Hands-on with the Sprint Mogul by HTC
By Chris Ziegler 
posted Jun 18th 2007 2:49AM
posted Jun 18th 2007 2:49AM
For those in a time crunch, let's skip straight to the point: for PPC-6700 owners, the Mogul is a more than worthwhile upgrade. There isn't any one stand-out feature of the Mogul that makes it the killer CDMA smartphone, but the sum of the incremental improvements over the PPC-6700 really seals the deal. The aforementioned internal antenna and Windows Mobile 6 Professional are welcome additions, of course, but you also get double the internal ROM (about 163MB usable), an extra 0.7 megapixels worth of snappin' power, the promise of EV-DO rev. A data via upgrade later in the year, and a scroll wheel on the handset's left side. Upgraders might lament the move from miniSD to microSD, but going forward, it's a good thing -- microSD's clearly the standard of choice for phone memory expansion.
HTC made the somewhat unusual move of powering the Mogul with a Qualcomm MSM7500 (versus, say, an XScale or OMAP) humming along at a nice, round 400MHz. We haven't had the opportunity to run a good battery test, but for what it's worth, the thing's plenty fast. Maybe we're just used to 200MHz OMAP850 devices, but the Mogul's WM6 build definitely moves at a solid clip atop Qualcomm's hopefully-not-banned chipset.
The Mogul's media support is solid. We rocked stereo Bluetooth via a Motorola S9 with no issues whatsoever -- and in the process of testing it, we found that it could handle a 128kbps WMA with aplomb. When you've failed to carry enough tuneage on your microSD card, Sprint's music store is accessible (right from the home screen, in fact). Perhaps the only audio feature we're really missing here then is a 3.5mm headphone jack; yeah, we're used to getting shafted on that one, but it seems the Mogul's plenty thick to fit one in there somewhere. The camera held its own -- nothing too special here, obviously, but we appreciated the refresh rate on the viewfinder (almost seemed realtime) and the fact that the LED flash could be set to remain on continuously. Not a bad flashlight in a pinch.
So, then, what sucked on the Mogul? Not much. The bright yellow, fully Sprint-ified UI theme is an acquired taste, the reversed direction of the QWERTY slide takes a little getting used to, and we found the soft buttons by the d-pad just a little hard to single out. Yeah, that's pretty much it, so we think owners should be able to work off any buyer's remorse in a jiffy with a few uber-satisfying flicks of the spring loaded keyboard.
Has anyone here programmed this device to use it's IR capabilities to use it as a remote for their tv, stero, etc?
My Sprint HTC 6800 Mogul sound volume is very low. Its lower than any phone I have ever had. Windows media music is useless unless connected to external car amplifier. The volume is set to 100%. Any suggestions?
My Sprint HTC 6800 Mogul sound volume is very low. Its lower than any phone I have ever had. Windows media music is useless unless connected to external car amplifier. The volume is set to 100%. Any suggestions?
The subsidy ain't bad either... 399.
That doesn't look like a standard USB connection on the bottom....if not. that Really sucks.
The connector is HTC's proprietory Enhanced USB connector designed to merge audio and USB into a single port. It will, however, accept any old standard mini USB cable for charging and synching.
Oh Ok. Thanks for that clarification. Is it a separate jack? Or do you just use the same location?
Too bad Verizon hasn't released its intentions on obtaining this phone.
The bottom port is a mini-USB port - oddly shaped though. At $399, it has a way to work down until it gets down to the level of the 8525.
Anyone know if the screen any larger than on my 6700?
I really would be interested in this for all my emailing (and mailing photos to publishers on the road) if the screen was wvga 800x480! and if microSD came in larger sizes. my treo 650's contract is up. thinking of upgrading.
I'm seriously considering shelling out for this one..
Does it have any kind of GPS functionality?
requires external GPS unit.
FINNALLY!! I have been waiting for months. Thank you Sprint.
It's so awesome, yet I know I can't get one. Is there anyway I can get a Sprint Smarphone for $200?
AKBlade13
Users guide if anyone is interested:
http://www.sprint.com/cdma/assets/pdfs/phone_guides/htc/ppc_6800_ug.pdf
Anyone clued in on what this means?
"The Mogul is an ALI-capable smart device equipped with a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver supporting a satellite-based GPS ALI-capable network to comply with the FCCs ALI requirements."
Further...
"Finally, customers are advised that the Moguls ALI capability is to be used for E911 purposes only."
Does this mean that you cannot use the built in GPS for use with Google Maps?
Correct. The GPS in google maps cannot be accessed unless you have an external GPS unit attached to the Mogul.
They do have Sprint Navigation service which uses that service off your Mogul.
http://navigation.sprint.com/snweb/
I looked through the manual for my 700wx and I could not find the same verbiage about GPS...does this mean it has a more robust and usable GPS chipset?
no from what it seems it's just AGPS like the 6700. The 6800 is the 6700 with the basic changes:
128 more rom
no external antenna
about 30% thinner
wm6
rev a in the fall
slightly better camera.
so it is what the 6700 should have been. 1 year ago it would have been top notch. Now it's just a way over due fix for the 6700.
Smart money bets Sprint better have a new unit ready to come out by December.
I'm thinking something with a 640x480 or better screen, gps, and 4 gig + rom, 128 meg memory
Actually it is not just a simple upgrade on the 6700. There is a very different processor which replaced the Intel Bulverde with a Qualcomm MSM7500 chips set. Additionally it uses micro SD not mini. WiFi was also upgraded to include G which also means a different chip set in that radio.
The chipset supports Qualcomms Assisted GPS (AGPS) know as gpsOne. A-GPS needs another component, usually a server located within the Cellular network. This takes into consideration that the GPS cannot always see a satellite in the Urban Canyons of a city. It is an answer to the E-911 mandate to be able to locate a phone even in poor coverage areas.
This is a very different phone than the 6700.
You know as someone who loves cutting edge gadgets.. I absolutely hate that by the time any PDA/smartphone is released on US mobile carriers that its already outdated in many ways.
I want to take advantage of all thats possible today.. not yesterday!
Sprint needs to make an effort to make available new phones that are not crippled or using old or outdated technology to their customers in a much more timely fashion...
So, is there a version of this thing showing up on Verizon anytime soon? I remember seeing something about a close variant, but haven't heard anything for a while.
Legolas is right, I'm sick of second string technology with our domestic providers. Even if you hate Apple and don't care about the iPhone, I hope it pushes the other carriers to move a bit faster on newer technology.
This phone is great... but like Legolas said. Its old. Check out my dream phone that replaces this one: http://www.pdadb.net/index.php?m=specs&id=733
The kaiser is a GSM phone. I haven't heard about a CDMA version yet. Same size, most of the same features. Twice the ram, GPS, and USB2.0, but those are the main changes. If the hackers can unlock the GPS on this mogul the kaiser isn't that huge of an update.
This looks exactly like the HTC pda that Telus in Canada already sells with the difference of the Telus one running Windows Mobile 5.0
I called sprint and only paid $288 after all the discounts.
how did you get the phone for only $288, i was up for a full upgrade and i only got 150 off the list price?!
Yea, how did you pay only $288 for the phone? What was your specific situation? What exactly did you say to the rep? and where did you call? Telesales? or Customer Service? Please share because I'm pretty sure others would like to get this phone for that price.
wow that sounds like a really greta deal
Other specs of interest to those asking:
400Mhz cpu for apps' use
133Mhz cpu for comms
2.8" transflective QVGA screen
Wifi-b/g
pushbutton scrollwheel
5-way d-pad
$550 retail, $400 with contract commits
Other specs of interest to those asking:
400Mhz cpu for apps' use
133Mhz cpu for comms
2.8" transflective QVGA screen
Wifi-b/g
pushbutton scrollwheel
5-way d-pad
$550 retail, $400 with contract commits
I wish Sprint would get on board with everyone else and get some phones that weren't so out of date. However, I will say.. I was so happy after about three hours of arguing with representatives about the release of the phone and getting the rebate.. Is there any reason why Sprint's customer service center SUCKS...Please explain... nobody knows anything and you have to wait for like five hours for anyone to help you.. but it is what is... I can't wait for the phone to come in the mail.
What rebate is that?
I posted this on XDA but here goes; there is a little secret to getting an English speaking (as their primary language) customer service rep at Sprint: Call the Business Services number or ask the normal non-english speaking bad telesales rep for Customer Retention. These agents seem better trained and have some ability to solve more complex problems. They also seem to be able to give better deals for some reason.
I got my phone at a really good price and had some complications in that I was bringing my phone # from Cingular. She had several people on the call at one time to make sure things went smoothly. I was sort of impressed.
1. Needs to be VGA
2. Needs built in GPS
3. Needs more memory.
4. Needs 2 cameras so you can do video chatting.
...I guess they got it closer but I still want these 4 things.
Hi
Does anyone know which JVM is on this phone? IBM J9?
Chris
No support for SDHC cards is a killer for me. I can stick with my 6700 for a while longer, thanks.
Oh, and I only paid about $150 for my 6700 when I got it a little over a year ago. Sprint bent over backwards to give me discounts when I called them up.
I thought there was already a HDSD patch for these devices?
But yeah, at least this is something 3 times better then the iphone.
The camera could always be better, but its at the point where you can get a good digital camera by itself for cheap.
Why doesnt Sprint offer some sorta GPS add-in service Like boost does with FreeMobileTracking . That would get heaps more users over to their table.
BTW, Sprint has the best customer service of the big four. Use the #$%& direct-dial number into techs and they'll do what's necessary to make you happy. They just gave my brother FREE roaming and 500 FREE roaming minutes because he moved into a Verizon dominant territory! Now THAT'S customer service, people! Quit the petty ass griping and get it done!
Sprints horrendous churn speaks otherwise.
I BEG TO DIFFER!!! There may be one (or two at most) good people at Sprint (if you are lucky to get to tier 2 support for Pocket PC's) otherwise SPRINT is BY FAR the WORST customer support. I currently have both Nextel and Sprint accounts and when I call for Nextel -3-5 minute wait at most, Sprint is always 20-40 minute wait - and THEY HAVE NEVER gotten problem fixed. Also you have never been into a Sprint store. There is typically a 2 hour wait (anytime of day) for help, they are as stupid as paint and like to BS their customers (I heard them making excuses for phone features and problems with other customers when I was waiting for 2 hours). Walk into the "sprint" retail store (non-corporate) and they bend over backwards to get your business, transfer contacts for FREE and know their products. Had I known SPRINT was so bad, I would have cancelled in my first 30 days. I've been on Sprint, Nextel, Verizon, and AT&T/Cingular and Sprint is BY FAR the WORST customer support!
PS - Love the HTC Mogul and fixes many problems with PPC-6700 esp. the volume levels. Reception appears to be a little weaker than PPC-6700 w/big antenna.
sprint's customer service is horrible, but the customer retention department is great. i called to try to get out of my contract, and was even willing to shell out $175 per line x 3 lines, and they gave me three months free service.
Don't forget the Jog wheel. I have the telus version and after a month of using it, I use the jog weel as my primary navigation tool.
RE: Mogul by HTC on Sprint Network
I'm still no closer to figuring out the GPS situation on the Mogul than when I first began 3 days ago. After nearly 2 hours of being on hold with Sprint telesales, tech support, advanced tech. support, nobody knows the abilities of this phone. I use TeleNav with my blackberry, and only want to know if you can use Sprint Navigation with the HTC Mogul. Two different sales reps have told me two different things (one yes, and one no), I called two different stores (one yes, one no), tech support told me they have no idea, but would transfer me to telesales or adv. tech support. Advanced tech support was much more knowledgeable with GPS in general and I felt comfortable that this guy knew what he was talking about. Although, he couldn't find any information at ALL regarding the use of navigation and the Mogul's GPS chip. He thinks it's only for E911 use.
Anyone out there with first hand knowledge? Anyone currently using Sprint Navigation for turn-by-turn directions with the HTC Mogul via SPRINT? This is the only hold-up keeping me from purchasing this amazing phone. I utilize my GPS too much not to have it, nor do I want to purchase a large in-vehicle unit.
I am a current owner of a PPC-6700, and pretty much ready to switch to Mogul, BUT: I need terrific reception in some fringe areas, including one where Sprint has to roam on Verizon. Without the external antenna, just how much weaker is the Mogul than the 6700? Has anyone who switched found reception limitations they didn't previously have?
BIG difference in reception. I traded up to the 6800 from 6700. I love everything about this BUT the reception is awful. In my home where I used to receive at least a two bar solid signal, I now am lucky to get two bars and when I do, it goes in and out. People tell me that my voice breaks up during a sentence and they hate my new phone. I guess I will have to buy a signal booster system for my house now. UGGGHHHH!
So here's a question, the 6700 is available now for $99 at sprint's site, while this is $200 more. For someone mostly using the media player and web browsing is the upgrade really worth it? Hopefully someone with the 6700 could comment.
For those of you who are tired of waiting on hold for Sprint Customer service call this number: 866-516-8519. It is the Red Line which puts you at the front of the queue. I have never waited more than 1 minute, and I believe it connects you directly to Customer Care without any voice or button prompts. So far I haven't heard one Indian accent, if you know what I mean.
Well, I just got off the phone with them (waited 3 seconds before they answered) and the guy said that it will work with Sprint Navigation right out of the box.
Please let me know if any of you wait for more than a minute with the number I posted.
i own the 6800...i signed up for sprint navigation and could not figure out where to download it from. i called sprint back and was told it wasn't compatible. i downloaded both google maps and telenav and it didn't work with either, so i broke down and purchased a holux 240. will repost when i receive it.