Android Tablet Update

Welcome to our regular buyer’s guide column where we break down each carrier to let you know about current promotions and pick the best devices. Each week we rotate between the big four US carriers, so that each buyer’s guide gets refreshed every month. Read on for Sprint’s best devices and deals.

Current Promotions and News

Amazon’s Spring Into Sprint: We already mentioned it earlier this month, but Amazon has all Sprint 4G phones on sale for only $0.01 as part of their Spring Into Sprint promotion.

HTC EVO 3D for free: Sprint is now offering the HTC EVO 3D for free when you open a new line with Sprint or add a line to your account.

Sprint Data Storm Sweepstakes: Sprint announced a new contest called the Data Storm Sweepstakes, where they are giving away 30 free Galaxy Nexus smartphones. Enter once daily through 4/5.

Free Code Factory for the blind: Sprint announced the Code Factory applications will be available for free (typically costs $99 on Google Play) for postpaid Sprint customers with Android 2.1+ smartphones activated on a monthly service plan that includes data, such as the Everything Data plan starting at $79.99. Code Factory is a series of apps for people who are blind or visually impaired and for elderly individuals or those who cannot read print on smartphones because of physical, perceptual, developmental, cognitive or learning disabilities.

Sprint terminates Spectrum Hosting Agreement with LightSquared: Sprint had signed a deal with Lightsquared to offer LTE coverage over their 1.6 GHz spectrum, but now it’s dead. “Due to these unresolved issues, and subject to the provisions of the agreement, Sprint has elected to exercise its right to terminate the agreement announced last summer.” Sprint still plans to launch their own 4G LTE network with their own spectrum this summer.

Enhanced 3G coverage: Since last month Sprint announced enhanced 3G coverage in St. Louis, Atlanta, and Michigan.

More deals and offers: Sprint doesn’t have many current promotions, but follow them on Facebook and Twitter for future deals.

Samsung Epic 4G Touch

Best Android Phone: Galaxy S II Epic 4G Touch

Not much has changed since last time. I said it back in October when I first reviewed the phone and the same thing still holds true; The Samsung Galaxy S II Epic 4G Touch is easily the best Android phone on Sprint.

Sprint still sells the Epic 4G Touch for $199 with 2-year contract, but Amazon has it on sale for only $0.01.

There is a reason Samsung has already sold 20 million of their Galaxy S II series. The Super AMOLED Plus display is unmatched among Android phones and the dual-core 1.2 GHz Exynos processor is still one of the fastest around.

Samsung has already said the Galaxy S II will receive Android 4.0 in the coming months, so this device will continue to improve with new software updates.

I’ve already recommended this device to several close friends and they have all been very pleased with their purchase. If you want to know more about the device, just check out our full review.

Best Android Phone with Keyboard: None

Sprint currently lists nine Android phones on their website with physical keyboards, but I can’t in good faith recommend any of them. Their only high-end phone with a keyboard is the Samsung Epic 4G, which came out almost two years ago. That device will not be upgraded to Android 4.0 and you want to avoid it.

We only like to suggest smartphones with the latest versions of Android, or those that we believe will be updated soon. If you really want a keyboard phone, I’d just wait till Sprint announces their new spring lineup.

ZTE Optik

Best Android Tablet: ZTE Optik

Let me repeat what I said in our previous buyer’s guide. Because of the current data plans, I’m not a huge fan of carrier branded Android tablets. However, if you need an Android tablet with wireless connectivity, then the ZTE Optik should be your pick.

Sprint currently sells the Optik for $99 with 2-year agreement, so you won’t break the bank on this purchase. A monthly data plan is required, but Sprint has some affordable options. Sprint offers four plans designed specifically for tablets, starting at $19.99 for 1GB of data, $34.99 for 3GB of data, $49.99 for 6GB of data, and $79.99 for 12GB of data.

Highlights of the ZTE Optik include 3G data connection, Android 3.2 Honeycomb OS, 7-inch touchscreen display with WXGA 1280×800 resolution, dual-core 1.2 GHz Snapdragon S3 processor, dual cameras, 1 GB RAM, 16 GB storage, WiFi, GPS, Bluetooth 2.1, expandable memory slot, and 4000 mAh Lithium-ion battery.

We don’t know if this device will receive Android 4.0 yet, but it was just released in February. Hopefully Sprint supports it with at least one major software upgrade.

HTC EVO 3D

Best Android Phone on a Budget: HTC EVO 3D

Last month we recommended the HTC EVO Design 4G, but now that Sprint has the HTC EVO 3D for free we are switching our pick.

The EVO 3D is a great Android phone that features a 4.3-inch 3D qHD touchscreen and dual 5-megapixel auto-focus cameras on the rear that can capture Full HD 1080p video in 2D as well as 3D video at HD 720p. It also includes a dual-core 1.2 GHz Snapdragon S3 processor, 1 GB RAM, 4 GB internal storage, and an 8 GB microSD card.

Currently the EVO 3D still runs Android 2.3, but HTC has stated it will receive an upgrade to Android 4.0 in the future.

Check out Nick’s HTC EVO 3D review for more details.

HTC One X

What’s Coming Next: HTC Jet (One X)

If you don’t mind waiting another month, I would suggest holding out for one of Sprint’s first LTE phones.

The Samsung Galaxy Nexus has already officially been announced for Sprint and a registration page is up, but we still don’t have a release date yet. Rumors suggest the Galaxy Nexus could be available around April 15th.

Also coming soon is a device codenamed HTC Jet, which we believe is Sprint’s version of the HTC One X. Sprint and HTC are holding a press event on April 4th, so we should have more details in a couple weeks.

The HTC One X will have a better camera and faster processor than the Galaxy Nexus, so it should eventually become our top pick. However, rumors suggest this HTC device might not be in stores until June 10th.

The LG Viper 4G LTE was also announced as coming soon, but we see no special reason to suggest this device when compared to the Samsung Galaxy Nexus and HTC One X.

Sprint will launch their LTE network in the first half of 2012, so we should get a release date for these phones in the coming months. Dallas, Atlanta, Houston and San Antonio are expected to be among the first markets to benefit from Sprint’s 4G LTE and improved 3G coverage.

Feedback

Our hardcore audience lives and breaths Android, so most of them already know what device they want to buy next. However, I realize that for most of the public, reading our blog is like trying to read Swahili or some other foreign language. The purpose of these guides is to try and help the average consumer.

I ask for your help by sharing this guide with your friends on Sprint and leaving suggestions in the comments below.

If you have been thinking about making a switch to Sprint’s unlimited data and awesome prices, now might just be the right time to do it. Amazon is holding a special sale this month, offering all Sprint 4G devices for a mere penny.

The offers starts today, and extends until March 26th. You might not want to wait too long before taking advantage of this, though. Those that sign up before the 19th will get their activation fee waived, saving you a cool $36. As expected, this offer is only available for new customers. Upgrades and added lines will add some cash to your device’s price tag.

But if you are near the end of your contract or plan on switching to Sprint, this is a great chance to get a good deal on some of those high-end devices. Options include the Samsung Galaxy S II Epic 4G Touch (black and white versions), the HTC EVO Design 4G, the HTC EVO 3D, the Samsung Nexus S 4G, the HTC EVO Shift 4G and the Motorola Photon 4G, as well as a bunch of other devices that are not worth getting when all of these bad boys are going for the same price.

If interested, just check out the links below and sign up for your free phone!

Get your free phone

Link: Samsung Galaxy S II Epic Touch 4G
Link: Samsung Galaxy S II Epic Touch 4G (White)
Link: Samsung Nexus S 4G
Link: HTC EVO 3D
Link: HTC EVO Shift 4G
Link: HTC EVO Design 4G
Link: Motorola Photon 4G

Welcome to a new weekly column where we break down each carrier to let you know the best devices and current promotions. We have already posted our Verizon Buyer’s Guide and T-Mobile Buyer’s Guide, and now it’s time for Sprint. Each week we will rotate between the big four US carriers, so that each buyer’s guide gets refreshed every month. Read on for Sprint’s best devices and deals.

Current Promotions and News

Sprint board rejects bid to buy MetroPCS: Details are still coming in, but it appears that Sprint was hours away from a deal to acquire MetroPCS. Apparently CEO Dan Hesse signed off on the deal, but then Sprint’s executive board rejected it. Either Hesse is on the way out or Sprint is going to make some major changes in the coming months. Head over to The Verge for more details.

New 4G LTE Markets: This month Sprint announced that 4G LTE was coming to Baltimore and Kansas City by mid-2012.

More deals and offers: Sprint doesn’t have many current promotions, but follow them on Facebook and Twitter for future deals.

Samsung Epic 4G Touch

Best Android Phone: Galaxy S II Epic 4G Touch

I said it back in October when I first reviewed the phone and the same thing still holds true; The Samsung Galaxy S II Epic 4G Touch is easily the best Android phone on Sprint. For the third carrier in a row, Samsung takes home the top pick. See a pattern here?

Sprint still sells the Epic 4G Touch for $199 with 2-year contract, but Amazon has it on sale for only $49 for new customers, $119 for adding a line, or $149 for upgrades.

There is a reason Samsung has already sold 20 million of their Galaxy S II series. The Super AMOLED Plus display is unmatched among Android phones and the dual-core 1.2 GHz Exynos processor is still one of the fastest around.

Samsung has already said the Galaxy S II will receive Android 4.0 in the coming months, so this device will continue to improve with new software updates.

I’ve already recommended this device to several close friends and they have all been very pleased with their purchase. If you want to know more about the device, just check out our full review.

Best Android Phone with Keyboard: None

Sprint currently lists nine Android phones on their website with physical keyboards, but I can’t in good faith recommend any of them. Their only high-end phone with a keyboard is the Samsung Epic 4G, which came out almost two years ago. That device will never seen another Android update and you want to avoid it.

We only like to suggest smartphones with the latest versions of Android, or those that we believe will be updated soon. I’d suggest giving the Epic 4G Touch a try to see if you like it or just wait till Sprint announces their new spring lineup.

Best Android Tablet: ZTE Optik

Let me repeat what I said in our previous buyer’s guide. Because of the current data plans, I’m not a huge fan of carrier branded Android tablets. However, if you need an Android tablet with wireless connectivity, then the ZTE Optik should be your pick.

Sprint currently sells the Optik for $99 with 2-year agreement, so you won’t break the bank on this purchase. A monthly data plan is required, but Sprint has some affordable options. Sprint offers four plans designed specifically for tablets, starting at $19.99 for 1GB of data, $34.99 for 3GB of data, $49.99 for 6GB of data, and $79.99 for 12GB of data.

Highlights of the ZTE Optik include 3G data connection, Android 3.2 Honeycomb OS, 7-inch touchscreen display with WXGA 1280×800 resolution, dual-core 1.2 GHz Snapdragon S3 processor, dual cameras, 1 GB RAM, 16 GB storage, WiFi, GPS, Bluetooth 2.1, expandable memory slot, and 4000 mAh Lithium-ion battery.

We don’t know if this device will receive Android 4.0 yet, but it was just released in February. Hopefully Sprint supports it with at least one major software upgrade.

Best Android Phone on a Budget: HTC EVO Design 4G

When I was reviewing the list of Sprint’s budget devices, one clear winner emerged and it was the HTC EVO Design 4G. The reason we are recommending this device is simple; HTC has said it will receive Android 4.0 sometime in early 2012.

The EVO Design 4G is also affordable as Sprint sells it for $99 with 2-year contract. Once again Amazon has cheaper prices selling it for only $0.01 to new customers or add a line, and $49 for upgrades.

Highlights of the EVO Design 4G include a 4-inch qHD display, 1.2 GHz single-core processor, 5 megapixel camera on the back, 1.3 megapixel front-facing camera (capable of HD video chat with Qik) and support for GSM global roaming.

Check out Nick’s hands-on with the EVO Design 4G for more details.

What’s Coming Next

If you don’t mind waiting a couple months, I would suggest holding out for Sprint’s first LTE phone, the Samsung Galaxy Nexus. This was our top pick on Verizon and it will instantly become the top pick on Sprint when it becomes available.

The Galaxy Nexus has already officially been announced for Sprint and a registration page is up, but we still don’t have a release date yet.

Sprint will launch their LTE network in the first half of 2012, so we should get a release date for this phone in the coming months. Dallas, Atlanta, Houston and San Antonio are expected to be among the first markets to benefit from Sprint’s 4G LTE and improved 3G coverage.

The LG Viper 4G LTE was also announced as coming soon, but we see no reason to suggest this device when compared to the Galaxy Nexus.

Feedback

We have long wanted to maintain buyer’s guides for every carrier, but it’s just something we have failed to produce. As one of the most influential sources of Android information on the web, we realize that our opinions are valuable and the average consumer just wants to know what phone they should buy without having to do all the research.

Our hardcore audience lives and breaths Android, so most of them already know what device they want to buy next. However, I realize that for most of the public, reading our blog is like trying to read Swahili or some other foreign language. The purpose of these guides is to try and help the average consumer.

Having said all that, consider this first guide as a rough draft that will continually be updated and improved over time. We would love to hear your feedback on what other sections or information should be added to the next version. Our lead developer Clark has some amazing site features that are coming down the pipe (like the new profiles), and we are committed to this community.

I ask for your help by sharing this guide with your friends on Sprint and leaving suggestions in the comments below.

Since Google’s unveiling of Android 4.0 back in October 2011, the main question most of us want answered is: “When will my phone be updated to Ice Cream Sandwich?” We know HTC is working hard to update as many phones as they can, but there are hardware limitations to take into consideration, not to mention the dreaded fact that service providers must specifically “order” an update for each individual phone.

Jump to the bottom of this page to see if your phone is on the official HTC Android 4.0 update list.

Will my HTC phone be updated to Android 4.0?

Since we don’t work for HTC, we can’t give you an exact answer, but we can make educated assumptions based on the announcements HTC has made. HTC’s first wave of Android updates will bring Ice Cream Sandwich to its phones powered by dual-core Qualcomm S3 processors. The overwhelming majoroty of HTC’s phones running on this chip are already on the update list, and we expect the remaining stragglers to be added shortly.

For a while, we also assumed HTC would be delivering the Android 4.0 update to its phones powered by single-core Qualcomm S2 processors. This assumption was partially confirmed when HTC announced that the Incredible S, Desire S and Desire HD would also be receiving  the update. Since most of the other HTC phones powered by S2 chips feature most of the same components, we expect other US-specific devices to be added to the update list, as well.

While we would like to see Android 4.0 running on all HTC’s devices, those who own phones powered by Qualcomm S1 chips should not expect an Android 4.0 release. HTC has not given us any details about these phones yet, but the fact that Google has chosen to let the Nexus One live out its remain days on Gingerbread should be all the evidence we need. The HTC EVO 4G, Desire and DROID Incredible all share the same basic configuration and would most likely not have enough memory or processing power to run Android 4.0 as smoothly as HTC would like them to.

Latest Android 4.0 update news from HTC

• 02/09/12 - HTC says upgrades to Android 4.0 on track for next month
  HTC announces that the HTC Sensation, HTC Sensation XE and HTC Sensation 4G will all receive Android 4.0 updates before the end of March. The Ice Cream Sandwich update for the HTC Sensation XL will follow shortly after. HTC also adds the HTC Desire HD, HTC Incredible S and HTC Desire S to the official update list.
• 01/22/12 - HTC customer service confirms Android 4.0 update for HTC Flyer coming in Q1
  The title pretty much tells the whole story. When a customer complained to customer service about the Honeycomb update for the Flyer, HTC rep said that he could send it in to be downgraded to Gingerbread or wait for the Android 4.0 update which would be available later in Q1 of 2012.
• 11/07/11 - HTC reveals first wave of devices to get Android 4.0 in early 2012
  HTC names the HTC Vivid, HTC Sensation, HTC Sensation XL, HTC Sensation XE, HTC Rezound, HTC EVO 3D, HTC EVO Design 4G and HTC Amaze 4G as the first phone within its lineup to receive the Androdi 4.0 update “in early 2012.”
• 10/19/11 - HTC excited about Android 4.0, looking into handset upgrade plan
  HTC comments on Android 4.0 and promises updates to as many phones as possible but stressed that their focus will be on “maintaining every phone’s performance and usability first.”

Official HTC Android 4.0 handset update list

• HTC Sensation – March
• HTC Sensation 4G – March
• HTC Sensation XE – March
• HTC Sensation XL
• HTC Rezound
• HTC Vivid
• HTC Amaze 4G
• HTC EVO 3D
• HTC EVO Design 4G
• HTC Flyer
• HTC Desire S
• HTC Incredible S
• HTC Desire HD

HTC handsets expected to receive the Android 4.0 update

• HTC Desire Z
• T-Mobile G2
• DROID Incredible 2
• HTC Rhyme
• HTC Inspire 4G
• myTouch 4G
• myTouch 4G Slide
• HTC Thunderbolt
• HTC Hero S
• HTC Merge
• HTC EVO Shift 4G

This week RadioShack has a big holiday sale that includes over 20 phones for free and they teamed up with Android and Me to give away a few units. Read on for the full details.

RadioShack’s giant free phones sale

Through Wednesday, November 23rd, RadioShack has over 20 different phones from Verizon Wireless, AT&T, and Sprint, all available for free with upgraded or new 2-year contract. Not sure if you are eligible for a free Android phone? Just head over to the RadioShack Upgrade Checker and see if you qualify.

The Prizes: Sprint HTC EVO Design 4G

For the third prize, we are giving away the HTC EVO Design 4G. Highlights of the device include a 4-inch Super LCD qHD display, 5 MP rear camera, 1.3 MP front camera, 1.2 GHz processor, and support for Sprint’s 4G WiMax network.

How to Enter: US Residents Only

To enter the contest, just leave a comment and tell us what you plan to do with your new HTC EVO Design 4G. Since the phone is locked to Sprint, we are limiting the contest to US residents only. Comments are also limited to logged in users to cut down on the spam. Don’t have an And Me account? Join today.

The contest will remain open until Wednesday, November 23rd at 11:59 PM PT. Winners will be announced shortly after midnight.