Two weeks ago when I told you to ask me anything about the HTC EVO 4G LTE, I got some really good questions. I tried to answer some of the best ones (here, here, here, and here), but I realize that there are some pretty good questions that are still unanswered. So, if your question was one of the unlucky ones not to get a formal answer from me yet, don't worry: as we continue to cover all things EVO, we'll touch upon some of those important issues that you brought up in greater depth, such as multi-tasking, unlocking, more in-depth battery testing, etc. I want to devote entire articles to some of these topics, as they're just too big to answer in a quick Q&A format.
That being said, several of you asked me about whether or not the rumors of simultaneous voice calling and 3G data were true. I'm happy to announce that they are!
To make sure that everything was set up just right, I double- and triple-checked that LTE and WiFi were both off before making a call and doing this speed test. Unlike all previous EVOs, which drop the 3G data connection (and the icon in the notification bar), the EVO 4G LTE keeps a steady 3G connection. Data speeds also don't seem to suffer one bit while on a call.
I've already mentioned that connectivity on the EVO 4G LTE is awesome in general; it usually picks up a stronger signal than my EVO 3D on both the cellular network or any surrounding WiFi networks. Additionally, mobile data speeds are consistently 300-500kbps faster on the EVO 4G LTE than on the EVO 3D, even when the devices are side-by-side.
This is one little-touted but much-appreciated feature on the EVO 4G LTE, and I hope Sprint and HTC will continue the trend in any and all future CDMA-compatible EVO devices.
I think it isn’t advertised more prominently because it may not work as well in all areas, but that’s par for the course with any cellular tech. It doesn’t strictly depend on anything new being implemented network side tho, it’s just based around the hardware on the phone (the Thunderbolt had two CDMA radios to accomplish this, possibly the case here). Very cool feature, I’m psyched to have it.
Is there any official reason for the better connections such as a different type or design for the Antenna?
Also, some who are focused on the aesthetics of the phone have poked fun at the plastic element on the rear of the phone. If that element is in any way responsible for the better reception, I welcome it.
I certainly prefer function over form… and I view my phone as a tool not as a fashion accessory.
Peace. My name is Powerful, and here is my comment/ question for you: With the Original HTC Evo 4g, when it came to sending text/ picture messages, or video/ mms messages, the set limit was 2mb. On the HTC Evo 4G 3D, that set limit was lowered to 1mb. What is, or what will be the set limit on the HTC Evo 4g LTE for text/ picture messages and Video/ mms messages. Your response is greatly appreciated. Peace.
I suspect the unpopular removable plastic piece on the top is indeed to blame for the better reception.
AWESOME!!.. I am for one miss the simultaneous use of both Data & Voice from my Evo 3D.
I’m very glad that this feature is there for the EVO 4G LTE.
I can’t wait to actually get it now
This is great! And what’s even greater is that I just got my tracking number!!!
Any chance of getting some pictures, taken with the camera? I know you posted before, with the One S, but I’m curious if the LTE takes similar/better photos.
Finally a piece of news that actually causes joy to potential buyers of this phone. To me, the fact that it actually may cause sprints 3g to actually work at all now makes this phone much more appealing. Please continue to update us on the 3g speeds. Thank you!!
While data and voice at the same time sound like a great feature I haven’t ever felt the need to use both at the same time. If I’m talking to someone the phone is against my head making it a little hard to go online.
I do wonder if others will report the same increase in 3G speeds. They have been horrible for me with my OG EVO, many times reverting to 1X. With my contract nearing an end, this improvement in speeds would significantly change my inclination to dump Sprint and move to AT&T to get the One X.
Well that is what kickstand and speakerphone is for:-)
As cool as the feature is I don’t have the need to use both at the same time either. If I could pull even 1mbps like the screen shot I’d be all over the lte evo. I’m loving the switch over to Verizon but I want a one x/Evo lte style phone and the only thing coming over is the incredible 4g which looks horrible both specs and build quality. There is however a rumor of a Htc phablet coming over to Verizon with a 5 inch screen and a 1080p display in the fall.
Those who don’t know ATT spent almost a year publicizing this feature on their network showing people on the phone and surfing the web. You don’t think how often you would use it but you actually use it more than you think. Uses: On the phone and using navigation, browsing the web and on a call, receiving/sending an MMS message on a call, checking your email on a call, updating your Google Play apps on a call, getting missed calls voicemails while on a call and I’m trying to think of more?
Lol, I think this is just awesome and a selling point for sure! There are plenty of times I’m out and my friends and I are trying to decide on going to see a movie or show and I am like I have to get off to use my internet and then I call you back. Now I’ll be able to take charge and do it on the phone with them there. That saves me time and I’m sure it will save some business people money so well worth it.
5th
interesting…. so it has 2 cdma radios?
I wonder if It would work for me as far as increased speeds.
So if it does have 2 cdma radios, does that mean theyre on all the time and could say use both radios to increase data speeds?
Gorilla Glass or Gorilla Glass 2 ? Will this phone need a screen protector? Or Full body ? I spoke w/ Zagg today and they have them ready to go…but couldn’t tell me if I needed one based on if it had gg1 or gg2. Anyone weigh in on it ?
Thanks John.. if that’s the case I love that plastic piece!
Scruff my understanding is G Glass or G Glass 2, either can get micro scratches.. I’ve never used any protection on my OG EVO and i’m more than pleased, so I’m sure I’ll never use one with my LTE EVO.
I’m not sure it’s confirmed that is has to radios, only that would be a tech solution that might be responsible.. is there any other ways this could work (firmware or software?
I know samw here I’ve been on the phone before and had to say lets hang up so I can look it up not any more.
AT&T is a GSM provider. GSM does not suffer from this. Sprint, however, is a CDMA provider. A single CDMA radio cannot do both voice and data simultaneously. Really, the only way around it without changing the underlying protocol, is to install two CDMA radios into the handset.
Will the 2 cmda radios drain the battery faster
When I run 4g in Atlanta it pulls the battery down faster and causes the phone to heat and if pluged up causes the phone to over heat
There arent 2 CDMA radios; there are two separate chips – one that is for 1xRTT voice, and one that is a combined CDMA/LTE chip. Previously, 1xRTT and CDMA were on the same chip, which was why it would not work simultaneously … at least that is how I understand it!
Didn’t know simultaneous voice and data was a big deal.
Tested my Samsung Epic 4G Touch, and it’s capable of this.
Come to think of it, my Evo 4G wasn’t.
I guess it’s a Manufacturing issue, in this case, an HTC issue, and not a Sprint issue.
Samsung has this capability for a while I guess.
I don’t know what chips are involved to enable simultaneous voice and data.
But it appears HTC was behind the 8 ball, enabling their devices to be capable of this.
totally awesome. Have been using this feature on my EVO 4G from day one because I have always had 4g in Chicago. Very cool feature, use it all the time!
Is there any known way to enable 3G Data + Voice Calling simultaneously on a rooted Evo 4G?
I guess the real test is getting one lte evo in hand ,Ive had the X one in hand its sweet
I don’t know if Sprint has them on display yet …
Thanks john for the info …
Same with the LG Optimus Elite on Sprint. It has to do with the new Qualcomm chipset which separates the 1xRTT radio from EVDO.
Quite a few of us use bluetooth devices and/or the speakerphone. Its called multitasking.
It’s the network the device is on.
AT&T iPhone — GSM — simultaneous voice/date
Verizon iPhone — CDMA — no s-v/d
Sprint iPhone — no s/v/d
Sprint Androids — no s-v/d
T-Mobile Androids — GSM — s-v/d
It’s not a manufacturer issue. Sprint’s OG EVO **could** do s-v/d if you were using 4G, as could any Verizon Android. But who the heck had 4G with Sprint? Like . . . 12 people?
I agree with you Robbie, I am in Pennsylvania and have 4G too simultaneous data and voice all the time. My OG EVO is still rockin. Will upgrade eventually but not anytime soon. Excited though about the new EVO.
No, it’s not. I have the Epic Touch, and it can’t do this on 3G. It can do it on Wi-Fi. It can do it on 4G. But not on 3G. No Sprint Android smartphone could, apparently until EVO LTE.
No.
Did you used to work at RadioShack?
Can I just put my current microSD card from my EVO 4G into my new phone today when it comes. Reinstall the games etc and have my places saved on say angry birds since it saves to SD right?
I really hate to be a jerk…but, you have had to of screwed something up.
Voice & 3G should not work together. All CDMA networks in the US are Rev A. Rev A does not support simultaneous voice and data. This was implemented into Rev B. No carrier has updated towers to Rev B and Sprint has no plans to do so considering LTE.
From a infrastructure and physics standpoint, you should not be able to have 3G and voice on your 4G LTE. Double check your connectivity.
I remember them doing the same with the HTC Thunderbolt. The radio firmware was modified to make sure that it can do voice and data simultaneously in certain situations (i.e. browsing while a call is active), but with the way CDMA works, I’d imagine that the data rates would be drastically reduced, and possibly very unreliable. CDMA was never designed to work like this, and it is probably smart that Verizon won’t advertise this feature as a benefit…
No, it works – it is not due to any update on the network end, but a separate chipset that separates 1xRTT (voice) and CDMA (3G data). It definitely works, and others can verify after receiving their handsets today!
I think I have dug to the bottom of it. Rather than complying with Rev B and updating accordingly, there is another work around (read: not as efficient).
The Evo probably uses SVDO which incorporates either 2 physical radios or software equivalent to connect both 1xRTT end EV-DO channels at the same time.
john!! thanks!!!