Phone Scoop - HTC 5800 / Fusion / S720 Info

User Review: Wost. Phone. Ever.

Sun, 09 Aug 2009 04:17:22 GMT

1Louder submitted this review of the HTC 5800 / Fusion / S720:

Overall rating: 1 (out of 5)

I'm not a high-maintenance phone user and this device still managed to fall well short of my already low expectations. I truly can't believe it gets positive reviews.

First, unless you have the finger size of a 9 year old girl the buttons are impossible to use. The button to select menu options and the buttons to dial a number are so small I have to use my fingernail and stab the buttons straight down. Makes even simple operations cumbersome.

The bluetooth will deactivate without reason or warning. You just all of a sudden can't make calls. And after you've used the bluetooth and try to just make a regular call, the phone locks up. I have to shut it down and walk out of bluetooth range of my car, then restart. Both of these conditions happen unacceptably often (several times a week).

I will never, ever use a phone with Windows Mobile again. It adds absolutely no benefit that I can tell, and makes even simple operations many menu clicks away.

The battery life is unacceptable. I can't have the phone on standby for more than a couple days (without making any calls). Make some calls, it's worse.

Today - on a full charge - the phone shut down after 5 hrs and would not restart. I had to remove the battery and replace it to get the phone working again.

I got this phone free with my Verizon upgrade. I can see why it was free. Even the Verizon techs I talked to say most folks hate this phone.

You are truly better off with two cans and a string.

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User Review: HTC dropped the ball on this one.

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 16:26:52 GMT

Elitemonkie submitted this review of the HTC 5800 / Fusion / S720:

Overall rating: 1 (out of 5)

I bought this phone because I was under the impression it was a decent phone. Now don't get me wrong heres the pros of this phone.

PRO's
-Slide out QWERTY keyboard.
-Use of your own ringers and themes.
-amazing paperweight heh

CON's
-freezes constantly
-sometimes dont ever receive calls.
-the screen slider is really sensitive.
-camera isn't the best.
-headphone jack ( charge port ) is in the worst place.
-Unable to upgrade to WM 6.1

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User Review: OK, not great

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 16:11:06 GMT

johnnj2003 submitted this review of the HTC 5800 / Fusion / S720:

Overall rating: 2.5 (out of 5)

Pros- Nice screen
Small size
full slide out keyboard
fits nicely in the hand
Nice Camera
Decent video camera(for a phone)

CONS - 1. Battery life barely lasts 10hrs
2. You need to dislocate your thumb to
press the end key if you dont have the
keyboard slid out.

3. Stupid HTC (lets give them a dongle)
approach to standard connection ports
that phones have had for YEARS.

4. Voice tagging, NOT voice dialing.
You must record your own voice tag to
voice dial anyone in your contacts.

5. Truly neutered smartphone OS on this phone
Not even as robust as WM on the Q9M.

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User Review: not lovng it

Sun, 10 Aug 2008 17:57:09 GMT

jparker submitted this review of the HTC 5800 / Fusion / S720:

Overall rating: 2 (out of 5)

I purchased this phone about two months ago because i didnt have a computer and was longing for some internet access. That made the fact the manual only came on disc a bit annoying to start with. then it started freezing up on me and shutting off by itself all the time. the battery life is terrible(that is when it is working properly) and now i just got a Macbook and cant get it to sync up at all without installing windows on my mac. the case it comes with is way too tight, really hard to take out when its ringing. the keys are so sensitive if left unlocked whitch doesnt help with the battery life issues. I think they could have added a zoom to the camera I got way better pic quality out of my little cheap flip phone i replaced with this one. I got sucked in to the purchace of this phone by the keyboard and nice display screen. both of whitch i still like. however given the cost and total pain in the neck its been its hardly been worth it. Qwest told me my problems are unusual and have sent me a replacment. considering other reviews ive read i have a hard time believing it. If in fact my replacment works great i will be sure to post again. wish i hadnt signed a new two year agreement with this purchase or had returned it right away.

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User Review: A Device to Loathe: Bell's HTC 5800 Smartphone

Sat, 19 Apr 2008 19:43:21 GMT

arobulack submitted this review of the HTC 5800 / Fusion / S720:

Overall rating: 1 (out of 5)

I woke up the other morning despising my mobile phone.

I'd been forced to spend some time without my HTC 5800 from Bell Mobility. In its stead I'd gone back to my old Palm Treo 650.

I only just picked up the HTC device last October, and I'd realized almost right away that I didn't like it. I suppose I got suckered into its fancy slide-out keyboard. Of course, it's far less bulkier than the Treo, and doesn't have an antennae, so I recall that being a bonus.

Over time, however, I've grown to absolutely despise this device. Here's why:

Windows Mobile. This is a most lame excuse for a mobile OS. Rather than ask, "How can we enable a positive mobile experience for users?", Microsoft seems more intent on replicating the Windows experience in one's hand, warts and all. This concept is highlighted when you consider how un-Mac-like the iPhone is, as it's more about a unique mobile user experience.

The dongle. Never again will I buy a device that has a dongle to enable a proprietary data port to interface with USB. If I ever lose this damned dongle (and I temporarily have, from time to time), I'm screwed, as it's essentially for charging and syncing the device. Words to live by: dongles are evil.

The battery. If I'm lucky, I'll get an hour or two of talk time out of this thing. Standby? Maybe 20 hours. And that's on the decrepit 1X network in the Horse. When I visit Vancouver and do a lot of data, the device needs to be charged twice daily.

The cute noises. In general, I can turn off most noises on this device. However, no matter what I do, I can't kill the cute little dingly noise the damn thing makes whenever I slide open the keyboard or shut it. And trust me, it's a lame noise.

Read more at:
http://www.badrobot.ca/robot-reverie/2008/4/16/a-device-to-loathe-bells-htc-5800-smartphone.html

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User Review: Good smartphone with some compromises

Sun, 09 Mar 2008 19:14:14 GMT

aahaa submitted this review of the HTC 5800 / Fusion / S720:

Overall rating: 4 (out of 5)

VZW SMT5800 (CDMA Version)
After using it for over a week, I find it practical, functional & somewhat easy to use. I think I'll keep it for a while.
Pros:
1)Great reception: haven't dropped a call yet.
2)Good form Factor: small, light & yet functional. Its phone 1st and PDA 2nd.
3)Fairly large display for this size phone.
4)Full QWERTY keypad with easy spring loaded release.
5)2 MP camera with flash, auto�"focus and video capture.
6)Expandable memory: microSD™ slot (up to 8GB)
7)Can view PPS & PDF & edit Word & Excel files
8)EV�"DO, 1X RTT Capable; much faster than Edge network.
9)Fast processor; applications open fast & easy

Cons:
1)No Wifi
2)Battery life could be better - I found that if I dim the display light to 4, I get significantly better battery life.
3)keybad spacing both front & on the slider is a bit too close.
4)Data plan for smartphones is more expensive than for Blackberry on VZW but that's VZW for you.

Overall, I think this is a well-designed smartphone, which offers many features in a small and easy to carry package.

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User Review: This phone is awesom

Fri, 08 Feb 2008 01:00:11 GMT

moedaddy submitted this review of the HTC 5800 / Fusion / S720:

Overall rating: 3.5 (out of 5)

pros:
This phone is awesom
8 gigs micro SDHC card.
Feels like a phone not a pda
Good battery life.

cons:number pads on front are very spongy
no zoom
No WIFI
it needs to be touched up to be the perfect phone.
I give it a 7 out of 10 score.

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User Review: Not remotely what HTC usually gives us!!!

Tue, 05 Feb 2008 02:38:17 GMT

SCMD submitted this review of the HTC 5800 / Fusion / S720:

Overall rating: 1 (out of 5)

This phone was a MAJOR bust! I had been happy with a Cingular 2125 for two years until it went swimming in a cup of diet pepsi one day. Looking for another comparable phone but with a faster processor I ordered an unlocked HTC s730 online and it is FABULOUS! Sturdy, fast, great battery life...can talk and text and surf for 2 days+. Verizon recently came to our town and I was interested in switching because the only downside to my unlocked phone was lack of U.S. 3G function as it was a European model and a best friend on Verizon meant it would save me money with unlimited "IN calling". Needless to say I was THRILLED to see the SMT5800-virtual CDMA twin to my s730-available on Verizon with their high speed network. My hubby and I had owned 5 HTC smartphones between us so quality was not a concern at that time.

The phone lasted ONE day with me

Pros:
Size: compromise of function and size for those who want a phone with one-handed dialing and texting and push email, QWERTY, hosted exchange capabilities plus basic mobile web surfing.

Cons:
loose slider...wiggled all the time..does not feel up to usual HTC quality at all.

loose battery cover...cheap film of plastic that didn't close right. Gaps large enough to get my hair stuck in while talking on it!

HORRIBLE battery...after a 12 hour charge it died by 3:30 pm on a day with maybe 5 minutes of web surfing, 5 texts and 48 minutes of talking.

Bluetooth...can't transfer files via bluetooth like the S730 and AT&T tilt etc.

Web-surfing...could not access mobile you-tube and some other media sites that I could on ATT.

To quiet...ring tones and earpiece volume.

If you want a smartphone with great one-handed use get the unlocked s730 or wait for the US 3G version that cleared the FCC! I hope the issues with this phone are Verizon's doing and that HTC is not slipping. Since my s730 is great I suspect Verizon or the CDMA change is the problem and will stick with GSM.

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User Review: verizon 5800

Sun, 03 Feb 2008 17:19:41 GMT

pagosa submitted this review of the HTC 5800 / Fusion / S720:

Overall rating: 4.5 (out of 5)

had phone for 2 weeks - had treo windows for prior 2 1/2 yrs.
Pro's - size good, voice quality good, speed - Really GOOD, capabilities - all good
Con's - BATTERY - terrible. This thing is a vampire for batteries. With Very little use , it is at 50% after 12-14 hrs. Can't take on road w/o charger. The screen lock function is somewhat annoying, but better than having it left on and draining the battery further.
I really like the phone - if something could be done about the battery issue it would be great.

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User Review: Works great. Nice phone.

Mon, 28 Jan 2008 20:47:01 GMT

tdubb submitted this review of the HTC 5800 / Fusion / S720:

Overall rating: 4.5 (out of 5)

SMT5800 �" Verizon Wireless
I’ve had my phone for over a week. Before I get to my review I just want to say that it is not the exact phone in the pictures above but, it’s really close.
The keys on the front have been changed a little. The directional dial is wider but, looks to be about the same height.

Before this I had a Motorola Q which I had for almost 2 years, so that’s what I’m kind of comparing it to.

Pros:
+Processor �" a lot faster than my Q was. +Switching between screen modes is fast.
+Keyboard �" bigger and easier to use.
+Windows Mobile 6 �" Word, excel, power point and PDF reader.
* You can edit Word, Excel documents, but can’t create new ones.
+2mp camera �" You still need really good +light but, it takes decent photos. Better options, easier to change settings.
+USB connectors �" Any mini usb cable/charger will work.
+Size �" Feels more like a phone than a pda, until you slide out the keyboard.
+Up to an 8gig Micro SDHC card.
+Use any mp3/wav/wma as a ringtone or sound.
+Ringers are loud.
+Good Call quality

Cons:
-Battery door/back cover could fit better.
-Pouch that comes with it is just cheap.
-No headphone Jack, Has USB splitter cable for it, but who uses a wired headset anymore.
-Voice dialing �" Doesn’t have voice recognition. You must train it for each name/number.

Notes:
I’ve heard complaints about battery life, but after a few days of use and some adjustments I get several days of use.
I cut the backlight brightness setting to 4 out of possible 10 and it’s still easy to read
I check my pop mail account every 30 minutes and also get push mail from my office exchange server.
I turn Bluetooth off when I’m not using it, as it’s easy to turn it on and off when needed.

I’ve heard complaints about lock ups. This only happened to me once but, I found opening and closing the keyboard fixed the issue. Never had to remove battery.

I’ve been very happy with this phone so far.

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User Review: Awesome Phone (VZW SMT5800 Version)

Sun, 27 Jan 2008 21:22:19 GMT

crsa3000 submitted this review of the HTC 5800 / Fusion / S720:

Overall rating: 4.5 (out of 5)

This phone is an excellent phone. As stated in reviews below it's more like a Phone with smart phone capabilities and not a PDA with the phone capabilities. The call quality on this version is great (VZW Albuquerque, NM). I have had a Motorola E815 (which is one of the highest rated phones) for the last 3 years so it was a very hard choice to make since I was replacing a very good phone.

Pros:
Great Call quality in my area (VZW Abq, NM)
very fast EVDO Speeds
Easy Navagation
Windows Mobile 6 outlook integration
Windows Media Player
Location if expandable memory is easy to get to
Good Camera (for a phone)
compact form factor
no touch screen (for me this is a pro)
ability to charge via Microusb

Cons:
Front buttons are a little small for large fingers (But I did get used to it)
battery does not hold a charge very long when doing a lot of Internet activity (but it can be recharged easily)

Overall I do give this phone a 4.5 out of 5 as it has kept me very happy over the last month of owning it and I have no intentions of returning it. The call quality is much better than I expected since I read some conflicting opinions. Excellent for someone who needs the PDA support that does not want something very large.

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User Review: WOW111

Fri, 25 Jan 2008 19:34:17 GMT

pede23 submitted this review of the HTC 5800 / Fusion / S720:

Overall rating: 4 (out of 5)

Wow... (Cons) What can I say about the 5800. Or should I say where do I start. The phone isn't bad but to me its not great. Is it me or does everyone have this really bad problem with your phone freezing up like crazy. Today my phone froze while my phone was ringing. I'm like what in the heck is going on. I just had to take my battery out for like 2 mins so it would start "working" again. And now the battery... WooooooooooooW... This battery is the worst than the my wing I have with t-mobile. My standard battery doesn't even make it to lunch. If I leave at 9:00 am. It won't make it to 1:00 pm. So I invested in a extended life battery. I paid $65 for it after tax and It does an aw some job until the point I can go the whole day and still have to bars left. (I'm a heavy user if you couldn't tell...lol). Now its time for some PROS!!!! With qwest the Internet is good on my phone and my phone does take good pics and vids. The menu isn't to tricky to get down and I like how you can hide stuff from your front page. My phone all around its okay. Just HTC could have made a few smaller improvements before letting this phone come out.

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User Review: VZW - SMT5800

Sat, 12 Jan 2008 01:27:04 GMT

cjhedinger submitted this review of the HTC 5800 / Fusion / S720:

Overall rating: 4 (out of 5)

As a long time PDA phone user, I was (am?) leery about “downgrading” from the Windows Mobile Professional Edition to the Standard Edition. My reasons for switching were basically due to the fact that I was looking for a more effective (for me) form factor. After carefully thinking this through over the past few months, I deduced that as long as I can continue to check my corporate Email, sync my calendar, and sync contacts ‘live’, I would still be functional on the road. My goal in the form factor was to have something more ‘phone friendly’ but yet I still needed the full QWERTY. I mostly used the DPAD and programmed buttons to navigate through my XV6700 but the touch screen was always there for me when I needed it. My carrier is Verizon and I have no intention of switching. If you are reading this, then you are likely familiar with Phonescoop and understand the choices I faced as a VZW user. I will spare you the details of the flip flop process of elimination I went through.

Pros (for me)
Small Phone �" slightly larger than a typical folded clamshell phone. Virtually unnoticeable in my pocket.

Design �" I like it.

Navigation is an easy transition �" buttons are oriented logically (although I will probably reach for a stylus for at least 6 more months)

Phone Functions �" This is more like a Phone with PDA functions while I am used to a PDA with a phone in it. Maybe the novelty will wear off, but its kinda neat having a phone again.

Yes you can open Word, Excel, PDF's with this phone and perform some edits out of the box. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise

Cons
Not Windows Mobile Professional OS! Obviously not a show stopper for me since I was prepared for it when I bought it, but if a Pro version of this design is ever produced (for VZW), I would buy it tomorrow.

What is up with HTC and this new “dovetail cable” for the charger / wired headset adapter contraption?

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User Review: HTC-5800

Sun, 26 Aug 2007 22:23:47 GMT

kibbee submitted this review of the HTC 5800 / Fusion / S720:

Overall rating: 4.5 (out of 5)

The phone itself is pretty darn good. An advancement for Qwest to carry this phone from previous selections. I have had the phone for a short amount of time and I am pleased with the performance.

Pros:
Slender mode
Battery seems good so far
I like the clarity that I get on a conversation
Easy navigation
Good mp3 player and bluetooth stereo/data transmission
Tons of applications for this phone,
http://www.handango.com/SoftwareCatalog.jsp?platformId=11&osId=1069&siteId=1&N=4294912140
No touch screen
I like the button lock feature

Cons:
T9, nuf said
No WiFi with this phone, though the outside of the box tells that it does. Did Qwest turn this function off?
No docking cradle for this phone like the PPC6700 or the new Mogul

Overall I give the phone a 4.5 of 5, because the phone offers almost all of what I like and has additional capacity for other needs. All in a small package.

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User Review: Excellent phone

Mon, 20 Aug 2007 18:14:17 GMT

ishan submitted this review of the HTC 5800 / Fusion / S720:

Overall rating: 4.5 (out of 5)

I've had this phone for a few days now and I absolutely love it. It's quick to open programs and switch from number pad to QWERTY keybaord. All the features work really well.
Windows Mobile 6 is a really nice interface - it's easy to get around and find what I'm looking for, although some of the more in-depth options can be a little burried.

The only issues I have with this phone are not with the phone istelf: The case is too tight - I'm trying to expand it slightly so it doesn't kill my battery by the end of a single day by constantly pressing buttons down, and I have yet to figure out how to turn off T9 (predictive text) by default. It's easy to do for each field, but I wish it wouldn't come on at all.

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User Review: Qwest Fusion

Mon, 20 Aug 2007 00:48:43 GMT

eKsiSLe submitted this review of the HTC 5800 / Fusion / S720:

Overall rating: 5 (out of 5)

Love this phone it looks way bigger than it actually is it does everything that my old typhoon does and more I would recommend this phone to anyone who wants a smart phone on the cdma network!!!! much better than the Q

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User Review: Good PDA, not great, good

Sat, 18 Aug 2007 17:26:33 GMT

Orizon Telus submitted this review of the HTC 5800 / Fusion / S720:

Overall rating: 3.5 (out of 5)

Just brouth this phone 2 days ago and this is what I think about this phone :

Con

-Pease, put voice signal on this phone!! I was alwais using voice signal on my KRZR and I brought this particulary expencive phone... and it dont have this basic fonction..

-When sliding the keypad, the phone is kinda slow to responce. The P4000 is alot faster than his litle brother.

-Well... the phone is kinda slow. My BlackBerry 7130 is a LOT faster than this phone for what ever I do to it.

-T9 just in english. For you its not realy a problem... but in french so i alwais have to use qwerty keypad.

-2 days i got this phone and it freezed 3 time alreay. Haaa, good old windows

Pro

-I love the Window mobile 6 interface. I would like to do more modification on the main menu but overall its a cool interface.

-Fair signal... i say fair

-Good battery life... the HTC original pouch who come whit the phone is too tight and alwais keep the phone on by pressing the keypad... so i keep the phone in my good old pocket.

-Size. The size of this phone is actualy perfect, not too small not too big, just perfect.

-Realy good 2mp camera. No zoom but you can zoom after the shot.

Overall, its realy cool smartphone, easy to use, good mp3 player, but like all other phone some small thing to change.

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