In this corner, the HTC EVO 4G, the first-ever phone capable of running on a 4G network. In the opposing corner, the new iPhone 4, a redesign of the market-changing device that debuted four days later.
The EVO 4G and the iPhone 4 appear to be the hottest devices of summer 2010. The release of these next-generation devices sets the stage for a smartphone battle more intense than the market has witnessed in some time. Or does it? Although many are talking about a showdown between the EVO 4G on the Sprint Nextel network and the iPhone 4 on AT&T, some analysts are pointing out significant differences that pour water on the notion.
“I don’t think there’s really a war between the EVO 4G and the iPhone 4,” said Michael Gartenberg, a partner at Altimeter Group. “They are both high-end devices at first glance. But they appeal to different users.”
Which Phone Is More Advanced?
Different users, indeed. Apple fans will no doubt gravitate toward the iPhone — unless perhaps they are Sprint customers who don’t want to pay an early termination fee to get out of their contract. Since the new phones are on different carriers, consumers may also have a preference for either AT&T or Sprint that could make the battle less about the device and more about wireless coverage.
Then there’s the operating-system differences. The EVO 4G run the Android operating system and the iPhone 4 uses Apple’s iOS 4. “You are getting two very different experiences on these devices,” Gartenberg said. “I think that the EVO will appeal to some segments of the marketplace, as will iPhone 4.”
Clearly, the EVO 4G has its appeal. Sprint announced record-breaking sales of the Android device three days after its official launch. But it’s unlikely to touch the sales Apple is expected to ring up….