HTC Magic in-depth review with three HD videos

HTC Magic

HTC Magic

HTC Magic

HTC Magic

HTC Magic

The HTC Magic from Vodafone is the second Android^(INFO) device to hit the market, following on from the T-Mobile G1 (also made by HTC). The Magic is of a similar design to the white version of the G1, but loses the older handset's QWERTY keyboard, in favor of an on-screen solution. The Magic also comes pre-loaded with Android's new 'Cupcake' firmware update, adding features such as the ability to record videos with its 3.2 megapixel camera. We spend some time with the Magic to see if it's got the tricks to be a serious contender in the smartphone market.

Physical Aspects

The HTC Magic is likely to split opinions with its white plastic finish, as it looks somewhat like a bar of soap. Personally, I love the design, as it looks very fresh and doesn't show scratches and fingerprints very easily. Adorning the front of the tablet form-factor is the bright 3.2" capacitive touchscreen display with 320 x 480 pixel (HVGA) resolution. Bright sunlight legibility of the screen was pretty good, though showed up a strange rainbow effect over the display. Below the display are all of the device's hardware keys, save for the volume rocker located on the left side. These keys comprise a 'home' key, 'menu' key, 'back' key, 'search' key, and the usual call send and call end keys. The call end key doubles-up as the device's power key, as indicated by a power icon beneath it.

In the middle of the six hardware keys is the Magic's trackball, similar to that of the Blackberry Pearl devices. This ball can be used to navigate menus, web pages, and such without the need to touch the screen, but in most instances touching the screen is easier. It also has built-in illumination to notify of an incoming call or message. Above the display is the handset's earpiece with a light sensor to the left and a notification LED to the right.

The top and right sides of the HTC Magic are completely bare, and the bottom features only the mini-USB port and microphone pinhole. The rear of the handset features the camera lens for the 3.2 megapixel camera and a tiny loudspeaker grille. In the middle of the rear cover you'll find the 'with Google' logo, a hint as to what lies within. Unfortunately, to access the Magic's microSD^(INFO) slot you have to remove the rear cover, which isn't ideal.

The Magic measures in at 113mm x 56mm x 14mm (4.5in x 2.2in x 0.5in), which makes it slightly smaller than the G1, thanks to the lack of a hardware keyboard. It weighs in 43g less than the G1, at 116g (4.1oz).

Hugo - Calendar @ 7:10:25AM EDT on Wednesday June 10, 2009

Hi
I would very much like to use my google calendar if i buy a HTC Magic. My question is now, if it is possible to have a "offline" version of the goggel calendar on the Magic, or do you have to log on the net every time you want to add somthing to your google calendar?

bushwick @ 12:11:03PM EDT on Wednesday June 10, 2009

I like the phone....What colors does the phone come in? What kind of accesories are going to be available?

Nick @ 8:40:35AM EDT on Thursday July 23, 2009

incomprehensible1!

john kim @ 7:02:21AM EDT on Thursday October 1, 2009

hi i would like to know what is the newest htc mobile phone and is the htc magic better than the htc hero because i want to buy one of them but i don t no which one please help thx