LG Nitro HD vs HTC Vivid: AT&T 4G Smartphone Fight

AT&T's Web site lists the HTC Vivid at $100 on contract and the LG Nitro HD at $150, and both devices have 4.5-inch screens to go along with AT&T's new LTE network. They both also feature eight megapixel cameras with 1080p video capture and speedy dual-core processors. While the Vivid is only a few weeks old, the Nitro is brand new, and just squeaks past the Vivid on a few key items. It's got better screen resolution, a bigger battery and is slightly thinner and lighter than the Vivid. Vivid does have more on board storage, but both devices have microSD card slots that can expand the storage by 32 gigabytes. They should also both get the Android 4.0 update if the Galaxy Nexus ever comes out. They just might have to wait their turn for the update behind Samsung and Motorola devices. One more thing they have in common, and that is an uninspired design. Physically, neither device does much to distinguish itself, although the Vivid is also available in white. At least the Nitro has a bit of texture on the back. The Vivid has a bit of a slippery back case because it's just flat plastic.

Even though the Nitro is $50 more, it gets the recommendation here. The reason is with the software. HTC insists that users look at their software on top of the Android system. It's called Sense, and it's supposed to make using the phone easier and more intuitive. For some people that will be the case, and even though Vivid loses this battle, it's still a good idea to go down to the store and check out these devices for yourself. But, not only do Vivid users have to use Sense, they also have to navigate around several apps that come pre-installed from AT&T. With the Nitro, there is no manufacturer overlay, and the pre-loaded apps can be easily uninstalled. That is a winning combo and it shows LG understands what many Android users like, and that is the Android system and the freedom it allows. Tell us in the comments if you live in an AT&T LTE network-enabled city.