T-Mobile Pulse review
By Paul O'Brien 
posted October 9th 2009 9:00AM
posted October 9th 2009 9:00AM
In amongst the larger players aiming for the higher end of the market comes Huawei, best known for its mobile broadband dongles, with the Pulse for T-Mobile Europe - a rebrand of the U8220 handset. What makes the Pulse particularly interesting is it's price point. As well as being available free of charge on virtually any contract (as is frequently the case in Europe), the Pulse costs only £176 ($280) on a pre-pay plan. This represents a significant move downmarket for Android with the only other low-end handset being the forthcoming HTC Tattoo, which is expected to ship SIM free for £299 ($475). Interestingly our review unit was even SIM unlocked, although it remains to be seen whether this will remain the case as handsets hit retail.
We've spent some time with a production specification T-Mobile Pulse to see whether Huawei's first attempt at Android stands up to scrutiny. Read on to find out!
Design and build
While the Pulse doesn't feature the Teflon coating or soft touch surfaces of the HTC Hero, the build quality impresses. Despite shiny plastic in abundance, the Pulse manages to carry off a solidity that belies it's budget price point. The front of the device is pure shiny black plastic, with a lighter coloured edge, black sides and a faux-carbon fiber effect back. This device IS a fingerprint magnet! The device wears T-Mobile branding front and back but you'll have to look under the battery covery to see any evidence of it's maker, Huawei. Notable by it's absence is any 'with Google' branding.
Tipping the scales at 130 grams (or about 4.6 ounces), the Pulse feels solid but not heavy in the hand and the device is free of any creaks or loose fittings. The buttons respond with a reassuring click, the trackball is comparable to that found on HTC's Hero, and the battery cover snaps into the back of the device with a firm snap. The device manages to hold it's own from a build perspective when compared with the HTC Hero or the HTC Magic and thankfully feels light years ahead of the T-Mobile G1 in construction. The Pulse is very similar in design - shiny black plastic - to the Samsung Galaxy, the Samsung just managing to exude a higher sense of style with it's black brushed effect keypad.
The left hand side of the device is home to the power button and externally accessible microSD slot, the right hand side of the device has the volume and camera keys and the top of the device has a small flap behind which lie the micro-USB sync / charge port and the 2.5mm headset jack. A 3.5mm adapter is included in the box.
On the front of the device are the usual send and end buttons, together with a trackball, a menu key and, unusually, a combined home / back key. A short press goes back, a long press goes to the home screen. The red key functionality can be remapped in software - we've mapped ours to function as a home button.
We've all got used to seeing Qualcomm MSM7200 in just about everything "smart," and the Pulse is no exception. It packs the usual 528MHz processor previously seen on every other Android device. Limited ROM and RAM means that after a fresh boot 96MB of RAM is available for use and only 60MB on the data partition -- potentially an issue given Android's continuing lack of ability to store downloaded applications on the SD card.
The Pulse features a 3.5-inch HVGA screen -- the first we've seen on an Android phone -- and noticeably larger in use than the 3.2-inch unit seen on its peers. Unlike the forthcoming Tattoo, the Pulse has a capacitive screen which really does prove a joy to use -- it responds to the lightest of touches. Reports posted elsewhere suggest it is resistive, however we can confirm that it does not respond to stylus input and is clearly capacitive. Screen clarity is excellent -- certainly clearer than the HTC Hero and bettered only by the AMOLED-equipped Galaxy. GPS, WiFi and Bluetooth are included on the device together with a digital compass. ROM / RAM limitations aside, it doesn't feel like Huawei has skimped on the specifications. Quad band EDGE and dual band 3G connectivity means US 3G is out of the question on the shipping European handset.
The Pulse sits atop the (from top) HTC Hero, Samsung i7500, HTC Magic and T-Mobile G1
Camera
The Pulse's primary camera is a 3.2 megapixel autofocus unit paired with a forward-facing VGA camera. The inclusion of a dedicated camera button (missing on the HTC Magic and Hero) is useful and while the included camera software is pretty basic, it does allow you to select the front camera for self portrait photos. Video capture resolution is a weak (as on most MSM7200-based handsets) 352 x 288.
Sadly, the camera is pretty awful. In well lit situations it's adequate at best, but in low light situations it's atrocious. We've included some sample snaps in the gallery below, but they are so poor that we're not entirely sure the camera is working properly. We plan to source another unit, and will update the post if our findings differ.
Speaker
On the back of the device near the bottom, the external speaker is loud if not blaring and speakerphone calls are clear at both ends of the conversation. The microphone is on the bottom right of the device and as is often the case, speakerphone calls work best with the phone face downwards.
Battery
The Pulse includes a 1500mAh battery and in our testing provides battery life that exceeds all of it's Android cousins. In our normal daily usage pattern we can expect a battery to go a full day with pretty extensive use of WiFi, browsing, download, and so on, with the device needing a charge at the end of the day to ensure it's still going the following morning. We've been experimenting a lot with the Pulse, but we seem to be able to leave it overnight and pick it up again the next morning with battery life to spare -- a definite improvement. The Pulse ROM includes software for monitoring application's battery usage (similar to that found in Android 1.6 / Donut or the add on 'Spare Parts' application), which can help you get the most out of your battery.
Software
The Pulse features a pretty generic version of Android, in contrast with the deep-rooted overhaul present in the HTC Hero. Your perspective on this might vary depending on how you find the standard Android experience, but we personally find it pretty satisfying -- and crucially, Hauwei / T-Mobile have preloaded a useful mix of third party applications onto the device to overcome any shortcomings.
From a design perspective, the Pulse has a dark theme with a dark grey top bar and a faux-carbon fiber wallpaper (changeable, of course) that cleverly matches the back of the device. In keeping with the T-Mobile branding, the device theme features pink accents. It all fits together well, and feels neither too pink nor too dark.
One of the key changes that existing Android users will notice on the device is the lockscreen and the launcher itself. The lockscreen design has been tweaked with a 'flick upwards to unlock' and, unlike the stock Android build, the main homescreen canvas itself scrolls vertically as well as horizontally. Rather than being 1 x 3 in size, the canvas is 2 x 3 in size by default and can grow or shrink as you add content. Scrolling between the six screens is very smooth and it is possible to zoom out to view the whole canvas at once. On the Pulse the applications list is accessed by pressing a button in the bottom right of the screen (since an upward flick traditionally used in the Launcher scrolls the canvas) and a button on the left hand side provides quick access to favorite people. Flick gestures allow you to switch between different people in your favorites list, while a click on their picture brings up a menu from where you can call, SMS, email etc. In addition to the standard Android widgets, the Pulse features something called "Widcards," which are live widgets for Calendar, Email, Music, Notepad, Pictures and Videos. The Widcards vary in functionality -- the Notepad widcard for example allows you to pin a note on your homescreen and also forward the note to another Pulse owner either instantly or at a scheduled time.
We mentioned previously about how Huawei and T-Mobile have partnered with third party developers to supplement gaps in the Android software and the three key examples of this are the inclusion of a slightly stripped down version of Dataviz's Documents To Go office suite, a full version of the RoadSync Exchange sync solution and a full version of Cootek's excellent TouchPal soft keyboard. Other software over and above the standard Android base includes a Block Breaker game, a custom camera application, tweaked contacts and dialer applications, a file manager, a custom music application, a notepad application and a device wide search application. On the whole the software experience feels well rounded and not lacking in any particular area.
Wrap-up
We weren't sure what to expect from the Pulse, but we have to say that we're pleasantly surprised. The hardware feels good -- and with the possible exception of the weak camera, restrictive memory size and arguably the 2.5mm jack, it's up there with the best. The software, while fairly generic, performs smoothly on the Qualcomm hardware, and the whole package seems supremely stable -- no mean feat for what is effectively a first effort from Huawei. It would have been nice to have seen the device shipped with Android 1.6 / Donut (no word as yet on whether that is forthcoming), but that is only a minor niggle -- the changes in 1.6 are small, after all.
If you're looking for an Android handset on a budget, an Android handset with that larger 3.5-inch screen, or you just fancy looking at something from someone a bit different than the major players, we don't think you'll be disappointed with the T-Mobile Pulse.
How do you bring up the app switcher on this handset, by the way? There was some concern that the combined keys would make it impossible.
It's not available PAYG yet: from what reps have been telling people who phone them up, it seems all the stock has been diverted to contract handsets and will stay that way until it ceases to sell that way.
A press and hold of the power button brings up an option to view the switcher.
I did call up and order a contract handset successfully today, and I also placed a PAYG order previously, which was flagged as 'awaiting stock'.
A T-Mo salesperson just told me that they should get them back in for PAYG on Monday.
Are you sure it has a compass? Trusted Reviews says otherwise. Have you used it in a compass-based app such as Street View?
I installed 'compass' from the market, and it worked great.
TrustedReviews also said the screen was resistive IIRC.
I am so all about this phone right now, thanks for clearing those questions up.
HTH :-)
Oh sweet. ANOTHER 528 MHz processor... wake me up when something isn't chugging along...
Yes Thank you for this excellent review.
one question tho, how big of a problem is it that is has a restrictive memory size?
what kind of limitations will this bring it, number of apps you can download? android 2.0?
Well, it depends on how you look at it.
If you run out of RAM you get applications being closed down by the OS in the background (not necessarily a big issue), when the device gets 'rooted' and the kernel source is published, hopefully an enterprising dev will enable swap, reducing the problem.
If you fill the 60MB storage you won't be able to install any more apps or store any more data, simple as that, again until the device gets 'rooted' and an enterprising dev enabled A2SD (apps to SD) which stores your apps on SD card.
Neither limitation is so severe it renders the device unusable - IIRC the remaining space in both regards is very similar to the T-Mo G1.
How do I buy this phone with PAYG from Italiy? this is possible? is not available in Italy. In the site of T-Mobile.uk is impossible to buy from Italy. Do you know another site?
Thanks!
How do I buy this phone with PAYG from Italiy? this is possible? is not available in Italy. In the site of T-Mobile.uk is impossible to buy from Italy. Do you know another site?
Thanks!
I think the changes to 1.6 were huge, as far as my g1 is concerned.
At this point...I don't really care if its a budget or high end device, I just want a friggin device with ATT 3G bands. Tmo just spun up their 3G blanket here in Charlotte,NC, and I have 2 contract free accounts at ATT that have been sitting all year begging for 3G android. I am close to giving in to the pressure and just switching to TMobile. I absolutely HATE what sprint did to the Hero design, but thats a second option.
Nothing is bad enough to make me switch back to verizon though.
@Helfrez: assuming AT&T 3G is HSDPA 850/1900 MHz, you can get the Canadian version of the HTC Magic for $600 CAD (no contract), which is less than $600 USD. It's made for Rogers Wireless and is sold by Rogers, Best Buy Canada, and Future Shop.
See http://www.rogers.com/web/link/wirelessBuyFlow?forwardTo=PhoneThenPlan&productType=normal&productId_Detailed=MAGICBLKR&N=52+11.
Hi,
I was wondering if you could comment on two things:
1. The display quality in direct sunlight
2. Music quality, with earphones, as compared to, say the iPhone or the Nokia 5800
Am i the only one hearing a high pitch noise on the review video? Really annoying
Yeah, didn't really notice, thought it was something else. Now you say it though I notice it :|
Phone looks great, I think I prefer the look of the dialer in the Hero better, though. Looks awesome in the other areas though :D I love that On-screen keyboard. Swiping around the keyboard looks awesome. Let's me revert back to the days where I used to text in class without a QWERTY keyboard =[
your mobile phone models are very cute. i like ur mobile models.
Do you know if the Italian language is available in the settings menu?
the t-mobile pulse is great but does anyone know how to change the theme so its not the t-mobile pink in the gallery...if you know what i mean?
Hi, I have a question regarding this phone, if anyone has it...is it true that the call quality is poor? I read a few reviews that said that,and to be perfectly honest, that would be a huge dealbreaker for me, cause I mean, it IS a phone after all...
I was actually going to choose between this phone, the HTC Tattoo, and the Samsung Jet...I prefer the first two, cos the Jet obviously does not operate on Android and is not considered a smartphone either, despite its really classy look..but the thing is, it worries me enormously that the Pulse only costs 180 pounds..I mean come on...that's as much as the Sony Ericsson T715, I mean it is humiliating and it makes me think of what flaws it could have in order for it to be sold at such a small price. Advice?
Hmmmm the call quality it quite good :P
I have an iPhone ...so if i compare it to that I think it's a bit better..
I think this review has goes down the same road as what i am saying
http://www.techradar.com/reviews/phones/mobile-phones/t-mobile-pulse-643836/review?artc_pg=4
So if i compare it to an iphone, well i am sure you used one..
the Screen isn't like super super responsive like the iPhone but it is good enough to make it fun to use, 8/10
O yeah Android isn't as polished as the iPhone. like the home screen doesn't flow like it does on iphone
I would take the capacitive screen any day v the HTC Tattoo..
My only issue with it, is that the software to sync with Outlook is nasty, but thankfully, the full version of RoadSync is included, so no problem there :).
The Pulse on PAYG is currently on STOP in all shops in the UK as T-Mobile have incorrectly provisioned all the SIM cards!
I wanted to buy one over the counter and even though they had them in stock I couldn't get one.
Phoned Tech support and they are saying the same... "Our Technicians are working on the problem"...
I can't find a way to get music or files sync'd. music is the main concern. media player doesn't recognose the unit
Will it be possible to upgrade the android version or is it forever stuck on 1.5? Other correspondents have described upgrading the android version on phones like the G1. Is the Pulse entirely dependent on the manufacturer making new firmware available to upgrade the OS and if so how likely to happen is this?
I'm pretty sure the Pulse uses Android 2.0 now!
forget I said that, was mis-informed by a T.mobile help assistant *rolleyes*
Having now owned a Pulse for 3 days, I have to say on balance a very good phone, have had nothing but praise from callers on the audio quality. So as a phone it is miles better than my previous T Mobile Vario II, with Windows Mobile 6.0.
As to the operating system....again streets better than Windows Mobile 6.0.
Initially I have noticed that the battery charging is slow, even with the phone fully switched off, and using the dedicated mains plug, with USB socket in the plug base, and dedicated cable (a novel arrangement). I have tried charging from various computers via the dedicated cable, and while it does charge it is even slower.
I have read, various forum entries which suggest that the keyboard can fall over, seems to relate to the predictive text settings, but to date this has not revealed its self to me.
The handset, quality and controls seems particularly easy to use.
The only problem I encountered at start up was it would not allow me to associate with my googlemail.com account, and I had to set up a new gmail.com account, specific to the machine. There doesnt seem to be anyway to access what this account is set to on the machine. I realise I can email from machine to another account to recover the email address, but it seems odd that Google have not provided an OS link to this important set up feature. And more importantly do not allow you to change it for example via a hooked up PC.
Which brings me to the software provided on the T Mobile mini disc. Its shocking and considering the recent release, doesnt appear to have any reference to Windows 7. Though it does appear to function of sorts, there is no information as to how to set it up.
Flintmcc1956
exhaustively informative. I feel I really know the product. In fact on the strength of it I'm going to get one.