The guys over at iFixit are at it again. The latest gadget to get their teardown treatment is a Windows Phone 7 smartphone, the HTC Surround, and they found some interesting stuff inside.
As it turns out, we’ve already seen a lot of this hardware in the Nexus One. In fact, five of the major chip packages on the Surround’s motherboard are identical to the Nexus One, and the sixth (Samsung NAND+SDRAM) appears to be just a revised chip found in Uncle Nexus. Hey if it ain’t broke, why fix it?
HTC Surround: A Closer Look
The HTC Surround is one of the first smartphones to run on the Windows Phone 7 operating system, which was a significant shift for Microsoft in the mobile space. The device features a unique slide-out speaker, which sets it apart from other smartphones of its time. This speaker is designed to provide an enhanced audio experience, making it a great choice for media consumption.
Inside the HTC Surround, iFixit discovered that the internal components are quite similar to those found in the Nexus One. This includes the Qualcomm QSD8250 Snapdragon processor, which was a popular choice for high-end smartphones at the time. The Snapdragon processor is known for its performance and efficiency, making it a reliable choice for the HTC Surround.
Key Components and Features
One of the standout features of the HTC Surround is its 3.8-inch WVGA touchscreen display, which offers a resolution of 480×800 pixels. This provides a clear and vibrant viewing experience, perfect for watching videos and browsing the web. The device also includes a 5-megapixel camera with autofocus and LED flash, capable of capturing decent photos and videos.
Another interesting component found inside the HTC Surround is the 16GB of internal storage, which is quite generous for a smartphone from that era. This allows users to store a significant amount of media and apps without worrying about running out of space. Additionally, the device includes 448MB of RAM, which helps ensure smooth multitasking and overall performance.
The HTC Surround also features a 1230mAh battery, which provides a reasonable amount of usage time. While not the largest battery available, it is sufficient for most users’ daily needs. The device supports 3G connectivity, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS, making it a well-rounded smartphone for its time.
Comparisons and Legacy
Comparing the HTC Surround to other smartphones of its time, it stands out due to its unique slide-out speaker and solid build quality. The use of similar components to the Nexus One highlights the reliability and performance of the hardware. The decision to use proven components likely contributed to the overall stability and user experience of the HTC Surround.
The HTC Surround’s legacy lies in its contribution to the early days of Windows Phone 7. While the operating system did not achieve the same level of success as iOS or Android, it introduced several innovative features and a fresh user interface. The HTC Surround played a role in showcasing these features and providing users with a unique smartphone experience.
The HTC Surround is an interesting piece of smartphone history. Its teardown by iFixit reveals the thoughtful design and reliable components that went into its creation. For those interested in the evolution of smartphones and the early days of Windows Phone 7, the HTC Surround is a noteworthy device.
You can find out more details and check out lots more pictures of what is inside the HTC Surround over at iFixit.
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