HTC G2 Magic (Mobile Phones & Smartphones)

Can the Android compete?

Touchscreen responsive, small and light, easy to use

A good phone and one that will do well, just don't expect to feel grown up owning it

A good phone and one that will do well, just don't expect to feel grown up owning it

Often referred to on the Internet as the G2, HTC has teamed up with Vodafone in the UK to announce the HTC Magic, an Android-based handset that ditches the slide-out QWERTY keyboard. But has this move worked? Is this the must-have handset to look...

HSDPA, Wi-Fi, thinner than G1, Android

Onscreen keyboard looks fiddly, no flash, no 3.5mm jack, gloss finish looks cheap

Compared to the first HTC G1 outing it's a vast improvement

A slimmer version of the 'Google phone'

Great interface; applications can be downloaded; decent screen

Edge of screen lacks sensitivity; camera has no flash; no headphone socket

A slick, powerful smartphone with a lot of cool features and great interface

This is the second handset to use Google's Android OS and is exclusive to Vodafone; the first handset, the G1, is available only from T-Mobile.

HTC's second Google phone loses the QWERTY keyboard in favour of video recording and a slicker design. Does it have the iPhone's number?

Finally, a game changer – suddenly the iPhone isn't the only amazing touchscreen phone out there

The HTC Magic doesn't have enough spells up its sleeve to knock the iPhone off its smart-phone throne, but it's still a very impressive handset, with a stunning line-up of advanced, but easy-to-use, features

Easy to use ; Good battery life ; Very responsive ; Good screen

No multitouch support ; Plasticky case

Conclusion The HTC Magic is not quite the iPhone killer that some people expected it to be. As both cost roughly the same price on contract, we'd still recommend the iPhone over the Magic, mainly because the Magic lacks multitouch. But we can pretty...

The Vodafone-exclusive HTC Magic is a well-designed handset that's comfortable to hold, has a responsive touch-screen and should satisfy anyone who is happy to use Google's suite of applications.

HSDPA, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and GPS ; Responsive touch-screen ; Downloadable applications from Android Market

Lacks integrated support for enterprise email servers ; Average camera ; Mini-USB headset connector

Can the HTC Magic help Google's Android take over the world? Niall finds out.

The Magic feels very much like the phone that Google should have used to originally launch Android. It's far superior to the G1 in terms of looks and usability, while enhancements such as the addition of the dedicated search key and tweaks to the user...

The HTC Magic is a vast improvement on the first Android phone - the T-Mobile G1

Excellent touchscreen ; Android upgrade ; Easy messaging ; Nice interface ; Keyboard is good ; Tight Google integration ; Slim and lightweight

Poor camera ; No 3.5mm headphone jack ; 2 year contract ; Some touchscreen response issues ; Some might find it slightly lightweight

What's more, you have to remember from the off that this phone may be free, but will cost you £35 a month (albeit only £30 if you do it online) for the next two years. That's a very long time for the gadget-lover, especially when the next 12-18 months...

If you can overlook its shortcomings then this is one of the best touchscreen phones out there.

This is an elegant, responsive and easy-to-use touchscreen phone. It’s not as stylish as the iPhone it’ll be measured against, but it's still a looker and noticeably more pocketable. It lacks a headphone jack, a decent camera and most of the apps in...