HTC’s new slogan may be “quietly brilliant”, but the news we got out of Taoyuan yesterday was anything but quiet. After being inundated in HTC Android news yesterday, a bit of clarification is welcome. Engadget is reporting a leak, from a reliable source (the same ones who gave us accurate, advance details on the HD2, apparently) that the previously-leaked Passion is one and the same as yesterday’s Bravo. The difference? Branding.
What this means is we can firm up the spec sheet for both handsets. Right now it looks like both will sport:
- 3.7″ AMOLED Capacitive Touchscreen (with likely 800×480 resolution)
- 1 GHz Snapdragon Processor
- 256MB RAM
- 512MB ROM on-board storage (~256MB free for apps)
- 5MP Camera with flash and 720p video capture
- Optical Sensor instead of trackball (Bravo only?)
From there, it looks like it will sport the usual requisites: WiFi, 3.5mm headphone jack, Android 2.0/2.1, and MicroSD. However, the two handsets will have different branding, but here’s the twist: they may both be headed for the States.
Sprint’s Passion for Android?
The Passion appears to be the CDMA variety, and that implies a US release. Original reports put this device with Verizon, but I think they’re overlooking an obvious design resemblance:
Gray plastic body? Check. Curvy top and bottom edges? Check. Extra-large trackball? Check. Top-Aligned Mesh Speaker? Check. With flagging Palm Pre sales, Sprint would be wise to pick up this top-of-the-line Android handset.
Bravo, another Droid?
Just because the Passion is CDMA, doesn’t necessarily mean the Bravo will be GSM. Granted, the Bravo is slated for a European release, but a CDMA version for the States can’t be ruled out at this point. This would bring Verizon’s “Droid” count to 3, and position it above the MotoDROID, with a faster processor, optical scroll sensor, and Sense UI.
Then again, if it’s GSM, that gives T-Mobile and AT&T the option of picking it up. As we’ve discussed before, T-Mobile’s Android lineup is already crowded. I wouldn’t rule out a T-Mobile release. The Bravo easily bests all of T-Mobile’s current Android offerings, and could allow them to retire the MyTouch 3G. However, if AT&T were to join the Android revolution, the Bravo/Hero combination would give the Death Star customers two options for Android, one budget, and one premium.
No matter which way you slice it, 2010 will be an exciting year for Android fans.
