The Palm Pre 2 and HP Veer 4G represent a fascinating period in smartphone history – a push for compact, connected devices running the innovative webOS. Both aimed to deliver a full smartphone experience in a pocketable form factor, but they took different approaches to processing power and connectivity. This comparison dissects those differences to determine which device holds up better today.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user seeking a functional piece of smartphone history, the Palm Pre 2 edges out the HP Veer 4G. Its 1.0 GHz processor, while not a powerhouse, provides a slightly smoother experience than the Veer 4G’s 800 MHz Scorpion, and the inclusion of wireless charging is a significant convenience factor.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 1900 | HSDPA 850 / 1900 / 2100 |
| Speed | HSPA 7.2/2 Mbps | HSPA 14.4/5.76 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA |
| | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2010, October. Released 2010, November | 2011, May. Released 2011, May 15 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 100.7 x 59.6 x 16.9 mm (3.96 x 2.35 x 0.67 in) | 84 x 54.5 x 15.1 mm (3.31 x 2.15 x 0.59 in) |
| Keyboard | QWERTY | QWERTY |
| SIM | Mini-SIM | Mini-SIM |
| Weight | 145 g (5.11 oz) | 103 g (3.63 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass | - |
| Resolution | 320 x 480 pixels, 3:2 ratio (~186 ppi density) | 320 x 400 pixels (~197 ppi density) |
| Size | 3.1 inches, 28.6 cm2 (~47.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 2.6 inches, 21.3 cm2 (~46.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT | TFT, 256K colors |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | 1.0 GHz | 800 MHz Scorpion |
| Chipset | - | Qualcomm MSM7230 |
| GPU | - | Adreno 205 |
| OS | HP webOS 2.0 | HP webOS 2.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 16GB 512MB RAM | 8GB (6.1GB user available) |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | fixed focus |
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | Yes | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 2.1, A2DP, EDR | 2.1, A2DP |
| Positioning | GPS, A-GPS | GPS, A-GPS |
| Radio | - | No |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Browser | HTML, Adobe Flash | HTML, Adobe Flash |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer, proximity |
| | - | AT&T dedicated applications
MP3/WAV/eAAC+ player
MP4/H.264 player
Organizer
Document viewer
Voice memo/dial
Predictive text input |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | Wireless | - |
| Stand-by | Up to 350 h | Up to 300 h |
| Talk time | Up to 5 h 30 min | Up to 5 h |
| Type | Removable Li-Ion battery | Removable Li-Ion 910 mAh battery |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | White, black |
| Price | About 260 EUR | About 320 EUR |
Palm Pre 2
- Wireless charging provides convenient top-ups.
- Slightly faster CPU clock speed (1.0 GHz) may offer better responsiveness.
- Represents a purer webOS experience.
- Lacks 4G connectivity.
- Limited processing power by modern standards.
HP Veer 4G
- 4G connectivity enables faster data speeds.
- Qualcomm chipset offers potentially better power efficiency.
- More modern CPU architecture (Scorpion).
- Lacks wireless charging.
- Slower CPU clock speed (800 MHz).
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a particularly impressive display by modern standards. Specifics regarding panel type, resolution, and brightness are unavailable, but both were constrained by their compact size. The focus was on functionality over visual fidelity. Bezels were likely substantial on both, typical of the era. Color accuracy and viewing angles would have been adequate for basic tasks but not ideal for media consumption.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices was likely a secondary consideration. Details regarding sensor size and image quality are scarce. Given the era, expect low-resolution images with limited dynamic range. The absence of any mention of advanced features like optical image stabilization (OIS) suggests basic image capture capabilities. Focusing on camera quality for either device would be a misdirection; they were designed for communication, not photography.
Performance
The core difference lies in the processing power. The Palm Pre 2 features a 1.0 GHz CPU, while the HP Veer 4G utilizes a Qualcomm MSM7230 chipset with an 800 MHz Scorpion CPU. While clock speed isn't everything, the Pre 2's higher frequency suggests a slight advantage in general responsiveness. The MSM7230, however, benefits from Qualcomm’s architecture, potentially offering better efficiency. The Veer 4G’s Scorpion core, while slower clocked, is a more modern design than whatever architecture powered the Pre 2’s CPU. RAM specifications are unknown for both, but likely limited, impacting multitasking capabilities.
Battery Life
Battery capacity details are unavailable for both devices. However, given their compact size, battery life was likely a significant compromise. The Palm Pre 2’s inclusion of wireless charging offers a convenience advantage, allowing for easy top-ups without needing a cable. The Veer 4G, lacking wireless charging, relies solely on a physical connection. The impact of 4G connectivity on the Veer 4G’s battery life would have been substantial, likely requiring more frequent charging compared to the Pre 2 under similar usage conditions.
Buying Guide
Buy the Palm Pre 2 if you prioritize wireless charging convenience and a slightly more responsive user interface, even if it's a modest difference. It's ideal for collectors or those wanting to experience webOS in its purest form. Buy the HP Veer 4G if 4G connectivity is essential for your use case, and you're willing to trade off some processing speed and wireless charging for faster data speeds. It's better suited for users who need occasional mobile data access.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the HP Veer 4G's 4G connectivity significantly impact battery life compared to the Palm Pre 2?
Yes, the Veer 4G's 4G radio would have consumed considerably more power than the Pre 2's reliance on 3G or Wi-Fi. 4G is inherently more power-hungry, leading to shorter battery life between charges, especially with active data usage.
❓ Is the difference in CPU speed (1.0 GHz vs 800 MHz) between the Pre 2 and Veer 4G noticeable in everyday use?
The difference is likely subtle but present. The Pre 2's higher clock speed should translate to slightly snappier app loading and smoother multitasking. However, the overall webOS experience and limited RAM would likely be more significant bottlenecks than the CPU speed alone.
❓ Given their age, are either of these phones still compatible with modern mobile networks?
Compatibility is highly dependent on carrier support and regional regulations. While they may connect to 2G or 3G networks, 4G support on the Veer 4G may be limited or non-existent on newer, refarmed frequencies. Neither device supports 5G.
