HTC T-Mobile G2

Photo: Havarhen via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

HTC

HTC T-Mobile G2

October 2010 8/10 Rating
In brief: The T-Mobile G2, also known as the HTC Desire Z, was a groundbreaking Android smartphone released in October 2010. It was notable for being the first device designed for T-Mobile's HSPA+ network, offering faster data speeds, and featured a unique 'Z-hinge' slide-out QWERTY keyboard. Running Android 2.2 Froyo, it aimed to provide a pure Google experience with robust hardware.
Display3.7-inch Super LCD with 480x800 resolution
ChipsetQualcomm Snapdragon S2 MSM7230 (800 MHz)
Main Camera5 MP with autofocus and LED flash, 720p video
Battery1300 mAh removable Li-Ion
Starting from $130 in International

💰 HTC T-Mobile G2 Price in United States

The international price (India, USA, UK & most other countries) is around $130, based on current retailer listings.

⚖ Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Excellent physical QWERTY keyboard with good tactile feedback
  • Fast performance for its time, especially on HSPA+ network
  • Premium design and solid build quality with stainless steel
  • Near-stock Android 2.2 Froyo experience
  • Dedicated camera key and optical trackpad

Cons

  • Z-hinge mechanism could feel loose to some users
  • No front-facing camera
  • A bit heavy and thick compared to some competitors
  • Limited usable internal storage (1.5GB out of 4GB)
  • Some pre-installed Google apps could not be removed without rooting
★ Our Verdict

The T-Mobile G2 was a highly-regarded smartphone for its era, offering a compelling combination of a physical keyboard, fast HSPA+ connectivity, and a pure Android experience, despite some minor design quirks and limitations.

As a device from 2010, the T-Mobile G2 is now a vintage smartphone and is not suitable for modern daily use. Its Android 2.2 operating system is severely outdated, meaning most contemporary apps will not function, and security updates are non-existent. The HSPA+ network it was designed for has largely been superseded by 4G LTE and 5G, making its data speeds obsolete. Battery life on such an old device would also be significantly degraded. Therefore, purchasing a T-Mobile G2 today is only recommended for collectors, enthusiasts interested in mobile phone history, or those seeking a nostalgic experience with a physical QWERTY keyboard. Expect to pay very little, and understand that its functionality will be extremely limited in today's mobile ecosystem.

📦 In The Box & Warranty

  • T-Mobile G2 Handset
  • 8GB microSD card (pre-installed)
  • microUSB cable
  • Wall charger
  • 3.5mm Stereo Headset
  • Quick Start Guide

The T-Mobile G2 typically came with a standard OEM warranty period, which was usually 12 months, covering defects in material or workmanship.

❓ Questions & Answers

What is the T-Mobile G2?

The T-Mobile G2 is an Android smartphone released in October 2010, manufactured by HTC. It was known for its slide-out QWERTY keyboard and being the first phone optimized for T-Mobile's HSPA+ '4G' network.

Does the T-Mobile G2 have a physical keyboard?

Yes, the T-Mobile G2 features a distinctive 'Z-hinge' slide-out QWERTY physical keyboard, which was a major selling point for users who preferred tactile typing.

What operating system does the T-Mobile G2 run?

The T-Mobile G2 launched with Android 2.2 (Froyo) and was upgradable to Android 2.3 (Gingerbread), offering a near-stock Android experience.

Is the T-Mobile G2 still usable today?

While technically functional, the T-Mobile G2 is not practical for modern daily use. Its outdated Android version means most current apps won't work, and its network capabilities are significantly slower than today's standards. It's primarily suited for collectors or nostalgic purposes.

What was unique about the T-Mobile G2's network capabilities?

The T-Mobile G2 was the first smartphone specifically designed to leverage T-Mobile's HSPA+ network, which the carrier marketed as '4G' due to its faster data speeds compared to traditional 3G.

What are the main specifications of the T-Mobile G2?

Key specifications include a 3.7-inch Super LCD display, an 800 MHz Qualcomm Snapdragon S2 processor, 512MB RAM, 4GB internal storage (expandable via microSD), a 5 MP main camera with 720p video recording, and a 1300 mAh removable battery.