HTC launches WP7.5 Mango-based 'Radar' in India

Finally, we are starting to see Microsoft’s ‘big update’ trickle in and HTC is the first to usher in this change with the launch of their new handset, the Radar. This new phone is all set to replace the HTC Mozart and brings with it some much needed changes. HTC has set the MRP to Rs. 25,490, however they say the street price should be closer to Rs. 23,990. While the pricing doesn’t seem all that bad considering the specifications, it faces stiff competition from the Android clan and its success would ultimately depend on the users choice of platform.

Looking familiar?

Besides being one of the first phones to launch in India with Windows Phone 7.5 or Mango, there are a bunch of hardware changes as well compared to its predecessor. The Radar uses the same unibody aluminium chassis, albeit with a different design which actually resembles the Flyer from the back and the Rhyme from the front. It’s also gotten a little heavier at 137g and sports a larger 3.8-inch screen with the same resolution. SRS and Dolby enhancements have been knocked off but we still have the 8GB internal storage. Even the camera has been downgraded to a 5MP shooter and Xenon flash makes way for a simple LED one. There’s no NFC chip either. HTC have added DLNA support here and a front facing VGA camera. Here are some of the highlights of the phone:

• Windows Phone 7.5 (Mango) running on 1GHz Qualcomm MSM8255 chipset

• 3.8-inch SLCD capacitive touchscreen with a 480 x 800 pixel resolution

• 3G,EDGE/GPRS, Wi-Fi, DLNA

• Bluetooth v2.1 and USB 2.0

• 5MP auto-focus rear camera with VGA (0.3MP) front camera

• 8GB internal storage

• 3.5 mm headphone jack

Besides the new design and software update, the Radar is more of a tamed down version of the Mozart rather than a direct replacement. We guess the reason for this was to make WP7 devices more affordable so it actually has a chance against the cheaper and more powerful droids that seem to be launching almost on a monthly basis now.