HTC EVO 4G and Samsung Epic 4G for Sprint Compared

So many Android devices from Sprint, so little time, right? But if you’re going to grab a Google powered handset from the carrier, you might as well grab one with 4G or WiMax capabilities. That leaves you with two options: Samsung’s Epic 4G, which is a variant of the Galaxy S devices, or the HTC EVO 4G, which has seems to have been sold out everywhere since launch. Both share a few features, such as Android and support for Sprint’s WiMax network, but they also have different things to offer, too.

Let’s take a quick look at some of these differences, shall we?

Epic 4G has a 4-inch Super AMOLED display, the EVO has a 4.3-inch WVGA display
Epic 4G uses DLNA for media sync/out, the EVO uses HDMI out
Epic 4G has a slide-out physical QWERTY keyboard, the EVO has an on-screen keyboard only
The Epic 4G will feature Samsung’s Media Hub after launch for users to purchase or rent movies
Epic 4G has TouchWiz vs. the EVO’s Sense UI–both interfaces are good, but matters of preference

While there are plenty of differences, there are also common features. Both phones feature Google’s Android platform, though the Evo 4G has the latest Android 2.2 Froyo build where the Epic 4G will ship with the slightly older Android 2.1. Each handset also features a front-facing camera for video chatting. If you’re always on the road and need a mobile hotspot, both the Epic 4G and EVO allow you to tether your laptop or tablet computer to Sprint’s 3G or 4G network.

Want to know more about these two? Watch Sprint explain the similarities and differences in the video below!

About The Author

Marc Flores

Marc has been a mobile fanatic for the better part of a decade and has had more devices pass through his hands than he would care to count. Originally from Los Angeles and briefly in San Francisco, Marc now lives in Brooklyn where, unlike Will Park, he longs for simpler times and simpler technology. All the while, he writes about gadgets and wireless technology as he tinkers, hacks and ultimately breaks most of his gadgets in the process. Marc has written about the mobile industry for Boy Genius Report, MobileCrunch, Laptop Magazine and has had his work appear in the Wall Street Journal, Gizmodo, CrunchGear and more.

@thecolor

why can't some people be at least on par with their own tech, if not ahead of it?! I know, I know… that's asking allot.

The EVO is also DLNA capable. OMG Sprint, really. Do you not know your own devices?
I use my EVO via DLNA daily ('cause I don't want to pay for a cable to hook it up to my Samsung via HDMI). Sheesh!

Looks like the only selling points here now are a sliding keyboard (dosn't that typically make it thicker?) and I suppose the smaller AMOLED screen.

The software I'm using to connect via DLNA is the TwonkyServer

There are others out there.
ConceptVBS

You forgot the supposedly improved battery life of the Epic and the better processor/GPU combo of the Hummingbird.
Dan Whaley

Is Samsung the OEM for this phone, or is HTC????
marc

I bought the samsung instinct when it first came out and seem to remember samsung and sprint labeling it the iphone killer… I will never buy another samsung again.
jason

So true. I think u might have swayed me.
bigdog

The EVO comes with 8 gig of memory, the Epic is found wanting for memory.
Eli3000

I remember how excited I was to get the extinct after reading the reviews….that was one of the worst disappointments I ever had in a cell phone. It always froze and had lag (something that was never mentioned in reviews). I think you just swayed me also. Might be going with the EVO. I just dont hear that many bad reviews on that one vs I’m already hearing some questionable things about the Epic.
Eli

I totally agree with you! I are so right, I was so disappointed with the instinct phone that was promised to be even better than the iphone. I think I am going to go with the HTC EVO.
JC

Obviously you can tell by the video that Sprint is pushing the Samsung Epic. I think it might have to do with HTC not being able to keep stock on the shelves for months which just means lost sales for Sprint. Otherwise, what is the point in putting a video out that clearly undermines one of their best selling phones right now for another.
I would not be happy if I was Sprint either. The Evo has been sold out for months now with some stores getting very limited shipments. By this time, It should have given HTC plenty of time to revamp production, but I think they are too busy concentrating their efforts with new AT&T and Verizon roll outs. HTC seems to reacts last to Sprint phones.
I have a HTC Hero right now and would not get another HTC.
ma

EVO has a bigger screen, standard HDMI, newer and faster OS (froyo 2.2 based). It also has a a very useful kickstand. If anything this comparison shows the EVO as the better android based phon
Faye

I got the Evo about a month ago and I love it, you don’t really need a keyborad at all to text…just speak text. Works great on my phone. It does so much, but the battery life can be extended if you turn off things when not needed, it only takes a second to turn them back on. I really wanted the galaxy Epic because it is easier to see the screen outside, but Evo was already available sooooo. Maybe it’s a good thing the Epic wasn’t available?? Except for the fact that the EVO is heavy, ya can’t so wrong with it I must say..
Dom

My wife got the Epic today, and it is fantastic. I am on a waiting list at Radio Shack for the Evo (where they say it should come in by Friday (you don’t have to wait for the $100 mail-in rebate if you buy it from Radio Shack)), but I am seriously considering the Epic right now.
me

The Epic has 16g.
jay30

comparing the in-stink to the epic is like comparing a deer to a tank driving lion!!!..lol the epic is a great phone!!! good job samsung finally!!!
nyle

I just got the HTC Evo this weekend, besides the great big screen 4g and android 2.2 I decided to get the Evo over the Epic because I used the Samsung Moment as my barometer for samsung. there are some things I liked on the MOMent like the bright rich colors of the AMoled screen and I actually like the predictive text better on the Moment over the Evo but what killed it for me was the Moment slide out keyboard. Its the worst one i’ve ever had! and I’ve had all the tmobile sidekicks and HTC Wing. the bottom of the Moment’s keyboard kinda rises up and makes typing acurately on the bottom row especially the spacebar annoying. It scared me off to trying the Samsung Epic. On the Moment i never used the slideout keyboard and got used to typing on the “onscreen” keyboard so the Evo’s lack of a physical keyboard didnt matter. Also the Evo’s HTC Sense is very slick. Im glad with my choice but that Amoled screen and the ability to rent or buy movies via the upcoming Samsung Media Hub make the Epic enticing as well.
Will

Can anyone comment on the Video chat on the Evo? Is it Choppy and laggy or is it pretty much real time. I have seen the iphone 4 video chat over wifi and its real time with no latency.

Can we expect the same with the Evo?