The HTC ThunderBolt will be the first 4G LTE Android smartphone from Verizon Wireless. Android and smartphone fans have been waiting to find out pricing and details about it. The price is expected to be $249.99 with a launch date of February 24 or later.
Update 02/20/11 9:13 am- A Best Buy document shows that the HTC ThunderBolt is delayed and will release without Skype..
We confirmed from HTC spokesman Keith Nowak that the HTC ThunderBolt is capable of simultaneous 4G data and voice. There has never been any official word from Verizon or HTC that the ThunderBolt can use 3G data and voice at the same time.
Recently, leaked documents suggest that the ThunderBolt may be
able to handle data and voice over 3G, but Verizon does not want salespeople to tell customers about it. Verizon employees were informed that
Verizon "cannot promise the experience will be one that is
consistent with [the] brand" and so are advising sales people to "not
reference this functionality as a benefit during your conversations with
customers."
HTC claims that it is the first phone with integrated video Skype mobile - to any device, from anywhere - no Wi-Fi required via its
front-facing camera.
HTC ThunderBolt is a 4G LTE Android 2.2 smartphone with HTC
Sense,
4.3-inch touchscreen, 1GHz Snapdragon processor, Skype video calling,
mobile hotspots, GPS, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Other features include a
built-in kickstand, Dolby/SRS surround sound, and DLNA support.
It makes sense that the HTC ThunderBolt will come out before the dual-core Droid Bionic because it has a 1GHz processor. Verizon probably will not launch their first LTE phone during the iPhone launch starting February 10. The new Verizon iPhone 4 cannot use voice and data at the same time but will have an unlimited data plan and mobile hotspots option.
Best Buy is already taking preorders for the HTC ThunderBolt without a price or release date. Read more HTC ThunderBolt news.
- Verizon's online exclusive deals.