The HTC Touch Diamond 2 and the Touch Pro 2 are easily among the most anticipated Windows Mobile devices of 2009 with their all new Touch Flo 3D Interface. The Diamond 2 has been spotted in Singapore and should hit the Indian shores within the next few weeks. While everyone knows that the Touch Diamond 2 is a step up from its predecessor the big question is - How much better? Here are some of the major improvements:
- Screen Size: 3.2 inch WVGA (800x480 resolution) significantly bigger than the 2.8" screen on the Diamond and bigger than the Xperia (3 inch) too
- Improved Battery Life: 1100 mAh compared to the 900 mAh of the Diamond. Battery performance was one of the issues with the Diamond; Diamond 2 has addressed this.
- Extendable Memory: The Diamond had 4 GB internal memory but no memory card slot. With the falling prices of 8 GB & 16 GB memory Cards and the never ending quest for extra storage this is a welcome improvement.
- Improved Touch Flo 3D interface: The Diamond heralded the arrival of the sexiest Windows Mobile interface. The Diamond 2 features an improved version of the same interface with more improvements.
- WM 6.5 Upgrade when available: WM 6.5 is not officially here as yet but is just around the corner and the Diamond 2 comes with a guaranteed free upgrade when Win Mo 6.5 arrives
- Improved design: The new Diamond 2's back is also likely to attract fingerprints like its predecessor but the silver brushed finish on the sides and the front button area give it a much better appearance. Its taller slightly wider and a touch thicker (53.1 x 107.85 x 13.7 millimetres vs the Diamond's 51 x 102 x 11.5 millimetres dimensions). Diamond 2 is a tad heavier (117 gms vs 100 gms). However the 5 way directional pad found in the earlier Diamond is missing with a Touch HD type of interface here. And another small improvement that has been overlooked is the audio jack slot. Its the same as the Diamond with a single port for charging, syncing and headphones; no 3.5 mm jack in this device.
- Improved RAM - 288 MB vs 192 MB in the Diamond
- A 5 MP Camera with improved image capabilities than the 3.2 MP Camera in the Diamond.
The Touch Diamond 2 is a clear improvement from the Diamond. The device's launch price in Singapore is S$1088 (Approx INR 36,000) which is almost identical to the launch price of the Diamond in June 2008. The buzz suggests that the India launch price should be in the Rs 28,000-30,000 bracket. I do hope the Diamond 2 is launched in India without being wedded to any particular network. The Diamond was launched with Airtel and the Touch Pro with IDEA and had issues once the SIM locks were removed (especially while trying to access GPRS services).
