The EVO 4G is a gorgeous phone. At 4.8 inches x 2.6 inches, it’s slightly taller and wider than other smartphones, but slim and easy to hold. The reason it’s bigger is also one of the main reasons it’s gorgeous—the 4.3 inch screen. The resolution is amazing, and the colors are true and rich. It’s just better in so many ways. Watching video, playing games, typing on the keyboard—all are easier with the larger screen.

This is the first 4G phone released in the United States, and it’s fast. Whether you’re downloading, uploading or surfing, you can do it up to ten times faster. This is the first WiMax phone, and its capabilities are very helpful. With WiFi available wherever you go, and Internet access for as many as eight devices, there’s no limit to what you can do. With the 1 GHz Snapdragon processor, any task you want to accomplish is faster.

The touchscreen is sensitive, and includes the buttons on the bottom. The virtual keyboard is very easy to use, thanks to the large screen, with much less chance of typos. A word-completion app is included which makes typing and texting much easier.

With two cameras, an 8 megapixel rear-facing camera, and a 1.3 megapixel front-facing camera, the photo opportunities are endless. A 2x LED flash is built-in to enhance shots taken in low-light conditions. When in camera mode, the EVO 4G is always adjusting focusing and computing light conditions, so when you push the button the photo is almost instant. No more missing the perfect shot due to camera delay.

The camcorder is equally perceptive, using HD technology for beautiful videos. You can stream videos live to friends, share them on YouTube, or save them to watch later on your flatscreen.

Sign in to a Google account, and be as productive as you wish. Your calendar entries and contacts are automatically synced with the EVO 4G. A calculator, desk clock, stock tracker, voice recorder, and news reader are also at hand. Quickoffice suite is included, too, so it’s easy to work with Microsoft documents.

Whether at home or traveling, the Google Maps and Sprint Navigation are very helpful apps. Find points of interest and restaurant reviews with Google Maps. Get traffic updates and turn-by-turn voice-guided directions with Sprint Navigation.

Music is easy to download, organize and play with this phone. The speakers are great, loud and clear. There’s also an FM radio app, although you will need a wired headset to utilize this option as there is no built-in antennae.

If social networking is your favorite leisure-time activity, there are several great apps for that. Peep is a Twitter utility, and FaceBook is included, too. FriendStream pulls photos and status updates from FaceBook and other social media together into a unified social networking option. The Qik program lets you capture and share video with friends either privately or through, FaceBook, YouTube or Twitter.

With it’s built-in kickstand, the EVO 4G is easy to use for watching video, movies, sports, or catching up on your soaps. This is a great phone, easy to use, great for entertainment or work. The call quality is excellent, even in high-noise situations.

Even though this a new phone, cell phone covers are already available to protect your investment, or just to jazz it up, such as the hot Diamond covers.