“There isn’t a great deal between the launch handsets for the new operating system, given Microsoft’s strict control of the software and stringent minimum hardware specifications. But what sets the HTC 7 Mozart apart from other HTC handsets such as the HTC HD7 and HTC 7 Trophy?”

Techradar has reviewed both the HD7 (link here) and the 7 Mozart (here). Like many, they’ve pointed out the blemishes in WP7, but generally like the OS and these spanking new HTC devices. Want to know more? Hit the links for the reviews!

“There isn’t a great deal between the launch handsets for the new operating system, given Microsoft’s strict control of the software and stringent minimum hardware specifications. But what sets the HTC 7 Mozart apart from other HTC handsets such as the HTC HD7 and HTC 7 Trophy?”

Techradar has reviewed both the HD7 (link here) and the 7 Mozart (here). Like many, they’ve pointed out the blemishes in WP7, but generally like the OS and these spanking new HTC devices. Want to know more? Hit the links for the reviews!

“Yet even with middling hardware and a brand new version 1.”0 Microsoft OS that is clearly lacking the maturity of iOS or Android, it’s simply hard to resist this sleek little lightweight gem of a handset running a very promising — and dare we say fun — take on the mobile OS experience. Try as we might, we can’t put it down even though we have an iPhone 4 and Galaxy S at our immediate disposal. The HTC Trophy may not be our smartphone champ but it’s definitely a winner.”

While it may not have as large and visually enticing screen as some of the 4.3″ behemoths out there, the somewhat more diminutive HTC Trophy has been packaged in such a way that Thomas Ricker over at Engadget really liked his evaluation unit. The Trophy’s specs can be summarized as:

• 480 x 800 pixel resolution capacitive screen measuring 3.8″
• 1GHz Snapdragon (QSD8250) processor
• 802.11n
• WiFiBluetooth 2.1 with EDR
• GPS
• FM Radio
• 1300mAh battery
• 8GB of fixed flash storage, 512MB ROM and 576MB RAM
• 5 megapixel autofocus camera with LED flash
• 720p video recording capability

While not all that different in spec from most of the Windows Phone 7 handsets that have already made their way to market, it is the total packaging of construction quality, feel, performance, custom HTC apps, and, well, the total user experience, that tipped his impression to the favorable category. It’s a nice review of a phone that may just be the sweet spot for a number of potential purchasers.

“Yet even with middling hardware and a brand new version 1.”0 Microsoft OS that is clearly lacking the maturity of iOS or Android, it’s simply hard to resist this sleek little lightweight gem of a handset running a very promising — and dare we say fun — take on the mobile OS experience. Try as we might, we can’t put it down even though we have an iPhone 4 and Galaxy S at our immediate disposal. The HTC Trophy may not be our smartphone champ but it’s definitely a winner.”

While it may not have as large and visually enticing screen as some of the 4.3″ behemoths out there, the somewhat more diminutive HTC Trophy has been packaged in such a way that Thomas Ricker over at Engadget really liked his evaluation unit. The Trophy’s specs can be summarized as:

• 480 x 800 pixel resolution capacitive screen measuring 3.8″
• 1GHz Snapdragon (QSD8250) processor
• 802.11n
• WiFiBluetooth 2.1 with EDR
• GPS
• FM Radio
• 1300mAh battery
• 8GB of fixed flash storage, 512MB ROM and 576MB RAM
• 5 megapixel autofocus camera with LED flash
• 720p video recording capability

While not all that different in spec from most of the Windows Phone 7 handsets that have already made their way to market, it is the total packaging of construction quality, feel, performance, custom HTC apps, and, well, the total user experience, that tipped his impression to the favorable category. It’s a nice review of a phone that may just be the sweet spot for a number of potential purchasers.

“Yet even with middling hardware and a brand new version 1.”0 Microsoft OS that is clearly lacking the maturity of iOS or Android, it’s simply hard to resist this sleek little lightweight gem of a handset running a very promising — and dare we say fun — take on the mobile OS experience. Try as we might, we can’t put it down even though we have an iPhone 4 and Galaxy S at our immediate disposal. The HTC Trophy may not be our smartphone champ but it’s definitely a winner.”

While it may not have as large and visually enticing screen as some of the 4.3″ behemoths out there, the somewhat more diminutive HTC Trophy has been packaged in such a way that Thomas Ricker over at Engadget really liked his evaluation unit. The Trophy’s specs can be summarized as:

• 480 x 800 pixel resolution capacitive screen measuring 3.8″
• 1GHz Snapdragon (QSD8250) processor
• 802.11n
• WiFiBluetooth 2.1 with EDR
• GPS
• FM Radio
• 1300mAh battery
• 8GB of fixed flash storage, 512MB ROM and 576MB RAM
• 5 megapixel autofocus camera with LED flash
• 720p video recording capability

While not all that different in spec from most of the Windows Phone 7 handsets that have already made their way to market, it is the total packaging of construction quality, feel, performance, custom HTC apps, and, well, the total user experience, that tipped his impression to the favorable category. It’s a nice review of a phone that may just be the sweet spot for a number of potential purchasers.

“Yet even with middling hardware and a brand new version 1.”0 Microsoft OS that is clearly lacking the maturity of iOS or Android, it’s simply hard to resist this sleek little lightweight gem of a handset running a very promising — and dare we say fun — take on the mobile OS experience. Try as we might, we can’t put it down even though we have an iPhone 4 and Galaxy S at our immediate disposal. The HTC Trophy may not be our smartphone champ but it’s definitely a winner.”

While it may not have as large and visually enticing screen as some of the 4.3″ behemoths out there, the somewhat more diminutive HTC Trophy has been packaged in such a way that Thomas Ricker over at Engadget really liked his evaluation unit. The Trophy’s specs can be summarized as:

• 480 x 800 pixel resolution capacitive screen measuring 3.8″
• 1GHz Snapdragon (QSD8250) processor
• 802.11n
• WiFiBluetooth 2.1 with EDR
• GPS
• FM Radio
• 1300mAh battery
• 8GB of fixed flash storage, 512MB ROM and 576MB RAM
• 5 megapixel autofocus camera with LED flash
• 720p video recording capability

While not all that different in spec from most of the Windows Phone 7 handsets that have already made their way to market, it is the total packaging of construction quality, feel, performance, custom HTC apps, and, well, the total user experience, that tipped his impression to the favorable category. It’s a nice review of a phone that may just be the sweet spot for a number of potential purchasers.

“Yet even with middling hardware and a brand new version 1.”0 Microsoft OS that is clearly lacking the maturity of iOS or Android, it’s simply hard to resist this sleek little lightweight gem of a handset running a very promising — and dare we say fun — take on the mobile OS experience. Try as we might, we can’t put it down even though we have an iPhone 4 and Galaxy S at our immediate disposal. The HTC Trophy may not be our smartphone champ but it’s definitely a winner.”

While it may not have as large and visually enticing screen as some of the 4.3″ behemoths out there, the somewhat more diminutive HTC Trophy has been packaged in such a way that Thomas Ricker over at Engadget really liked his evaluation unit. The Trophy’s specs can be summarized as:

• 480 x 800 pixel resolution capacitive screen measuring 3.8″
• 1GHz Snapdragon (QSD8250) processor
• 802.11n
• WiFiBluetooth 2.1 with EDR
• GPS
• FM Radio
• 1300mAh battery
• 8GB of fixed flash storage, 512MB ROM and 576MB RAM
• 5 megapixel autofocus camera with LED flash
• 720p video recording capability

While not all that different in spec from most of the Windows Phone 7 handsets that have already made their way to market, it is the total packaging of construction quality, feel, performance, custom HTC apps, and, well, the total user experience, that tipped his impression to the favorable category. It’s a nice review of a phone that may just be the sweet spot for a number of potential purchasers.

“Yet even with middling hardware and a brand new version 1.”0 Microsoft OS that is clearly lacking the maturity of iOS or Android, it’s simply hard to resist this sleek little lightweight gem of a handset running a very promising — and dare we say fun — take on the mobile OS experience. Try as we might, we can’t put it down even though we have an iPhone 4 and Galaxy S at our immediate disposal. The HTC Trophy may not be our smartphone champ but it’s definitely a winner.”

While it may not have as large and visually enticing screen as some of the 4.3″ behemoths out there, the somewhat more diminutive HTC Trophy has been packaged in such a way that Thomas Ricker over at Engadget really liked his evaluation unit. The Trophy’s specs can be summarized as:

• 480 x 800 pixel resolution capacitive screen measuring 3.8″
• 1GHz Snapdragon (QSD8250) processor
• 802.11n
• WiFiBluetooth 2.1 with EDR
• GPS
• FM Radio
• 1300mAh battery
• 8GB of fixed flash storage, 512MB ROM and 576MB RAM
• 5 megapixel autofocus camera with LED flash
• 720p video recording capability

While not all that different in spec from most of the Windows Phone 7 handsets that have already made their way to market, it is the total packaging of construction quality, feel, performance, custom HTC apps, and, well, the total user experience, that tipped his impression to the favorable category. It’s a nice review of a phone that may just be the sweet spot for a number of potential purchasers.

Engadget’s FCC-scouring bot – OK, probably a sleep-deprived intern – discovered that a device that is very likely the HTC 7 Pro, has gotten approval. That means that the wireless hardware is finalized, but the software probably needs more time to cook…which means it might be earlier in 2011 than we were led to believe. I guess we’ll see!

Curious how the Samsung Focus ranks in the hands of reviewers? I wasn’t fortunate enough to get my hands on one – I’m working on that – but so far here are the reviewers that have, and here’s what they thought:

pocketnow.com Review: “So here we have it: Microsoft’s attempt at making a modern smartphone. What’s the verdict? From a hardware perspective, the Focus is a huge win. It’s fast, has a beautiful screen, and it represents Windows Phone 7 very well.”

phonescoop Review: “The Samsung Focus is a wonderful piece of hardware. The screen is superlative, among the best I’ve used on a mobile phone, and the build quality and design are excellent. The phone sounds great during calls, gets good cell reception and snaps fine pictures. Battery life could be better, but it wasn’t the worst I’ve seen by a long shot.”

SlashGear Review: “Underneath that 4-inch WVGA capacitive touchscreen display, you’ll find Qualcomm’s 1GHz Snapdragon processor. The camera on the back is highlighted with a LED flash, and the back of the device is slightly curved. Overall, the Focus feels a lot like the Samsung Vibrant, in that there’s an obviously plastic look-and-feel to the device. But, it does still feel solid in the hand, and even if AT&T is saying that it’s the slimmest Windows Phone 7 device, it still feels good in the hand.”

PCMag Review: “The Samsung Focus is probably the best of the Windows phones, although I have five more reviews to go before I can really decide that for sure. But the more practical question is: How does this phone compare with the other top handsets on AT&T The Focus strikes hardest at the Samsung Captivate ($49.99-$199.99, 4 stars), AT&T’s best Android phone-and at Android in general. The Captivate is a terrific phone, but Windows Phone is like a manicured garden where Android is running a little wild. It looks like updates will come more promptly for the Focus, and e-mail compatibility is even better. Especially if you like the Zune syncing experience, the Focus can offer a more elegant, more orderly (if less flexible) option.”

ZDNET Review: “The Samsung Focus reminds me a lot of a Galaxy S Android device with its large 4 inch Super AMOLED display, black glossy plastic finish, and sleek form factor. It is large, but thin enough that it still feels good in your hand and is easily pocketable.”

Gizmodo Review: “Samsung’s incredibly rich, deeply contrast-y and saturated Super AMOLED screen is a perfect visual delivery mechanism for Windows Phone 7’s black backgrounds and loud, basic colors. The size-4 inches-and resolution-800×480-are just right, even if it doesn’t match the titanic 4.3-inch HD7 or the iPhone’s 960×640 display. The touch response, tuned by Microsoft’s deep testing for Windows Phone hardware, is top notch, especially paired with the WP7’s second-to-iPhone keyboard.”

Myself, I’m leaning toward getting the Samsung focus – the ability to pop in a 32 GB microSD card to get 40 GB of total memory is tempting, and the big, bright screen looks fantastic. And, even better, my wireless carrier (Rogers) is actually going to be selling the phone so I can have a “sanctioned” experience with it. What are your thoughts on the Samsung Focus?