in June 2010 and is now over 18 months old. Many of us have owned an EVO since its early debut, while others have only recently joined the EVO family. Regardless of how long ago you've had your EVO, we can still think about whether we've gotten our money's worth.
I think a good way to approach this question would be to compare the cost of the EVO versus the cost of other devices that might have been replaced by it. Although the topic of gadgets replaced by the EVO is not new on G&E, we have never really tried putting an overall value to this awesome smartphone.
The EVO is more than just a phone. It can be a digital camera, flashlight, MP3 player, digital picture frame, ebook reader, handheld gaming system, and navigation device. And that's only naming a few of the useful ways that an EVO can become an all-in-one device. Factor in thousands of Android apps available in the Market and the list continues.
So let's look at a few of the gadgets an EVO could replace to help give us a better idea of the true value of an EVO.
Below is a list of various gadgets that the phone could possibly replace in our day-to-day life.
While the products listed below might not have the exact same specifications as found in the phone, they are close enough for comparison. Prices have been rounded up to the nearest dollar and do not include taxes or shipping.
- Digital camera – Vivitar 8.1MP Compact: $58
- Camcorder – Flip Video MinoHD: $65
- Flashlight – Steamlight Nano: $ 8
- Video player – SanDisk Sansa Fuze: $90
- MP3 player – Included in cost of video player above
- Digital picture frame – Pandigital 5": $70
- ebook reader – Nook Reader: $100
- Mobile hotspot device – Sierra Wireless Hotspot: $50 (with contract)
- Navigation device – TomTom GO 630: $80
- Handheld Gaming System - Nintendo DSi: $150
- Alarm clock – Home Desk Alarm Clock:$12
- Stopwatch/Timer – Sportline Stopwatch: $10
- Calculator – 10-digit Display Calculator: $ 9
- Voice recorder – Olympus Recorder: $40
- Day planner – 2012 Planner: $20
- FM radio - Included in cost of video player above
The total cost of these items is a jaw-dropping $762.00. Even though you could find these or similar items for lower prices in some cases, the list still shines some light on the potential value of an HTC EVO.
Granted not all users are ready to ditch their digital camera, music player, or other gadgets completely. For the most part I still prefer to use a dedicated video camera, music player, flashlight, or calculator as primary gadgets in lieu of my EVO.
But other gadgets have been replaced completely. For example, my EVO has long since replaced my need for a separate camera since I carry it with me all the time, and it is always ready to snap a quick photo. Additionally the kickstand turns my EVO into a great portable video player allowing me to watch a quick show on Netflix or clip on Youtube.
The phone can also double as a mobile hotspot right out of the box when paired with the appropriate Sprint data plan (or for free if you're rooted). This isn't a feature that I've needed yet, but it's nice to know I could enable it any time without purchasing a separate 2-year contract device.
I don't need a navigation system since I have Google Maps installed on my phone. This free app is simply awesome, as it provides maps, turn-by-turn voice guided directions, aerial imagery, indoor maps, and integrates with the web-based version, allowing me to quickly save maps and directions on a computer and then view them on the road from my EVO.
Why buy and carry a separate handheld gaming device when I already have an EVO? The cost of a Nintendo DSi plus 2 or 3 games can run you close to $300! My EVO can already play games and some awesome ones at that. Best of all, most games are free or cost just a few bucks and can be downloaded and played on the spot. I think handheld gaming devices and expensive games will soon be replaced entirely by smartphones that can use ad-based or fairly inexpensive games. Have you noticed that kids prefer to play with their parents' smartphones instead of portable gaming devices? I see it all the time.
While my EVO doesn't yet completely replace my music player, lately I have been reaching for it more often than my iPod. This is in part due to Google Music, as well as other cool music services like Pandora, SiriusXM Radio, and iHeartRadio. I'm just waiting for Android to provide a seamless method to sync all my music across various devices and computers, so I can ditch my iPod for good.
My EVO has also replaced my need for a separate alarm clock, timer, day planner, and FM radio. It handles all these features with ease and is with me almost all the time.
Looking at just these items, my EVO has easily replaced the need for $425 worth of gadgets. Plus it makes calls, sends texts, surfs the web, and gets my emails. This doesn't even factor in the added value of having all these useful gadgets in one mega phone!
When I purchased my EVO 4G from Sprint over 18 months ago, it cost me $200 with an extended contract (plus tax and activation). Currently the original EVO is free from Sprint with 2-year contract and retails for $449.99 off contract.
My EVO continues to rock today as well as it did when I walked out of the store with it. Sure, it is a bit more scracthed than when I first got it since I've dropped it a few times here and there, but HTC build a very durable device and I know I got my money's worth.
What about you?
