What was so far known as the HTC Leo, will be soon released as the HTC HD2 and the HD2 might yet the best Windows Mobile phone ever. Beside running on Microsoft's new Windows Mobile 6.5 Professional operating system, the HTC HD2 is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon MSM8250B CPU at 1 GHz which makes it one of the fastest Windows phones, available today. The worldwide HD2 features quadband GSM/EGRS/EDGE as well as dualband UMTS/HSDPA/HSUPA at 900 and 2100 MHz, WiFi b/g, Bluetooth 2.1+EDR, aGPS, an FM radio a G-motion and light-sensor as well as a digital compass. The massive 4.3" WVGA (480x800) touchscreen is Windows Mobile's first capacitive display and also supports multitouch in selected applications.

The 5 megapixel autofocus camera (which is able to record VGA videos only) finally supports two flash LED for better use in darker environment. The built-in memory of 448 MB RAM and 512 MB ROM can be expanded by microSD cards.

Unlike previous HTC smartphones, the HD2 finally features a micro USB port for charging and synchronizing the device. Already standard is the 3.5 mm stereo headset port next to the micro USB port on the bottom. Like all the recent HTC smartphones, the HD2 isn't sporting a D-pad anymore but the device only features five buttons on the front, in addition to the volume up/down rocker on the side.

At a size of 120.5x67x11 mm, the smartphone weights 157 grams.

The HTC HD2 is expected to be released across Europe in early November. It's already announced and confirmed that most major carriers will list the HD2 in their device portfolio.

Cheers ~ Arne