Handsets

[Update] HTC EVO 4G: $199 at Launch, Available June 4th, $450 Off-Contract?

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[Update] A couple of weeks ago, I (Quentyn, here) signed up to be notified regarding the EVO’s pricing and availability. Sprint’s official press release only stated the 2-year contract pricing, but we’ve extracted from that email that the phone will cost $450 off-contract.

Phone Offer: While supplies last. $449.99 – $150.00 (two-year activation) – $100.00 (mail-in rebate) = $199.99 (final price).

This is a lot easier to swallow than the $600 we’d been hearing about. While Sprint didn’t officially announce this price, I wouldn’t understand why it’d be anything different from the starting point they used in the customer information email. If we are able to clear this up, we’ll update you with the information accordingly.

Rob is at the EVO 4G event that just kicked off in New York City, and Dan Hesse took the stage to announce what everyone has been waiting to hear: the HTC EVO 4G will launch on June 4th at a price of $199.99 on a two-year contract from Sprint after a $100 rebate.

evo-ad

The EVO 4G will still get the same $69.99 per month for unlimited data treatment, and mobile hotspot functionality powering up to 8 devices can be added for an additional $29.99 per month. Simultaneous voice and data is present, with the caveat that it only works when on a 4G or Wi-Fi network. Sprint did mention there would be a “$10 Premium Data add-on” to take advantage of a richer data experience, but we’ve yet to confirm if the add-on is to enable 4G (if you’re in a 4G-ready market) or something entirely different.

[Update]: Bummer. Looks like the $10 Add-on is – in fact – a requirement if you’re looking to use the EVO. John Taylor says that the add-on is mandatory regardless of if you’re on 3G or 4G. Reason being is because the EVO is expected to use a considerable amount more of data compared to Sprint’s other phones. This was confirmed by the email Sprint sent to customers requesting updates to their inbox. [source: John Taylor of Sprint]

More info, pics, and vids will be coming shortly as our coverage of the event continues, but for now check out this official comparison video to see how the EVO 4G stacks up against some of the competition:

And you might also want to take a gander at this lengthy fact sheet in case you haven’t already fed yourself chock full of tasty EVO 4G specs:

The world’s first 3G/4G Android handset, exclusively from Sprint, HTC EVO™ 4G, offers a rich mobile Internet experience with a fully integrated suite of services built on the AndroidTM 2.1 platform. HTC EVO 4G includes a blazing-fast 1GHz Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ processor, the award-winning HTC SenseTM user experience, an 8.0 megapixel auto-focus camera with HD-capable video camcorder and a forward-facing 1.3 megapixel camera. HTC EVO supports industry leading features including Simultaneous Voice and Data while in 4G coverage and new Mobile Video Chat, the two-way voice and video service from Qik. The large vibrant 4.3 inch display, built-in kickstand, 3.5 mm headset jack and HDMI output make HTC EVO 4G an unparalleled platform for wireless entertainment. Download music, pictures, files, or videos in seconds – not minutes – and watch streaming video on the go on a network with download speeds that are up to 10 times faster than 3G speeds.1 With built-in mobile hotspot functionality, HTC EVO 4G also allows up to eight Wi-Fi-enabled devices, including laptop, camera, music player, video player and any other Wi-Fi-enabled device, to enjoy the benefits of 3G/4G speeds on the go.

PRODUCTIVITY

3G/4G capability
Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ QSD8650 (1GHz) processor
4.3” capacitive display with pinch-to-zoom and tactile feedback
World-class HTML browser – bandwidth and quality that rival that of netbooks
Android 2.1, with access to more than 35,000 apps on Android Market
Simultaneous voice and data capability in 4G and Wi-Fi coverage areas, enabling Web surfing and more while talking
GoogleTM mobile services including Google SearchTM, Google MapsTM, Google TalkTM, GmailTM, YouTubeTM , and syncs with Google CalendarTM
Access to Google Goggles™ to search with pictures instead of words
Sprint Navigation, with turn-by-turn driving directions and 3D maps
Updated HTC Sense, award-winning user experience, which includes Friend Stream to integrate Facebook, Twitter and more into a single flow of updates
Visual voicemail
Messaging – personal and business email, IM and text messaging
3G/4G Mobile Hotspot capability – connects up to eight Wi-Fi enabled devices
4G data speeds (WiMAX) – peak download speeds of more than 10 Mbps; peak upload speeds of 1 Mbps; average download speeds of 3-6 Mbps.
3G data speeds (EVDO Rev A.) – peak download speeds of up to 3.1 Mbps; peak upload speeds of 1.8 Mbps; average download speeds of 600 kbps-1.4 Mbps.

ENTERTAINMENT

Video chat service available as an upgrade to the pre-loaded Qik app to enable conversational, interactive, real-time sharing between mobile devices or from mobile-to-desktop
8MP autofocus camera with dual LED flash and 1.3MP front-facing camera
High-quality video streaming and downloads at 3G and 4G data speeds
Capture and share HD-quality video (720p) from your phone
Output pictures, slides and videos in HD quality (720p) via HDMI cable (sold separately)
Live video sharing with Qik
Built-in kickstand for hands-free viewing
Media player with 3.5mm stereo headset jack
FM radio and Amazon MP3 store
Sprint applications including Sprint TV® and NASCAR Sprint Cup Mobile(SM)
Bluetooth® 2.1 with A2DP Stereo and EDR
Built-in WiFi®: 802.11 b/g
Digital compass, G-Sensor, proximity sensor, light sensor, GPS
Expandable memory: 8GB microSD card included; supports up to 32GB
SPECIFICATIONS

Dimensions: 4.8″ x 2.6″ x .5″ (LxWxT)
Weight: 6 ounces
Main display: 4.3” WVGA (800×480) 65K colors
Battery life: 6 hours of talk time. Time may vary depending on 3G/4G coverage and usage.
Standard removable 1500mAh Lithium (Li-on) battery
Memory: 1GB ROM, 512MB RAM

1 “Up to 10x faster” based on download speed comparison of 3G’s 600 kbps vs. 4G’s 6 Mbps. Industry published 3G avg. speeds (600 kbps-1.7 Mbps); 4G avg. speeds (3-6 Mbps). Actual speeds may vary. Sprint 4G is currently available in 32 markets and counting, and on select devices. See www.sprint.com/4G for details. Not all services available on 4G and coverage may default to 3G/separate network where 4G unavailable.Note: Device features, specifications, services and applications are subject to change.

[Press Release]

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74 Comments

  1. This is the phone I was born for.

  2. So there is no special pricing for it because its 4G? And secondly, if there is special pricing for 4G, how bout us people that aren’t in 4G areas that still want the phone?

  3. Finally! Thank you rob! Thank you phandroid for bringing me joy

  4. I want 4G in New Orleans!!!! I want that phone! Seriously, it is an incredible phone. I am off contract with sprint and have been waiting to see what sprint came out with before I bailed and go with AT&T. I am sticking with sprint. I have always had good phone service and they have one of the best all you can use plans, so why swap now that they have such a great phone. I will be first in line to get it!!!

  5. according to engadget there is a $10/month “Premium” for this phone that is added to your account. Tell me engadget misheard!?

  6. Ok, from the press release…

    “In order to provide the best experience, HTC EVO 4G will use Sprint’s industry-leading Everything Data or Business Advantage Messaging and Data plans that include unlimited Web, texting and calling on the Sprint Network to every mobile in America with Any Mobile, AnytimeSM. Everything Data plans start at $69.99 per month. A $10 per month Premium Data add-on will apply allowing customers to take advantage of a richer data experience than ever before.”

  7. I hope we will get something similar in the UK.

  8. He $10 charge is required for htc evo been confirmed by a sprint email

  9. So I am guessing that the Moment and Hero 2.1 update will be coming by June 11th…. hopefully

  10. Here’s the fine print from the Sprint email announcing the June 4 date. Sounds like the $10/month is mandatory for all data plans.
    “Get unlimited Web, texting, and calling to every mobile phone in American from Sprint network with Everything Data plans starting at $69.99/month or Business Advantage/Messaging Data plans starting at $59.99/month, plus a required $10/month Premium Data add-on for the HTC EVO 4G. An optional add-on turns your phone into a mobile hotspot connecting up to 8 devices at 4G speeds for $29.99/month.”

  11. I was really hoping the $10/mo would be for the hotspot capabilities and not for 4g.. Ugh another $29.99 for hotspot on top of that.. Come on Sprint you can do better.

  12. I’m so ready. I loved my curve for what it was BUT I’ve been waiting on this phone and to make sure I get it on the very first day and within the very first hour of it’s release, I’m taking me a few hours vacation time!!!

  13. anyone else notice that the 4G has 1Mbps upload and the 3G has 1.8Mbps upload? I hope that was a typo/reversed… nothing on the preorder date though…

  14. I was hoping that Sprint would drop the EVO with Android 2.2, but obviously, no such luck.

  15. I just chatted with a Sprint rep and they said the same thing as the author of this post: the $10/month is for Sprint TV and other features. I’m on a family plan (everything data) and he says we will incur no extra expense on our bill.

  16. The only thing that is shity about this is if I wasn’t using Sprint services right now then I could get this phone from Best Buy and they don’t do the “mail-in” crap…..
    hmmmm….. Ol well $300 it is

  17. HA! $10 more required for the data plan? Sprint…buh-bye! So much for the EVO saving Sprint’s tail.

  18. $450 of contract is rather cheap, must be because all of the extra fees involved, not really worth it when its just an Incredible with a bigger screen.

  19. Unleash the Beast!!

  20. I don’t think $10 for 4G is unreasonable considering that Sprint’s plans (especially for Family) are cheaper. You also have to take in account all the others who are using this same 4G network. If Sprint priced it too low it would beat out Clear, Comcast, and others who also use the 4G network. I’m sure Clear doesn’t want to alienate their other partners just to give Sprint a better deal.

  21. $10 dollar for 4g is a bargain! how much are you paying for now with any other service!! i cant wait!! go Sprint!

  22. “Adobe Flash technology ensures that rich Internet content, such as embedded video and animation, are displayed the way they are meant to be seen.”

    Straight from Sprint… That’s FroYo, right? Or are they talking some trickery to get it to YouTube or something?

  23. @Chad Flash is most likely Flash Lite – which comes standard on HTC Sense devices (ever since the Hero first launched). This is different from the fully fledged Adobe Flash Mobile 10.1

  24. So Nexus One= $59.99/month, an average of 6mbps on 3G+, if you root it you can make it into a mobile wifi for free, and Android 2.2 comes with a 10x speed boost. It looks like I did buy the right phone, thanks Sprint for being so greedy with the extra charges. Also before someone says it T-mobile’s new 3G+ is being used by a lot of people and the speeds have been proven over and over again but Sprint’s 4G isn’t really being used by anyone so I would assume that once a lot of people start the speeds will go slower (thats sad).

  25. An Incredible with a Bigger Screen?? Its ok, to be upset. But thats what happens when you willing buy a phone with less features & Hardware.

    $450!! I cried that i would be forcing myself to pay the rumored $599. But ill be inline to buy off contract Asap!

    And people please stop bitching about $10…Who else offers 4G hotspots???? Thought so…you think they would just Give it away?

  26. haha, don’t bother calling Sprint for detail on this phone. I just spent 30 minutes on the phone with two reps. One of them was not able to figure out how to check what my employee discount would be and the second(sales) wasnt even aware the pricing for the phone had been released. I had to tell her to go to the homepage of their website where her comment was “wow I didn’t know they had released that, I figured the phone would have cost more then that!” haha!

    Looks like ill be going to my local brick and mortar store June 4th!

  27. The $10 / month add-on charge for 4G is MANDATORY, even if you live in a 3G ONLY area. This is gonna be a deal-breaker for a lot of folks, including maybe me.
    I was going to buy the EVO, but I live in a non-4G area that isn’t even on the expansion list, so I’m not particularly interested in paying for 4G when I will probably never use it during the time I keep my Android phones (7-14 months).
    Plus, I was hoping they would drop the EVO with 2.2, and they aren’t, so there is another negative.

  28. Good god. I cant believe America gets this phone first. HTC is a Taiwanese company. Where’s the love for your home base HTC???? Where is it!?? GIMME THAT PHONE

  29. Bummed about $10 extra a month or should I say $20 since my wife and I will get one but much cheaper than the $30 Verizon wants for ‘any’ smartphone you purchase from them.

  30. why would 80 a month be a dealbreaker if you can’t get 4G?
    you eventually will and this is cheaper than verizon/ATT for the same plan.

  31. I would love this phone, but a little nervous to make the switch from VZW to Sprint. Anyone else nervous about switching to Sprint?

  32. Well everyone. Don’t forget this link that we so awesomely was given by one of the other phandroid readers. http://androidforums.com/sprint/71622-all-new-sprint-customers.html

  33. love it. sticking with Sprint. wish 4G was available in my area or at least Sprint had a targeted date available since I live in a huge metropolitan city with one of the largest populations in the country. I hope the $10 charge is only for 4G usage cuz I don’t know that I’d want to leave my old handset/plan to go to the EVO/+$10 for the same network plan since 4G is unavailable.

    @Ryan..don’t forget that Sprint now has a 30-day risk-free trial for new customers. If you don’t like the service/device, you can return it within 30 days.

  34. I too am thinking about a switch from Verizon to Sprint. I used Sprint many, many years ago and was disappointed in the call quality and my ability to get a signal in airports and buildings.

    Has anyone else made the switch from Verizon and not looked back?

  35. Even with the required $10 Premium data fee, the plans would still be cheaper than a comparable everything data 3G plan from VZ or AT&T!

  36. I have a clarification question. Does anyone know how this $10 extra charge applies to family plans? i.e. Will it be an extra $10 (in addition to the $20 for unlim. data/sms/mms) PER line, or rather will it be an extra $10 for ALL lines? Would appreciate feedback if anyone knows…

  37. June 4th, eh? I expect my Nexus One will be running FroYo by then. Ha ha!

  38. @Ryan, i was with verizon, for 5-6 years switched to sprint because i like the phones, been with them for 4 years. i never had any major problems with either carrier, that’s just my experience.

  39. Switched from VZW in ’04 and been with Sprint since. Comparable but like Sprint’s handset technology a little better. Would not consider anyone but Sprint or VZW. Wow that $10 might be a deal breaker for me now. We’re 3G and no plans that I’ve seen for 4G. Currently on a 34.99 voice only plan with 450 anytime, some bonus anytime mins, 500 texts, mob to mob and free nights at 7p. I use a blackberry for work but hate it in comparison to friends winmo and now android devices. Still may switch up to the Evo, but that switch from 34.99 to 79.99 is hard to make :) Guess $120 extra per year for faster data just seems wrong if you don’t live in that area and don’t even visit those 4g areas except maybe twice a year. Thanks for update!! (I have been on this and Sprint’s news releases every day for a couple months!!)

  40. Give me this + FroYo.

  41. @ Ryan

    The Vast majority of Sprints Customers have been around 5-10 years…and arent going anywhere.(Its the 1-2 year customers that have found ways to complain) Theres nothing to be nervous about..you want the phone..go get it. People werent nervous about At&t when they wanted the Iphone. Sprints always had the best plans…the $10 Add on isnt shit…i think thats the same as my insurance that i rarely use….Its not about switching..its about having a reason to leave. Sprints always had Cheaper plans like Tmobile…Service on Par with VZW…No network Congestion and dropped calls like at&t..and Decent (Great Since Hesse has taken over) phone selection. People see that now..

    People that bother to post in EVO forums got over being nervous along time ago..

  42. Boo Yeah! Glad I have the 4th off- I’ll be there right away to get one! Can’t wait. My days with Verizon are numbered…………

  43. 40$ for data? This can’t be right. That is nearly what I pay for internet at home. If this turns out to be true, I’m going to have to pass on this beautiful phone. Thanks a lot Sprint, now I’m sure other carriers are going to consider making users pay more for their data plans to. This is b.s. Isn’t LTE supposed to be a lot faster than wimax anyway? You would think Sprint would want to encourage people to sign up for those 2 year contracts. This price is going to make a lot of people think twice. Maybe their network can’t handle smart phones. Maybe this is our excuse to wait a little longer for something better.

  44. Can any current Sprint customers comment about text messaging delays? I’ve heard from two friends about how sometimes text messages show up minutes or hours late in the D.C. area. Anyone have experience in the D.C. or Baltimore area?

  45. @Ben: I’m assuming you’re getting the $40 pricetag by adding the $10 Premium Data fee to the $30 mobile hotspot fee? The hotspot fee is optional, and if you’re actually going to be using the 8-way mobile hotspot then it’s not unreasonable to charge a similar price to a normal internet plan. Even with the $10 Premium Data fee + the $30 optional mobile hotspot fee, Sprint’s plans for the Evo are still comparably priced to their competitors, and you get more from it. As much as I’d love to see cheaper plans, there’s still really no reason to go with another carrier for an equally expensive plan and a less capable phone.

  46. Major fail. Who cares about speed if your going to be stuck on 2.1for1yr. By the time you get 2.2 on eve 2.3 or higher will be out pl the bill is now 80 before taxes and fees who wants to pay 100 a month. People will go back to AT&T and iPhone 4g not because of features but because apple is more stable one OS not 5-6 OS’s. I have had bot android 2.1 and iPhone 2g, 3G . iPhone is a much more stable OS and busines model. There is no control on android which
    Leads to overload ie sprint hero and moment 8mo later and no 2.1 . So once they get a new phone EVO will be shoved aside as well . Quietly sad

  47. Can I get this beast off-contract ($450) and use it with virginmobile(network provided by sprint) new $25 plan? :)

  48. Well dang. The $10/month extra is a deal-breaker for me. With 3 smartphones in my house, the $30/month extra makes Sprint more expensive than Verizon. And more expensive than Tmobile, my current provider.

    Yeah, I know 4G yada yada, but I tried Wimax with an Overdrive hotspot (on a company account) and Wimax is not all that it is cracked up to be, at least in Austin. Spotty coverage and speed, at least on wifi, is not that impressive. Tmobile’s HSPA+ is faster.

    I guess I will move to VW (for the Incredible), which I never thought I’d do.

  49. Ok, Here is a typical family plan with two Evos on Sprint:
    129.99 – 1500 minutes
    20.00 – 2 x $10 EVO Fee
    149.99, pretty much unlimited everything, free visual voicemail, detailed billing.

    Verizon with two Incredibles:
    119.99 – 1400 minutes
    29.99 X 2 = 59.98 – unlimited data (5gb max) for two lines
    2.99 x 2 = 5.98 – visual voicemail on both phones (srsly vrzn?)
    1.99 x 2 = 3.98 – detailed billing costs! SERIOUSLY?
    =189/month.

    (and if you have 4g, you get that too, and get rid of Home Internet to save some more $$)

    $30/month in savings even WITH the $10/EVO fee.

    Still a winner to me, (that’s not including any discounts for either company)

  50. A Sprint mucky-muck is getting absolutely hammered over here at this blog, for his lame explanation for Sprint’s $10 per month upcharge for 4G for everyone, even those who live in non-4G areas:

    http://jbtaylor.posterous.com/more-detail-on-the-sprint-evo-4g-10month-prem

  51. its wrong. THey want you to think the two year price is at discount. the verizon site often says a low price then true retail price to lure you in. its supposed to be a promo price that is never actually offered.

  52. In short, Sprint is more expensive than Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile for the cheapest family with a single EVO.

    Kate: Hello, I’m a Sprint order specialist. I specialize in setting up new wireless accounts. Are there any questions I may help answer for you today?
    You: Hi, I’m interested in the EVO. Do you have info about service fees?
    Kate: Yes, I can provide you with information on the fees for the EVO.
    Kate: Let’s move this chat and make it a window of its own. That way, you’ll still see this web page while we chat. Please click ‘Yes’ to move it now.
    Kate: Thanks. Just to check, are you currently a Sprint customer?
    You: No, I’m with Verizon right now.
    You: is the $10 mandatory?
    Kate: Thank you for clearing that up for me. Yes, the $10 is required in order to be able to utilize the EVO.
    You: when you say utilize, are you saying that there is no plan configuration that doesn’t require the extra $10 per month?
    Kate: Yes, that is correct. In order to use the EVO, you will have to add the $10 Premium Data add-on to your data plan when you select one.
    You: even if 4g is not available?
    Kate: Yes, that is correct.
    You: if 4g is available, are their additional charges to use it?
    Kate: I apologize for the delay.
    Kate: However, if 4G is available in your area, then there is no extra charge to take advantage of 4G speeds in your area.
    You: ok. And about the hotspot service fee. I don’t suppose their is a smaller that puts a lower limit on the number of devices that can use the hotspot is there?
    Kate: I understand. However, the hotspot fee is standard as of now being $29.99.
    You: Can you tell me the service fee for using the overdrive?
    Kate: Sure. The Monthly fee with the EVO is actually cheaper than our Broadband cards. However, the monthly charge for the Overdrive is $59.99/mo with our 3G/4G connection plan.
    You: ok. Please confirm my understanding of what my monthly payment will be if I go with the EVO and a basic free phone in a family plan. 69.99 for 2 voice lines + 25 for the typical unlimited data + 10 for use of the EVO with the unlimited data. Is that correct?
    You: so a total of 104.99?
    Kate: If you’re looking to get a family plan, then the Everything Data plan for $69.99 is an individual plan. We do offer our Everything Data Family plan.
    Kate: For example, we offer our Everything Data Family 1500 for $129.99 and 3000 minutes for $169.99.
    You: what is the cheapest family plan?
    You: voice only
    Kate: Okay. The cheapest family plan with voice only is our Talk for Family plan for $69.99.
    Kate: However, the EVO as well as any of our SmartPhones would require that you have a data plan in order to use those phones.
    Kate: That being said, if you were to choose the Everything Data Family plan 1500 for $129.9 lets say, then it would be the $129.99 price plus the $10 premium data add-on and the $29.99 hotspot fee (if selected).
    Kate: That’s if you were to get 1 EVO on that family plan.
    You: The 69.99 family plan sounds right for me. So I should just add $35 per month to cover unlimited data on the EVO for a total of 104.99, is that correct?
    Kate: I understand. However, the EVO or any of our SmartPhones will not be compatible with that plan. You would have to get a data plan to use EVO, or any other SmartPhone.
    You: the additional $35 doesn’t cover the data?
    You: ($25 for the normal smartphone data fee + $10 for the EVO)
    Kate: Unfortunately that is correct. You would have to select one of our data plans in order to be able to use the EVO.
    You: is this another special requirement for the EVO?
    Kate: All our SmartPhones/PDA phones require a data plan in order to be able to use. The only special requirement for the EVO is the $10 Premium Data add-on, and the $29.99 hotspot service fee.
    Kate: Is there anything else that I may assist you with today?
    You: yes. hold on.
    You: so what is the cheapest data plan?
    Kate: You’re looking for a share plan correct?
    You: yes, but we don’t want to pay for data for one of the phones
    You: so we will get one smart phone and one dumb one
    Kate: Okay, not a problem. That being said, you’re more than welcome to have 2 individual lines on the same account.
    Kate: For the other phone, may I please ask which features you were looking to have?
    Kate: With the plan. Excuse me.
    You: nothing but the smallest number of voice minutes
    Kate: Sure. I would recommend our Everything Data plan 450 or 900, and our Sprint Basic plan for the other line.
    Kate: The Sprint Basic Plan gives you 200 minutes for just $29.99. This includes nationwide long distance, no roaming charges, and you will also receive unlimited nights starting at 9 pm and unlimited weekends.
    You: that sounds good. Do we get unlimited mobile to mobile at least within our account with the Sprint Basic Plan?
    Kate: Unfortunately the Sprint Basic Plan does not include unlimited mobile to mobile.
    Kate: We do however have our Talk plan which is a step up from the Basic plan, and it includes unlimited mobile to mobile.
    Kate: The monthly charge for your Sprint Talk Plan will vary depending on how many Anytime Minutes you choose. You can get 450 minutes for $39.99, or 900 minutes for $59.99.
    You: ok, lets stay with the Basic Plan for this estimate. So that would cost $30 per month and how much would the cheapest EVO plan be?
    Kate: Sure. The cheapest data plan would be our Everything Data 450 plan. Normally it’s $69.99, but with the EVO it will change to $79.99/mo and $109.98 if you were to get the hotspot feature added to it.
    You: ok, so we are looking at about $110 for an EVO with Everything Data 450 and a basic phone with the Basic Plan. Correct?
    Kate: Yes, that is correct. That being said, you’re looking at $139.97/mo (before any taxes/fees) for everything.
    You: are you including the hotspot fee in the 139.97?
    Kate: Yes that is correct.
    You: ok, so we will go up to 120/month if we want unlimited calls between our phones (using the 450 minutes for the basic phone). Correct?
    Kate: Right, that is correct if you were to take away the hotspot fee for $29.99.
    You: And $140 per month is the cheapest family plan with an EVO?
    Kate: Yes, that is correct.
    You: This turns out to be much more expensive than Verizon and T-Mobile.
    You: Thanks for answering my questions.
    You: If you have a way of reporting user opinions, mine is that Sprint is charging to much for out situation.
    Kate: No problem at all. You’re very welcome. Is there anything else that I may assist you with today?
    You: No that is all. Thanks.
    You: Bye
    Kate: Thank you for visiting http://www.sprint.com. We value your opinion and would appreciate if you can take a moment to respond to a brief survey about your chat experience. Click Here To Start The Survey.

  53. Looks like I’m going to have to wait a few more weeks for the next phone to be announced.

  54. Very Disappointed

  55. @Sam,
    I am assuming your talking about unlimited calling because every package i try (except unlimited mins, like $20 cheaper on vz) is way cheaper on sprint than verizon and that includes adding the extra $10 a line for the evo. Sprint has the 7pm weekdays, unlimited any mobile any time as well, so i’d look into your minutes used to see how many and to who, and see if you might be able to get by with the 3000 min plus any mobile anytime. Who calls linelines anymore anyway, haha. That makes the 3rd line way cheaper as well. Plus, there’s always a way to get something cheaper, you just have to know what to google;) Trust me. Good luck though, i know I’m always looking for a way to pay for what I need and nothing more. That’s why I’ve stayed with tmobile for so long, well…. until June 4th…hehehe!

  56. I don’t get it. If I don’t live in 4G area, I am still gonna pay for the $10/month? What’s the purpose for? Try to get more money out of their customers? I am sorry, I just don’t know why I should pay $10 more for something I am not gonna use even it’s still cheap compared with VZW. Also, I don’t think I use that much internet on my phone…….I love the phone but this is making me look for another phone. Shoot…I have been excited about the phone for months

  57. $10 more for 4g sucks.dan hesse promised it would be free.he lied.i think im going to get the droid incredible instead.i don’t like being lied to and dan hesse is a liar.

  58. Evo now available for preorder at Best Buy locations, not online yet though.

  59. Oops, I just saw the article on Android and Me, the 3G data is capped at 5G. Good job, sprint! I thought it’s unlimited, now I have to pay extra for 4G which I am not gonna use, also I am capped at 5G. So I am paying more for less? Awesome, just the way I expected. I hate myself spending too much time and effort expecting this phone. It’s ruined by sprint. Thanks a lot, if that’s true, I am gonna pass it.

  60. THAT is an amazing price. $450 and nothing extra?
    I might get one imported to the UK if there’s no strings attached.

    Anyone able to clarify for me, I’m not sure how US pricing works. In UK you can buy a phone on PayAsYouGo, so there’s no contract involved and you’re not tied in with any network provider. Is it the same in the US?

  61. Smh @ everybody bitching about an extra $10. Especially others from different carriers. With Verizon and AT&T you’ll be paying MORE for the same plan features and that’s on 3G ONLY. Even if you’re on T-Mobile you can’t complain. Yes T-Mobile is cheaper and is deploying HSPA+, coverage is still not comparable to Sprint and the way my friends on T-Mobile complain about network outages causing missed calls and EXTREMELY late text messages I’m glad I’m on Sprint paying about $180 a month for 5 smartphones. I’ll gladly spend $190 a month for unlimited everything on all 5 of my devices, thank you.

  62. I want to remind everyone that the original Hero came out in June of 2009 and is still on 1.5. Imagine how mad they are waiting 11 months for a new update.

  63. @Ryan – I switched to Sprint from Verizon last year to get the Hero, haven’t regretted it at all. Service is fine in my area, and the rate plans are cheaper – so even w/ the $10 premium it’s still a good value.

  64. Question: I got a BB Tour about 4-6 months ago. I know I won’t qualify for the $100.00 rebate but will I get the rebate for signing a new 2-year contract?

  65. So there’s the “bait and switch”…Sprint says in their caveat on their EVO page and on this quoted article… * “Up to 10x faster” based on download speed comparison of 3G’s 600 kbps vs. 4G’s 6 Mbps. Industry published 3G avg. speeds (600 kbps-1.7 Mbps); 4G avg. speeds (3-6 Mbps).

    Up to 10x faster??? Really!
    Based on d/l speed comparison of 3G’s 600 kbps vs 4G’s 6Mbps??? Nice statistics Sprint. Was your thought process, “Let’s advertise everywhere that 4G is 10x faster when using the industry published 3G average MINIMUM speed of 600 kbps to 4G’s average MAXIMUM speed of 6 Mbps.” Shouldn’t it be apples to apples, comparing 3G Avg Min to 4G Avg Min? Or Max…let’s calculate the truth…

    3G min 600 kbps vs 4G min 3000 kbps = 4G 5x faster
    3G max 1700 kbps vs 4G max 6000 kbps = 4G 3.5x faster

    Sprint, stop misleading the consumers who don’t look past your 4G hype about 4G being 10x faster than 3G.

  66. $10 more is NOT for 4G, its for their “premium data services”, or in other words NO CAP on how much data you use. Definately well worth it IMO.

  67. @derrick,
    Tmobile is cheaper for me because I’m grandfattered in a $50/1000 min family plan and an older cheaper data plan that includes text. My total bill for 3 smartphones b4 taxes is $140.

    Sprint would be $180 b4 taxes for 3 Evos. Verizon is slighly cheaper if I can do without text, which only my son uses, but otherwise it is about the same (especially after 20% discount for govt employees on Verizon) or slightly more.

    I know, it’s not apples to apples.

  68. WOW, talk about false advertising. The plan is either unlimited data or not. This is crap charging extra for a premium rate and and then charging even more for a feature that is the same as iPhone (may be able to connect a couple extra devices). I was having a hard time with the increase in the plans but now I really can’t afford an Evo for $80 for only 400 minutes a month

  69. Sprint is cheaper no matter how you look at it.
    1. The data & text plan is one in the same.
    2. Nav. is also included with that same plan.
    3. 450 land line then do it “Metro PCS” style when it comes to mobile to mobile phones.
    4. It’s simple and easy.
    70 bucks is pricey but for nav and data with any other carrier is NUTS.
    TMO VZN ATT all will eat your lunch for those features.

  70. Ok, If anyone knows about any data plan on most carriewrs they know that even if they say Unlimited Data, there is a cap, which for most is 5G. Using most Phones most people would never reach that cap. Now Sprint comes along with a new phone that people could most certainly brake that cap, so they ask for an additional 10 bucks to make it truely unlimited on BOTH 3G and 4G. If you are going to use the Phone all the time and constantly use up data 10 Bucks is a drop in the bucket.

    Now the sad thing is that if you want to get a family plan and get more then 1 EVO, be ready to shell out a lot of dough. I called Sprint and asked them if you got more then one EVO would the additional $10 cover all the lines, and he said no you would have to add $10 to each additional line, further more if you wanted to utilize the hot spot option it would be 29.99 per line.
    1 EVO add 40
    2 EVOs add 80
    3 EVOs add 120

    Looks like it’s only going to be one EVO in this family for now.

  71. I guarantee this phone will be rooted in the first 24 hours it’s released, in which case Wifi tethering is free.

  72. WOOW… ARE YOU GUYS SERIOUS RIGHT NOW? “$10 IS A DEAL BREAKER FOR ME. SO I’M GOING TO STICK TO MY *MORE* EXPENSIVE VZW OR AT&T PLANS”…YOU GUYS REALIZE THE $69.99 PLAN WITH SPRINT PLUS THE ADDITIONAL $10 A MONTH STILL COMES OUT TO BE CHEAPER THAN YOUR VZW AND AT&T PLANS??…YOUR COMPLAINING ABOUT AN EXTRA $10 SPRINT IS CHARGING FOR 4G WHICH NO OTHER SERVICE HAS YET AND YES SPRINT DOESN’T HAVE THAT MUCH OF COVERAGE ON 4G YET BUT ONCE ALL THE OTHER CARRIERS GET 4G YOU DON’T THINK THEY’RE GONNA CHARGE YOU AN ARM AND A LEG FOR 4G? YOUR CRAZY! ESPECIALLY WITH VZW THEY RIP PEOPLE OFF WITH THEY’RE RIDICULOUS MONTHLY CHARGES…AND IF YOUR GONNA COMPARE AT&T’S $59.99 PLAN TO SPRINT’S PLAN MAKE SURE THEY COMPARE EVENLY…LIKE MINUTES WISE, TEXT MESSAGING, INTERNET AND FREE GPS NAVIGATION!…YEA THAT’S RIGHT I’M A SPRINT CUSTOMER I PAY AROUND $70 A MONTH AND PRETTY MUCH GET UNLIMITED EVERYTHING…CAN YOU SAY THE SAME??…AT&T AND VZW BOTH CHARGE $10 A MONTH IF YOU WANT NAVIGATION WHILE SPRINT CHARGES $0!…I JUST LOOKED UP A SIMILAR VZW PLAN TO SPRINT’S PLAN AND VZW IS CHARGING 3 BUCKS SHORT OF A HUNDRED A MONTH FOR LESS OF WHAT I GET WITH SPRINT I PAY $70 THROW IN ANOTHER $10 FOR THAT EVO 4G I GET $80 STILL LESS THAN YOUR PLAN..I ALSO LOOKED UP AT&T IT WAS $120-$130 FOR WHAT I GET WITH SPRINT BUT OF COURSE CHEAPER : )SOOO ANYWAY YOU LOOK AT IT SPRINT’S PLANS ARE STILL CHEAPER EVEN ADDING ON AN EXTRA $10 A MONTH BECAUSE IF YOU THINK YOUR LITTLE “AMAZING” VZW AND AT&T PLANS AREN’T GONNA CHARGE AN EXTRA FEE FOR 4G WHEN THEY GET 4G YOUR CRAZY AND I’LL BET A MILLION BUCKS THEY’LL CHARGE A WHOLE LOT MORE THAN $10 BECAUSE THAT’S HOW THEY ARE ALWAYS CHARGING A WHOLE LOT MORE THAN SPRINT DOES FOR THE SAME EVERYTHING EXCEPT YOU GET MORE WITH SPRINT…

    This plan includes

    * Any Mobile, Anytime: Unlimited domestic calls from the Sprint network to and from ANY U.S. mobile phone regardless of carrier. Any network, any time.
    * Unlimited data: Web surfing, email, BlackBerry Internet Services (BIS), GPS Navigation, Sprint TV and Radio, NASCAR Sprint Cup MobileSM
    * Unlimited Direct Connect: Direct Connect and Group Connect (for capable phones)
    * Unlimited messaging: Text, pictures and video
    * Talk: Night calling and weekends starting at 7 p.m., nationwide long distance and no roaming charges

    FOR $69.99 A MONTH PLUS (THE SOON TO COME 4G IF YOUR NOT IN THAT COVERAGE AREA OR IF YOU ARE) FOR $10 EXTRA AND STILL PAYING LESS A MONTH WITH SPRINT…AND LIKE I SAID IF YOU GUYS WANT TO COMPARE SPRINT’S PLANS WITH YOUR PLANS MAKE SURE THEY ARE EVENLY COMPARED..I GET UNLIMITED GPS FOR YOU GUYS IT’S AN EXTRA $10 WHICH IS A RIP OFF!

  73. oh and yes i preordered the EVO already… I actually preordered mine from radio shack if you guys didn’t know already RS has a better deal than best buy… RS is doing the same $199.99 with the $50 preorder which goes towards the phone AND they throw in an extra $20 gift card towards accessories for the phone and you can use that $20 towards the phone if you wanted but I’d recommend buying a case for this beautiful bad boy : ) go radio shack!

  74. That supposed 5 GB data cap must be for the new customers. I consistently use around 10-15 GB of data per month and I have been a Sprint customer on this plan for a little over 3 years and I can confirm that I have no limits to my data usage per month nor am I charged extra for the amount that is used over the supposed limit.

    With that said, I’ll be getting the EVO once my upgrade is available in October. $10 per month is w/e, what most of you don’t realize is that it has NOTHING to do with 4G. It’s just the fact that Sprint anticipates a huge increase of bandwidth going out to everyone w/ EVOs which is realistic. Why shouldn’t they charge a little more for their already amazing data services?

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