Intro

The Kaiser a.k.a. TyTN II is another long-awaited HTC device after the Dopod 838Pro. It's launched at a cheaper price compared to the 838Pro with lots of enhancements. This is just a short review intended to compare between the TyTN II and the Dopod 838Pro.

Design & Build Quality

Besides the add on features such as 3MP auto-focus camera and GPS, the materials used are almost different. Metal like material was used around the screen as well as the keypad in front, while the outer most was surrounded by shiny glass material, making its appearance so much elegant than the 838Pro.

On the bottom half in between where the side button sits, the surface wasn't made flat but with some protruded lining. I believe it's to introduce a better grip on the device.

I'm with a little worried when i observed the bottom was backed by a rubber material. However I found it's actually quite durable after a few days of usage. Initially there was a few scratches on the lining but they are easily brushed away.

Screen & Keyboard

The spring-loaded sliding mechanism in the TyTN II was far superior than the 838Pro, which also found in C500. Once the user slides out the keyboard, the screen was able to tilt up to approximately 45 degree. That makes typing possible by aligning the display to eye level when placing the device on a flat surface.

However, one must use the thumb to type. The key assignment in the QWERTY keypad is almost similar to the 838Pro but sounds softer when being pressed.

In the TyTN II, HTC threw in an additional two LED indicators for cap lock and function. This is especially useful when it comes to typing passwords to ensure the correct character are being pressed. Overall, i found the TyTN II's keyboard has a higher sucess rate to get the right characters compared to the 838Pro.

Primary & Secondary Camera

There are not many auto-focus cameras among PDAPhone but HTC has thrown in a 3MP auto-focus camera into the TyTN II. The speed of the auto-focus is fast and comparable to other cameraphone, typically it takes one second under good light condition. Here are some comparison photo between TyTN II and 838Pro. I'll let the pictures do the talking (TyTN II on left while 838Pro on the right):

Outdoor

Indoor

Macro

The secondary camera also appear to be better in TyTN II.

Pros
Latest 400 MHz Qualcomm MSM7200 (dual CPU integrates Imageon hardware
2D/3D graphics accelerator)
3MP auto-focus camera
GPS
Tilted screen
Smoother sliding keyboard mechanism
Can change SIM card without removing battery
Value added software such as HTC Home, MapKing
More memory
microSDHC support
Support HSUPA

Cons
No VGA screen

Conclusion
Can we consider the TyTN II as major upgrade from the 838Pro? I think it deserves a yes but from a corporate user point of view, it still lacks a VGA screen but that's very much personal needs and for that you need to go into different range of HTC product. To get or not to get? If the bells and whistles justify enough for you to spend an additional RM500, then go for the TyTN II. Otherwise stay with the 838Pro :)

Review made possible by Gadza World at Digital Bay, Queensbay Mall (tel: 04-642 8601). Contact them for details.