Sprint expects big Evo 4G sales on launch

Sprint at an investment conference today told guests that there was a large queue of interested buyers for the HTC Evo 4G. Prepaid manager Dan Schulman wouldn't say how many but was likely referring to the company's e-mail signups for notifications about the phone. Retail stores aren't known to be taking actual pre-orders.

The executive would only say that formal launch details would be disclosed "shortly," but most expect these to become public at a movie tie-in event tonight that will give an updated look at Sprint's flagship. Leaks have alluded to the Evo 4G matching iPhone pricing and shipping on June 6th, just a day before Apple may be unveiling its latest device.

The date coincides with the one-year anniversary of the Palm Pre, whose own launch is widely thought to have been muted by the introduction of the iPhone 3GS just three days later.

Much is riding on the Evo 4G as it's considered potentially the most advanced Android phone to ship to the US so far. While some of its features match the well-received Droid Incredible, it will be the first phone of any kind with 4G in the US and should also have a larger screen, 720p video capture and a front camera for video chat and lifestreaming apps like Qik. It should also have customized apps such as a hotspot feature for sharing its WiMAX network to other devices over Wi-Fi, although this may require special service plans.

By Electronista Staff