In the month of October, HTC launched three Windows Phone 7 handsets, one of which was the HTC 7 Mozart that offers surround sound experience for video and audio playback. The phone is powered by 1GHz Snapdragon processor by Qualcomm which powers a 3.7-inch screen packing 480×800 pixels and an 8 mega-pixel camera at the back with Xenon flash that shoots 720p video.
This model from HTC has focus on high fidelity audio and offers SRS WOW HD – an audio enhancement feature that makes the sound wider and provides great bass to the music you hear. Compared to the HTC HD7 and 7 Trophy, the Mozart is smaller in size, but has better camera (8MP vs 5MP).
This HTC handset comes with built-in 8GB of internal storage so you will be stuck with that capacity forever. On the front of the handset, you will find Back, Menu and Search buttons that look very smart and elegant. On the top, you will find a 3.5mm headphone jack and power button. It feels great and sturdy in the hands, thanks to its brushed aluminum casing.
User Interface
People who have used Windows Mobile 6.x devices in the past will find the interface to be radically different from what they are used to. Old users will not find boring Windows 2000-like menus since the HTC 7 Mozart boasts a world of titles and gorgeous typography. The home screen is dynamic and is always changing showing you live information from your contacts and pictures stored in your handset. The new Windows Phone 7 lets you pin applications, contacts, Internet shortcuts and so on. You can re-arrange them if you like by simply long-tapping them and then dragging them to their new place. Applications that are not pinned are stored in a separate screen which can be accessed by a simple right swipe.
To install applications on your Windows Phone 7 device, you will need to open the Marketplace app. To login, all you need is a Windows Live account. Facebook functionality is built right into the device. “People” application is essentially, the Facebook. If you scroll to the right, you will be able to see your friends’ updates and comments.
Call Quality is really good on the Mozart, almost at par with the iPhone 4. In my tests, voice quality was great at both ends.
Internet
All Windows Phone 7 devices come with “Internet Explorer for Mobile” application. Loading speeds are pretty good and pages render correctly, just as they do on a desktop. Pinch-to-zoom and tap browsing functionality is also available. In other words, no complaints in this department.
Camera
I found the camera quality a bit better than the one found on the iPhone 4. However, I do miss the touch-to-focus I enjoy on my iPhone 4. That said, auto-focus works well.
Flash works well and is bright enough to evenly lit a dark room. As said earlier in this review, the HTC 7 Mozart shoots 720p video as well. Frankly speaking, it does not even comes close to the one found on the iPhone 4.
Battery Life
It comes with a 1300mAh Lithium-ion battery and HTC claims that it can give you up to 330 minutes with 435 hours of standby time. I barely got a full day with moderate usage which involved 30 minute web surfing via Wi-Fi, 30 minute web surfing via 3G, an hour of calls and few messages.
Conclusion
Even though Windows Phone 7 has a long way to go, this HTC device has really impressed me. I loved the live tiles and its unique user interface. The camera produces great pictures but so-so videos. So, would I recommend getting one? Yes, definitely!