The HTC Radar is HTC’s first handset that comes with Windows Phone 7’s latest Mango OS (7.5). It is also the only Mango phone we saw this year in the market as other companies opted to just upgrade the firmware of their old WP7 phones and Nokia won’t be releasing their Lumia 800 till next year.
The Radar seems like an upgrade from the Mozart but if you look closely enough, there’s not much difference in terms of specs. It has a millimeter larger display size at 3.8”, same 1GHz processor, same 8GB internal storage (no microSD), and even the same feel when handling.
Perhaps the major upgrade of the HTC Radar over the Mozart is the better camera which has a wide-angle 28mm, f2.2 lens with back-illuminated sensor for improved low-light performance. There’s also now a front-facing VGA camera which is missing from all Windows phones before. Then there’s the slightly larger battery capacity of 1520mAh as opposed to the Mozart’s 1300 mAh.
As for the WP 7.5 OS? Well my first impression is that it’s more streamlined and feels more snappy with less emphasis on transitions and animations that would annoy you over time.
If you’re looking for a Windows Phone-based smartphone, the HTC Radar is really a nice start. It’s not too overpriced at Php21,500 and you’ll get the full experience of a WP7.5 phone without having to deal with a big high-end device.
| HTC Radar Specs: |
|---|
| 1GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon MSM8255, Adreno 205 |
| Microsoft Windows Phone 7.5 |
| 3.8” SLCD, 480 x 800 |
| 8GB internal storage, 512MB RAM |
| 5 megapixel camera with F2.2 lens, LED flash, and BSI sensor (for better low-light captures) |
| VGA front camera |
| 720p HD video recording |
| HSDPA 14.4 Mbps, HSUPA 5.76 Mbps |
| Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, DLNA |
| Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP, EDR |
| Li-Ion 1520 mAh battery |
| 120.5 x 61.5 x 10.9 mm |
| 137 g |
| SRP: Php21,500 |
