HTC Velocity 4G

The characteristic of the HTC Velocity is obviously 4G. The 4G network the phone uses is best described as Telstra's LTE enablement of its Next G network: it runs on the LTE 1800MHz network band but "switches across" to the Next G network when 4G coverage is not available. The Velocity 4G is just the second invention to work on this network: Telstra released the 4G USB modem in October last year.

HTC Velocity 4G: Design and display:

The HTC Velocity 4G looks like just another HTC Android phone. Admittedly, this is not a bad thing: the Velocity 4G has an striking gloss black bezel, tapered edges and an aluminum rear battery cover that screams premium. HTC phones are well renowned for excellent build quality and the Velocity 4G is definitely not an exception. There is a little more plastic on the Velocity 4G than many of HTC's previous phones, but this in no way cheapen the look or feel of the device, even if it does make fingerprints not possible to ignore.

The HTC Velocity 4G has a large 4.5in qHD touchscreen with a resolution of 540x960. Admittedly it's not as high res as the iPhone 4S or the Galaxy Nexus but the screen is brilliant and clear and displays crisp text. It's 

absolutely no slouch and is one of the improved displays currently available on the market.

HTC Velocity 4G: Software and performance:

The HTC Velocity 4G looks and mechanism like much like most other HTC phones. It runs the Android 2.3 "Gingerbread" OS and is skinned with HTC's Sense UI. This will come down to a matter of personal opinion though: if you like the software on HTC's current Android phones then you'll absolutely welcome it on the Velocity 4G.

All the common features of HTC Sense are available on the Velocity 4G. You can take away home screens if you don't use them (there are seven by default), the lock screen comes with four customisable shortcuts, next to the ability to display a widget in the middle of the screen, and there's also a 3D rotating effect when scrolling between home screens. Your eight most recently opened applications, quick settings toggles and a link to all phone settings all stay at the top of the notifications panel.

HTC Velocity 4G: Camera, battery life, availability:

The HTC Velocity 4G has an outstanding camera. It's an 8-megapixel, backside-illuminated sensor that promises better low light photos. We originate the dual-LED flash washed out many of our photos, but colour imitation is a highlight. The camera app starts almost instantly and is quick to snap in a row photos, though it's admittedly not as quick as the shutter on the Samsung Galaxy Nexus. The camera doubles as a full HD 1080p video recorder, while the 1.2-megapixel front camera excitingly records 720p HD video.