Introduction

It features an Android 2.1 platform with a quick and responsive 1GHz Snapdragon processor. At first glance, the Incredible is reminiscent of the Google Nexus One, also from HTC. The feel of the handset is sturdy and comfortable with its impressively bright and clear AMOLED touch screen display.

It includes an 8.0-megapxel camera with dual LED flash along with a generous 3.7-inch screen to boot. With the addition of an optical joystick, which replaced the trackball, navigation is swift if at times sensitive.

The Incredible offers power and storage for leisure as well as business users in an understated design. The Incredible's compact size makes it ideal for media-lovers and professionals alike.

Design

The Incredible represents HTC's continued refinement of its Droid line, packing in rich features in a smaller, easy-to-carry size. Weighting in at 4.6 ounces, it is light yet feels sturdy with its rubberized back casing. Measuring at 4.63 in long, 2.30 in wide and 0.47 in thick, the handset feels comfortable in hand. With the exception of the volume and power buttons, the Incredible takes a cue from Apple and is void of any protruding buttons.

The front of the phone is flat and smooth, dominated by its 3.7-inch touch screen display. There are four additional touch-sensitive shortcut keys for the standard Home, Menu, Back and Search functions. Unlike the Google's Nexus One, which had missed sensors that "looked" up, the soft buttons on the Incredible are very responsive.

The previous trackball, now replaced by a recessed optical joystick, works much like a computer touchpad, by sliding a finger any direction and pressing down to select an item. The optical area is small and can be a bit sensitive for individuals with large fingers.

The Incredible uses HTC's "Sense" user interface for swiping, tapping and pinching. It has a "swipe-down" to unlock feature which can be a bit confusing, but overall it's very similar to functions on the iPhone.

The virtual keyboard is much improved in accuracy and responsiveness over previous Android devices. With hepatic feedback, users get a slight vibrating response when they press a key, for a better feel. The option can be disabled.

On the back of the phone is the lens to its 8.0-megapixel camera with dual LED flash and external speaker.

The top of the phone contains a standard 3.5mm headset jack along with the power button. The bottom shows a small pinhole that's the microphone. An outlet for the USB cable and charger, regrettably micro-USB, is located to the left of the phone along with the volume up and down button.

The Incredible does have a bit of flare in its red earpiece and bezel ring around the camera lens, but aside from that, it's mostly dark, brooding and black.

This new, more compact design over the HD2 makes it easier to handle during those occasionally in-the-moment photo ops. It fills commutes with fun and entertainment while still looking professional.

Out of the box the HTC Droid Incredible comes with a battery, a USB wall charger and micro-USB cable, but without a stereo headset.

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