Absolute Gadget

With the iPhone dominating the smartphone space, how would other mobiles fight back. HTC are hoping you are holding out for their new Hero.

The new phone sports an updated version of the Android mobile operating system, developed by Google. Of course, the phone isn't actually a Google phone, as it is not branded or co-developed by Google. But it does featureHTC's Sense UI, which should make it feel a bit better to use.

In the UK the phone is known as the G2 Touch when sold through T-Mobile and the look of the device is one of those love-it-or-loathe-it affairs. The bottom has a jutting chin reminiscent of BruceForsyth. However, in the hand it is very comfortable to use and doesn't slip out of the hand.

While the iPhone achieves most functions relying on the touch screen and one button, the Hero has several buttons at the bottom (and a couple at the side for good measure). The call terminate button is also the power button and can put the phone to sleep as well. Having all these functions in one key can mean that you sometimes power off the phone when all you wanted to do was get out of an application. You have to get used to using the "home" button instead to do that.

• 15/03/2010 22:10 - Yell App augments your reality
• 14/03/2010 18:39 - Comment: Whatever happened to email?
• 08/03/2010 13:55 - Sony PC headsets dual it out
• 05/03/2010 20:02 - Review: Nintendo DSi XL
• 05/03/2010 00:09 - Nokia calls up Skype

• 02/02/2010 16:43 - Review: HTC Tattoo

• 13/10/2009 21:54 - Review: Blackberry Curve 8900
• 06/10/2009 15:36 - Review: Sony Ericsson W395 mobile phone
• 20/09/2009 22:34 - Review: Sony Ericsson S312 mobile phone
• 02/08/2009 16:37 - Review: Doro HandlePlus 334gsm
• 11/06/2009 13:50 - Head To Head: LG Arena versus HTC Magic