HTC Thunderbolt Release Date

[Italian Angel]

Spoke to the manager at Best Buy mobile last night. She said pre-orders were going to be tomorrow, and the phone would be on sale between the 14th and the 17th at 249.99 with an upgrade. I also asked about pricing and she said it would stay the same at 29.99. All I know is, is that I'm going tomorrow to pre-order it.

Talked to VZW today to active the POS dog of a BB Curve while I let my D1 (my baby...who I feel like I'm anxiously waiting to getmoved from ICU since dropping it in my coffee today.):icon_eek:

Grilled the chick about new phones, release dates and contract changing including data plans. I got a 29.99 unlimited on top of your minutes. To which I asked - is this a special customer appreciation pricing or is this everyone. She says everyone...

I may be in the market for a new phone...want to make sure its a dual core badboy with an unlocked boot loader...and if not something i can get ASAP (or preorder) then I'll be in search of a D1, as it is the love of my life. Don't tell my husband. :heart::greendroid:

 

[guitarchris123]

Did I say I told ya so yet?

It would've been foolish of Verizon to release the TB within 14 days of iPhone and have them possibly cannibalize each others sales. I mean, if the TB came out the same week as iPhone, the TB would definitely be a bust, and Verizons 4g launch would be hurt somewhat. By spacing them, both products will sell.

I really think some people are over-estimating the demand for the TB though. The Bionic will be the first LTE phone that sells well, simply because of the "droid" branding.

I don't understand how postponing the TB will help it sell more units. I don't think the iPhone and TB would cannibalize each other's sales, even if released on the same day. They appeal to different markets. The iPhone appeals to Apple fanboys and the general public who just wants an easy to use, popular, well-known phone. The TB appeals to those who are more technologically inclined, or really want LTE, or prefer Android to iOs.

At any given time, there are only so many customers out there who are eligible to upgrade, who can start a new contract, or who are willing to pay full price for a phone, right now. They are going to buy a phone when they need it, or wait for something in particular if they are well-informed. I think they would sell roughly the same number of each phone regardless of whether they come out the same day or a month apart. The TB would not hurt sales of the iPhone, it will do fine no matter what (because it has been over-hyped and anticipated for so long), and there are plenty of people out there who don't know any better and would not even consider a non-iPhone, no matter the specs, design, etc. They will probably sell out quickly anyway and go on back-order (judging by the pre-order overload).

Also, I think the TB will sell just as well as the Bionic. Many aren't willing to wait that long just for dual core and MotoBlur and want to upgrade ASAP. If they came out at the same time, I do think the Bionic would win though. And you are right, the "Droid" branding of the Bionic will be a huge advantage for it, marketing-wise.

 

[smokiedabong]

I would love to see Verizon focusing only on the iPhone and leave the other devices alone , maybe then they won't be so crippled by VZ . Apple has only 3% of the global cell phone market and 16% of the smartphone market so it's not like VZ getting the iPhone will affect very much the sales of other Android devices

 

[bladerealm124]

Yeah samsung's updating does suck from what I've heard and as for the UI touchwiz isn't too bad and I'd probably root it anyways but software aside I feel like samsung put a lot more into their hardware. It really pisses me off that htc decided to not put in a micro-hdmi port yet the evo has it which released last year. And I'm concerned about the camera too, htc camera's have always been pretty poor quality compared to the competition. Anyone who's read any comparison reviews/shots of the 5mp camera on the samsung epic knows that it blows the evo's 8mp out of the water and records nicer videos. So I'm almost certain the 8mp on the samsung lte will be worlds better than the 8mp on the tb. Htc seems to skimp on their sensors and it shows. Also anyone who's compared the epic to the evo knows the amoled display makes the evo's lcd look washed out and pretty poor in comparison. I know the thunderbolt will be a great phone but I feel like htc didn't do much more than update the processor on the evo and remove the hdmi port. Still debating but the hardware is making me lean towards the samsung

HTC ThunderBolt does not have an HDMI port, but it will have DLNA and an accessory to hook up to your tv, so it will accomplish the same thing if you want that capability. Not many people use either of those features anyway, at least not very often. The camera sensor on the TB is supposed to be much improved over the Inc and EVO. The screen on the TB (SLCD) is also upgraded from the EVO and Inc, so it won't look as washed out and will be brighter and crisper. Most everything on this phone is an upgrade from the EVO, I don't know why people keep saying it's just Verizon's version of it, they are quite different spec-wise aside from outer appearance.

Do you have a source to back up the claim about the much improved camera sensor? Also although DLNA is great I believe a micro-hdmi port should be standard now, it's in all of verizon's other 4.3" phones releasing this year as well as the evo, it just baffles me that they would have left it out of their first 4g phone.

 

[guitarchris123]

Yeah samsung's updating does suck from what I've heard and as for the UI touchwiz isn't too bad and I'd probably root it anyways but software aside I feel like samsung put a lot more into their hardware. It really pisses me off that htc decided to not put in a micro-hdmi port yet the evo has it which released last year. And I'm concerned about the camera too, htc camera's have always been pretty poor quality compared to the competition. Anyone who's read any comparison reviews/shots of the 5mp camera on the samsung epic knows that it blows the evo's 8mp out of the water and records nicer videos. So I'm almost certain the 8mp on the samsung lte will be worlds better than the 8mp on the tb. Htc seems to skimp on their sensors and it shows. Also anyone who's compared the epic to the evo knows the amoled display makes the evo's lcd look washed out and pretty poor in comparison. I know the thunderbolt will be a great phone but I feel like htc didn't do much more than update the processor on the evo and remove the hdmi port. Still debating but the hardware is making me lean towards the samsung

HTC ThunderBolt does not have an HDMI port, but it will have DLNA and an accessory to hook up to your tv, so it will accomplish the same thing if you want that capability. Not many people use either of those features anyway, at least not very often. The camera sensor on the TB is supposed to be much improved over the Inc and EVO. The screen on the TB (SLCD) is also upgraded from the EVO and Inc, so it won't look as washed out and will be brighter and crisper. Most everything on this phone is an upgrade from the EVO, I don't know why people keep saying it's just Verizon's version of it, they are quite different spec-wise aside from outer appearance.

Do you have a source to back up the claim about the much improved camera sensor? Also although DLNA is great I believe a micro-hdmi port should be standard now, it's in all of verizon's other 4.3" phones releasing this year as well as the evo, it just baffles me that they would have left it out of their first 4g phone.

I agree, both DLNA and HDMI should be standard features on ALL high-end smartphones at this point, it is strange why it does not have both. I'm curious as to the reasoning HTC used in making that choice. Maybe it was a space issue (trying to keep the phone as thin and light as possible). I can't imagine that HDMI is being phased out in favor of DLNA yet, as only newer devices have that capability. Same thing for the charging port (why is it on the side instead of the bottom, not allowing you to charge while using the kickstand horizontally?). That being said, I doubt I will EVER use either feature, and I'm sure that people who do will only do so very rarely. I mean cool, so you can hook your phone up to your tv to show people pictures or videos? Big deal. Are you gonna carry around the HDMI cable with you all the time too? DLNA requires no cables to haul.

I heard about the improved camera from the unboxing video that was posted a few days ago (on here, YouTube, Android blogs, etc.). The TB has a different sensor than was in the EVO and Inc. It is supposed to be better when it comes to low light conditions and motion detection. People should know that Megapixels don't really mean much if you have a crappy sensor in the phone (hence, why certain 5MP cameras looks a lot better than certain 8MP cameras). I am confident the camera on the TB will be a big improvement, and this is a big deal for me (I don't want to have to always carry around a separate camera in certain situations).

 

[bladerealm124]

HTC ThunderBolt does not have an HDMI port, but it will have DLNA and an accessory to hook up to your tv, so it will accomplish the same thing if you want that capability. Not many people use either of those features anyway, at least not very often. The camera sensor on the TB is supposed to be much improved over the Inc and EVO. The screen on the TB (SLCD) is also upgraded from the EVO and Inc, so it won't look as washed out and will be brighter and crisper. Most everything on this phone is an upgrade from the EVO, I don't know why people keep saying it's just Verizon's version of it, they are quite different spec-wise aside from outer appearance.

Do you have a source to back up the claim about the much improved camera sensor? Also although DLNA is great I believe a micro-hdmi port should be standard now, it's in all of verizon's other 4.3" phones releasing this year as well as the evo, it just baffles me that they would have left it out of their first 4g phone.

I agree, both DLNA and HDMI should be standard features on ALL high-end smartphones at this point, it is strange why it does not have both. I'm curious as to the reasoning HTC used in making that choice. Maybe it was a space issue (trying to keep the phone as thin and light as possible). I can't imagine that HDMI is being phased out in favor of DLNA yet, as only newer devices have that capability. Same thing for the charging port (why is it on the side instead of the bottom, not allowing you to charge while using the kickstand horizontally?). That being said, I doubt I will EVER use either feature, and I'm sure that people who do will only do so very rarely. I mean cool, so you can hook your phone up to your tv to show people pictures or videos? Big deal. Are you gonna carry around the HDMI cable with you all the time too? DLNA requires no cables to haul.

I heard about the improved camera from the unboxing video that was posted a few days ago (on here, YouTube, Android blogs, etc.). The TB has a different sensor than was in the EVO and Inc. It is supposed to be better when it comes to low light conditions and motion detection. People should know that Megapixels don't really mean much if you have a crappy sensor in the phone (hence, why certain 5MP cameras looks a lot better than certain 8MP cameras). I am confident the camera on the TB will be a big improvement, and this is a big deal for me (I don't want to have to always carry around a separate camera in certain situations).

I hope the camera is a big improvement as well, I wasn't too impressed by my ex-gf's evo, especially when compared to the 5mp camera on the epic. But I've decided I'm probably going to go with the tb over the samsung lte, mostly for the fact that it'll be out first and I can't wait any longer for a new phone. It also has an aesthetic advantage in my opinion, one of the nicest looking phones I've seen in a while, just hope it doesn't have as many problems as the evo has since it's release, my ex's phone still has numerous issues and freezes constantly even with the latest update.

 

[reb422]

Miami... remember when you said this phone was coming Nov 23? How about it having a 1.2gz processor? Or HDMI port? Or new DirecTV feature? etc. etc. etc. What have you ever offered about this phone that was actually true?

 

[Larry_ThaGr81]

I'm confused here, maybe somebody can shed some light on this situation. My phone line says I'm eligible for an upgrade on 04/03/11. Yet when I click upgrade to select a line, it states that my phone line can upgrade at discounted pricing. So I select my line and get to the phone selection screen and all the phones are showing a 2 year discounted price.

So here is where I can use as many opinions as possible, do you think best buy will be able to honor the upgrade that I can get online despite the phone line saying that I'm eligible on 04/03/11?

 

[shaddix]

I don't understand how postponing the TB will help it sell more units. I don't think the iPhone and TB would cannibalize each other's sales, even if released on the same day. They appeal to different markets. The iPhone appeals to Apple fanboys and the general public who just wants an easy to use, popular, well-known phone. The TB appeals to those who are more technologically inclined, or really want LTE, or prefer Android to iOs.

I agree with you, I do not see how sales will be cannibalized AT ALL, just because they release two devices isn't going to make people buy neither device.

Releasing both phones close to each other can only make verizon more money as the tbolt will take sales from the iphone. The iphone is not going to hurt thunderbolt sales at all..... anyone who wants a thunderbolt is going to get either the tbolt or the bionic.

 

[Larry_ThaGr81]

I don't understand how postponing the TB will help it sell more units. I don't think the iPhone and TB would cannibalize each other's sales, even if released on the same day. They appeal to different markets. The iPhone appeals to Apple fanboys and the general public who just wants an easy to use, popular, well-known phone. The TB appeals to those who are more technologically inclined, or really want LTE, or prefer Android to iOs.

I agree with you, I do not see how sales will be cannibalized AT ALL, just because they release two devices isn't going to make people buy neither device.

Releasing both phones close to each other can only make verizon more money as the tbolt will take sales from the iphone. The iphone is not going to hurt thunderbolt sales at all..... anyone who wants a thunderbolt is going to get either the tbolt or the bionic.

I think Verizon's wants to minimize the chances of people bringing the iphone back and getting a android device instead and vice-versa. Surely the $35 restocking fee will deter some, but for those who are really unsatisfied with there purchase, $35 won't stop them.

So your probably wondering why not the 25th, just outside the 14 day return policy. My guess is they figure they will get the bulk of their sales over the first 4 days.

 

[kodiak799]

I think Verizon's wants to minimize the chances of people bringing the iphone back and getting a android device instead and vice-versa. Surely the $35 restocking fee will deter some, but for those who are really unsatisfied with there purchase, $35 won't stop them.

I could think of probably a dozen reasons for the delay, but that is probably not one of them. VZW doesn't make a profit on these phones - in fact they actually make a profit ($35) on returns!. The issue would only be with a mass amount of returns sticking them with inventory they committed to order from the mfr.

Now, you'd have a point if they had to discount those as used/opened/returned, but of course they don't do that. Heck, this is the same company that will pay you $96 for a mint DX, hit the reset button and then sell it for $99 on 2-yr contract as certified pre-owned! And, actually, that raises an interesting profit strategy (or maybe more accurately, cost minimization) as re-selling a certified pre-owned phone costs them nothing while the new phone (selling for $100 more) costs them perhaps as much as $350.

That could actually be a GREAT thing for consumers as it makes phones more affordable on the low-end while they could offer more frequent upgrades and improve turn for those willing to fork-out $200 - still costs them $350 in subsidy for a new customer but both customers are happier. Think about that - you could get $300 for a DX on EBAY and add another $300 to get a new phone retail, or sell it (even give it) to VZW and pay just $200 for a new phone on contract. You might think this is a problem for the mfrs, but to the extent it has no more impact than EBAY already does it's a wash for the mfr.

 

[Stang68]

Well this is interesting: HTC Thunderbolt Goes Live on Best Buy Site, Without a Firm Release Date - Droid Life: A Droid Community Blog

 

[dbgoolsby]

Preorder the HTC Thunderbolt today at Best Buy for $50 | Android Central

 

[dbgoolsby]

HTC Thunderbolt Goes Live on Best Buy Site, Without a Firm Release Date - Droid Life: A Droid Community Blog

 

[ythot26]

I highly doubt it comes out the 28th. 14th, 17th, or 24th, too much evidence supporting one of those dates and Miamis credibility is iffy.