HTC Aria Android Phone (AT&T)

by HTC

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 2.1 x 0.6 x 4.2 inches ; 4.6 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B003RCJA6S
• Item model number: Aria
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (75 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #52,003 in Cell Phones & Accessories (See Top 100 in Cell Phones & Accessories)

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

Pocket-sized and packing the power of the Android 2.1 platform, the HTC Aria mobile smartphone for AT&T offers a combination of fast 3G speeds, a responsive capacitive touchscreen display and an optical joystick help you stay in touch on Facebook, Google Talk, Flickr, and more while on the go. Offering an amazingly comfortable design, the HTC Aria weighs less than 4 ounces and measures less than a half-inch thin. The 3.2-inch display is complemented by a seven-panel home screen that provides plenty of screen real estate for apps and widgets.

The Android-powered HTC Aria features a 3.2-inch touchscreen, customizable HTC Sense UI, and AT&T Wi-Fi access across the U.S.

Enabled for use on AT&T's lightning-quick 3G network--with its High Speed Packet Access (HSPA) 7.2 Mbps technology--you'll be able to easily access the Internet as well as quickly download video, music, and more. Additionally, with AT&T's 3G network, you can make a call while simultaneously receiving picture/text messages and e-mail, or viewing Web pages. This GPS-enabled phone can access the AT&T Navigator service for turn-by-turn directions.

With integrated Google technology, the HTC Aria brings one-touch access to the popular Google mobile services millions use every day, including Google Search by voice, Google Maps with Street View, Google Talk instant messaging (with presence capabilities), YouTube, and Picasa. The Aria also provides easy access to both personal and corporate e-mail, calendars, and contacts supported by Exchange Server and Gmail.

Through Android Market, you'll get access to thousands of useful applications, widgets, and fun games to download and install on your phone, with many more apps being added every day. The HTC Aria also includes HTC Sense, a user interface overlay from HTC that offers even more ways to stay connected--including Friend Stream (which delivers Facebook), Twitter, and Flickr updates in a single, consolidated view.

In addition to accessing home and business networks with its Wi-Fi capabilities (802.11b/g), the HTC Aria will also receive AT&T Wi-Fi access at U.S. hotspots (with more than 20,000 U.S. hotspots) included as part of an unlimited data plan. Other features include a 5-megapixel auto-focus camera with video capture capabilities, Bluetooth for hands-free devices and stereo music streaming, 2 GB microSD memory card (with support for optional cards up to 32 GB in size), and up to 6 hours of talk time.

Enjoy easy access to your favorite Google services, including Google Talk, Google Maps, Google Navigation, Gmail, YouTube, and more.

Key Features

• Fast 3G connectivity via AT&T's HSDPA/UMTS network (850/1900 MHz bands; 3.6/7.2 Mbps speeds with network availability).
• Powered by the Android operating system (version 2.1) with deep integration of Google services and access to thousands of apps to customize your phone via the Android Market.
• HTC Sense personalized widgets
• Customizable HTC Scene home screen panels for creating specific home screens with apps for work, play, travel and more.
• Universal search: Simply start typing to begin searching your contacts, applications, Google, Google Maps, Wikipedia and Twitter. Universal search narrows down the possible results as you type, so it's easier to find what you need.
• Wi-Fi networking (802.11b/g) for accessing home and corporate networks as well as hotspots while on the go. Connect for free using one of the over 20,000 AT&T Wi-Fi hotspots nationwide.
• GPS navigation capabilities via AT&T Navigator service includes audible turn-by-turn directions, real-time traffic updates and re-routing options. This phone also includes a digital compass.
• 3.2-inch touchscreen display (320 x 480 pixels) with virtual onscreen keyboard.
• Optical joystick control with PC-like viewing and navigation of the Web with pinch and zoom.
• 5-megapixel auto-focus camera with video capture capabilities.
• Memory expansion via microSD card slot with support for optional cards up to 32 GB (2 GB card included).

  5-megapixel auto-focus camera on the back.

• Bluetooth connectivity (version 2.1) includes profiles for communication headset, hands-free car kits, and the A2DP Bluetooth profile--enabling you to wirelessly stream your music to a pair of compatible Bluetooth stereo headphones or speaker dock.
• Full HTML Web browsing
• Text, picture and video messaging
• Instant messaging is available through AIM, Windows Live, Yahoo!, and Google Talk.
• Push e-mail via Google and Exchange using support for IMAP and POP, MSN Hotmail, Yahoo Mail and AOL Mail.
• Google and corporate calendar supports Exchange 2003 and 2007 protocols.
• Rich mobile multimedia including YouTube, AT&T Music, AT&T Radio, MusicID, MobiTV, and Mobile Video.
• Airplane mode allows you to listen to music while the cellular connectivity is turned off.
• Quickoffice for viewing Word and Excel files
• Security with VPN and SSL plus password enforcement with remote wipe.

Vital Statistics
The HTC Aria weighs 3.9 ounces and measures 2.3 x 4.1 x 0.46 inches. Its 1200 mAh lithium-ion battery is rated at up to 6 hours of talk time, and up to 372 hours (15.5 days) of standby time. It runs on the 850/900/1800/1900 MHz GSM/GPRS/EDGE frequencies as well as AT&T's dual-band 3G network (850/1900 MHz; HSDPA/UMTS).

What's in the Box
HTC Aria handset, rechargeable battery, charger, USB cable, 2 GB microSD memory card, quick start guide, user manual

AT&T Services

High-speed data connectivity via AT&T's 3G mobile broadband data network: The dual-band 850/1900 MHz 3G network provides up to 3.6/7.2 Mbps of download speed, making it possible to enjoy a variety of feature-rich wireless multimedia services, and it gives you the advantage of offering simultaneous voice and data services. Additionally, this phone is also compatible with 2100 MHz 3G networks found in international territories. (For use outside the United States, an AT&T international data plan is recommended.) When traveling outside the U.S., you can enjoy wireless voice coverage in more than 215 countries, wireless data coverage in more than 185 countries, and gain access to ultra-fast 3G mobile broadband services in more than 100 countries. In areas where the 3G network is not available, you'll continue to receive service on the AT&T EDGE network, which offers availability in more than 13,000 US cities and along some 40,000 miles of major highways. Providing average data speeds between 75-135Kbps, AT&T EDGE is fast enough to support a wide range of advanced data services, including full picture and video messaging, high-speed color Internet access, and email on the go.

The full-featured, premium AT&T Navigator GPS application includes audible turn-by-turn directions, real-time traffic updates and re-routing options, and 3D moving maps (additional charges applicable). AT&T Navigator offers several other features to make your commute more enjoyable and reliable, including mobile access to Yellowpages.com. Additionally, AT&T Navigator is the only mobile phone-based GPS service that provides integrated speech recognition for address entry and points of interest search.

AT&T Mobile Music enables you to buy tracks while on the go, access the Napster and eMusic subscription music services, stream music video, discover what's playing with Music ID song-recognition software, and find out what's hot with The Buzz music news portal.

Also Available for This Android Device

	Amazon Appstore for Android Get a great paid app for free every day.		Kindle Buy a book once and read it everywhere with our free Kindle Reading App for Android.		Amazon MP3 Shop 15 million songs and stream your Cloud Drive music directly from your Android device.
	IMDB Find local movie showtimes and TV listings, watch trailers, and search the world's largest source of entertainment information.		Audible Download audiobooks directly to your Android device, then listen wherever you go, get audiobook news, earn badges, and more.		Amazon Mobile Shop for millions of products, get product details, and read reviews--right from your mobile device.

Product Description

Stay connected with this mobile phone that allows you to access your favorite websites or send emails with convenience. The mobile phone also features a built-in GPS system for added convenience. Early Termination Fee $325

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

232 of 232 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is THE Android phone to get if you're on AT&T!, June 29, 2010

By 

D. Matheny (Austin, TX) - See all my reviews
(TOP 100 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: HTC Aria Android Phone (AT&T) (Wireless Phone)

Well, my wife and I have been using our new Aria phones for about a week now. I switched from a Blackberry Bold and she was using a 1st generation iPhone (although hers didn't have any data plan). We also purchased one of the 3G MicroCells from AT&T at the same time - so our cell signal at home is now better than I thought would be possible.

As far as our profiles go: I'm a tech addict - I work at home as a C/C++ programmer and tend to be an early adopter of anything tech related. My wife is kind of the opposite - she relies on me to keep the tech stuff going and tends to resist new technology since she knows it can often be more of a headache than it is worth:).

Fortunately, this phone is working for both of us. The Android OS has been great - although there are some features in the next version (Froyo) that I wish were on this phone already. I spent several hours yesterday figuring out how to 'root' this phone and I did end up getting it done last night. My wife's went a lot faster since I already understood the process.

Here are some things I like about the Aria:
1) The size of the Aria is perfect. It is smaller than either the Blackberry Bold or the iPhone, yet the screen is very usable. This is a very 'pocketable' phone.
2) The touch screen works great. It supports all the common touch controls like zooming, swiping, etc...
3) There is a version of Kindle available for Android! And it works great - I'll still use my Kindle, but this will work when I'm out without it.
4) I like being able to mix programs and widgets on each screen. It took a few days of playing with it, but we both now have our phones setup to work well for us.
5) The text input works well; but, if you decide to root your phone, do yourself a favor and install the latest version of Swype. This has turned out to be an unbelievably great method of inputting text and both my wife and I are loving it for e-mails and texting!
6) The selection of apps available to this phone through the market is great! I've been able to find apps for everything I want, and I'm looking into writing some myself just to see how it works.
7) The voice quality is excellent. When I first started using the phone I would get that 'Wow!' impression every time I talked to someone - even when out of range of the MicroCell.
8) Web browsing is very snappy and easy. This is an area where the Blackberry really sucked, so I'm loving the real browser with Flash.
9) Once I figured out the task switching and status bar at the top, I've found them very useful. On the other hand, I'm not sure my wife will ever take the time to look into those features.
10) I really like that I can get both my personal e-mail (GMail) and work e-mail (Exchange) - and they integrate together very intuitively. I'm using multiple GMail accounts on this phone with no problem.
11) This is one of those phones that really doesn't need a protective case. The back cover is 'rubbery' and easy to grip - and actually seems to be as protective as any additional cover would be. I like the protective cover much more than the decorative cover that comes on the iPhone (that most people end up covering anyway).
12) This phone supports pattern unlocking; which is a much easier form of security than typing a PIN or password. Once again, this is an area where Android comes through against the iPhone. (NOTE: If you connect to Exchange, the pattern unlock feature can be disabled by your Exchange policy - but this can be worked around if you're willing to do some tweaking.)
13) I've been playing around with the voice input for a couple of days and it works great (although it isn't perfect). You can use it anywhere you can enter text - and it just converts your voice to text. I've been alternating between voice input and Swype, depending on whether other people are around who would make fun of me talking to my phone. :)

Things I'm looking forward to:
1) This phone does not support voice dialing through BlueTooth - but the next version (Froyo) does. I am excited to get that feature on this phone.
2) This phone has some nice accessories that seem to be in the pipeline, but they aren't available yet. iPhones, on the other hand, have gobs of accessories available from day one. (My wife wants a red cover for hers so we can tell them apart more easily.)

Things that could be improved:
1) As with any phone, I think we can always wish for better battery life. If I use the phone non-stop through the day (which I did at first), the battery will last an entire day. I can get through about 2 days of normal use without charging. There is an app called 'Advanced Task Killer' in the market that helps with battery life.
2) I wish there was a way to change sound profiles when charging. I found a program called 'Setting Profiles Lite' that does this, but it seems like it should be built into the Android OS like it is in the Blackberry.
3) The contact manager could be improved. When sending a text, for example, it gives the option of every phone number for a contact instead of just mobile numbers...

Anyway, I've probably yammered on enough already; but I really am enjoying this phone. If you're using AT&T, and looking for an alternative to the over-hyped iPhone, then I think this is probably THE phone to get at this point.

100 of 105 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Simply Fantastic, July 9, 2010

By 

Paul A. Tarlow "FusedGlass.Org" (Austin, TX United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: HTC Aria Android Phone (AT&T) (Wireless Phone)

I left iPhone for Android because I don't like the Apple (i.e. Steve Jobs) attitude that they should decide what I need and when I need it. Steve hates Flash so we don't get it. Steve hates widgets so we cannot use them. Steve doesn't want me to use the free, phenomenally cool and exceptionally useful Google Voice that automagically transcribes you voice mail and puts it in my email inbox- so Steve prohibited it from the Apple app store.

That's why I left iPhone. But it isn't why I am staying with Android. Here is why:

- My Android phone is MY phone and I can use it to run whatever software I want. This includes Google Voice. It also includes Flash - which, by the way, is needed for most of the web's video.

- Android is an open platform. That means more competition and that means, ultimately, more (and better) choices for the consumers. If you go with iPhone you have one choice for hardware. If you go with Android, you can pick from a wide variety of features and sizes to get the phone you want. If two cameras on one phone isn't important to you then you don't have to pay for them. If you prefer a smaller phone (like me) there are some great options (like the Aria - which I think is a fantastic phone).

- No Android handset manufacturer would ever dare tell you that their antenna design mistake was your fault for holding the phone wrong (which is exactly what Steve Jobs did) - because you'd simply get your Android phone from another manufacturer. Steve knows you don't have a choice and he seems to likes to rub your nose in it.

- Widgets - small applications that run continually right on your phone's "desktop". If I want a quick Twitter, Facebook, News, or Weather update I can get it just by turning on my phone without needing to launch any application. Yes, they use some battery (as does Flash) - but so does turning on the phone in the first place. That's why I bought it - to do useful things. I expect it to use battery power. I'm waiting for Steve Jobs to tell me how many phone calls I can make in a days so he can brag about the phone's battery life.

- An App store that lets you return apps that fall short of your expectations. That's right - uninstall any paid app within 24 hours of purchasing and you can get your money back. I'd be a a lot richer if that was the case with the Apple app store.

- Upgradeable phones thanks to Android's reliance on industry standard micro SD cards. That means when you run out of room for music you don't have to buy a new phone (which is what you have to do if you have an iPhone). If your iPhone runs out of room you either live with it - or throw out the phone and buy a new one.

- User replaceable battery. We all know that phone batteries degrade and with each day they can hold less and less charge. When your iPhone battery needs to be replaced you have to ship the phone off to Apple, pay them almost [...], and they send back your phone with all your data wiped off (http://www.apple.com/support/iphone/service/battery/). With an Android like the Aria, the battery will cost you about [...] and you change it like you change batteries in your flashlight. And you don't lose all your data.

- A hundred little things - like letting you use any MP3 file for a ring tone or notification sound without having to buy it from one company.

As for the HTC Aria? Fits easily in my pocket, can run any of the tens of thousands of Android apps in the Android Market, has a very good camera and a video recorder. Solid battery life.

In short - the best phone I've ever owned.

36 of 38 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Bargain Android Powerhouse - Initial Impressions, June 26, 2010

By 

C. Chambers - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: HTC Aria Android Phone (AT&T) (Wireless Phone)

Just received my new Aria last night. This is my first ever Android phone - Full Disclosure: I am coming from an old Blackberry & Moto Slvr so I am not exactly on the bleeding edge of smartphone development. My initial impression after about 4 hours of use is - fantastic phone!

Things did not get off to a good start however when I couldn't get the phone apart to put the battery and SIM card in. I found the trick was to put my fingernail into the slot where you are supposed to split the phone apart and slide it to the left and right to get the top catches to release - others have said pushing the front out by pressing on the speakerphone in back while also using the slot works but I was hesitant to do that.

The size and weight are perfect for my needs as I didn't want something the size of the Sprint Evo 4G, etc. Although the big displays on that phone and similar phones are great I just felt they were too big for my daily use (and I had to stay on AT&T). The upside is with the resolution on this screen on a physically smaller screen than say my son's iPhone 3G the "crispness" of the display (especially text) is super.

Physically the phone feels fantastic in hand and the build quality is excellent.

Regarding the two primary AT&T induced drawbacks...no sideloading and AT&T bloatware: for the average user those are probably minor to non-issues. There are workarounds for both issues - the phone has already been rooted (check any of the Android developer forms) and custom ROMs are even available with the AT&T "features" removed. I was going to wait a few more weeks to let the hardware gurus fully explore the phone before making any modifications - but I really want that Swype keyboard.

After a look at some of the AT&T software I think I might have to agree with some of the conspiracy crowd that AT&T would rather not be forced to deal with Android. Initial opening of the AT&T Hotspot app and the page is not centered?? Come on AT&T - at least make it look like you are trying! Sorry - I have been ticked off with AT&T from day one with regard to Android as I never understood how it was in their interest to NOT sell a phone that their customers want given the REAL revenue is in the two year data agreement - not the hardware.

Lots more to explore but I don't think you will be disappointed with the Aria (especially at Amazon's price) if you decide to purchase one.