HTC TyTN II review

HTC TyTN II Review

Reviewed by: Andrew Lim

Reviewed on: 10 September 2007

Features
This is one of the most feature-filled HTC handsets yet, offering almost everything the HTC Advantage has to offer, but in a much more pocket-friendly package.

On the back of the TyTN II there's a 3-megapixel camera with auto-focus and an external GPS aerial socket

TyTN fans will be particularly pleased that TyTN II version runs Windows Mobile 6, and has 128MB RAM -- meaning it can open and run applications faster than the TyTN can.

Windows Mobile 6 comes preinstalled with a variety of applications that let you view and edit Microsoft Office documents, chat to friends on Messenger, listen to music and receive emails instantly over push email, among other things.

The TyTN II also boasts a built-in GPS receiver. Our review model didn't come with any pre-installed sat-nav software, although it will come with TomTom taster software when it goes on sale.

We did manage to download Google Maps and use the 'track my location' feature, which ties in with the handset's GPS receiver. The TyTN II found satellites relatively quickly, even on an overland train.

What impressed us most about the TyTN II in terms of features was a combination of high-speed Internet access via HSDPA or Wi-Fi, the full Qwerty keypad and its large colour touchscreen.

The Qwerty keypad is one of the best we have used so far and is great for typing out long emails

Browsing the Web or writing emails was great using the TyTN II's keypad, and fast over an HSDPA or Wi-Fi connection. The large touchscreen made it easier to see everything clearly, and a doddle to access things by simply tapping the display.

Although we're disappointed there's no flash on the TyTN II's 3-megapixel camera, it performs well in daylight and using the auto-focus produced relatively sharp pictures.

Storage-wise there's a generous 256MB built in, with the option to upgrade via the expandable microSD slot that will support up to 2GB.

Performance
Audio quality during calls was loud and clear, without any noticeable distortion or muffling. The speaker was loud and worked well when making video calls.

Picture quality from the 3-megapixel camera was sharp and decent enough for small prints, but didn't work well in low light due to the lack of flash.

HTC quotes the TyTN II's battery life at standby time up to 350 hours on UMTS an 365 hours on GSM. Talk time is up to 264 minutes for UMTS and 420 minutes for GSM. We found it lasted well over two days if we didn't use the features too often.

Conclusion
This isn't a small phone, but then neither was the original TyTN and everyone seemed to manage fine with that. Fortunately, its size is justified inasmuch as it packs a GPS sat-nav alongside all the features its predecessor had.

If you're looking for something that will keep you connected to the office, let you browse the Internet almost everywhere you go and help you navigate around town, it's definitely worth checking out. If you want a similarly specced device that's a little smaller, then the Nokia N95 is the phone for you.

Alternatively, if all you want is a Windows Mobile handset with a Qwerty keypad for quickly checking emails, and you're not bothered about always being connected, then the HTC S710 is worth a look.

Edited by Jason Jenkins
Additional editing by Shannon Doubleday