Review Roundup: Verizon HTC Trophy

Today the Verizon HTC Trophy is available for the first time in stores and so we're starting to see reviews pour in from across the internet. What are the critics saying about Verizon's first, and ridiculously delayed, Windows Phone? Here's the Review Roundup:

CNET

To quote a popular 70s and 80s TV show theme song, "the world don't move to the beat of just one drum. What might be right for you, may not be right for some." The HTC Trophy isn't going to be right for everybody. Certainly, it's not going to vie for the attention of those seeking 4G and dual-core processors, and we wish certain aspects of the phone were better. However, the Trophy also offers the benefit of Zune and Xbox integration, world roaming capabilities, and a user-friendly interface and compact design, making it a good option for those looking for their first smartphone or for someone who doesn't need all the bells and whistles.

If you've been curious about Windows Phone, the best advice we can give is to go into the Verizon store to play around with the Trophy and the software to see if you like it. We think there's plenty to like, but if you disagree, there are alternatives like the HTC Droid Incredible 2 and iPhone. [Overal Score: 7.3]

InfoSync

Verizon's first Windows Phone 7 device has an interesting interface and decent camera performance, but it's not a phone to end all phones. It's 3G, has a mediocre screen, lacking Internet browser, limited battery life, and call quality was not particularly impressive. At the end of the day, the recently released HTC Droid Incredible 2 striked us as a far better HTC phone for Verizon in this class. If you've been eagerly awaiting the HTC Trophy to arrive on The Network, and don't mind the issues we came across, we'll obviously not stop you from making a move. But you're hereby warned. [74% Score]

IntoMobile

Verizon’s first Windows Phone is a solid device that delivers on many fronts. However, the handset may sell to those who are looking for a Windows Phone, not those looking for a feature-packed handset. The most advanced handsets on the carrier run Android and tout dual-core processors or 4G LTE. In that respect, you’re not going to find the best phone running Windows Phone 7 on Verizon.

Those of you who have been waiting for a Windows Phone to land on Big Red will be very happy with the Trophy. It’s sleek, simple, and delivers the Windows Phone goods some of you have been waiting for patiently. The operating system still has a lot of growing up to do to compete with the likes of iOS and Android, but it’s on the fast track to do just that.

This sleek phone packs a powerful punch without knocking a hole in your wallet and that alone may make some consider the Trophy. Then again, there are many new WP7 handsets on the way, so if the Trophy doesn’t do it for you, just wait a couple of months.

If you’re looking for a Windows Phone on Verizon, the Trophy is your only option right now. Fortunately, it’s a darn good phone that’s sure to please.

Neowin.net

For the price of $149.99, the device falls right into the midrange of products currently on the market and that is exactly where it should be. Using the device on a daily basis will be a pleasant experience for most but far from a perfect one too. The shortcomings on this device are noticeable but are not an inhibitor to using the phone. For the first Windows Phone device on Verizon at the price point given, its a worthy choice for the middle of the road crowd. 

PCWorld

As much as I like the Trophy, it is difficult to recommend mainly due to the fact that nothing about the phone makes it stand out from the competition. Even though it is a good WP7 phone, in comparison with other smartphones currently available the Trophy is lacking where it counts. If you bought a Zune, own an Xbox 360, or are married to Office, the Trophy will fit into your life just fine. For those who don't like Bing or don't have a Live account, I suggest skipping the Trophy and looking at Verizon's other offerings, such as the HTC ThunderBolt or the Samsung Charge. [3.5 / 5 stars]

PhoneArena

Honestly, it’s rather disappointing to see that Verizon is recycling a previous model and making the Trophy as its launch Windows Phone 7 handset. Besides its world phone feature, there’s nothing spectacular to set it apart from the other recently released WP7 devices, but its $150 on-contract price makes it an even harder sell at this point. Unfortunately, this is the only solution available to customers who wish to experience WP7 – meaning, you’ll need to accept it for what it is. [7 out of 10]