Sprint to open 8AM, already turning away preorders

Sprint is planning a rare special retail opening to mark the launch of the HTC Evo 4G, according to tips. One hint from inside the carrier has claimed that most Sprint stores will open early on June 4th, at 8AM instead of the usual 10AM. The PPCGeeks source understands Sprint expects sellouts the same day.

Electronista has also received reports of customers trying to pre-order that have already been told they're unlikely to get their Evo 4G phones on launch day.

The release could mark a rare genuine hit for Sprint. It has had strong launches before, including the Samsung Instinct and Palm Pre, but has rarely been able to sustain interest for long. The Pre was partly hurt by supply issues, but neither had as much advance interest.

Both of the earlier phones also had to go directly against iPhone launches where the Apple hardware ultimately proved more capable. The Evo 4G doesn't have a clear lead over rumored specifications for the iPhone but will have a larger screen, 4G and a higher-resolution camera on top of Android, which has found much wider acceptance than Palm's webOS. Most early reviews of the Evo 4G have been largely positive in contrast to the mixed views of the Pre.

By Electronista Staff